Houthi missile hits Tel Aviv, causes casualties

The Israel Defense Forces said it failed to intercept the projectile.

Last Updated: December 23, 2024, 2:53 AM EST

Rebel forces in Syria are building a transitional government after toppling the regime of President Bashar Assad in a lightning-quick advance across the country.

Meanwhile, the ceasefire in Lebanon is holding despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, which Israeli officials say are responses to ceasefire violations by the Iranian-backed militant group. The Israel Defense Forces continues its intense airstrike and ground campaigns in Gaza.

Tensions remain high between Israel and Iran after tit-for-tat long-range strikes in recent months and threats of further military action from both sides. The IDF and the Yemeni Houthis also continue to exchange attacks.

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Here's how the news is developing.
Dec 18, 2024, 6:58 AM EST

38 Palestinians killed in Gaza strikes, officials say

At least 38 Palestinians were killed and more than 200 injured in the past 24 hours of Israeli strikes in Gaza, according to Palestinian Civil Defence authorities in the Hamas-run territory.

Mourners pray next to the body of Palestinian woman, Hanaa Mansour, who was killed in an Israeli strike on a tent camp sheltering displaced people, at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Dec. 18, 2024.
Hatem Khaled/Reuters

The Israel Defense Forces also issued a new evacuation order for Palestinians residing in the Bureij area in the center of the strip.

-ABC News' Diaa Ostaz and Joe Simonetti

Dec 18, 2024, 6:35 AM EST

IDF removes alleged Israeli settlers from south Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces told ABC News on Wednesday it "removed from the area" a group of alleged Israeli settlers that crossed into Lebanese territory.

This photo shows a view of destruction in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, on Nov. 18, 2024.
Thomas Peter/Reuters

"The preliminary investigation indicates that the civilians indeed crossed the blue line by a few meters and after being identified by IDF forces, they were removed from the area," the IDF said in a statemen.

"This is a serious incident that is being investigated," the IDF added. "Any attempt to approach or cross the border into Lebanese territory without coordination poses a life-threatening risk and interferes with the IDF's ability to operate in the area and carry out its mission."

The south of Lebanon remains under IDF evacuation orders following Israel's recent ground offensive there. Israeli forces have committed to withdrawing from all Lebanese territory within 60 days of a ceasefire that came into force on Nov. 27.

-ABC News' Anna Burd and Joe Simonetti

Dec 17, 2024, 5:00 AM EST

64 patients at Kamal Adwan Hospital still facing relentless bombing

The Kamal Adwan Hospital has been facing relentless and continuous bombing injuring more people in the building.

"The third floor was set on fire, and the water tank was destroyed. The intensive care unit was also targeted while the patients were inside. There were terrifying sounds in the hospital courtyard, and we saw a military vehicle advancing towards the hospital. Barrels were placed, and three of them exploded, causing panic and terror in the hospital," Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, director of the hospital, told ABC News.

People check the damage outside the Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahya in the northern Gaza Strip, following a reported Israeli strike that hit the medical complex, Dec. 6, 2024.
AFP via Getty Images

"Drones are constantly dropping bombs on the hospital. Anyone moving in the hospital risks being injured or killed. So far, there is no electricity, water or oxygen at all," the director said.

Victims are treated inside the Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahya in the northern Gaza Strip, following a reported Israeli strike that hit the medical complex, Dec. 6, 2024
AFP via Getty Images

Dec 17, 2024, 11:51 AM EST

Israel will occupy Gaza Strip, defense minister says

Israel will have security control over the Gaza Strip, effectively occupying it, Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a post on X Tuesday.

"After we defeat Hamas' military and governmental power in Gaza, Israel will have security control over Gaza with full freedom of action, just as in Judea and Samaria," Katz said.

"We will not allow any terrorist organization against Israeli communities and Israeli citizens from Gaza. We will not allow a return to the reality of before October 7th," Katz said.

Katz's predecessor, Yoav Gallant, repeatedly insisted that Israel wanted to avoid the reoccupation of the Gaza Strip.

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