Israel-Hamas War: Hezbollah Chief Nasrallah Breaks Silence; Blinken Returns to Mideast — Latest Updates

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah called the Oct. 7 attack on Israel “100% Palestinian” and told those who want a regional war to wait, in his first speech since the war began. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said any Israeli cease-fire depended on the release of all hostages, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited.

Gaza invasion: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would be no cease-fire until Hamas frees all hostages abducted on Oct. 7. Israel’s military said it had surrounded Gaza City, isolating the northern part of the Gaza Strip.

U.S. reaction: Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel as part of a series of visits in the Middle East aimed at easing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The House passed Republicans’ $14.3 billion Israel-aid bill, but Senate Democrats said the bill would be dead on arrival in their chamber.

Lebanon: Hezbollah’s chief broke his silence on the war, calling the Oct. 7 attack “100% Palestinian.” Wagner Group, the Russian paramilitary organization, plans to provide an air-defense system to the Lebanese militia, U.S. officials said, citing intelligence.

Rafah border crossing: Egypt said it plans to help with the evacuation of close to 7,000 people from more than 60 countries.

Casualties: Israel said 24 soldiers have been killed in Gaza and elsewhere since the start of ground operations in the enclave. The Hamas-controlled Gaza health authorities said more than 9,200 people had been killed, most of them women and children. They don’t distinguish between militants and civilians. More than 1,400 in Israel died in the attacks that sparked the war, including over 300 Israel Defense Forces soldiers, Israeli officials said. The U.N. said 70 colleagues have died in Gaza.