News blog about the war in the Middle East
US: Kataib Hezbollah commander killed in Baghdad
From dpa, Reuters, afp, t-online, lim, csi, te, lex, lec, cc, jcz, das, mam, fsa, cck
Updated on February 7th, 2024 – 11:07 p.m. Reading time: 60 min.
A vehicle is removed that was hit by a US drone strike that reportedly killed three people, including two leaders of a pro-Iranian group (Source: Ameer Al-Mohammedawi)
Israel declares dead more than 30 hostages held by Hamas. Fierce fighting continues in the south of the Gaza Strip. All information in the news blog.
The most important things at a glance
Hamas terrorists crossed the border into Israel on October 7 and carried out massacres. Since then, Israel has been attacking targets in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. This news blog informs you about the current developments:
USA: Drone kills Kataib Hezbollah commander
10:45 p.m.: The US says it has killed a commander of the pro-Iranian terrorist group Kataib Hezbollah in Baghdad with a drone strike. He is said to have been responsible for attacks on American troops. The drone hit a car in the Iraqi capital; according to US information, there were no civilian casualties. The commander’s name was not initially given. “We will not hesitate to hold accountable those who endanger the security of our armed forces,” said the Central Command of US forces in the region.
Local police said the attack hit an SUV in Al-Mashtal, a predominantly Shiite neighborhood in eastern Baghdad, according to CNN.
Qatar: Hamas sends positive signals
10:20 p.m.: Following the recent proposal by international mediators for a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the Islamist Hamas has sent positive signals, according to the Qatari government. “We have received a positive response from Hamas, it has several reservations but is generally positive,” Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said at a joint news conference with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Doha.
Hamas itself said it and its allies had dealt with the mediation proposal “in a positive spirit.” However, the agreement must lead to a complete and comprehensive ceasefire, an end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip, the reconstruction of the war-torn coastal area and the full release of Palestinian prisoners.
Netanyahu rejects Hamas proposal for ceasefire
6:54 p.m.: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects the terrorist organization Hamas’s proposal for a ceasefire. Only a total victory will allow Israel to restore security, he says in Jerusalem. There is no alternative to the military collapse of Hamas. Continued military pressure is necessary to free the Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Victory is within reach, it is a matter of months.
Hamas proposes 135 days of ceasefire
4:29 p.m.: The terrorist organization Hamas is proposing a 135-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, responding to a plan by mediators from Qatar and Egypt. According to Hamas’ ideas, all remaining hostages should be released in three phases of 45 days each in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners.
According to a government spokesman, Israel is examining the new proposal for a ceasefire. “The Mossad is looking closely at what has been presented to us,” he says, referring to the Israeli secret service. A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was announced for the evening. You can read more about Hamas’ proposal here.
Activists: Ten civilians killed in Israeli strikes in Syria
1:26 p.m.: According to activists, at least ten civilians are said to have been killed in Israeli air strikes in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in London, said they included a woman and her son. The attacks hit a multi-story building in the city of Homs in the center of the country. The state news agency Sana, citing military sources, also reported Israeli attacks with several civilians killed and wounded.
Two of the victims are said to have belonged to the Iranian-backed terrorist organization Hezbollah. The Shiite militia based in neighboring Lebanon confirmed the deaths of two of its members but gave no details. Syrian state television shows images of rescuers searching for victims under rubble. As usual, Israel has not commented on the attacks.
