A recent Israeli strike on a mosque-turned-shelter in central Deir al-Balah in Gaza has resulted in the death of 21 people, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency. The Israeli military claims it targeted the mosque because Hamas was using it as a command and control center. As a response, Australian supporters of Palestine have held rallies in Sydney and Melbourne ahead of the first anniversary of attacks by Hamas in Israel. United Nations Secretary General António Guterres released a video message condemning the violence in the region and demanding the release of hostages taken by Hamas.
In other news, the US State Department evacuated 145 US citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate families from Lebanon amidst escalations in violence. Beirut has been under intense Israeli air strikes, with explosions reported near the airport where evacuees are departing. Israel has also targeted Gaza and the West Bank, resulting in casualties at a mosque in Gaza. There have been reports of Israeli strikes in south Beirut and an announcement by the Israeli military that they will retaliate against Iran for a missile attack. Tensions continue to rise between Israel and Iran, with both countries issuing threats of further retaliation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for calling for a halt on arms deliveries to Israel, while Macron’s office responded by reaffirming France’s friendship with Israel. The President of Ireland, Michael Higgins, condemned Israel’s demand for UN peacekeepers to leave southern Lebanon, calling it outrageous.
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