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Israel-Gaza-Lebanon live updates: Hamas releases video of American hostage

Edan Alexander has been captive since Oct. 7.

Last Updated: November 30, 2024, 6:49 PM EST

A ceasefire went into effect at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday morning after Israel's Cabinet approved the U.S.-backed proposal to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah after prolonged negotiations.

The Israel Defense Forces continues its intense airstrike and ground campaigns in Gaza, particularly in the north of the devastated Palestinian territory.

Tensions also remain high between Israel and Iran after tit-for-tat long-range strikes in recent months and threats of further military action from both sides.

4:29 PM EST

Hamas releases video of American hostage

Hamas released a video on Telegram Saturday featuring American hostage Edan Alexander speaking to the camera.

Alexander was taken hostage on Oct. 7th while serving in the IDF and stationed in southern Israel near Gaza.

In the heavily edited propaganda video, Alexander addresses Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Hebrew, and President-elect Donald Trump in English, before an ending message to his family.

In this still from a video released by Hamas, Edan Alexander is shown.
Hamas Media Handout

"Every day that passes, the pain increases inside me. I miss you very much, every day I pray to see you soon," Alexander said in Hebrew.

It is unclear when the video was filmed, however, Alexander says in the video that he was held for "more than 420 days."

Alexander's family released a statement Saturday, calling for a deal to bring all of the hostages home.

"As time runs out, we urge both current and incoming U.S. administrations to exhaust every possible option and leverage every form of pressure—the hostages' lives hang by a thread," they said in a statement.

Alexander's mother spoke with the press Saturday evening at a rally for the release of hostages in Tel Aviv. She said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called her an hour after the video was released saying he was working for a deal that would release all the hostages.

"Suddenly to see him alive, and speaking... When he cried, I just want to hold him [...] I want him to know that we are doing everything we can to bring him home," she said.

-ABC News' Victoria Beaulé

11:55 AM EST

Israeli airstrike targets World Central Kitchen vehicle, killing 5

A video reviewed by ABC News shows the aftermath of an airstrike on a vehicle that was targeted by the Israeli military while travelling on Salah al-Din road near Khan Younis on Saturday.

The airstrike killed five people, including World Central Kitchen workers, according to the organization, which said in a statement they are pausing operations in Gaza at this time.

A few onions and potatoes, together with personal belongings, can be seen in the back of the vehicle.

The IDF said in a statement that it struck a vehicle with a terrorist who took part in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

An Israeli missile targeted a vehicle belonging to the World Central Kitchen on Salah al-Din Road in Khan Younis, Gaza, Nov. 29, 2024.
Hassan Esalh

"World Central Kitchen had no knowledge that any individual in the vehicle had alleged ties to the October 7th Hamas attack," the food aid organization said.

WCK added, "Our hearts are with our colleagues and their families in this unimaginable moment."

-ABC News’ Matthew Holroyd

10:19 AM EST

IDF launches 4 more strikes in Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces has announced carrying out four more airstrikes Saturday in Lebanon, where a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is tentatively in place.

In all four attacks, the IDF says they hit Hezbollah-affiliated targets where they believed operatives were near to, or handling, weapons. It does not appear that Hezbollah has fired any weapons since the start of the ceasefire, nor has the IDF accused them of doing so.

This makes five total IDF strikes in Lebanon on Saturday alone. The IDF announced conducting one on Friday, and one on Thursday.

The Lebanon Ministry of Health said in a statement that a 7-year-old child was among three injured in an Israeli strike on a car earlier Saturday, and an additional person was injured in a separate strike.

PHOTO: People walk on rubble of damaged buildings, after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, in Tyre, southern Lebanon, Nov. 30, 2024
People walk on rubble of damaged buildings, after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, in Tyre, southern Lebanon, Nov. 30, 2024.
Aziz Taher/Reuters

The IDF said it is “deployed in the southern Lebanon area, operating against any threat to the State of Israel and enforcing any violation of the ceasefire agreement understandings.”

-ABC News’ Victoria Beaule

Nov 29, 2024, 1:30 PM EST

75 killed in 2 Beit Lahia strikes: Gaza Civil Defence

At least 75 people were killed in two air strikes in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, according to Gaza’s Civil Defence.

Video circulating online shows bodies under rubble, which the group said they are unable to reach as they remain trapped.

-ABC News' Samy Zyara

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