The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported that the country’s advanced “Arrow” Aerial Defense System successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen. The IDF shared on X, “A missile was fired from Yemen towards Israel and successfully intercepted by the ‘Arrow’ Aerial Defense System.” They further noted, “Sirens and explosions were heard following the interception and falling shrapnel.”
In the midst of the rising conflict, Israel has rejected calls for a ceasefire with Hezbollah, as reported by Al Jazeera. This refusal comes as tensions between Israel and Lebanon intensify, and the United States has proposed a 21-day ceasefire on the Israel-Lebanon border to prevent further escalation and to allow diplomatic efforts to take place, particularly concerning Gaza.
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US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, British Defence Secretary John Healey, and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles voiced their support for this ceasefire during the AUKUS defense ministerial meeting in London. Austin stated, “The situation in Lebanon and northern Israel is deeply troubling. Lebanese Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terrorist group, began firing rockets into Israel in an unprovoked attack the day after the October 7, 2023, terrorist assault by Hamas.” He further called for an immediate ceasefire, adding, “An immediate 21-day ceasefire will provide time for the diplomacy needed to achieve a durable arrangement that will allow Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return safely to their homes. This time can also be used to conclude and implement a deal to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and to bring all of the hostages home.”
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas strongly criticized the United States for its continued support of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. He urged the international community to stop supplying weapons to Israel. Speaking at the UNGA, Abbas said, “This madness cannot continue. The entire world is responsible for what is happening to our people.” He also accused the U.S. of enabling Israel’s assault by vetoing UN Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. “We regret that the United States, the largest democracy in the world, obstructed three times draft resolutions of the Security Council demanding Israel to observe a ceasefire. The US alone stood and said, ‘No, the fighting is going to continue,'” Abbas stated, according to Al Jazeera.
In a related development, the IDF announced the killing of Muhammad Hussein Srour, the Commander of Hezbollah’s Aerial Command, in a precision airstrike in Beirut. The IDF posted on X, “Eliminated: Commander of Hezbollah’s Aerial Command, Muhammad Hussein Srour, in a precise IAF strike in Beirut.”
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