IDF claims it captured terror operative in Syria

The IDF said it detained a Syrian citizen it alleged was working for Iran.

Last Updated: November 4, 2024, 3:02 AM EST

The Israel Defense Forces conducted what it called "precise strikes on military targets" in Iran on Friday in response to the Iranian missile strikes earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes and ground fighting continued in Gaza -- particularly in the north of the strip -- and in Lebanon, with renewed Israeli attacks on Beirut.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
Oct 31, 2024, 7:18 PM EDT

US defense secretary speaks to Israeli counterpart about regional de-escalation

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on Thursday to discuss opportunities for regional de-escalation, according to a statement from the Pentagon.

In the call, Austin reaffirmed that the United States remains fully prepared to defend U.S. personnel, Israel and partners across the region against threats from Iran and Iran-backed proxy groups, the Pentagon confirmed.

Austin reiterated the commitment to a diplomatic arrangement in Lebanon that allows both Lebanese and Israeli civilians to return safely to their homes on both sides of the border, according to the statement.

He also reviewed steps Israel is taking — and should continue to advance — to improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, as well as prospects for a hostage release and cease-fire deal, the statement said.

-ABC News' Luis Martinez

Oct 31, 2024, 6:47 PM EDT

Iranian general says Israel should expect an 'unimaginable response'

Israel "made a mistake" in attacking Iran over the weekend and will now "taste the response, an unimaginable response," Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander-in-Chief Gen. Hossein Salami said on Iranian state TV on Thursday.

"You think you can change the story of domination of a great power called Islam by firing a few missiles? In Operation True Promise 2, you saw how your sky was cracked open. You saw how your missile shield worked. Once again you made a mistake, you will taste the response, an unimaginable response," Gen. Salami said.

By "Operation True Promise 2," Gen. Salami is referring to Oct. 1, when Iran sent a barrage of about 200 missiles toward Israel.

"See the behavior of the Iranian nation in the war against its enemies," he added.

-ABC News' Hami Hamedi and Ellie Kaufman

Oct 31, 2024, 5:12 PM EDT

Injured patients in Gaza hospital lack medicine, food and water: Officials

The director of nursing at Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip released a statement Thursday saying 120 patients and injured people are lacking medicine, food and water.

"We appeal to bring specialized medical delegations to restart the hospital and save people's lives," the nursing director said.

Doctors Without Borders received confirmation that one of their doctors has been detained by Israeli forces, along with "several other medical staff from Kamal Adwan hospital in north Gaza," after an Israeli military operation at the hospital on Oct. 26, the organization said in a release Thursday.

"We are extremely alarmed by the detention of our colleague," the release said.

-ABC News' Ellie Kaufman

Oct 31, 2024, 5:04 PM EDT

6 paramedics killed in Lebanon on Thursday

Six paramedics were killed in Lebanon on Thursday, the Lebanese Ministry of Health said in separate statements.

One paramedic was killed, and two were wounded in a strike on an ambulance in Zefta in southern Lebanon.

Additionally, one paramedic was killed and two were wounded in Deir al-Zahrani, and four paramedics were killed in Dardghaya, the Lebanese Ministry of Health said.

"The Ministry of Public Health reiterates its condemnation of the occupation forces' continued targeting of ambulance crews and reiterates its appeal to the international community to put an end to this series of ongoing war crimes," the Lebanese Ministry of Health said.

On Wednesday, 45 people were killed, and 110 people were wounded from various Israeli attacks across the country, the Lebanese Ministry of Health said. Overall, 2,867 people have been killed, and 13,047 people have been injured since Israel's increased attacks on Lebanon in mid-September.

-ABC News' Ellie Kaufman

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