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An explosion in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, has killed Saleh al-Aruri, Hamas' number two, according to the Islamist militia, which has blamed Israel for the attack. If Israeli responsibility is confirmed, it would be the first attack on the Lebanese capital in nearly 20 years. The explosion took place in the southern suburb of Dahiyeh, a neighbourhood known to be a stronghold of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. In addition, the Palestinian Red Crescent has reported that five people have been killed and three others injured in two Israeli bombardments of its headquarters in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza. Gaza's health ministry has reported that the death toll in the Gaza Strip from Israeli attacks has risen to 22,185 since the start of the war on October 7. This new toll from the ministry, controlled by the Palestinian militia Hamas, includes 207 people who have been killed in the last 24 hours. In another attack this morning, the Israeli army killed four Palestinians who had allegedly shot and thrown explosives at the Israeli military in the West Bank town of Qalqilia.
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Saleh al-Aruri, leader and number two of the Islamist militia Hamas / JAMAL ARURI / AFP
Hamas' 'number two' dies in Beirut explosion
An explosion has occurred in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, at a premises in the southern suburb of Dahiyeh, two sources in the security forces have confirmed to Reuters. The neighborhood is known to be a stronghold of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and, according to Reuters, the explosion killed Hamas' "number two," Saleh al-Aruri, along with two other leaders of the Islamist militia. Lebanese state television said the attack was provoked by an Israeli drone, which targeted a Hamas office. If Israeli responsibility is confirmed, it would be the first attack on the Lebanese capital in nearly 20 years.
For weeks, the Israeli army and Hezbollah militants have been exchanging fire between the borders of both countries as the conflict in Gaza continues. So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack. (Reuters)
ACT.2 JAN 2024 - 18:21
El País
At least five killed in Israeli attack on Palestinian Red Crescent headquarters in Gaza
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has reported that five people have been killed and three others injured in two Israeli bombings of its headquarters in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip. The victims are part of the "displaced individuals who sought refuge in the PRCS facilities and in the nearby Al-Amal Hospital, considering a safe haven," the NGO wrote on its official X account, where it shared a video of the first moments of the attack.
ACT.2 JAN 2024 - 16:08
El País
General view of the tent camp built by Egypt and the Palestinian Red Crescent to accommodate displaced Gazans. / MOHAMMED TALATENE / DPA/EP
Egyptian Red Crescent prepares Gaza camp to accommodate up to 5,000 people
The first phase of the camp for displaced people that the Egyptian Red Crescent has established in the town of Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, has been completed and now hopes to expand it to accommodate some 5,000 people, the head of the organization in northern Sinai, Khaled Zayed, said in an interview with EFE. "The first stage has been completed and it is expected to reach 1,000 tents, and once they are fully equipped, families will be received immediately," said the head of the Egyptian Red Crescent in the area of the Arab country bordering the Palestinian territory under Israeli attack.
This camp is being erected according to the guidelines of the Egyptian authorities with the aim of mitigating the humanitarian crisis and accommodating thousands of Palestinians who have been forced to leave their homes in northern Gaza by Israeli bombardments. The first completed stage consists of "300 tents that can fit up to 1,500 people, each tent can accommodate 5 or 6 people, in addition to almost 80 public toilets equipped with all sanitary services," Zayed said, adding that water, food, medicine, and "everything that creates a dignified life for the displaced in northern Gaza" will also be provided. (Image: EFE)
ACT.2 JAN 2024 - 17:49
El País
Gaza's death toll from Israeli attacks rises to 22,185, according to the Health Ministry
The Gazan Ministry of Health has reported that the death toll in the Gaza Strip from Israeli attacks has risen to 22,185 people since the start of the war on October 7. This new toll from the ministry, controlled by the Palestinian militia Hamas, includes 207 people who have been killed in the last 24 hours. In addition, since the escalation of the conflict in early October, 57,035 people have been injured in the Gaza Strip. (AFP)
ACT.2 JAN 2024 - 12:14
El País
Turkey detains 33 people accused of spying for Israel
Turkish authorities have arrested 33 of 46 people who were wanted for alleged espionage for the Mossad, Israel's Foreign Intelligence Service, while operations continue to arrest the remaining 13, Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported on Tuesday. The arrests were carried out in simultaneous operations organized by security forces in 57 locations in eight provinces of the country, the source added. And they were ordered by the anti-terrorism bureau of the Istanbul Attorney General's Office.
Prosecutors from the office say they have concluded, in an ongoing investigation, that the Mossad intended to carry out reconnaissance, surveillance, assault and abduction activities of "foreign nationals residing in Turkey for humanitarian reasons," Anadolu said, without disclosing further details.
In this context, the Daily Sabah recalls alleged cases in the past in which Israeli services allegedly tried to kidnap Palestinians who were living in Turkey with special permits granted on humanitarian grounds. "No further details are available on the investigation, but the Mossad has been involved in investigations into attempted kidnappings of Palestinians living in Turkey in the past," the newspaper said. (Image: EFE)
ACT.2 JAN 2024 - 12:05