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.

Aug 01, 2024, 3:06 PM EDT

Hamas leader assassinated by explosive device stashed in room

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated using an explosive device stashed in his room, according to three Middle Eastern sources who spoke with ABC News on the condition of anonymity. The details of the assassination were first reported in The New York Times.

One source told ABC the explosive device was smuggled into the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps guest house in Tehran about two months ago. It is unclear when the device was moved into the room itself.

The bomb was detonated remotely sometime before 2 a.m. local time after receiving confirmation of Haniyeh’s presence in the room.

Israel briefed U.S. officials and other Western officials on the details of the assassination afterward, according to one source. Israel had been plotting to assassinate Haniyeh for some time since Oct. 7 but was reluctant to do while he was in Qatar where he lived, according to the source.

Aug 01, 2024, 3:03 PM EDT

IDF confirms they targeted Al Jazeera journalist killed in Gaza

Israel has confirmed it targeted an Al Jazeera journalist Ismail al-Ghoul who was killed in a direct strike near Gaza City. Al-Ghoul and cameraman Rami Al-Refee were killed on Wednesday.

"The IDF and ISA are operating in order to eliminate terrorists who participated in the October 7th Massacre and will continue to do so," the IDF said in a statement.

The Israel Defense Forces accused al-Ghoul of participating in the Oct. 7 attack due to his recording and publication of attacks against the IDF.

The Society to Protect Journalists has condemned the attack and said journalists are civilians who should never be attacked.

"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 Tuesday.

"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.

Aug 01, 2024, 1:23 PM EDT

Hamas calls for prayers, day of rage to protest Haniyeh's death

Hamas is calling for a day of marches of rage around the world on Friday in condemnation of the Israeli assassination of political leader Ismail Haniyeh and the ongoing killing of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas also called for absentee funeral prayers for Haniyeh.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to take part in the day of rage.

Aug 01, 2024, 12:58 PM EDT

Thousands gather for Shukr funeral as Hezbollah promises retaliation

Thousands of people gathered for Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukr's funeral, including the top leader of Hamas in Lebanon. Hezbollah’s secretary general, Hassan Nasrallah, appearing via video, told the crowd that a response to Shukr’s killing is coming. He said there is no discussion about the retaliation -- adding that it will be big.

The main streets of Dahiya are lined with photos of Shukr, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut Tuesday evening.

In the hours leading up to Thursday's ceremony, the growing crowd often chanted "Death to Israel," "America is the great Satan" and "Death to America!"

"It’s not the death of the citizens. It’s not the death of the innocents. It’s the death of the hypocrisy. Of the arrogance. And of the oppression," an unidentified man in the audience shouted at reporters.

After Nasrallah’s speech, Shukr’s yellow flag-draped casket was carried through the streets of Dahiya and to a burial site. Many people lined either side to pay their respects.

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