For the first time since the outbreak of hostilities, sirens blared in the Misgav region near a defense facility as Israeli forces intercepted a Hezbollah drone. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, now in its 261st day. Following hours of calm, alerts were activated in the Upper Galilee region.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching a "swarm of drones" towards a base in the Ayelet Hashahar area. The organization stated, "The attack was carried out in response to the Israeli strike on Saturday in Al-Khiyara, southern Lebanon," it said, referring to a alleged Israeli assassination of a key operative.
Firefighters in the northern district are tackling several fires that broke out following impacts or interceptions in the Galilee. The fire department spokesperson reported three fire sites in Dishon, Misgav Forest, and Ayelet Hashahar. Following the alerts activated in the north, debris from an interceptor struck a base in the Ayelet Hashahar area. As the situation continues to develop, tensions remain high in both the northern and southern regions of Israel.
Meanwhile, the US military announced late Saturday that it had destroyed three unmanned Houthi vessels in the Red Sea.
In the south, the Givati Brigade combat team continues operations in the Rafah area. Soldiers eliminated armed adversaries and raided targets, seizing various weapons including Kalashnikov rifles, grenades, and explosive devices. During a search operation, Tzabar Battalion troops identified an armed individual posing a threat to Israeli forces. Using a drone, they successfully guided additional forces to neutralize the threat.
The Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry claims that since October 7, 37,598 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip.
Video: The drone attack in northern Israel on Sunday June 23, 2024 / Credit: Usage under Israeli Intellectual Property Law Section 27a
Reuters reported Sunday that Gaza residents evacuated to the humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi, northwest of Rafah, said Israeli tanks had reached the area. According to local residents, the Israeli military continues to advance towards western and northern Rafah amid intense fighting and numerous strikes.
In a separate development, the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO) reported receiving a distress call from a vessel 96 nautical miles southeast of Nishtun, Yemen. The matter is under investigation.
Hamas claims that dozens of Palestinians in northern Gaza are suffering from food poisoning from humanitarian aid supplies. Arab media outlets report a mass poisoning incident at Al-Shima'a School in Beit Lahia, where displaced Gazans, including children, allegedly consumed expired food. It is claimed that up to 60 people were evacuated to Kamal Adwan Hospital.
