Israel-Gaza-Lebanon updates: IDF orders evacuations in Beirut as huge blast hits city

Over 1,000 people in Lebanon have been killed in the last two weeks.

ByNadine El-Bawab, Emily Shapiro, David Brennan, Julia Reinstein, and Meredith Deliso
Last Updated: October 6, 2024, 7:29 PM EDT

Israel's Lebanon operation continues as leaders consider their response to Iran's long-range attack on Tuesday, in which hundreds of missiles were fired into the country, according to Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations.

Iran said the unprecedented attack was retaliation for a wave of assassinations carried out by Israel over the last several weeks targeting Hezbollah, including leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Most of the missiles were intercepted, but "several hits were identified, and the damage is being assessed," an Israeli security official said.

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Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Oct 01, 2024, 1:17 PM EDT

Iran confirms responsibility, says launches retaliation for assassinations

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said moments ago the missile attack was a retaliation for different assassinations carried out by Israel, Mehr News Agency reported.

The IRGC said the operation will continue if Israel does not stop, Mehr News Agency reported.

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, Oct. 1, 2024.
Amir Cohen/Reuters

Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, a key ally of Iran, was killed in a strike in Beirut last week, while a top member of the IRGC was also killed.

Oct 01, 2024, 1:13 PM EDT

IDF warns some citizens to enter 'protected space'

Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari issued remarks Tuesday evening, announcing that missiles had been launched from Iran toward Israel.

He said messages have been sent to cellphones, warning Israeli citizens in certain areas to enter "protected space" and to seek shelter if they hear sirens.

People take shelter during an air raid siren, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in central Israel, Oct. 1, 2024.
Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

Hagari added that if citizens hear explosions, they may be the result of interceptions or impacts.

"We are strong and can handle this event as well," Hagari said. "The IDF is doing and will continue to do everything necessary to protect the civilians of Israel. The IDF is fully prepared for both defense and offense at peak readiness."

-ABC News' Jordana Miller

Oct 01, 2024, 12:54 PM EDT

Flights diverting near Iran

Several flights near Iran are diverting ahead of expected missile launches at targets in Israel.

Several Lufthansa flights and one Swiss Air flight were diverted back to Frankfurt, Germany, and Turkey as they approached Iranian air space.

-ABC News' Sam Sweeney

Oct 01, 2024, 12:39 PM EDT

IDF says missiles launched from Iran toward Israel

Israel said missiles have been launched from Iran toward Israel.

Sirens are sounding across the country.

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Tel Aviv, Oct. 1, 2024.
Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images

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