Israel-Gaza updates: IDF says officer and soldier injured in attack from Lebanon

The IDF says Hamas was using the schools as command centers and hiding places.

Last Updated: August 4, 2024, 5:29 PM EDT

As the Israel-Hamas war continues, tensions are escalating after the assassinations of two Hamas and Hezbollah leaders this week.

Jul 31, 2024, 5:10 PM EDT

Delta suspends flights to Tel Aviv

Delta Air lines has suspended all flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Tel Aviv through Friday, Aug. 2, due to ongoing conflict in the region.

"Delta is continuously monitoring the evolving security environment and assessing our operations based on security guidance and intelligence reports and will communicate any updates as needed," Delta said in a statement.

-ABC News' Sam Sweeney

Jul 31, 2024, 3:32 PM EDT

CPJ 'dismayed' by deaths of Al Jazeera journalists in 'direct strike' on vehicle near Gaza city

Al Jazeera Arabic journalists Ismail Al-Ghoul and cameraman Rami Al-Refee have been killed in whilst reporting in Gaza, the network has announced.

The journalists were reporting on the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh. Al-Ghoul’s last post on social media was of him at the ruins of the Hamas leader's home in Gaza.

A vehicle carrying the two journalists was targeted by what the CPJ says appears to be a "direct strike" in Al Shafi camp, west of Gaza city.

Palestinians inspect a vehicle where Al Jazeera TV said its reporter Ismail al-Ghoul and cameraman Ramy El Rify were killed in an Israeli strike, in Gaza City July 31, 2024.
Ayman Al Hassi/Reuters

"Ismail was known for his professionalism and dedication, highlighting the suffering and atrocities in Gaza, particularly at Al-Shifa Hospital and in the northern region. He was detained and tortured by Israel while covering the Al Shifa Hospital siege, yet he continued reporting after his release," Al Jazeera said in a statement.

Without Ismail, the harrowing images of these massacres would remain unseen. He was a resolute journalist who overcame hunger, illness, and the death of his brother. He tirelessly reported on Gaza's events through Al Jazeera, fulfilling his mission for his people and homeland. May they rest in peace," Al Jazeera said.

Jul 31, 2024, 3:12 PM EDT

United cancels Tel Aviv flights

As tensions continue to rise after Israel assassinated top Hamas and Hezbollah officials, United Airlines has canceled its daily flights to Tel Aviv.

"Beginning with this evening’s flight from Newark Liberty to Tel Aviv, we are suspending for security reasons our daily Tel Aviv service as we evaluate our next steps. We continue to closely monitor the situation and will make decisions on resuming service with a focus on the safety of our customers and crews," United said in a statement to ABC News.

A United Airlines airplane on the tarmac at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 22, 2021.
Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg via Getty Images

-ABC News' Sam Sweeney

Jul 31, 2024, 3:03 PM EDT

US raises Lebanon travel advisory to highest warning level

In the wake of recent escalations in the Middle East, the U.S. State Department has raised its advisory for Lebanon to level four: "Do Not Travel," up from a level three: "reconsider travel."

"Do Not Travel to Lebanon due to rising tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. If you are in Lebanon, be prepared to shelter in place should the situation deteriorate. The U.S. Embassy strongly encourages U.S. citizens who are already in Southern Lebanon, near the borders with Syria, and/or in refugee settlements to depart," the updated advisory reads.

"U.S. citizens in Lebanon should be aware that consular officers from the U.S. Embassy are not always able to travel to assist them. The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut serious enough to require them to live and work under strict security. The internal security policies of the U.S. Embassy may be adjusted at any time and without advance notice," it said.

Medical staff carrying an injured man on a stretcher at the Bahman hospital following an Israeli military strike on a building in Beirut's southern suburb, July 30, 2024.
AFP via Getty Images

Even before Tuesday's strike in Beirut, State Department officials have been advising Americans in Lebanon to put together a "crisis plan of action" and "leave before a crisis begins." Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Reena Bitter said in a video message earlier this week that those remaining in Lebanon should be prepared to shelter in place "for a long period of time."

While some commercial flights from Lebanon have been disrupted, an official said earlier Wednesday that the State Department assesses that the transportation situation for U.S. citizens is still tenable enough that the department is not considering launching any evacuation efforts at this time, but that those plans are constantly being augmented in case they become necessary.

Level four is the State Department’s most severe classification. Other countries at that rank include North Korea, Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Ukraine, Syria and South Sudan.

-ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston and Chris Boccia

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