UN Secretary General António Guterres released a video message on the anniversary of the 7 October attack, condemning the violence and demanding the release of hostages held by Hamas. He urged for peace and an end to the suffering in the region. The US state department evacuated over 145 citizens from Lebanon amid escalating tensions. Israeli air strikes on a mosque in Gaza resulted in at least 18 deaths, with the Israeli Air Force claiming the mosque was used by Hamas. Beirut faced intense air strikes while Iran warned of stronger retaliation to any attacks by Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for calling for a halt on arms deliveries to Israel, with Macron’s office describing Netanyahu’s reaction as excessive. The president of Ireland criticized Israel for demanding UN peacekeepers to leave their positions in southern Lebanon. Tensions continue to rise in the region as violence and air strikes persist.
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