Middle East live: 28 killed, 54 wounded in Israeli strike on Gaza school as Lebanon peace talks ‘intensify’
US President Joe Biden and Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu discussed a response to the Iranian missile attack over the phone
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An Israeli airstrike has killed 28 people and wounded 54 more in a Gaza school which was used as a shelter for displaced people, medics said.
A reporter for Associated Press confirmed an previous death toll of 21, counting bodies as they arrived in Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, with some arriving in pieces.
The strike hit Rufaida School in western Deir Al-Balah. Images of the aftermath show children covered in blood and lying on the hospital floor.
Israeli forces said they were targeting militants, adding that “numerous steps were taken” to mitigate harm to civilians.
It comes as the prime minister of Lebanon said on Thursday morning that ceasefire efforts led by the US and France have “intensified”.
“There are contacts taking place between the United States and France with the aim of reviving a ceasefire declaration for a specific period in order to resume the search for political solutions,” Najib Mikati said according to Reuters.
On Wednesday, Hezbollah deputy secretery general Naim Qassem said the group will “support the political efforts” towards a ceasefire.
But Israel’s invasion and bombardment continues, with the Israeli military today saying it killed two more Hezbollah commanders in southern Lebanon.
US says it made clear Israel’ is ‘fully expected’ to abide by humanitarian law in Gaza
The United States is incredibly concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the State Department has said.
“It has been the subject of some very urgent discussions between our two governments,” spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters.
“We have been making clear to the government of Israel that they have an obligation under international humanitarian law to allow food and water and other needed humanitarian assistance to make it into all parts of Gaza, and we fully expect them to comply with those obligations.”
Israeli strike on Iran ‘would be lethal, precise and surprising’, says Gallant
Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant has warned that a strike on Iran in response to its recent missile attack would be “lethal” and “surprising”.
His office said in a statement: “Our strike will be lethal, precise and above all, surprising. They won’t understand what happened and how. They will see the results.”
“Whoever strikes us will be harmed and pay a price,” he added.
Pictured: Displaced Lebanese spend another night on the streets
Israel expands ground invasion of southern Lebanon and says assassinated Hezbollah leader’s successor killed
Israel expands ground invasion of southern Lebanon
Israel intensifies airstrikes that have already killed 1,400 people in the past fortnight – among them, Hashem Safieddine, claims Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu
Taliban profit as flights diverted around Middle East crisis fill up Afghan airspace
How Taliban is profiting off the Middle East crisis
Flying through Afghan airspace is proving to be the safest option for international airlines, with Iran’s missile bombardment of Israel causing a noticeable shift in flight patterns
Israeli troops move away from Irish forces in Lebanon
Israel’s armed forces have moved away from their positions near Irish troops in Lebanon, the Irish Defence Forces have confirmed.
It comes after the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed concern about the Israeli Defence Forces’ (IDF) proximity to an outpost where a number of Irish peacekeepers are stationed.
Irish officials said there are now no Israeli military personnel or vehicles nearby, “having moved north of the post” on Tuesday evening.
Keeping a watchful eye on the enemies of our state
Keeping a watchful eye on the enemies of our state
Editorial: According to MI5, the greatest threats to the UK now come from Russia, Iran and Isis – but it is thanks to the efforts of the security services that they will not prevail
On the ground: Gaza hostage families blast air raid siren outside Netanyahu’s home as wake up call to agree release deal
Hostage families blast air raid siren outside Netanyahu’s home as wake up call
Relatives march in Jerusalem on anniversary of Hamas attack in which their loved ones were taken to urge Israeli PM to bring them home, writes Bel Trew, while airstrikes continue in both Gaza and Lebanon
Harris to join Biden call with Israel's Netanyahu, source says
US Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to join President Joe Biden for his call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters.
The talks are expected to include discussion of Israeli plans for a retaliatory strike on Iran.
The Middle East has been on edge awaiting Israel’s response to a missile attack from Iran last week that Tehran carried out in retaliation for Israel’s military escalation in Lebanon.
The Iranian attack ultimately killed no one in Israel and Washington called it ineffective.
400,000 trapped in hell of northern Gaza, UN says, as death toll passes 42,000
400,000 trapped in hell of northern Gaza, UN says, as death toll passes 42,000
Up to 51,000 children in the besieged Gaza strip could be unaccompanied or separated from their parents
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