It was the first citywide evacuation notice Israel has issued in its five week war, forcing thousands to flee the ancient city and UNESCO world heritage site.

Israel has carried out heavy air strikes in Lebanon’s historic city of Baalbek in the eastern Bekaa Valley, after tens of thousands residents fled in response to evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military.

Hezbollah’s newly named leader Naim Kassem has said in his first public comments that the militant group will keep fighting in its ongoing war with Israel until it is offered cease-fire terms it deems acceptable.

U.S. State Department officials have identified nearly 500 potential incidents of civilian harm during Israel's military operations in Gaza involving U.S.-furnished weapons, but have not taken further action on any of them,

Israel must immediately address the “catastrophic humanitarian situation” in Gaza, the US envoy to the UN has warned, as the deadline approaches to improve the flow of aid or face cuts to American military assistance. “Israel’s words must be matched by action on the ground,” Linda Thomas-Greenfield said. “Right now, that is not happening.”