Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah publicly acknowledged that Hamas led the October 7 attack on Israel, praising the decision as right, wise, and courageous. In his first speech since the conflict between Hamas and Israel began, Nasrallah emphasized the operation's secrecy, attributing its success to Palestinian planning and implementation. Celebratory scenes in Beirut followed Nasrallah's remarks. The situation remains tense, with Israel considering Hezbollah a significant threat, although a full-scale conflict could have devastating consequences for both sides.          

UK retailer Marks & Spencer has apologized after an Instagram photo showing burning festive hats in colors resembling the Palestinian flag sparked outrage. The image was an outtake from their Christmas ad about doing away with unpopular holiday customs. M&S said the ad was filmed before the Israel-Gaza conflict and they intended to playfully show people not enjoying paper hats. They removed the post following backlash and apologized for any unintentional hurt caused. Social media users called the burning hat colors distasteful and too similar to the Palestinian flag. M&S stated the post was not meant to reference any flag.

Israel announced the death of 4 more soldiers fighting Hamas in Gaza, raising the military's death toll to 23 since ground operations began. The latest fatalities were an infantry company commander, two reservist master sergeants, and a tank driver sergeant major. A soldier and reservist were also seriously wounded. This comes as over 9,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes per Hamas-run health officials. The new Israeli casualties highlight the operation's deadly toll amid fierce clashes. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinkenreache Israel this morning on his second visit since October 7, this time to seek "concrete measures" minimizing harm to Gaza civilians.

The US House of Representatives passed a $14.3 billion aid package for Israel, coupling it with domestic spending cuts and omitting aid for Ukraine, defying President Biden's request. This move sparked division, with pro-Israel Democrats torn between supporting Israel during the crisis and rejecting a bill lacking assistance for Ukraine and Gaza. The bill, led by Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, encountered Democratic opposition, setting the stage for a Senate battle where a bipartisan approach, encompassing aid for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, is favored.

Hamas's armed wing claimed responsibility for a barrage of rockets fired from southern Lebanon that hit Israel's Kiryat Shmona town, injuring two. Hezbollah said it simultaneously attacked 19 Israeli positions, further escalating tensions along the northern border. Hezbollah also said it used explosives-laden drones to strike an Israeli command post in the disputed Shebaa Farms border area. Israel has held the Shebaa Farms area since 1967 despite Lebanon and Syria's claims. This is the first time Hezbollah has acknowledged carrying out a drone attack against Israeli forces, and it comes a few days after the Iran-backed terror group first acknowledged the use of surface-to-air missiles against an Israeli drone.

President Joe Biden announced the development of the United States' inaugural national strategy to counter Islamophobia and related forms of hate. The initiative aims to unite lawmakers, advocacy groups, and community leaders to combat hate against Muslims, Arabs, Sikhs, and others wrongfully perceived as Muslim. The move follows a surge in anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish incidents, exacerbated by recent conflicts. The White House emphasizes the need to ensure every American can live without fear based on their beliefs, emphasizing the nation's founding principles of freedom and safety for all.

US intelligence reveals Russia's Wagner Group's intentions to supply Hezbollah with the SA-22 (Pantsir-S1) air defense missile system. The move follows heightened clashes between Hezbollah and Israel, with discussions ongoing between Wagner mercenaries and Lebanon's Hamas-supporting militia. The system, previously used in the Russian-Ukraine war, could aid Hezbollah's defense against Israeli airstrikes. While not yet delivered, concerns rise over potential deployment in the Middle East. US presence in the region intensifies, aiming to deter Hezbollah from joining Hamas in attacks on Israel's borders.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed determination to secure "concrete measures" from Israel to reduce harm to Gaza civilians during his second crisis trip to the Middle East since the Hamas assault triggered the conflict. Despite President Biden's support for Israel, Blinken emphasized the need to address Palestinian suffering, advocating for humanitarian pauses for aid delivery. He affirmed the US commitment to respond to the humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the importance of focusing on both the current situation and planning for the aftermath, including the potential transition of Gaza to Palestinian Authority control.

The head of Israel's military said fuel could soon enter Gaza to power hospitals, appearing to reverse the longstanding refusal. But PM Netanyahu's office immediately rejected the suggestion, insisting no such move was approved. Responding to a reporter, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi said if Gaza hospitals imminently run out of fuel, it would be allowed via Egypt, overseen to ensure it doesn't reach Hamas. Israel has banned fuel shipments since the October 7 war began. Hospitals warn they'll cease operations as supplies dwindle, impacting dialysis, incubator, cancer, and ventilator patients per WHO. Shortly after Halevi's remarks, Netanyahu's office tersely stated the PM did not approve Gaza fuel entry. Israel accuses Hamas of stealing humanitarian fuel for terror purposes. On Wednesday, the IDF released a phone recording of what it said was a Hamas commander forcing a hospital to hand over some fuel.

The Israeli military stated it had completed the encirclement of Gaza City after attacking Hamas outposts, headquarters, and infrastructure. On October 13, Israel ordered civilians in northern Gaza, the most densely populated area in the Gaza Strip, to evacuate south. It's unclear how many remain in Gaza City, but images show widespread destruction across the city with empty streets as Israel pushes tanks towards downtown, specifically al-Shifa hospital. Tanks stationed on a southern road are advancing towards the coastal road, controlling the two main roads linking the city to the rest of Gaza. Witnesses said thousands fleeing north Gaza are heading to al-Shifa hospital seeking shelter. Heavy fire exchanges are occurring between Gaza militants and Israeli tanks trying to push forward downtown.