Israel announced today the capture of a Syrian citizen during a ground operation, identifying him as an Iranian operative allegedly gathering intelligence on Israeli troops in the Golan Heights. The timing of the operation was not disclosed.
In a separate development, Israeli airstrikes across Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 31 Palestinians, part of a month-long offensive that Israel claims is aimed at preventing Hamas militants from regrouping. This military action has drawn accusations of ethnic cleansing from Palestinian representatives. Notably, an attack in Han Yunus in southern Gaza killed eight individuals, including four children.
Meanwhile, Israel's conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon continues, with airstrikes on Sidon leading to significant destruction, leaving only the shell of an apartment building. Over the past 24 hours, 18 people have reportedly been killed in this ongoing conflict.
In Iran, large rallies marked the 45th anniversary of the storming of the US Embassy in Tehran, which initiated a 444-day hostage crisis. Demonstrators burned US and Israeli flags, while the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards criticized both nations, suggesting they are acting like collapsing regimes. This comes as the US State Department acknowledged that an Iranian American journalist, Reza Velizadeh, has likely been detained in Iran for several months. Velizadeh previously worked for Radio Farda, a US government-funded media outlet.
In Spain, public outrage over the government's handling of recent devastating floods and mudslides led to protests where demonstrators threw mud at King Felipe VI, demanding accountability. The official death toll from the disaster stands at 217, with many individuals still unaccounted for.
Additionally, severe storms and tornadoes struck the Oklahoma City area overnight, causing extensive damage, including roofs torn off homes and downed power lines. Approximately 100,000 homes and businesses are without electricity, and at least six people have been reported injured.