Good morning Middle East Eye readers,
As Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha, Israel has intensified its attacks in Lebanon and Gaza.
Over a dozen people have been killed in Gaza, despite a ceasefire deal signed in October.
Similarly, Lebanon has faced numerous assaults that left over 30 killed, as the Israeli army expands its ground operation beyond the so-called “Yellow Line” – violating a truce that came into effect in April.
Here are some of the other latest developments in the region:
The Death toll from an overnight strike on a residential building in al-Rimal neighbourhood, west of Gaza City, has risen to six, according Al Jazeera. Israel says the attack targeted the new Hamas’ military wing commander, Mohammed Odeh, who succeeded Izz al-Din al-Haddad in mid-May.
The US has deployed F-22 fighter jets and dozens of refuelling planes to Israel, a move that the Israeli media described as an unprecedented military presence. According to the Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, the US is looking to maintain the deployment across military facilities and airports in Israel – as well as in the region – at least until the end of 2026.
Ali Bagheri Kani, Iran’s Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, urged Iraq to take measures to ensure that its territory and airspace are not used to threaten or attack Tehran, the Tasnim news agency reported.
Hezbollah has claimed numerous attacks targeting Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that over 15 explosive drones launched by the Lebanese group detonated in Israel.
In a statement carried by Tasnim news agency, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said 25 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with its navy and after receiving Tehran’s permission.
