Israel and Hezbollah exchange heavy fire as Tánaiste confirms Defence Force personnel in Lebanon have taken shelter

Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across southern Lebanon in what it said was a preemptive strike on Hezbollah, as the militant group said it had launched hundreds of rockets and drones to avenge the killing of one of its top commanders last month.

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Israel attacks leave dozens dead in Gaza, but Cairo talks may offer hope

Multiple Israeli air strikes yesterday killed at least three dozen Palestinians in southern Gaza, health workers said, as officials from several countries — including a Hamas delegation — gathered for high-level ceasefire talks in neighbouring Egypt.

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US says progress made in latest round of ceasefire talks despite deep Israel and Hamas divisions

The White House said yesterday that ceasefire talks in Cairo have been constructive and will continue over the weekend as the US and Middle East allies continue to press Israel and Hamas to forge an agreement.

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Baby in Gaza partly paralysed by first polio case in territory in 25 years, says WHO

A 10-month-old baby in Gaza has been paralysed by the type 2 polio virus, the first such case in the territory in 25 years, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said yesterday.

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ICC lawyer urges court to issue arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu

The International Criminal Court&s chief prosecutor yesterday called on judges to &urgently& rule on his request for arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others linked to the Israel-Hamas war, saying the court has jurisdiction.

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Tensions mount in Lebanon as those in border areas prepare for the worst in Israel-Hezbollah conflict

For weeks, the Middle East has been on edge, waiting for a retaliatory Iranian attack on Israel that many fear could trigger all-out war. While Tehran has signalled it will bide its time, daily violence continues to rage along the Israel-Lebanon border.

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