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 1, 2024, 5:08 AM EDT

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

Aug 01, 2024, 4:52 AM EDT

Israel says it killed Hamas military leader last month

Israeli officials said Thursday they had killed Mohammed Deif, commander of Hamas' military wing.

Deif was killed in "precise, targeted strike" in Khan Yunis on July 13, according to a joint statement by the Israel Defense Forces and the Israel Securities Authority.

An undated handout photo reportedly shows Mohammed Deif, the chief of Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian militant group Hamas at an undisclosed location.
HANDOUT/AFP via Getty Images

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced the death in a post on social media, calling Deif the "Osama bin Laden of Gaza."

Gallant said his killing was "a significant milestone in the process of dismantling Hamas as a military and governing authority in Gaza, and in the achievement of the goals of this war."

Israeli Air Force fighter jets conducted the airstrike on a compound in the southern Gazan city, the joint statement said. The strike also killed Rafa'a Salameh, the Commander of Hamas' Khan Yunis Brigade, the military said.

"Over the years, Deif directed, planned, and carried out numerous terrorist attacks against the State of Israel," the joint statement said.

Palestinians evacuate a body from a site hit by an Israeli bombardment on Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on July 13, 2024.
Jehad Alshrafi/AP

The statement continued, "Deif operated side-by-side with Yahya Sinwar, and during the war, he commanded Hamas' terrorist activity in the Gaza Strip by issuing commands and instructions to senior members of Hamas' Military Wing."

Gaza’s Ministry of Health said last month that at least 90 people, half of whom were children and women, were killed and 300 others were injured in the attack.

Hamas officials have not confirmed Deif’s death.

-ABC News' Morgan Winsor and Kevin Shalvey

Jul 31, 2024, 5:20 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

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