Nine people were killed in a strike in Beirut during a clash between the IDF and Hezbollah

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Farsi is spoken by over 100 million people in Iran and nearby countries, while Mandarin, spoken by over 1 billion people, is the majority language in China.

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More than 1.4 million people in the besieged Gaza Strip did not receive food rations in September, up from 1 million a month earlier, Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency in Gaza, UNRWA, said in a post on X.

“Famine is spreading again and again in Gaza,” he said, adding that almost 70 percent of farmland in the enclave had been destroyed. “The entire population is forced to rely solely on humanitarian aid.”

Lazzarini said more than 110,000 tons of food supplies were stuck outside Gaza due to access restrictions and damaged roads.

“Restrictions and delays in aid deliveries only worsen the already difficult situation of displaced families,” he said.

The Israeli military said the strike killed the head of Hamas’ government in the Gaza Strip, Rawhi Mushtah, and two other Hamas leaders about three months ago.

The three Hamas leaders “were hiding in a fortified and equipped underground compound in the northern Gaza Strip,” the IDF said today in a statement.

The IDF stated that Mushtaha was one of the “most important Hamas agents” and was the right-hand man of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The IDF has vowed to pursue Sinwar for organizing the October 7 attacks.

The IDF reported that two security leaders, Sameh al-Siraj and Samih Oudeh, were killed in the strike, in addition to Mushtaha. Hamas did not announce any deaths.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels said today they fired several drones toward Tel Aviv.

“The operation successfully achieved its objectives and the drones reached their targets and the enemy was unable to intercept or shoot them down,” the Iran-backed militia group said in a statement.

Photos show the aftermath of an overnight Israeli airstrike that targeted the Moawwad district in Beirut’s southern suburbs.

Israel has warned residents of Lebanese villages in the south not to return to their homes, saying Israeli military air strikes continue.

“For the safety of you and your families – do not return home until further notice,” IDF Arab spokesman Avichay Adraee said today in a post on X.

The IDF yesterday announced evacuation orders for 21 villages in southern Lebanon.

Vice President Kamala Harris stated that she did not see the need for American troops to participate in the fighting in Israel.

“I will be unwavering in my commitment to Israel’s ability to defend itself and will take seriously the need to deal with Iran for the threat it poses to U.S. interests, our allies and regional stability,” she said in an interview with KDKA, the CBS affiliate in Pittsburgh.

Asked whether U.S. forces could be drawn into an escalating conflict, Harris replied: “No, absolutely not.”

Satellite images appear to show destruction at an Israeli military air base following an Iranian missile attack.

Photos of Nevatim Air Base in the south of the country taken yesterday apparently show a hole in the roof of an aircraft hangar, according to the Associated Press news agency. He adds that large pieces of debris can be seen around the building.

It was unclear what exactly caused the damage, and the Israeli military did not immediately respond to the AP’s request for comment on the satellite imagery.

Health officials say Israeli attacks in the heart of the Lebanese capital killed at least six people overnight and injured seven.

The strikes affected Beirut’s central Bachoura district, a short walk from the prime minister’s office, as well as many foreign embassies, including those of the United Kingdom and Australia.

According to the Ministry of Health, three people died instantly and three more died of serious injuries later suffered.

Oil prices rose today as tensions in the Middle East escalated, raising concerns that oil supplies could be disrupted.

Analysts say one of the possible targets of an Israeli retaliatory attack on Iran is the country’s oil installations.

Brent crude futures rose 92 cents, or 1.24%, to $74.82 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 95 cents, or 1.36%, to $71.05.

Hezbollah said early this morning that it had attacked northern Israel, claiming it had hit Israeli soldiers.

The Iran-backed militant group said it targeted two Israeli forces in Hanita and Misgav Am, respectively.

The Israeli military said this morning that “two UAVs have been identified flying from Lebanon. The IAF intercepted a UAV off the coast of Nahariya and the fallen missile was identified in the open area. No injuries were reported. As per protocol, no sirens went off. “

It also stated that “following sirens that sounded in the Upper Galilee area, approximately 25 missiles were identified as having flown from Lebanon. Some of the shells were intercepted and the fallen shells were identified.”

Israel is preparing for its response to an Iranian missile attack, Israeli and U.S. officials say. President Biden has said he supports Israel’s right to respond. Eight Israeli soldiers have been killed in fighting in southern Lebanon.