That concludes our coverage for the night, thanks for joining us. We'll be back tomorrow morning with more news updates and analysis. Goodnight!
Israel expecting cease-fire response from Hamas in next 24 hours
Israel believes that Hamas will give an answer to the latest cease-fire proposal within the next 24 hours, a senior Israeli official told the Israeli Channel 13. “If it comes back with a positive answer, it could take place by next week,” the official said, in comments cited by Times of Israel.
Netanyahu is holding a meeting on the terms of a potential deal, the outlet added.
The 60-day deal is expected to see five separate releases of dead and living captives, with Channel 13 saying that on day one, eight living hostages will be released; on day seven, five bodies, on day 30, another five bodies, on day 50, two living hostages and on the last day eight more bodies.
Health Ministry announces death and five injuries in Israeli strike at Beirut's southern entrance
The Ministry of Health announced that the official toll of the Israeli strike earlier this evening on a car that was driving near the Khaldeh Bridge, just south of Beirut, is one killed and five injured.
Hamas likely to respond to cease-fire proposal within two days
Palestinian sources told Haaretz that Hamas, which continues to hold discussions on a the latest cease-fire proposal from Israel and the U.S. with various factions within Gaza, is expected to hand its response over to mediating countries within the next two days.
According to Turkey's Anadolu news agency, Hamas is leaning toward agreeing to the plan they were given, which reportedly includes a softening from Israel on certain red lines that clashed with Hamas' demands.
Israeli airstrikes on Bekaa
Israeli fighter jets bombed a nature reserve in the Zilaya area of western Bekaa, according to our correspondent in the region, Sarah Abdallah.
Israeli army says it 'struck military sites' in wave of attacks
In a statement released after its air force bombed more than 10 sites across southern Lebanon, the Israeli army claimed to have been targeting "military sites and weapons depots ... military buildings and terrorist infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah."
The cease-fire agreement Israel signed with Hezbollah, via the Lebanese government, mandated the establishment of a committee whose purposes is to process complaints and violations of the truce.
Israel unleashes wave of bombardments against southern Lebanon
The Israeli army bombed several areas in southern Lebanon almost simultaneously, our correspondent in the South reports. Explosions were heard in Reihan, and several air raids targeted the hills of Aishieh and Jarmak, in Jezzine district, and another airstrike hit the riverbed of Zawtar al-Sharqieh, in Nabatieh district.
A second wave of attacks targeted the Litani twice, on its western banks between Zawtar and Yohmor al-Shaqif, and the outskirts of Deir Seriane, which overlooks the Litani in Marjayoun district.
In a third wave, Israel bombed the vicinity of Barghoz, in Hasbaya district, and the hills around Iqlim al-Tuffah, in Nabatieh district.
U.S. announces new sanctions against Hezbollah officials
The U.S. State Department announced new sanctions against seven senior officials and one entity associated with al-Qard al-Hassan Association, an alternative Islamic banking institution that also functions as Hezbollah's financial arm. According to the Treasury's press release, the sanctioned officials served in senior management roles for the institution and facilitated the evasion of U.S. sanctions, enabling Hezbollah’s access to the formal financial system.
"Today’s action underscores Treasury’s commitment to disrupting Hezbollah’s sanctions evasion schemes and supporting efforts by the new Lebanese government to limit the terrorist group’s influence, particularly as entities like AQAH continue to undermine the already fragile Lebanese economy," the statement reads.
“As Hezbollah seeks money to rebuild its operations," said Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender," the Treasury remains strongly committed to dismantling the group’s financial infrastructure and limiting its ability to reconstitute itself.”
Israel fires on Lebanese border village of Kfar Shuba
Israeli troops occupying one of five military outposts on Lebanese territory along the Blue Line opened fire from the Rwaisat al-Alam position toward the outskirts of Kfar Shuba, in the Hasbaya district, our correspondent in the South reported.
Witkoff and Araghchi planning talks in Oslo next week
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is planning to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oslo next week to restart nuclear talks, Axios reports, citing two sources familiar with the discussions.
The exact date has not yet been set, the sources said, and neither country has publicly confirmed the meeting, but if it goes ahead, this would mark the first direct talks since Trump ordered an unprecedented military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities two weeks ago.
Witkoff and Araghchi have been in direct contact during and since the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which ended in a U.S.-brokered cease-fire, and Omani and Qatari officials have also been involved in mediating between the two sides.
Driver killed in Israeli strike on car during rush hour
The driver of the vehicle targeted in Khaldeh was killed, and at least three others were injured, our correspondent reports, citing medical sources.
Two missiles fired during heavy traffic
According to eyewitnesses, who spoke to L'Orient Today, two explosions were heard during the attack.
A first missile was reportedly launched at the car before it reached the bridge, but did not hit it. The driver pulled over after crossing the bridge, at which point the second missile struck it. It's still unclear whether the driver had gotten out of the car before it was hit or not.
While the Israeli army has been bombing Lebanon nearly daily, this attack is irregular in having occurred during a time of heavy traffic and so close to the capital. Most Israeli drone strikes have been against villages in the South and the Bekaa.
Israeli army claims targeted 'militant' in Khaldeh strike
The Israeli army's Arabic-speaking spokesperson Avichay Adraee released a post on X announcing that the Israeli army "recently carried out a strike in Lebanon targeting a militant involved in arms smuggling and executing terrorist plots against Israeli civilians and the [Israeli army], on behalf of Iran’s Quds Force."
Israel agreed to a cease-fire with Hezbollah, via Lebanese authorities, in November 2024, but has continued to attack Lebanon at will, despite the existence of a cease-fire monitoring committee mandated to process complaints and violations.
Parallel to the cease-fire agreement, the U.S. and Israel signed an "understanding" in which the former agreed that the latter would be free to act upon perceived "threats" inside Lebanon.
Screenshot pulled from a video of the strike, sent to L'Orient Today by a bystander.
Israeli drone strike on car south of Beirut
An Israeli drone struck a car near the Khaldeh bridge, just south of Beirut, our correspondent reports. The number of casualties or the identity of the driver and possible passengers is not yet known.
According to a statement from the Gaza Health Ministry, the total toll from Israeli attacks in the past 24 hours stands at 118 dead and 581 injured.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, at least 57,130 people have been killed by the Israeli army in Gaza, and over 135,173 have been wounded.
Hamas announced that the Israeli army killed at least three of its fighters during an attack in the Gaza Strip yesterday morning.
Earlier in the day, the Israeli army said it had eliminated a “terrorist cell” in northern Gaza. It is unclear whether both parties are referring to the same incident.
UN expert calls for arms embargo and trade cuts against Israel over Gaza
Francesca Albanese, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian Territories, urged countries to impose a full arms embargo and cut trade and financial ties with Israel, accusing it of waging a “genocidal campaign” in Gaza.
Speaking to the U.N. Human Rights Council, Albanese described Israel as responsible for "one of the cruelest genocides in modern history."
Her latest report names over 60 companies allegedly involved in supporting Israeli illegal settlements and military actions. Albanese emphasized the need to reverse the tide by suspending trade agreements and holding companies accountable for violations of international law. Israel’s mission in Geneva rejected the report as “legally groundless” and accused the council of anti-Semitic bias.
Hamas reports killing of three fighters in Gaza, Israeli army confirms attack
Hamas stated that Israeli forces killed at least three of its fighters in a Gaza Strip attack on Wednesday morning. The group mourned the fighters, who had been freed in a prisoner exchange in 2011. Earlier, the Israeli army said it had eliminated a “terrorist cell” in northern Gaza on the same day, though it is unclear if both sides are referring to the same incident.
Israeli forces arrest dozens of Palestinian students ahead of exams
The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society reported that Israeli forces arrested seven high school students in the occupied West Bank village of Deir Istiya before they could take their exams, with a total of about 30 Palestinians detained that morning. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Education, 67 students have been prevented from sitting exams this year due to arrests by Israeli authorities.
Austria expels Syrian convicted criminal, a first in years for the EU
The Austrian government announced the deportation of a convicted Syrian criminal back to his country of origin, marking the first such expulsion in the EU in recent years. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner described the move as part of a “strict and fair” asylum policy, sending a strong signal that Austria systematically expels convicted criminals, including now to Syria. This decision ends a 15-year hiatus in such expulsions and Austria considers itself setting an example for Europe.
The reported death toll in Gaza has risen to 94 as of Thursday, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry and hospital sources cited by AP in Haaretz.
Among those killed, 45 were trying to access humanitarian aid when they were struck by airstrikes and shootings overnight. The escalating violence continues to deepen the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Danish police confirmed on Thursday that they were at the Israeli embassy just north of Copenhagen investigating a shipment recently received by the embassy.
Details about the nature of the shipment or the reasons for the investigation have not yet been disclosed. Authorities continue to look into the matter as the inquiry unfolds.
Iran: Paris’ decision on reimposing sanctions hinges on release of two French nationals
France’s foreign minister said that any decision by Paris to reinstate international sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program “will be conditioned” on the release of two French citizens accused of espionage and held by Tehran for three years.
“The release of Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris is an absolute priority for us. We have always made this clear to our Iranian counterparts: any decision on sanctions will depend on resolving this major issue and securing the release of these two nationals,” said Jean-Noël Barrot.
UNRWA has called for an investigation into the killing and wounding of Palestinians trying to access food through the current U.S.- and Israeli-backed distribution system in Gaza.
In a post on X, the UN agency criticized the shift from the previous U.N.-led network — which operated around 400 aid sites, to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's four heavily guarded “mega-sites,” run by private U.S. contractors. None of these are located in the north, where humanitarian needs are greatest. UNRWA urged the U.N. to “do the work” of aid distribution itself.
The Israeli military announced on X that it struck an armed group responsible for launching rockets toward Sderot and Ibim near the Gaza border.
They also hit around 150 terror targets across the Gaza Strip, including fighters, tunnels, military infrastructure, and weapons caches.
Overnight Israeli airstrikes and shootings killed at least 82 Palestinians in Gaza, including 38 individuals attempting to receive humanitarian aid, according to Gaza hospitals and the Health Ministry.
Among the victims were five people near Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid sites and 33 others in various locations while waiting for assistance. Additional casualties occurred in the Muwasi zone, a shelter for displaced Palestinians, and at a Gaza City school.
Israeli army says it targeted a 'terrorist cell' in Gaza
The Israeli military claimed it targeted a terrorist cell in Gaza that had launched rockets toward Israel yesterday, according to Haaretz. The army said the cell members were killed in an airstrike.
Four charged with 'conspiracy' after break-in at UK airbase
Four people have been charged with conspiracy following a break-in by pro-Palestinian activists at a British Royal Air Force base two weeks ago, where two aircraft were splattered with paint, UK counterterrorism police announced Wednesday evening.
Earlier that day, British MPs voted overwhelmingly to ban the direct action group Palestine Action, which was behind the intrusion, by adding it to the list of proscribed terrorist organizations.
Amy Gardiner-Gibson (29), Jony Cink (24), Daniel Jeronymides-Norie (35), and Lewie Chiaramello (22) were arrested a week ago and remain in custody ahead of their court appearance Thursday at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
They are charged with conspiracy to trespass on a prohibited site with intent to harm UK security or interests, and to commit criminal damage, according to the police statement.
Rescue workers report that 12 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced persons in Gaza, according to AFP.
More than 30 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza since midnight
More than 30 people have been killed in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip since midnight Thursday, according to a report by the Palestinian news agency Shehab, cited by Haaretz.
South Lebanon: Israeli army infiltrates Kfar Kila
In South Lebanon at dawn, the Israeli army infiltrated the border town of Kfar Kila (Marjayoun district), rigged a house with explosives, and detonated it.
In Iran, Pentagon says nuclear program 'set back by two years'
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said last night, according to Reuters, that Iran’s nuclear program has been pushed back by one to two years, noting that the three nuclear facilities hit by U.S. missiles last week were “wiped out.”
Hospital director killed in Israeli strike on Gaza
In the Gaza Strip, 47 people were killed on Wednesday in strikes and gunfire by the Israeli army, according to Mahmoud Bassal, spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defense. Among the victims was hospital director Dr. Marwan al-Sultan, according to the Indonesian NGO that runs the facility.
The Israeli army confirmed the strike, stating only that it had targeted a “key Hamas terrorist” and that it was reviewing reports that “uninvolved civilians were injured.”
Hamas 'satisfied' with truce proposal, but with reservations
According to a Palestinian source close to the negotiations speaking to AFP, the “proposals” received by Hamas from Egyptian and Qatari mediators include a 60-day truce during which half of the remaining living Israeli hostages would be released in exchange for “a number of” Palestinian prisoners.
According to Saudi news agency Asharq News, Hamas is reportedly satisfied with the deal’s terms and is expected to issue an official response by Friday evening.
However, the group still opposes several aspects of the proposal, especially regarding the Israeli army’s withdrawal from the enclave — which the proposal mentions without specifying dates or providing maps.
Gaza: Netanyahu vows to root out Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Wednesday evening to eliminate Hamas “down to its roots.” Days ahead of a planned meeting in Washington with U.S. President Donald Trump — who is urging a halt to hostilities — Netanyahu declared there would be no return to “Hamastan” in Gaza. “That’s over. We will free all our hostages and eliminate Hamas [...]. We will eliminate them down to the root,” he insisted.
His statements came as a new round of negotiations resumed between Hamas and Israel, through Qatari and Egyptian mediators, based on a proposal from Trump.
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