In the latest series of events, the conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated further, with the United States launching airstrikes on Iranian facilities in Syria and Israeli forces conducting air raids in Gaza and the West Bank.
Israeli Air Strikes Claim Lives, Including Journalist Yasser Abu Namous
Early on Friday, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes in southern Gaza, resulting in the tragic death of journalist Yasser Abu Namous and his mother. Their home in Khan Younis was struck by an Israeli missile, part of a series of strikes in the region. This incident brings the total number of media workers killed in Gaza since October 7 to 23. Additionally, a separate Israeli strike on the Abu Shahma family complex in the Ma’an area, east of Khan Younis, claimed the lives of five people and left several others injured. In another attack, Israeli warplanes targeted the Alami family complex west of Khan Younis, resulting in two deaths and numerous injuries. The fourth airstrike hit the Mohsen family's home in al-Amal neighborhood, killing one person and injuring several others.
U.S. Airstrikes Target Iranian Facilities in Syria
The United States conducted overnight airstrikes in Syria, targeting a weapons storage facility and an ammunition storage facility utilized by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iran-backed groups. Senior U.S. officials confirmed these strikes and reported that it remains unclear whether Iranian nationals were killed during the operation. The precision airstrikes were carried out by two F-16 fighter jets near Abu Kamal, close to the Iraq-Syria border, around 4:30 am local time. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that these airstrikes were distinct from the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing their narrowly-tailored nature. These strikes were in response to attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria, which Washington attributed to Iran-backed groups.
Israeli Military Operations Extend to the West Bank
Israeli forces initiated a pre-dawn raid in the occupied West Bank's Jenin, which resulted in casualties, including two fatalities and over 10 injuries. Following this operation, the Israeli forces shifted their focus to Qalqilya in the northwest of the Palestinian territory. Further raids across the occupied West Bank led to the arrest of at least 19 Palestinians, with incidents reported in various regions. Israeli forces arrested four individuals during their incursion into the town of Ni'lin, west of Ramallah, as well as four others in the village of Kafr Ni'am. An additional four people were detained in occupied East Jerusalem, with the remainder of the arrests taking place in Nablus, Jericho, and al-Aghwar Governorate.
Israeli Forces Continue Operations in Jenin, Raising Death Toll
In Jenin, the death toll from the Israeli raid has risen to two individuals, with 10 others sustaining injuries. One of the casualties is believed to be a fighter. This unfortunate incident brings the total number of people killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank to 108 since October 7.
U.S Launches Defensive Strikes Against Iran-Linked Targets in Ongoing Israel-Hamas Conflict
Israeli PM Hints at Gaza Ground Invasion as Conflict Escalates
Israeli Airstrikes Ravage Gaza Neighborhoods, UN Warns of Fuel Shortage, Conflict Escalates