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 02, 2024, 3:47 PM EDT

US to direct 'multiple' force posture changes in Middle East

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will direct "multiple" force posture changes in the Middle East to protect U.S. troops and help defend Israel, Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said during a briefing Friday.

"As we've demonstrated since October and again in April, the United States' global defense is dynamic, and the department retains the capability to deploy on short notice to meet evolving national security threats," Singh said.

"As a result, the secretary will be directing multiple forthcoming force posture moves to bolster force protection for U.S. forces region wide, to provide elevated support to the defense of Israel, and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to this evolving crisis. In terms of what specifics that means, I don't have that for you right now," Singh said.

When asked for details on when and what types of forces would be moved where, Singh said these will be decided by Austin, implying that specific orders have not yet been issued.

-ABC News' Matt Seyler

Aug 02, 2024, 1:00 PM EDT

40,000 cases of hepatitis in Gaza in outbreak: UNRWA

An outbreak of 40,000 cases of hepatitis A have been recorded in the Gaza Strip amid the collapse of the waste management system as Israel continues its offensive there, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

The outbreak is a surge in cases -- which include children -- compared to only 85 recorded cases of hepatitis before the war began.

Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver that usually causes a mild, short-term illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The hepatitis virus is contagious and spreads through close person-to-person contact and eating contaminated food or drink.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection, according to the CDC.

Aug 02, 2024, 11:12 AM EDT

Biden had 'very direct' meeting with Netanyahu, killing of Hamas leader has 'not helped' cease-fire

President Joe Biden said his conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was "very direct."

"I'm very concerned about it. I had a very direct meeting with the prime minister today and – very direct," Biden said. "We have the basis for a cease-fire, he should move on it and he should move on it now."

Biden was asked how the Israel Defense Forces operation that killed top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh might ruin negotiations for a deal.

"It's not helped. That's all I'm going to say right now," Biden said.

Aug 02, 2024, 10:16 AM EDT

Israel summons Turkey's envoy over half-mast salute for slain Hamas leader

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz summoned Turkey’s deputy ambassador for a reprimand on Friday, after the Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv lowered its flag to half mast in response to the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.

"If the representatives of the embassy want to mourn, let them go to Turkey and mourn together with their master Erdogan, who embraces the terrorist organization Hamas and supports its acts of murder and atrocities," Katz said in a statement.

-ABC News' Dana Savir

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