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Israel-Gaza-Lebanon live updates: NGOs report 'horrifying' Gaza conditions

Israel has been accused of failing to facilitate humanitarian relief.

Last Updated: October 16, 2024, 1:20 PM EDT

The Israel Defense Forces continue intense air and ground campaigns against Hezbollah in Lebanon and against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The uptick in offensive operations came after Israel marked the anniversary of Hamas' Oct. 7 assault, and as Israeli leaders planned their response to Iran's latest ballistic missile attack.

10:16 AM EDT

At least 6 killed in strike on Lebanese town headquarters

At least six people were killed and 43 injured in an Israeli strike on Nabatieh, Lebanon, which hit the town's municipal headquarters during a meeting, according to Lebanese Minister of the Interior Bassam Mawlawi. The city's mayor was among those killed.

"⁠The targeting of the municipality building in Nabatieh occurred during the coordination of relief work and the preparation of aid for distribution to the residents in the cities and villages of the region who are steadfast in the face of the war they are being subjected to and against Lebanon," Mawlawi said in a statement.

Smoke billows during Israeli airstrikes in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh on Oct. 16, 2024
Abbas Fakih/AFP via Getty Images

The town's mayor reportedly told Reuters that he would not leave the town after an evacuation notice was issued by Israel for Nabatieh on Oct. 3.

Smoke billows during Israeli airstrikes in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh on Oct. 16, 2024.
Abbas Fakih/AFP via Getty Images

Israel said it struck dozens of Hezbollah targets in Nabatieh and dismantled underground infrastructure in southern Lebanon, including a tunnel network under the town. Israel has not commented on strike whether the took place during the coordination of relief efforts.

-ABC News' Guy Davies

6:59 AM EDT

Local mayor killed in Israeli airstrike in south Lebanon

At least six people were killed and 43 injured in an Israeli strike on the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh on Wednesday -- including the city's mayor -- according to Lebanese health officials.

Smoke billows during Israeli airstrikes in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh on Oct. 16, 2024.
Abbas Fakih/AFP via Getty Images

The strike hit the town's municipal headquarters and came as officials met to coordinate relief efforts, Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said.

"⁠The targeting of the municipality building in Nabatieh occurred during the coordination of relief work and the preparation of aid for distribution to the residents in the cities and villages of the region who are steadfast in the face of the war they are being subjected to and against Lebanon," Mawlawi said in a statement.

Search and rescue teams are continuing to search for survivors under the rubble of the two buildings targeted in the strike.

-ABC News' Nasser Atta and Guy Davies

6:28 AM EDT

Aid trucks enter Gaza, Israeli authorities say

Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories organization said more than 145 aid trucks entered Gaza on Tuesday and 50 on Wednesday, amid allegations that Israel has failed to facilitate humanitarian relief in the northern part of the strip.

COGAT said that four bakeries are operational in northern Gaza, though it is unclear whether humanitarian organizations have been able to distribute any aid into the north.

This file photo shows Israeli soldiers gathered near a gate on the Israeli side of the Erez crossing into northern Gaza, on May 1, 2024.
Ohad Zwigenberg/AP

Dozens of aid organizations published a joint statement Wednesday saying no aid has been allowed into northern Gaza since Oct. 1.

-ABC News' Nasser Atta, Diaa Ostaz, Jordana Miller and Guy Davies

4:35 AM EDT

Aid organizations condemn 'horrifying level of atrocity' in Gaza

Thirty-eight NGOs signed a new appeal to the international community to stop Israel's latest military operation in northern Gaza, which they said has "escalated to a horrifying level of atrocity."

"Northern Gaza is being wiped off the map," the organizations said, describing the Israel Defense Forces' order for civilians to leave the northern part of the territory as "forced displacement under gunfire."

Palestinians carry their belongings as they flee areas north of Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip on Oct. 12, 2024.
Omar Al-qattaa/AFP via Getty Images

Around 400,000 people are estimated to be subject to the north Gaza evacuation order. Hospitals -- already "overwhelmed" according to the NGOs -- and their staff are also being ordered to evacuate, with the IDF declaring the area a dangerous combat zone.

Israeli officials have denied they are implementing the so-called "Generals' Plan," a proposal by retired Israeli military leaders to put north Gaza under siege and declare anyone who does not evacuate to be a valid military target.

"The world cannot continue to stand by as the Israeli government commits these atrocities," the NGOs wrote. "We demand an immediate ceasefire and an end to Israel's illegal occupation."

-ABC News' Guy Davies

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