At least five US personnel have been injured in an attack on a military base in Iraq, prompting fears of a potential new wave of attacks in the Middle East following recent killings by Israel of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Iranian-backed militias have resumed launching attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syria, leading to discussions between US defense secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant on the situation. Iran has called for reprisals against Israel, highlighting escalating tensions in the region.
In other news, the Guardian’s interviews with released Palestinian prisoners detail systemic abuse, violence, and neglect in Israeli jails, with the mistreatment described as “institutionalized abuse” by rights group B’Tselem. The UN has fired nine staff members from the agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, for their possible involvement in a Hamas-led attack on Israel. South Korea has advised its nationals to leave Lebanon and Israel due to escalating tensions, and Meta Platforms apologized for erroneously removing Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s social media posts regarding the Hamas leader’s assassination.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas opposes Israeli control of Gaza and warns that the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh will prolong the conflict and make negotiations more difficult. The EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, says the Middle East is on the brink of an unknown war and calls for a ceasefire in Gaza to prevent a catastrophe. Additionally, Palestinian officials report four Palestinians, including teenagers, killed by Israeli forces during a military raid in the West Bank, further exacerbating tensions in the region.
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