Israeli president visits Gaza, defends Israel's actions as 'in accordance with international law' | LIVE

This concludes our live coverage for today. Be sure to come back tomorrow for the latest updates.

Goodnight!

MKs vote in favor of call for annexation of the West Bank

More than 70 Israeli lawmakers voted to call on the government to annex the occupied West Bank, to "remove any Palestinian statehood project from the agenda," AFP reports. Adopted by a vote of 71 to 13, the bill does not have the force of law but seeks to affirm Israel's "natural, historical, and legal right" to this Palestinian territory.

In this vote, supported by MKs from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition as well as opposition MKs, they stated that the annexation of this territory "will strengthen the State of Israel, its security and will prevent any questioning of the fundamental right of the Jewish people to peace and security in their homeland."

"Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria (the name by which Israel designates the West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967), is an integral part of the realization of Zionism and the national vision of the Jewish people, who have returned to their homeland," the bill said.

Palestinians in the Beddawi refugee camp (North Lebanon) held a vigil in solidarity with the people of Gaza, reported L'Orient Today's correspondent in the region. Participants chanted slogans calling for the lifting of the blockade imposed on the Palestinian enclave and the opening of crossings to allow the delivery of food and medicine.

Several people, including Atef Khalil, leader of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), announced that they had begun a hunger strike.

"Our hunger strike, now in its second day, is a humanitarian and political message to the entire world: Enough silence on the blockade of Gaza ... Enough with the slow death of its children, women, and elderly," Khalil said in a speech at the vigil.

IAEA technical delegation to Iran within 'two to three weeks'

A technical delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is due to visit Iran in "two to three weeks," but will not have access to the country's nuclear sites, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said, according to AFP.

"We have agreed that a technical delegation from the IAEA will visit Iran very soon, in two to three weeks" to discuss "new modalities" for relations between Iran and the agency in the wake of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on nuclear sites, Gharibabadi told reporters at the U.N.

Israeli Chief of Staff calls for continued campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon

Israeli Chief of Staff General Eyal Zamir stressed Tuesday the need to continue operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, The Times of Israel reported Wednesday.

"The Israeli army must act offensively in multiple theaters while ensuring vital defense in each sector and along our borders," said Zamir. He stressed the need to continue operations in the West Bank, against Hezbollah in Lebanon and against Iranian targets in Syria.

“Iran and its axis remain in our crosshairs. The campaign against Iran is not over,” the general said, adding that 2026 would be dedicated to preparation, restoring capabilities, and seizing operational opportunities. “We will continue to preserve our air superiority and advance our intelligence effort.”

Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar stated at the graduation ceremony at Notre Dame University in Louaizeh that "Lebanon's strength lies in the unity of its children" and in the state's ability to "impose its authority over the entire national territory exclusively by its own means." He emphasized the importance of "hard diplomatic work to liberate every piece of land in the south," as well as the need for "reconstruction," "a commitment to reform, transparency, and accountability," in order to build a "state worthy of the Lebanese, one that preserves their dignity, protects their rights, and restores their trust in their institutions."

Hezbollah "categorically" denied reports by Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath that the party is ready to clash with the Lebanese state.

In a statement issued by its media relations department, the party stated that "these reports and allegations are completely false, baseless, and pure slander from the imagination of these channels, serving suspicious agendas aimed at sowing confusion and destabilizing Lebanon."

Hezbollah called on "all media outlets to ignore this fabricated information and not to refer to it in their analyses or positions." It also stressed "the importance of referring to the competent Hezbollah body for its positions and views on events and developments, especially in these delicate and sensitive circumstances."

A sit-in in solidarity with Gaza was held in the city center to denounce the famine suffered by residents of the Palestinian enclave, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported. Participants held signs calling for an end to the famine and the ongoing war, while denouncing the silence of the international community.

AJC called it 'unacceptable' that a US official suggests that starvation is a legitimate means of exerting pressure on Gaza

The influential advocacy organization, the American Jewish Committee (AJC), denounced the comments of U.S. Representative Randy Fine, who wrote on X: "Release the hostages. Until then, let them starve."

"To suggest that starvation is a legitimate tactic is unacceptable," the AJC said, adding that "everyone in need must receive humanitarian assistance quickly and safely."

The organization stressed that the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza cannot be taken lightly, especially by those in the highest positions. "Our leaders should focus less on scoring political points and more on their accountability."

During his visit to Gaza, Isaac Herzog told soldiers that "intensive negotiations" were underway to secure the release of the hostages held in the Palestinian enclave. He said he hoped that "good news" could be announced soon, according to a statement from his spokesperson, reported by Reuters.

Iran claims to have confronted a US destroyer in the Gulf of Oman

Iranian forces clashed with a U.S. destroyer in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday, ordering it to stay away from waters claimed by Iran, state television reported Thursday, cited by AFP, a month after U.S. bombings of the Islamic Republic.

An Iranian military helicopter flew over the USS Fitzgerald around 10:00 a.m., as the ship "was attempting to approach waters under Iranian supervision," according to Iranian television. The destroyer also issued threats, the television added, specifying, however, that "the Iranian pilot firmly continued his mission and reiterated his warning to stay away from Iranian waters." Iranian forces then ordered the American ship to "alter its course south," forcing it to "give way" and turn around.

Mohammad Abu Moughaisib, deputy coordinator for Doctors Without Borders (MSF), said the situation was "deteriorating dramatically" in Gaza, where "everyone" is facing acute hunger.

"It's not just the population we see in hospitals; it's also our staff. The medical staff, the paramedics, everyone is really facing the same situation. There's no food, people are completely exhausted," Abu Mughaisib told Al Jazeera from Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

"It's a young population, more than 50% of Gaza's inhabitants are children, and they need not just bread, but real food, they need food, eggs, milk, and that hasn't been available since March," he added, referring to Israel's decision to impose a blockade on aid trucks.

He also explained that there was a serious shortage of products entering the enclave, including medicines and supplements that they need in their clinics.

"The international community – including our own government – must do much more to pressure the Israeli government to end these horrific and senseless killings" in Gaza, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said in a message posted on X.

WHO chief says 'large proportion' of people in Gaza are starving

The director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that a "large proportion" of the population in Gaza is dying of hunger, AFP reports.

"I don't know what else you could call it other than people starving en masse, and it's man-made," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press conference in Geneva.

Israeli president visits Gaza, says Israel is acting in accordance with 'international law'

Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Gaza for the first time since the start of the war and said that Israel was acting in accordance with "international law," according to a statement from his office reported by AFP.

"We are acting here in accordance with international law. We are providing humanitarian aid in accordance with international law. Those trying to sabotage this aid are Hamas and its supporters," Herzog said, speaking before Israeli soldiers in the Palestinian territory ravaged by 21 months of war.

Israeli government says there is 'no Israeli-caused famine' in Gaza

The Israeli government said it is not responsible for the chronic food shortages in the Gaza Strip and accused Hamas of deliberately creating a crisis.

"In Gaza today, there is no famine caused by Israel," government spokesperson David Mencer said, quoted by AFP, after more than 100 NGOs warned of widespread famine and urged Israel to release humanitarian aid.

"This is a shortage caused by Hamas," Mencer added, accusing the movement of preventing food distribution and plundering aid for its own needs.

Israeli source calls Hamas's response to latest deal proposal 'disappointing'

An Israeli source involved in negotiations for a new cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas told Haaretz that the Palestinian movement had given a "disappointing" response to the mediators' latest proposal. The official response to the Israeli government has reportedly been delayed, as the mediators are currently trying to pressure Hamas to show "more flexibility."

Israel said in recent days that the U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, would only travel to the region if concrete progress is made in bridging the differences between the parties. A meeting is scheduled for Thursday in Rome between the U.S. diplomat, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Demer, and Qatari mediators to try to move forward the talks, which have been stalled since the beginning of the month.

Ukraine and Israel launch joint dialogue to counter Iran

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga and Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar announced the start of a new “dialogue” between their countries to address “the Iranian threat,” AFP reported.

Sybiga said Iran and Russia pose an “existential threat” not only to their nations but to global security. He described Moscow, Tehran, and North Korea — which has deployed forces alongside Russia in Ukraine — as an “alliance of malicious regimes.”

“In response, we’ve agreed to boost cooperation and open a separate dialogue focused on the Iranian threat,” Sybiga added.

Gaza health ministry reports over 100 killed in past 24 hours

Gaza’s health ministry said 113 Palestinians were killed and 534 wounded in the past 24 hours in ongoing Israeli attacks.

The ministry’s Telegram statement said 34 people died during aid distributions, and 13 bodies were pulled from rubble — likely from earlier strikes. “Victims under the rubble and on the roads remain numerous,” it added.

Since the Israeli offensive began in October 2023, the official death toll has reached 59,129, with 143,045 injured. At least 8,363 have died since Israel broke the cease-fire on March 18, 2025.

U.N. Special Coordinator visits Israel ahead of UNIFIL mandate renewal

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon, has begun a visit to Israel to meet senior officials ahead of the upcoming renewal of the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate.

Her visit is part of ongoing consultations on implementing U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and the November 2024 cease-fire agreement.

“In a time of regional tension, the Special Coordinator urges all parties to fully honor their commitments and accelerate the implementation of resolution 1701, which remains key to lasting security along the Blue Line,” her office said.

HRW says Houthi attacks on ships are war crimes

Human Rights Watch condemned recent Houthi rebel attacks on two commercial ships in Yemen, calling them “violations of the laws of war.”

In a statement, HRW said it found “no evidence the ships were military targets,” adding that the attacks amount to war crimes.

Israeli army calls Gaza church strike an ‘accident’

The Israeli army said its strike on the Catholic Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City on July 17, which killed three people and wounded nine, was accidental.

In a statement on X, the military said the church was hit due to “an unintentional diversion of ammunition,” causing damage and civilian injuries. It did not mention the number of casualties but said it has since adjusted firing procedures and clarified guidelines for operations near religious and sensitive sites.

Just two days before, the army blamed a “technical error” for a strike near a watering hole in the Nuseirat refugee camp that killed 10 Palestinians, including six children.

Ex-GHF security officer reports abuse at Gaza aid centers

A former U.S. security officer for the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) told Israel’s Channel 12 that the aid centers “treat the population very badly and put them at risk.”

In the interview, aired Tuesday, he said the GHF system “cannot be fixed, it must be stopped,” arguing the U.N. could manage aid more effectively if given similar resources. He described incidents where American security guards tear-gassed a Palestinian collecting food and threw a stun grenade at a woman, causing her to collapse.

“As Palestinians finished collecting aid, the guards started shooting at their feet to force them out,” he said, adding he had “never seen such use of force against unarmed civilians.”

GHF denied the allegations in a statement, saying the contractor was dismissed for misconduct.

Israeli attacks kill two Palestinian journalists in Gaza

Israeli strikes in Gaza killed two Palestinian journalists, Tamer al-Zaanine and Walaa al-Jabari, the enclave’s government media office said. Their deaths bring the number of media workers killed since October 2023 to 231.

Zaanine was a photojournalist for several outlets, while Jabari worked as an editor. The media office condemned what it called the “systematic targeting and killing” of Palestinian journalists by Israel.

Ten more die of starvation in Gaza in past 24 hours

Ten people died from starvation or malnutrition in Gaza over the past 24 hours, hospitals in the enclave reported, according to a Health Ministry statement on Telegram.

This brings the total number of starvation-related deaths since the start of the war to 111, the ministry said.

Lebanese Army, UNIFIL remove Israeli-built wall in southern Lebanon, near Aitaroun

The Lebanese Army and U.N. Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers dismantled a low earth wall erected two days ago by the Israeli army on the outskirts of Aitaroun, in southern Lebanon’s Bint Jbeil district, our regional correspondent reported.

Beirut protests denounce Gaza blockade

Two demonstrations were held in Beirut this morning against Israel’s blockade of Gaza, where international organizations warn of a looming mass famine.

One sit-in took place outside the U.N. Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) headquarters in downtown Beirut. Another was staged outside the Egyptian Embassy in Bir Hassan, in the capital's southern suburb, where protesters tried to enter the building, sparking clashes with Lebanese soldiers.

Demonstrators called on Egypt, which controls Gaza’s southern border, to help break the blockade and allow food aid into the enclave.

Hamas urges global protests against Gaza blockade

Hamas has called on “all free peoples of the world” to hold demonstrations, sit-ins and “marches of rage” on July 25, 26 and 27 — and beyond — until the Israeli siege is lifted and famine in Gaza ends.

"People are dying of hunger and malnutrition, and famine is making its deadly presence felt on the faces of children, mothers and the elderly, amid a suspicious global silence and in the absence of any action commensurate with the catastrophe," the Palestinian movement added. "May the coming days be a resounding cry in the face of the occupation and a shame for those who remain silent. 

It concluded: "Let the whole world chant: 'Stop the crime of hunger.'"

Iran says it’s ready to retaliate if Israel attacks again

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian warned that his country is “fully prepared for any new Israeli military offensive,” in an interview with Al Jazeera.

“Our armed forces are ready to retaliate and strike deep inside Israel,” he said, adding that Tehran does not trust the current cease-fire and is preparing for “all possible scenarios.”

Pezeshkian accused Israel of trying — and failing — to destabilize and dismantle Iran, saying both sides have inflicted heavy blows, though Israel “conceals its losses.”

Death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza climbs to 21

At least 21 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes and shootings across Gaza on Wednesday, local medical sources told al-Jazeera.

In Rafah, two people were shot dead near a GHF aid distribution center, while 40 others were wounded when Israeli forces opened fire at the site. Another strike hit Gaza City’s al-Tuffah neighborhood, killing one person, while seven others were killed earlier in nearby Tal al-Hawa.

Additional airstrikes targeted the Nousseirat refugee camp, killing at least one person, and Bani Souheila, east of Khan Younis, where the toll is still unclear. Al-Aqsa Hospital also reported finding the bodies of two Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, killed in an earlier attack.

At least 15 die of starvation in Gaza over two days

Hospitals in Gaza reported at least 15 deaths — including four children — due to starvation or malnutrition between Monday and Tuesday, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said.

Since the war began in October 2023, the total number of starvation-related deaths has reached 101, including 80 children, the statement added.

Israeli strikes kill at least 7 in Gaza City; more than 1,000 Palestinians killed near GHF aid centers, according to U.N.

- At least seven Palestinians were killed at dawn Wednesday in an Israeli airstrike on a home in Gaza City’s Tal al-Hawa neighborhood, al-Jazeera reported. Several others were injured, rescue workers said.

The strike came just hours after another attack in the same area killed 15 people Tuesday evening, including six children. Israeli operations were also reported in the al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza.

- Meanwhile, the U.N. Human Rights Office said more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since May while trying to collect food from GHF aid centers run by the U.S. and Israel.

NGOs warn of ‘mass starvation’ in Gaza

More than 100 humanitarian groups warned Wednesday that “mass starvation” is spreading in Gaza. A hospital in the enclave said 21 children died from malnutrition or starvation within just 72 hours, after more than 21 months of Israeli bombardment.

In a joint statement, organizations including Médecins Sans Frontières, Médecins du Monde, Caritas, Amnesty International and Oxfam urged an immediate cease-fire, the opening of all land crossings and unrestricted humanitarian aid.

Israeli far-right pushes ‘Gaza Riviera’ plan

Far-right Israeli leaders met publicly at parliament in Jerusalem to discuss a plan to turn Gaza into a “Riviera,” even as the enclave faces famine. The meeting, titled “The Gaza Riviera: from vision to reality,” was led by some of the most hardline figures in Israel’s government.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and activist Daniella Weiss, a vocal supporter of Jewish settlements in Gaza, were among the participants.

Rome meeting to push Gaza cease-fire talks

The White House’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, will meet Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and a senior Qatari official in Rome on Thursday, Axios reported. The talks aim to revive stalled negotiations on a Gaza cease-fire and the release of hostages, which began earlier this month in Doha.

U.S. officials told AFP that Witkoff’s trip to Europe will also focus on finalizing plans for a humanitarian aid corridor into Gaza.

New Israeli incursion into southern Lebanon last night

Overnight, an Israeli infantry unit crossed into southern Lebanon’s Mari region in Hasbaya, our regional correspondent reported.

Around 20 Israeli soldiers searched homes — both occupied and abandoned — questioning Lebanese residents and Syrian workers. They briefly detained a Syrian worker but released him near the border shortly afterward.

Salman Abou al-Ala, the head of Mari’s municipality, said the incursion happened in an area called Rihanet Berri, a small area near the village with about 20 houses mostly inhabited by Syrian agricultural workers. He added that the situation has since returned to calm.

To catch up on the important regional news you may have missed yesterday, read our Morning Brief.👈

Good Morning! 

Welcome to our live coverage of developments in the Middle East. In Gaza, Israeli forces continue airstrikes across the enclave and have opened fire on people seeking aid. In Lebanon, Israel is still targeting areas in the south and the Bekaa Valley despite a truce. We’re also keeping an eye on updates from Iran and Syria.