Hamas launches new rocket attack on Israeli city of Ashkelon

That's the end of our live blog today, on the fourth day of conflict between Hamas and Israel. 

We're back on Wednesday morning at 06:00 with all the latest developments. 

Rockets from Lebanon intercepted, Israeli military say

The Israeli Air Force said on social media it has intercepted 4 of 15 rockets fired from southern Lebanon on Tuesday.

"Following the initial report regarding launches in northern Israel, approximately 15 rockets were launched from Lebanese territory. The IAF aerial defence array successfully intercepted four rocket launches. Ten launches fell in open areas", the IAF wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Rockets fired from Lebanon towards Israel

Rockets were reportedly launched from southern Lebanon against Israel on Tuesday, prompting the Israeli military to respond with artillery fire.

Israeli Defence Ministry: Sirens ringing out in northern Israel 

Hamas launches attack on Ashkelon

The Palestinian paramilitary group Hamas has launched its attack on the Israeli city of Ashkelon with rocket fire after warning civilians to leave before 5 pm local time. The organisation gave residents a warning of about 90 minutes.

Ashkelon is about 14 kilometres north of Gaza.

Two members of Hamas' political office killed 

Two members of Hamas's political office, Jawad Abu Shammala and Zakaria Abu Maamar, were killed in an air strike in the city of Khan Yunis, in the Gaza Strip, according to an official from the group mentioned by Reuters.

The Israeli military has also confirmed the deaths of the two, saying they were killed overnight. 

More than 1,000 Israelis 'murdered' since Saturday, authorities say

Israel's Embassy to the USA has deleted a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, indicating that more than 1,008 Israelis had been killed since Hamas's surprise attack on Saturday.

Other Israeli figures put the death toll lower at around 900 people. 

Posting an operation update on Tuesday, the embassy had reported that over 3,418 people were injured, more than 4,969 rockets had been launched, and an unspecified number of "women and children" had been kidnapped. 

Other estimates give the number of hostages in the hands of Hamas fighters at around 150.

EU and Gulf plead for 'sustainable financial support' to Palestinians

Following a joint meeting of foreign ministers in Oman on Tuesday, the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council pleaded for "sustainable financial support" to Palestinians.

Both parties "underlined the importance of sustainable financial support for UNRWA (the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees) and the continuation of humanitarian and development aid to Palestinians in the occupied territories", according to a joint statement read by top EU diplomat Josep Borrell in Muscat. 

Israel using chemical weapons, claims Palestine 

The Palestinian ministry of foreign affairs has accused Israeli forces of using white phosphorus against the Gaza Strip. 

It posted a video on X, which purported to show the aftermath of the weapons use Al Karama area, northern Gaza. 

Euronews cannot independently verify this claim. 

Israel has faced similar accusations in the past and admitted it used phosphorus shells during the battle against Hezbollah during the 2006 Lebanon War.

Several human rights groups alleged the IDF also deployed white phosphorous against civilians during the 2008-09 Gaza War. 

While phosphorus is not classified as a chemical weapon in international law, its use against civilian areas is considered a war crime under the Geneva Convention because of its "indiscriminate" and "traumatic effects".

Phosphorus creates flash fires that are incredibly hard to put out. If people are hit with the chemical they suffer horrendous burns, which actually accelerate if they come into contact with water.

It can, however, be legitimately used by military forces for night illumination and smoke screens.

Israel-Palestine bloodshed shows US failure in Middle East - Putin

Russia's president said on Tuesday the eruption of violence between Israeli and Palestinian forces highlighted how US policy in the Middle East had failed. 

During a meeting with the Iraqi prime minister, Vladimir Putin claimed Washington had tried to monopolise the search for a settlement in the region, while failing to take the interests of the Palestinian people into account.

The Kremlin earlier said it was in contact with both sides and would try to help end the violence. 

Germany investigating kidnapping of its citizens in Israel 

German prosecutors are investigating the apparent kidnap of their compatriots in Hamas's surprise attack over the weekend. 

On Tuesday, the federal prosecutor’s office said in a statement emailed to the US news agency AP it was looking into suspicions of hostage-taking and murder by unknown members of Hamas. 

The German Foreign Ministry has said it assumes an unspecified number of German-Israeli dual citizens were among those captured by the Palestinian militant group on Saturday.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz said today that Germany is working closely with Israel to determine how many citizens were kidnapped and how they might be freed.

It is standard practice for German prosecutors to open an investigation when the country’s citizens are harmed abroad.

Israel army kills militants on beach 

The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) said this afternoon it killed a number of "terrorists" in the Zikim Beach area of southern Israel. 

IDF soldiers "identified four armed terrorists in the area of Zikim Beach a short time ago," the force wrote on X, adding they exchanged fire and "eliminated them". 

Extremist Israeli minister proposes 'massively' arming civilians with rifles

Itamar Ben Gvir, Israeli national security minister, has announced plans to buy 10,000 rifles to arm “civilian security teams” across Israel and the occupied West Bank, according to The Times of Israel. 

It said the guns, of which 4,000 have already been brought, will go to Israeli towns near the borders, alongside mixed Jewish-Arab cities inside Israel and West Bank settlements.

Long accused of being a provocateur, Ben-Gvir is a far-right Jewish settler who has been convicted for supporting terrorism against Arabs.

In October 2022, he took part in clashes between Israeli Jewish settlers and the local Palestinian residents, brandishing a gun, and reporting telling the police to shoot at Palestinians throwing stones at the scene.

In  Tuesday's Times of Israel report he was quoted as saying the weapons and equipment will be distributed to “hundreds of towns that have civilian security teams linked to the Israel police’s border police force”.

Civilian security teams provide security to small towns and communities but have attacked Palestinians.

“We will turn the world upside down so that towns are protected,” Ben Gvir was quoted as saying. “I have given instructions for massively arming the civilian security team.”

Video: Misinformation inflames Israel-Palestine conflict 

Why were Israel's intelligence services blindsided by the Gaza attack?

Multiple failures occurred before Hamas' unprecedented assault, a former Lieutenant Colonel in the Israeli army told Euronews.

Read more on this story here. 

Palestinians 'paying the price for a crime they did not commit' - UK MP

Jeremy Corbyn has condemned violence against civilians on both sides, saying "we need more voices for peace". 

"The horrific attacks on civilians in Israel were deplorable. This cannot justify the indiscriminate killing of Palestinians, who are paying the price for a crime they did not commit," said the left-wing member of the British parliament.

"We should condemn the use of violence against all civilians, Israeli and Palestinian," he added, calling for an "immediate ceasefire to prevent any further loss of life." 

Yesterday, Corbyn was put under the media spotlight after he refused to condemn Hamas after its militants stormed southern Israel. 

The former leader of the Labour Party previously referred to the terror group as "friends", comments he said he later regretted. 

Israel continues to hammer Gaza

Israeli military spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, has said his country is continuing to Palestinian targets.  

"At this time, the IDF continues to attack many targets of the terrorist organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, this afternoon. 

The Israeli airforce also announced on social media it was “launching an extensive attack against terror targets" in the Gaza Strip. 

Earlier, UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, reminded Israel of “the obligation to take constant care to spare the civilian population and civilian objects”.

WHO says medical supplies are already depleted in Gaza

The United Nations health agency says medical supplies in seven hospitals in the Gaza Strip have already been used up, amid soaring need due to Israel’s military strikes. 

Spokesperson Tarik Jazarevic of the World Health Organisation told a briefing Tuesday that affiliate hospitals had triggered emergency plans to better manage the surge of casualties. 

“But with the number of casualties currently coming in, these hospitals are now running beyond their capacity, he said, announcing that WHO was reallocating around €1 million in funding to purchase more medical supplies.  

(AP)

Nearly 3,000 Israelis wounded - officials 

At least 2,806 Israelis have been wounded and taken to various hospitals since Hamas' surprise attack on Saturday morning, according to a statement released by the Israeli health ministry. 

There were 535 Israelis in hospitals, including 106 in serious or critical condition, as of 1:30 p.m. local time, officials noted. 

Israeli and Palestinian foreign ministers asked to join EU meeting

Top diplomat Josep Borrell has confirmed that the Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen has been invited to join an extraordinary meeting of EU foreign ministers this afternoon.

The Palestinian foreign minister has also been invited to "address the meeting and present the views of the Palestinian Authority."

Brussels has been criticised in recent days for its muddled response to the outbreak of violence between Israel and Palestine. 

UN reminds Israel of 'obligation' to spare civilians

Israel's air strikes on Gaza on Tuesday have struck residential buildings, including large tower blocks, schools and UN buildings, according to the UN Human Rights chief Volker Türk.

"International humanitarian law is clear: the obligation to take constant care to spare the civilian population and civilian objects remains applicable throughout the attacks," Türk said in a statement on Tuesday.

Hamas leader urges all Palestinians to fight Isreal

In a statement released on Tuesday, Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas' political bureau and one of the paramilitary group's senior leaders, called on all Palestinians to "participate [...] in this battle" of Al Aqsa Flood. 

"The destruction and brutality practiced by the [Israeli] government against our people in Gaza reflect the resounding results caused by the strikes of Al-Qassam and the resistance factions", he said.

"The enemy will pay a heavy price for its crimes and terrorism."

Gaza death toll climbs even higher

At least 770 Palestinians have been killed and some 4,000 wounded so far by Israeli air strikes, Gaza's health ministry said on Tuesday.  

The ministry added that at least another 18 people were killed in the West Bank since Saturday, while 100 are estimated to have been wounded.

Photos: Devastation left by Israeli strikes in Gaza

Israeli military rules out airspace intrusion

Reports that Israeli airspace was violated have been dismissed by a spokesman for Israel's army. 

"There is no fear of a security incident," said Daniel Hagari on Tuesday afternoon. 

He cited reports of a suspected intrusion in the Golan Heights and Galilee area, though later ruled these out after IDF forces accompanied by aircraft scanned the area. 

The Golan Heights is a historically contested region, wedged between Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. 

What is the current situation in Gaza? 

With Israeli strikes continuing to batter the Gaza Strip, here is a snapshot of what life is like in the enclave: 

• Gaza has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world at more than 45 per cent
• Children make up 47% of Gaza's population of two million, with over 800,000 having never known life without Israel's blockade, says Save the Children
• 96 per cent of the water supplied is unsuitable for drinking, according to Unicef 
• Gazan residents had only 13 hours of electricity on average in 2023, says the UN
• Gaza has no functional airports after Israel bombed and demolished the Yasser Arafat International Airport in 2001, only three years after it opened
• The Gaza Strip is one of the most densely populated areas of the world 

Member of Netanyahu's party calls for nuclear strike on Gaza

Tally Gotliv, part of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, has claimed Israel should use a "doomsday weapon" on the Gaza Strip. 

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, yesterday afternoon the politician said: "Before considering the introduction of forces [of the Israeli military]. Doomsday weapon."

"This is my opinion. May God preserve all our strength," she added. 

Gotliv, a member of Knesset (Israel's legislature), posted again this morning: "No pity! to flatten and crush Gaza. Not more than we already knew. Do everything before considering bringing troops into Gaza."

"We have artillery capabilities. We invested huge budgets in it. Must use everything we have in the arsenal! The life of our soldiers is more important and precious than any person in Gaza. The gloves will be removed!"

Gaza siege forbidden by international law - UN

The total siege of the Gaza Strip, announced on Monday by the Israeli Defense Minister, is illegal under international humanitarian law, the UN said on Tuesday.

"The imposition of sieges that endanger the lives of civilians by depriving them of goods essential to their survival is prohibited by international humanitarian law," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk in a statement.

(AFP)

'We kiss the hands of those who planned attack', says Iran leader

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has seemingly praised Hamas in his first speech since Saturday's attack. 

"We kiss the hands of those who planned the attack on the Zionist regime," he said, blaming Israel itself for Hamas' killings of Israeli citizens. 

"This destructive earthquake has destroyed some critical structures [in Israel] which will not be repaired easily," Khamenei claimed. "The Zionist regime's own actions are to blame for this disaster."

Reports have emerged in recent days that Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps helped plan Hamas's surprise attack against Israel on Saturday, though Khamenei denied this on Tuesday. 

The Iranian government is known to fund Hamas - supplying it with training and weapons - and is a regional enemy of Israel. 

Large swathes of the Iranian population do not agree with the regime's rhetoric, however. 

On Sunday afternoon at a football stadium in Tehran, tens of thousands of fans told the government they could shove the hundreds of Palestinian flags hoisted around the stadiums up their a**. 

What exactly happened with the EU's assistance to Palestinians?

Yesterday saw an influx of confusing messages coming from Brussels about the future of the European Union’s assistance to the Palestinian territories.

The bloc is the biggest donor of development and humanitarian aid in the region, making its decisions consequential.

Let’s recap what happened:

• Midday: During a press briefing, the European Commission says the issue of development and humanitarian aid will be discussed during a meeting of foreign affairs ministers on Tuesday. The executive insists it has “strict controls” in place to ensure that “no direct or indirect” financing flows to Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip. The money that goes into Gaza is channelled through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
• Early afternoon: Olivér Várhelyi, the European Commissioner in charge of enlargement and neighbourhood, suddenly announces on X, formerly Twitter, that “all payments” to the Palestinians have been “immediately suspended” and that “all new budget proposals,” including for 2023, are “postponed until further notice.” The categorical announcement is immediately picked up by the media and reported across the world. However, the Commission does not provide any more details, causing confusion among journalists in Brussels.
• Early evening: As news spreads and backlash increases, Janez Lenarčič, the European Commissioner for crisis management, goes on X and clarifies that “humanitarian aid to Palestinians in need will continue as long as needed.” The post exposes the infighting between the Commissioners, who are in charge of different budget allocations.
• Late evening: After hours of incessant questions from journalists and no answers, the European Commission finally publishes a press release and says an “urgent review” of the bloc’s assistance to the Palestinian territories has been launched to guarantee that “no EU funding indirectly enables any terrorist organization to carry out attacks against Israel.” Notably, the press release says that “as there were no payments foreseen, there will be no suspension of payments,” an apparent rebuke of Várhelyi’s early announcement. The review only concerns development funds, not humanitarian aid.

Aftermath of Israeli airstrikes shown on video

The Palestinian foreign ministry has published footage showing the destruction it said was caused by Israeli bombing in central Gaza. 

Multiple journalists killed, says Palestinian authorities 

Six journalists have been killed amid Israeli airstrikes, Palestine's foreign ministry reported this morning. 

Posting footage of their funeral procession, it said two journalists - Mohammed Subh and Saeed Al-Taweel - "were martyred in an Israeli airstrike while covering the news early this morning."

"So far, six journalists have been martyred in the Israeli aggression, and two others remain missing," it continued. 

Sirens wail in southern Israel

The Israeli Defense Forces report sirens are sounding in southern Israel, warning of a possible rocket attack.

187,000 now displaced in Gaza, says UN

More than 187,000 people have been displaced across the Gaza Strip, according to the UN agency that works with Palestinian refugees. 

In its latest update, UNRWA said 187,518 have been forced to flee - a figure it says is "expected to increase further". 

Nearly 137,500 internally displaced people (IDPs) are sheltering in 83 UNRWA schools across the besieged Palestinian enclave, as heavy Israeli airstrikes continue. 

"Conditions are difficult, with some shelters overcrowded, and with limited availability of potable water," it added. 

The UNRWA field office in Gaza has "suffered collateral damage due to airstrikes". Other buildings of the UN agency, such as schools, healthcentres, and a rehabilitation centre for the visually impaired, have been damaged. 

Almost half a million people in Gaza have not been able to get UN food rations this week as distribution centres have been closed, alongside schools. 

France and Spain against suspending EU aid for Palestine

The foreign ministers of Spain and France have said they oppose halting vital European Union funds for Palestine. 

"Cooperation must continue, we cannot confuse Hamas, which is in the list of EU’s terrorist groups, with the Palestinian population, or the Palestinian Authority or the UN organisations on the ground," Spanish acting foreign minister José Manuel Albares said on Tuesday. 

The Palestinians will probably need more aid in the future, he added. 

In a statement issued this morning, France's foreign ministry said it was "not in favour of suspending aid that directly benefits the Palestinian people".

"We made this clear to the European Commission yesterday," it continued. 

EU foreign ministers will gather to discuss the issue on Tuesday afternoon.

Israel flies home hundreds of troops

The Israeli airforce said on X, formerly Twitter, that it has flown back "hundreds of IDF soldiers" who were overseas so they can participate in the fighting that broke out on Saturday.

Israel 'taking revenge' on civilians, claims human rights monitor 

"Israeli forces are taking revenge on Palestinian armed factions by committing mass killing crimes against civilians," says Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, posting a photo on social media of a destroyed neighbourhood. 

“Even in cases of military necessity, Israel must adhere to provisions of international humanitarian law in its attack on Gaza," it adds.

Israeli airstrikes have rained down on the densely populated enclave for four days now, killing hundreds of Palestinians.  

'Palestinians need to know they are not alone' – campaigner

Professor Kamel Hawwash, Chair of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, has urged those in Europe to take action against what he called "Israel's deadly assault". 

"The message to Europeans is that the Palestinians need to know they are not alone," he tells Euronews. "It is therefore imperative that they take to the streets to protest Israel's deadly assault on the Gaza strip, West Bank and Jerusalem."

"They need to contact their representatives to make it clear that they need to act to censure Israel for its decades-long oppression of Palestinians, its 16-year-old siege on Gaza and attacks on Muslim and Christian holy places, especially Al-Aqsa mosque."

He continues: "Europe should apply International law to all situations. It must not be hypocritical to apply the law in support of the occupied people of Ukraine but then stand with the occupying state, Israel.

"Israel's policies have been confirmed by many human rights organisations and UN rapporteurs to meet the definition of Apartheid. It should therefore be censured, not given cover to continue with its crimes."

UK's top diplomat 'completely supports' Israel

James Cleverly, UK Foreign Secretary, has issued a statement on social media endorsing Israeli attacks on Gaza.

"Israel has a right to defend itself against attack," he said in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter. "The UK completely supports Israel’s right to defend itself proportionately."

"The truth of the matter is that this was a terrorist attack, perpetrated by Hamas, who are embedded in Gaza, shielding themselves among the Palestinian people in Gaza. And we will continue to support Israel as it seeks to defend itself against this brutal terrorist attack initiated by Hamas."

Israel recruits 300,000 troops in 48 hours - military 

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari says Israel has recruited 300,000 reservists in 48 hours. 

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, this morning, he said the IDF will provide combat equipment "according to priorities".

"There is no shortage," he added. 

The comments will stoke concerns that Israel is preparing for a potentially catastrophic ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. 

Gaza-Egypt border now closed: Army spokesperson

After "advising" Palestinians to flee to Egypt, an Israeli military spokesperson has said the Gaza-Egypt border crossing is actually closed.

This morning Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Hecht, Israel's chief military spokesperson to the foreign media, said: “I am aware that the Rafah crossing (on the Gaza-Egypt border) is still open.” 

“Anyone who can get out, I would advise them to get out.”

However, shortly after these remarks, his office issued a statement: “Clarification: The Rafah crossing was open yesterday, but now it is closed.”

On Monday evening, Egyptian security sources said operations at Rafah had been disrupted by what they described as a strike on the Gaza side.

More than 1,000 bodies of Hamas fighters found in Israel

“Around 1,500 bodies” of Hamas fighters have been found in Israel, according to the army. 

(AFP)

Support for Israel and Palestine around the world 

Israeli military to tell families about loved ones taken hostage

Officers are preparing to inform families that their loved ones have been taken hostage by Palestinian militants, the Times of Israel reports. 

"The Israel Defence Force is sending out officers today to inform over 100 Israeli families that their relatives are being held in Gaza by Hamas," it said, citing the Israeli Army radio. 

The Times of Israel suggests the number of hostages is "between 100-150 people", also citing comments by UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan to CNN. 

Israel 'advises' Palestinians to 'get out' of Gaza 

Amid relentless ariel strikes, the Israeli military suggested on Tuesday that Palestinians in the Gaza Strip should head to Egypt, which borders the blockaded enclave.

“I am aware that the Rafah crossing [on the Gaza-Egypt border] is still open,” Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Hecht, chief military spokesperson told reporters at a briefing for the foreign media. 

“Anyone who can get out, I would advise them to get out.”

The crossing on the Egypt Gaza border is normally a lifeline for Gazans. 

No new infiltrations into Israel since Monday

Israel has reestablished control of the Gaza border fence, after it was breached by Palestinian gunmen over the weekend, its chief military spokesperson said on Tuesday. 

Speaking on Israel’s Army Radio, Daniel Hagari claimed there had been no new infiltrations from Gaza since Monday.

He said Israeli Defense Forces were planting mines in the parts where the barrier was toppled. 
 

Israel launches hundreds of strikes overnight, says military 

The Israeli Defense Forces said Tuesday morning they had "attacked over 200 targets" in the Gaza Strip. 

It noted dozens of warplanes were involved in the strikes in the Rimal and Khan Yunis neighbourhoods, which lie to the north and south of the Palestinian enclave respectively. 

Gaza death toll climbs to 700 

At least 704 people, including 143 children and 105 women, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Some 4,000 others have been wounded, it added. 

Children 'suffer first and suffer most' in war - UNICEF

The UN agency for children, UNICEF, has warned the humanitarian situation in the conflict zone is "rapidly deteriorating", saying aid workers need safe passage to bring lifesaving aid to children and families.

“I remind all parties that in this war, as in all wars, it is children who suffer first and suffer most,” UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell said in a statement released on Monday night.

“I am also deeply concerned about measures to block electricity and prevent food, fuel and water from entering Gaza, which may put the lives of children at risk," she added.

UNICEF has estimated that there are roughly 1 million children living in the Gaza Strip, meaning almost half of the people in Gaza are children.

She also called for the "immediate and safe release of any children being held hostage in Gaza so that they can be reunited with their families or caregivers".