Israel-Gaza updates: Hostage speaks 1st time since release

Israel and the U.S. are discussing the transfer of Patriot air defense batteries to Ukraine, a source familiar with the matter told ABC News.

This agreement -- not yet finalized, according to the source -- would mark a shift in Israel’s public policy following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

A key factor behind Israel’s willingness to discuss the transfer of Patriot air defense batteries is the tightening military alliance between Russia and Iran.

In April, Israel announced the decommissioning of U.S.-donated Patriot systems from its aerial defense array. Security sources previously said Patriot has been successfully replaced by the Israeli-made David's Sling air and missile defense system.

-ABC News’ Dana Savir

The Inspectors General at the Pentagon and the United States Agency for International Development announced Thursday that they will carry out separate reviews of the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza via the JLOTS temporary pier system.

The pier has been operational 21 out of the 42 days since it was first anchored to the beach in Gaza, according to statistics the United States Central Command provided to ABC News. The pier has been attached three separate times because of bad weather.

-ABC News’ Luis Martinez

As tension continues to simmer along the Israel-Lebanon border, the State Department is reminding U.S. citizens about the risks associated with traveling to Lebanon, urging them to "strongly reconsider."

"The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the protection of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict," the alert said.

The State Department also notes that while most of Lebanon is classified as a level 3 (reconsider travel) the southern portion of the country, the Lebanon-Syria border area, and refugee settlements are at a level 4 (do not travel).

Officials say this reminder is not a predictor of escalation to come and that the situation in Lebanon is under continuous review.

-ABC News’ Shannon Crawford

As the fight over aid into Gaza continues and as the United Nation cites the dangers to humanitarian workers, the Palestine Red Crescent Society now says 18 of its ambulances -- about one-third of its fleet -- have been taken out of service due to fuel shortages.

"The fuel quantities entering through the Karm Abu Salem crossing do not meet the medical and relief sector’s needs," the PRCS said in a statement.

"With the Israeli occupation continuing to keep the Rafah border crossing closed for about 52 days… the PRCS appeals to the international community for urgent intervention to reopen the Rafah border crossing and allow the flow of humanitarian aid, especially fuel," the agency said.

-ABC News’ Will Gretsky