Evening recap

Hello Middle East Eye readers.

The Middle East is on a knife’s edge waiting for a widely expected Israel’s retaliation for Iran’s unprecedented attack on the country. The US and Israel said they are discussing a response and US President Joe Biden said that he opposes an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Meanwhile, heavy fighting is underway between Hezbollah and Israel in southern Lebanon. At least 8 Israeli soldiers were killed and 3 Israeli tanks destroyed by the group. Israel also carried out strikes across Lebanon, including in central Beirut’s Bachoura neighbourhood. Lebanon’s health ministry said at least 46 people were killed in the last 24 hours.

Other developments: 

• Israel's  ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon,  said Iran will “pay a heavy price” for its attack on Tuesday on Israel
• Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for the attack on Jaffa that left seven people dead on Tuesday
• China’s ambassador to the UN warned that the Middle East was on the verge of an “all-out war”, as he called on Israel to show restraint.
• Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah to flee Lebanon for Iran days before he was assassinated by Israel, Reuters reported
• The US has organised a chartered flight from Beirut to evacuate citizens who wish to leave
• Israel banned UN chief Antonio Guterres from the country