Israel-Gaza War Live Updates: Germany, France, UK Urge Immediate Gaza Ceasefire, Call For Hostage Release As Israel Renews Offensive

Israel Warns of Severe Retaliation After Rocket Attack from Lebanon

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has warned of a severe response after three rockets were fired from Lebanon into northern Israel on Saturday morning. The Israeli military confirmed that all three rockets were intercepted, and no casualties were reported. Air raid sirens were triggered in the border town of Metula around 7:30 AM (0530 GMT).

"We cannot allow fire from Lebanon on Galilee communities," Katz stated, holding the Lebanese government responsible for attacks from its territory. He emphasized that Israel would retaliate accordingly, saying, “Metula’s fate is the same as Beirut’s.”

Israel Eliminates Hamas Military Intelligence Chief in Southern Gaza

The Israeli military announced on Friday that it had killed Osama Tabash, the head of Hamas' military intelligence in southern Gaza. Tabash also led the militant group's surveillance and targeting unit, according to the military. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned of annexing parts of Gaza unless Hamas releases the remaining Israeli hostages. Israeli airstrikes have intensified since Tuesday, killing at least 11 people on Friday, according to Gaza's civil defense agency.

Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom Issue Joint Statement on Gaza

"The resumption of Israeli strikes in Gaza marks a dramatic step backward for the people of Gaza, the hostages, their families and the entire region. We are appalled by the civilian casualties and urgently call for an immediate return to a ceasefire. We call on all parties to re-engage with negotiations to ensure the ceasefire is implemented in full and becomes permanent. This must include Hamas releasing the hostages that they have cruelly detained and persistently refuse to release. All Israelis and Palestinians have a right to peace and security. We call on all those with influence over Hamas to use that influence to ensure no further attacks against Israel. We are clear that Hamas must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel anymore. However, this conflict cannot be resolved through military means. A return to fighting will only result in the deaths of more Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages. More bloodshed is in no-one’s interest. Israel should fully respect international law and allow the flow of aid immediately. Civilians should be protected and not be cut off from essential aid or assistance. We call on Israel to restore humanitarian access, including water and electricity, and ensure access to medical care and temporary medical evacuations in accordance with international humanitarian law. We are deeply shocked by the deadly incident affecting a UNOPS building in Gaza, which has killed one UN employee and injured several others. Amongst the victims were European citizens. UN personnel and its premises should be protected and never be a target. There must be a full investigation into what happened. A long-lasting ceasefire is the only credible pathway towards a sustainable peace, a two-state solution and the reconstruction of Gaza."

IDF Strikes Syrian Military Bases in Palmyra and T-4,

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed conducting strikes on the Palmyra military airport and the T-4 airbase in central Syria, stating the operation aimed to "eliminate any threat to Israeli citizens." "The IDF recently targeted strategic military assets at the Syrian military bases in Palmyra and T-4," the IDF posted on X, sharing a video of the strikes. The statement emphasized that the military will "continue to act to neutralize any threats to Israel's security."

Israeli Forces Advance in Gaza, Destroy Only Cancer Hospital

Israeli forces pushed further into the Gaza Strip on Friday, demolishing the territory’s only specialized cancer hospital, as Israeli leaders pledged to seize more land until Hamas releases its remaining hostages. The hospital was situated in the Netzarim Corridor, a strategic area dividing Gaza in two, which has been under Israeli military control for most of the 17-month conflict.

Israeli Airstrike on Palmyra Military Airport Injures Two Syrian Personnel

Two Syrian defense personnel were injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting the Palmyra military airport in central Syria, local media reported.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not commented on the alleged strike.

Israel Intercepts Ballistic Missile Launched by Iran-Backed Houthis

IDF reports that air defenses successfully intercepted a ballistic missile launched at Israel by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage. According to the IDF, the missile was shot down before entering Israeli airspace. Sirens blared across central Israel, including Jerusalem, nearby towns, and several West Bank settlements.

Israel Threatens Gaza Annexation Over Hostages

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on Friday that Israel may annex parts of Gaza if Hamas does not release the remaining Israeli hostages. The threat came as Israel intensified its assault, breaking the relative calm that had followed a January 19 ceasefire.

Israel Kills Hamas Intelligence Chief in Gaza

The Israeli military announced on Friday that it killed Osama Tabash, Hamas' military intelligence chief in southern Gaza, on Thursday. In a statement, the military said Tabash also led the group's surveillance and targeting unit.