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.

Tune in to ABC News Live at 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, for "Oct 7th: Race to Survive" -- special coverage of the anniversary of the conflict. Veteran correspondent Matt Gutman highlights voices of Israelis and Palestinians impacted by the war and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Oct 02, 2024, 1:00 PM EDT

European Commission warns flights not to operate in Iranian airspace through October

The European Commission and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued a bulletin Wednesday warning flight operators not to fly in Iran's airspace through Oct. 31.

The agency said there is "high risk" in the airspace due to the Iranian attack against Israel and Israel's plans to retaliate.

Iran's Civil Aviation Organization has canceled all flights across Iran through 5 a.m. local time Thursday, a spokesperson said Wednesday.

-ABC News' Clara McMichael and Hami Hamedi

Oct 02, 2024, 12:05 PM EDT

Iran launched approximately 200 missiles at Israel: IDF

Iran launched approximately 200 missiles at Israel in its attack on Tuesday, Israel Defense Forces Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said Wednesday.

The damage was "relatively minor," Halevi said while visiting the Tel Nof Airbase in Israel.

Israeli PACs move next to the border with Lebanon, at an undisclosed location in northern Israel, Oct. 2, 2024.
Atef Safadi/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Halevi said Israel will respond.

"We have the capabilities to reach and strike any point in the Middle East. And those of our enemies who have not yet understood this will soon understand," he said.

-ABC News' Dana Savir

Oct 02, 2024, 11:51 AM EDT

IDF confirms 8 soldiers killed in southern Lebanon

Eight Israeli troops were killed during fighting in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces said.

Hezbollah said their fighters surprised a group of Israeli soldiers near the town of Yaroun in southern Lebanon and detonated a "special explosive device."

Several other Israeli soldiers were injured, the IDF said earlier.

"All of the fighters went to the hospitals for medical treatment, their families were informed," the IDF said.

Oct 02, 2024, 10:52 AM EDT

Israel response to Iran missile attack will 'come fast,' official says

An Israeli official told ABC News on Wednesday that "Israel's response to Iran's attack will be significant and come fast."

People stand on top of the remains of an Iranian missile in the Negev desert near Arad, Oct. 2, 2024, in the aftermath of an Iranian missile attack on Israel.
Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images

Iran launched a large barrage of cruise missiles -- either 220, according to a U.S. official, or 180, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu -- on Tuesday evening.

"This evening, Iran made a big mistake -- and it will pay for it," Netanyahu said shortly after the attack.

-ABC News' Jordana Miller

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