Catch up: Intel leak is “deeply concerning,” sources say, as Israel strikes Gaza and advances in Lebanon
The U.S. is investigating a leak of highly classified intelligence regarding Israel’s planned retaliation against Iran, according to three sources familiar with the matter. One of the sources confirmed the authenticity of the documents.
Regional Strikes:
- Gaza: Around a dozen people were killed on Saturday in three separate strikes and shelling incidents across Gaza, according to local and hospital officials. The Israeli military confirmed ongoing operations, with the northern Gaza Strip seeing the most intense action. The enclave’s health ministry reported that the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza came under Israeli fire.
- Lebanon: Israeli airstrikes hit southern Beirut on Saturday after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warned residents to evacuate two buildings. Lebanese state media confirmed at least two airstrikes hit the southern suburbs of Beirut.
- Israel: One Israeli was killed, and several others injured, in a series of barrages from southern Lebanon on Saturday. The IDF reported detecting 150 launches from southern Lebanon throughout the day.
Drone Attack on Netanyahu’s Residence:
- A drone was launched from Lebanon toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s home in Caesarea. Although neither Netanyahu nor his wife was at home, and no injuries were reported, Netanyahu called the attack “a bitter mistake,” blaming Iranian agents. Iran has denied involvement, attributing the incident to Hezbollah in Lebanon, though Hezbollah has not claimed responsibility.
Reaction to Yahya Sinwar’s Death:
- Iran: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called Sinwar’s death a “painful” loss for the “Resistance Front,” a network of Iran-backed proxies, but vowed the movement would continue.
- US: Vice President Kamala Harris stated that Sinwar’s death might provide an opening to end the Israel-Hamas conflict and reach a hostage deal.
- UK: Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed the sentiment, telling Netanyahu that Sinwar’s death was an opportunity to end the fighting and secure the release of hostages. However, Netanyahu has pledged to press forward with military operations in Gaza.
Additional Headlines:
- The Israeli military has dropped leaflets in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, offering safe passage to anyone willing to lay down arms and aid in returning hostages.
- Large-scale protests erupted in several Israeli cities on Saturday, calling on the government to prioritize the return of hostages from Gaza.
- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged Israel to “scale back” some of its strikes in Beirut and emphasized efforts to increase aid to civilians in Gaza.
Israel accused of killing 73 people in strike on Beit Lahiya; Israel says toll exaggerated
Israel is accused of killing at least 73 people in a strike on Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Government Information Office.
The office claims that Israeli forces bombed a densely populated residential area, calling the attack a “horrific massacre,” and stated that most of the victims were women and children. It also reported that dozens were missing or injured.
CNN has not independently verified these figures, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have disputed the casualty numbers, calling them exaggerated and inconsistent with their data. The IDF stated that the strike targeted a Hamas terror site and emphasized efforts to minimize civilian casualties.
