An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon overnight killed 10 firefighters, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. This brings the total number of rescuers killed in the region to 115 in a year. The strike targeted a local firefighting center where the firefighters were present, ready to go out on rescue missions. This incident has raised concerns about escalating tensions in the area.
The US vice president and Democratic presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, expressed her commitment to Israel’s security in a statement released by the White House. She vowed to ensure that Hamas, who launched a terrorist attack on October 7, is eliminated and that Israel has the support it needs to defend itself.
President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken also issued statements commemorating the anniversary of the Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel, condemning the violence and calling for a ceasefire deal. Biden emphasized the need for peace and stability in the region.
In Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized Israel for the ongoing war in Gaza, referring to it as a “genocide”. He vowed that Israel would pay a price for its actions and called for an end to the conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to bringing back all hostages held in Gaza. He attended vigils marking the one-year anniversary of the attacks and remembered the victims. Netanyahu has been under scrutiny for his handling of the ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.
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