Gaza war: Israel intercepts drones, rockets, Iran claims hits on military targets

TNA’s live coverage of the latest from the war on Gaza concludes for today. Join us again at 0800 GMT for updates from the besieged Palestinian enclave.

President Joe Biden said Saturday that US forces helped take down "nearly all" the drones and missiles fired by Iran at Israel, adding that he had reaffirmed his "ironclad" support to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Biden added in a statement that he would convene his fellow leaders of the G7 group of nations to coordinate a "united diplomatic response" to Iran's "brazen" attack.

Thousands of Iranians took to the streets of Iran early Sunday as the unprecedented drone and missile attack took place against arch foe Israel- in response to the Israeli consulate attack on April 1.

On Sunday, demonstrators waved Iranian and Palestinian national flags alongside banners reading "God's victory is near".

Iran's attack came in retaliation for an April 1 strike that levelled the five-storey consular annexe of the Iranian embassy in Damascus and killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of them generals.

Tehran has since vowed to avenge the strike which was widely blamed on Israel.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei pledged that the "evil (Israeli) regime will be punished".

 The US House of Representatives will make a change in its schedule to consider legislation that supports Israel and holds Iran accountable, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said in a statement on Saturday.

"The House of Representatives stands strongly with Israel, and there must be consequences for this unprovoked attack," he said in a statement. More details will follow, he said.

Scalise's office did not immediately clarify on what legislation would be considered.

It was unclear whether Scalise was referring to a stand-alone bill to aid Israel, or the $95 billion supplemental spending bill that includes $14 billion for Israel, in addition to $60 billion for Ukraine, support for Taiwan and billions of dollars in humanitarian assistance.

That package passed the Senate with 70% support in February but has been blocked in the House, whose Republican leaders will not call it up for a vote, largely because of their objection to further funding for Ukraine.

The package also faces resistance from a handful of left-leaning Democrats who object to sending more money to Israel while it pursues a military campaign that has killed more than 30,000 civilians in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials.

US Senator Mitch McConnell released a statement on Saturday evening urging the House to move forward with the larger aid bill that includes funds for Ukraine and Taiwan. "The national security supplemental that has waited months for action will provide critical resources to Israel and our own military forces in the region," the statement said.

The Iranian mission to the UN addressed a letter UN chief Antonio Guterres and Security Council President Vanessa Frazier, in which Tehran emphasised that its attack on Israel was a legal and justified act of self-defence against Israeli "aggressions"- by citing Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Iran has condemned the Security Council’s "inaction and silence" to condemn the deadly Israeli air raid on the its embassy in Damascus on April 1.

“As a responsible member of the United Nations, Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and international law and reiterates its consistent position that it does not seek escalation or conflict in the region,” the letter said.

Iran also warned that it will defend its people and interests against threats.

Iran’s invocation of Article 51 of the UN Charter occurred following a 13-day period marked by the Security Council’s inaction and silence, coupled with its failure to condemn the Israeli regime’s aggressions. Certain countries’ precipitous condemnation of Iran’s exercise of its… pic.twitter.com/knuJrzS4ji

— Permanent Mission of I.R.Iran to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) April 14, 2024

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephone conversation with US President Joe Biden after Iran attacked Israel, the Israeli premier's office said.

The conversation took place after Netanyahu held a security cabinet meeting to discuss what the Israeli army said was an "ongoing" attack by Iran from its territory on Israel.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday condemned Iranian airstrikes on Israel "in the strongest possible terms," a spokesperson said during a visit by Scholz to China.

"With this irresponsible and unjustifiable attack, Iran is risking a regional conflagration," government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said after Scholz's arrival in the Chinese city of Chongqing.

"Germany stands closely by Israel's side," Hebestreit said. "We will now discuss further reactions closely with our G7 partners and allies."

Iran launched a swarm of retaliatory drones and fired missiles at Israel late on Saturday in its first-ever direct attack on Israeli territory.

Iran had vowed retaliation for what it called an Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate on April 1 that killed seven Revolutionary Guards officers including two senior commanders.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the consulate attack.

Scholz started his three-day visit to China in Chongqing. Talks with the Chinese leadership in Beijing are planned for Tuesday.

The chancellor was kept informed of developments in the Middle East during the night on the flight to Chongqing, according to government sources. The delegation has been in close contact with German security authorities, the sources said.

 The Chinese embassy in Iran advised Chinese nationals and companies in Iran to strengthen security precautions, state television CCTV reported on Sunday, after launched drones and missiles on Israel. 

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has issued a statement following the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran.

The group said that Americans do not support “the Israeli government’s transparent attempt to drag” the US into another “doomed and unnecessary” war in the region.

"Enough is enough,” CAIR said in a statement."

"The Biden administration must demand that [the] Israeli government de-escalate the ongoing crisis and stop violating international law."

We call on the Biden administration to reject the far-right Israeli government’s “transparent” attempt to distract from the #Gaza #genocide by dragging the U.S. into a regional war and instead demand that the Israeli government de-escalate the crisis it started. #Iran #Israel pic.twitter.com/x77iNpi7My

— CAIR National (@CAIRNational) April 13, 2024

The President of the Security Council, Malta, has announced that the UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting at 4pm New York time [20:00 GMT] on Sunday.

The meeting was scheduled shortly after a formal request from Israel’s UN envoy to conduct an emergency meeting following Iran’s retaliatory drone and missile strikes against Israel.

Former US president Donald Trump on Saturday blasted his opponent in the November election, Joe Biden, over Iran's attack on Israel, alleging it showed American "weakness" under his successor's leadership.

"God bless the people of Israel. They are under attack right now. That's because we show great weakness," he said at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Iran's drone attacks targeting Israel on Saturday as a "serious escalation" and called on all sides to show restraint to avoid a devastating regional conflagration.

"I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran," he said in a statement.

"I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East."

I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by Iran.

I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities.

Neither the region nor the world can afford another war. https://t.co/Kmbt3zWMw7

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 14, 2024

 Saudi Arabia expressed the Kingdom's deep concern regarding military escalations in the region and the seriousness of their repercussions, a statement from the Kingdom's Foreign Ministry said early on Sunday.

The Kingdom called on all parties to exercise the 'utmost levels' of restraint and spare the region and its people the dangers of wars.

 Israel's military said on Sunday that it was not advising any residents of the country to prepare to take shelter, revising an earlier alert in what appeared to signal the end of the threat seen from incoming Iranian missiles and drones. 

Israel on Saturday requested that the United Nations Security Council hold an emergency meeting to condemn Iran's attack on Israel.

"The Iranian attack is a serious threat to global peace and security and I expect the Council to use every means to take concrete action against Iran," Gilad Erdan, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, wrote in a post on X.

Earlier on, Iran invoked Article 51 of the UN Charter to justify its attack on Israel. 

BREAKING: Israel calls for an emergency meeting of the UN security council over the Iranian attack pic.twitter.com/bbfukLK6v5

— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) April 14, 2024

Iran has launched over 200 drones, ballistic and cruise missiles towards Israel and the attack is "ongoing," an army spokesman said early on Sunday.

"The regime in Iran sent a massive swarm of over 200 killer drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles," Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a statement, adding that "so far, we've intercepted the vast majority of incoming missiles".

He said a girl had been injured in the attack.

Iran claims it has hit Negev air base which it claims was the launchpad for the strike on Damascus that killed IRGC Brigadier General Zahedi, and that 50 percent of its missiles hit their targets.

"The most important Israeli air base in the Negev was the successful target of the Kheibar missile," the official IRNA news agency said, adding that "images and data indicate that the base sustained heavy blows."

Meanwhile, the US believes 400-500 drones and missiles were used to its the strikes, with Israeli sources telling local media it intercepted 99 percent of the targets.

Argentine President Javier Milei is ending his international trip early to handle his country's response to the crisis in the Middle East, his spokesman said Saturday, after Iran launched a wave of drones and missiles at Israel.

"The President is returning to Argentina to form a Crisis Committee due to the latest events in Israel, to take charge of the situation and coordinate actions with the presidents of the Western world," spokesman Manuel Adorni said on X, formerly Twitter.

US President Joe Biden promised "ironclad" support for Israel against Iranian attacks Saturday, after holding an urgent meeting with his top security officials over the spiraling crisis in the Middle East.

"I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran's attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," Biden said on X, posting a picture of the meeting in the White House Situation Room.

I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. pic.twitter.com/kbywnsvmAx

— President Biden (@POTUS) April 13, 2024

The UK government said Saturday it was sending additional fighter jets to the Middle East and would intercept airborne attacks as needed after Iran launched strikes on Israel.

Tehran's unprecedented drone and missile attack marked a major escalation of the long-running covert war between the regional foes.

Iran had repeatedly threatened to retaliate against Israel for a deadly April 1 air strike on its Damascus consular annexe, and Washington had warned in recent days that the reprisals were imminent.

"In response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, the UK government has been working with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks," Britain's Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

"We have moved several additional Royal Air Force jets and air refuelling tankers to the region. These will bolster Operation Shader, which is the UK's existing counter-Daesh operation in Iraq and Syria," the ministry added.

"In addition, these UK jets will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required."

The statement also said that Britain would "continue to cooperate closely with our regional partners in the interest of de-escalation".

British Royal Air Force jets in the Middle East "will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required" after Iran targeted Israel with drones and missiles, the country's Ministry of Defence said late Saturday.

"In response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks," the statement added.

Israeli news publication Haaretz has reported that Israeli forces announced the conclusion of the ballistic missile barrage launched from Iran and that the drones and cruise missiles are now expected.

Iranian news agency Fars has cited a source by an unnamed "military informed" official who said Iran was watching Jordan for any moves made that may support Israel amid its retaliatory attacks.

They warned that "if they participate in any possible action [to back Israel]", Jordan could become the "next target".

Lebanese group Hezbollah has announced on its Telegram channel that it targeted the air and missile defence headquarters of the Israeli army in the "Keila barracks"  in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights using dozens of Katyusha rockets.

The Israeli military has been attacking southeast Lebanon amid an ongoing escalation on the Israel-Lebanon border.

 Israel plans a "significant response" to the unprecedented Iranian drone salvo against it, Channel 12 TV quoted an unnamed senior Israeli official as saying early on Sunday.

 Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service said early on Sunday that it had received no word of any casualties from Iranian drones launched at the country, many of which local media described as having been intercepted.

Jordanian jets downed dozens of Iranian drones flying across northern and central Jordan heading to Israel, two regional security sources told news agency Reuters.

The sources said the drones were brought down in the air on the Jordanian side of the Jordan Valley and were heading in the direction of Jerusalem.

Others were intercepted close to the Iraqi-Syrian border. They gave no further details. 

American forces have shot down drones launched at Israel by Iran in retaliation for a deadly strike on its consulate in Damascus, US media reported Saturday.

The reports -- which cited unnamed US officials -- did not specify where or how many of the drones were shot down, while an Israeli official said that more than 100 drones had been launched by Tehran.

The New Arab has received reports that explosions can be heard in the northern Iraq city of Erbil.

There has yet to be a confirmed cause of the blasts.

More to follow.

Explosions heard in Erbil as aerial subjects enter the airspace of the city pic.twitter.com/Nb1fELH3qj

— Soran Khateri (@sorankhateri) April 13, 2024

Israel's military sounded sirens in multiple locations in the south of the country as well as in parts of the occupied West Bank early on Sunday, an alert app showed, warning of incoming aerial threats. 

The UK’s Foreign Secretary David Cameron has issued a statement following Iran’s retaliatory attack on Israel, in which it launched dozens of drones and missiles.

Cameron regarded the response as "reckless" in a post on X.

Iran's reckless attacks on Israel will only further inflame tensions in the Middle East.

The UK calls on the Iranian regime to stop this serious escalation, which is in no one’s interest.

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) April 13, 2024

The Israeli army said it sounded sirens in a kibbutz near the Lebanon border early Sunday, after Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Israel.

"Sirens sounded in Kibbutz Snir, northern Israel," the army said in a statement. In a separate statement, the army said it was urging residents of the northern Golan Heights and the areas of Nevatim, Dimona, and Eilat to stay "near protective spaces".

Iran’s mission to the UN has issued a statement on X that its drone and missile attack on Israel was conducted under "Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense" and in response to Israel’s April 1 attack on its consulate in Damascus, Syria.

Iran says that "the matter can be deemed concluded" with the attack.

“However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the US MUST STAY AWAY,” it continued.

Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli…

— Permanent Mission of I.R.Iran to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) April 13, 2024

 Iran's state-run IRNA news agency says Tehran has fired ballistic missiles at targets inside Israel, according to an informed source.

 Kuwait Airways said early on Sunday it decided to divert all incoming and outgoing flights away from "areas of tension" in view of the security situation in the region and concern for the safety of its passengers. 

The European Union's foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell condemned Iran's strikes on Israel Saturday as an "unprecedented escalation".

"The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack against Israel," he wrote on the platform X.

"This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security."

The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack against Israel.

This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security.

— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) April 13, 2024

US and British warplanes have downed some Israel-bound Iranian drones over the Iraq-Syria border area, Israel's Channel 12 TV reported early on Sunday without citing sources.

Yemen's Houthis launched multiple drones at Israel in coordination with Iran, security firm Ambrey said late Saturday, adding that the projectiles were likely timed to reach Israel simultaneously.

"Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVS) were reportedly launched by the Houthis toward Israel. The UAVs were launched in coordination with Iran," the company said. "Israeli ports are assessed to be potential targets", it added, and warned of "collateral damage" to shipping.

France's Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne on Saturday condemned Iran's drone strikes on Israel as a "new level" in the threat to security.

"France condemns with the greatest firmness the attack launched by Iran against Israel," he said on the platform X.

"In deciding to take this unprecedented action, Iran has reached a new level of destabilisation and is risking a military escalation," he added, reiterating France's commitment to Israel's security.

La France condamne avec la plus grande fermeté l’attaque déclenchée par l’Iran contre Israël.

En décidant d’une telle action sans précédent, l’Iran franchit un nouveau pallier dans ses actions de déstabilisation et prend le risque d’une escalade militaire.

1/2

— Stéphane Séjourné (@steph_sejourne) April 13, 2024

Egypt's air defences were on "maximum alert" after Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Israel, Al-Qahera News, a TV channel close to the intelligence services, reported late Saturday.

"A crisis cell ... is closely monitoring the situation and submitting reports to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hour by hour," the channel said, citing a senior security official.

Iran launched more than 100 drones towards Israel, and more can be expected, an Israeli army official said Sunday.

"This evening we've identified more than 100 UAV drones launched towards Israel from Iran," the official said, adding: "We expect the drones to be here in the following hours and we might see some more waves of drones as time progresses."

 Jordan's government spokesperson denied the kingdom announced a state of emergency and said media reports it did were baseless and "there was no cause for concern among its citizens."

Minister of Government Communications Muhannad Mubaideen told state news agency Petra the government would take legal measures against any outlet that spread rumours or accusations that are not verified. 

Israel’s Channel 12 TV has reported that cruise missiles have currently been launched- stating they have a shorter flight time than drones.

Channel 12 also states that a third wave of Iranian drones have also been launched towards Israel.

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has posted a video on X where he issued a statement on Wednesday-  in which he promised that Israel would be "punished".

"Attacking our consulate is like attacking our soil. This is what is common around the world. The malicious Zionist regime has made a wrong move in this case. It should be punished and it will be punished," he said in a video captioned in English and posted to X within minutes of the Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed early Sunday that a drone and missile attack was under way against Israel in response for a deadly April 1 drone strike on its Damascus consulate.

The April 1 strike, which was widely blamed on Israel, levelled the five-storey consular annexe of the Iranian embassy in Damascus and killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of them generals.

Khamenei says “Zionist regime will be punished” as Iran launched drones and missiles into Israel tonight https://t.co/aEUlPjNVH0

— Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) April 13, 2024

 Lebanon announced the temporary closure of its airspace, Lebanon's Al Jadeed TV said late on Saturday, amidst threats of an Iranian attack on Israel. 

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned as "reckless" late Saturday Iran's drone and missile attack on Israel, adding that Britain would "continue to stand up for Israel's security".

"Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed," Sunak said in a statement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war cabinet is meeting in Tel Aviv, his office said Sunday, after Iran launched a drone attack on Israel.

"Netanyahu is convening the War Management Cabinet at this time, in Kirya in Tel Aviv," the prime minister's office said.

Jordan's air defences were ready to intercept and shoot down any Iranian drones or aircraft that violate its airspace, two regional security sources said.

They said the army was also in a state of high alert and radar systems were monitoring drone activity.

An Iraqi military source has told The New Arab's Arabic-language sister site that 60 targets have entered Iraqi airspace and will not be shot down.

It comes after Iran announced the launch of drones and UAVs against Israel, in a massive retaliatory strike.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards has announced it is "punishing the illegal Zionist entity", by firing drones and missiles at Israel.

It follows the killing last week of an IRGC commander at the Iranian consulate in Damascus. Tehran has warned Israel it will retaliate against the killing of Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahed.

Iran's drone attack on Israel is likely to last several hours, the White House said Saturday, while pledging to support its ally's defense against Tehran.

"This attack is likely to unfold over a number of hours," National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement, adding that "the United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran."

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is prepared for a "direct attack from Iran".

"Our defence systems are deployed; we are prepared for any scenario, both in defence and attack," he said in a televised statement.

He added that Israel is backed by the United States- as well as "many" countries.

 Israel aviation authorities will close Israeli airspace to all flights, as Iran launched drones at Israel directly from its territory, the Israeli army announced.

This has marked a major escalation of the long-running covert war between the regional foes.

Iranian state TV has reported that Iran has launched its attack- stating that “a significant drone operation by the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] against targets inside occupied territories has started.”

A number of drones were seen flying from the direction of Iran over Iraq's Sulaymaniya province, three security sources told news agency Reuters.

More updates to come.

The Israeli military has announced that UAVs have been launched from Iran and are headed towards Israel.

Israel’s Channel 12 has also reported that Iran has launched dozens of pilotless aircraft at targets in Israel and that their flight time is expected to take hours.

US media outlet Axios has reportedly claimed that Iran has launched its attack against Israel using "dozens of drones".

More updates to come.

BREAKING: Iran launches attack against Israel using dozens of drones, four U.S. and Israeli officials told me

— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) April 13, 2024

Hamas said Saturday it had submitted its response to Egyptian and Qatari mediators on a proposed truce with Israel in the Gaza Strip, insisting on a "permanent ceasefire".

Truce talks started on April 7 in Cairo but have so far brought no breakthrough on a plan presented by US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators.

In a statement, the Palestinian group said it "reaffirms adherence to its demands" including "a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of the occupation army from the entire Gaza Strip, the return of the displaced to their areas and places of residence, intensification of the entry of relief and aid, and the start of reconstruction."

Hamas said it was also ready "to conclude a serious and real prisoner exchange deal between the two parties."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has opposed a permanent ceasefire and vowed to send ground troops into Rafah, ignoring an international outcry against it, including from the United States.

Netanyahu's office said Saturday "the only obstacle to obtaining the release of the abductees is Hamas and not any factor on the Israeli side."

"Among other things, Hamas demands an end to the war and a complete withdrawal of the [Israeli forces] from the Gaza Strip.

"The cabinet and the security forces are united in their opposition to these unfounded demands."

Jordan's al-Mamlaka state news broadcaster has announced that it will be temporarily closing its airspace from Saturday, which includes all incoming, departing and transiting aircraft amid ongoing regional hostilities.

This comes after Iran stating that it may conduct a retaliatory response against Israel for its alleged involvement in the April 1 consulate attack in Damascus.

الأردن يقرر إغلاق أجوائه أمام الطائرات القادمة والمغادرة والعابرة مؤقتا #عاجل #الأردن #الطيران #هنا_المملكة https://t.co/kSuGWnxEnW

— قناة المملكة (@AlMamlakaTV) April 13, 2024

 Israel is "closely monitoring a planned attack" against it by Iran and Tehran's allies in the region, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Saturday, without giving further details on the threat.

In the statement, Gallant said Israelis should heed any orders that might be issued by the military's Homefront Command, which maps incoming missiles and other aerial threats so as to let the public know whether to take shelter.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Saturday he had reiterated Washington's "ironclad" support to Israeli counterpart Tzachi Hanegbi, amid soaring Middle East tensions and warnings of an Iranian attack on Israel.

"During the call, I reiterated the United States' ironclad commitment to the security of Israel," Sullivan said on X, adding that the two discussed "events in the Middle East."

This morning, I spoke with my Israeli counterpart, National Security Advisor Hanegbi, to discuss events in the Middle East. During the call, I reiterated the United States’ ironclad commitment to the security of Israel.

— Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) April 13, 2024

The White House on Saturday called on Iran to immediately release a British-owned ship it seized near the Strait of Hormuz, as Middle East tensions soar and fears mount over an retaliatory attack on Israel.

"We call on Iran to release the vessel and its international crew immediately," said National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson. "Seizing a civilian vessel without provocation is a blatant violation of international law, and an act of piracy by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps."

Israel is closing schools nationwide over security concerns, military spokesman Daniel Hagari said on Saturday, after threats by Iran to retaliate for a deadly air strike on its Damascus consulate.

There will be "no educational activities" when the school week begins on Sunday "in light of the security situation," he said in a televised statement.

The US embassy in the Lebanese capital of Beirut has warned citizens to to avoid travelling to areas bordering with Israel and Syria due to increasing tensions in the region.

“We remind US citizens of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking developments,” the embassy said.

Several countries have additionally issued warnings to their citizens about travelling to Israel, Lebanon and occupied Palestinian territories in the past few days amid fears of escalating regional hostilities- as Iran said it would retaliate against Israel after the April 1 embassy attack in Syria.

Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Beirut, April 13, 2024 https://t.co/ab8CUK8z4B

— U.S. Embassy Beirut (@usembassybeirut) April 13, 2024

US President Joe Biden is set to meet with his national security team for an emergency meeting, after ending his trip in Delaware early, the White House announces.

As hostilities continue to rise in the Middle East following a possible attack by Iran on Israel, Biden was said to return to work following his visit.

As a result of the April 1 attack on an Iranian embassy in Syria that two of Iran's top military generals, Iran said it will retaliate against Israel.

The US has issued a warning that if Iran attacks Israel, it will also conduct a military response.

Dutch foreign minister Hanke Bruins Slot says she told her Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a phone call that Iran should not attack Israel and should take actions to "de-escalate".

"During the conversation I also expressed my great concerns about the ship that was hijacked in the Strait of Hormuz and that these types of actions must stop", she added in a statement on X.

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa on Saturday condemned attacks by Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank.

"The attacks of the settlers will not discourage our people from standing on their land," he said, as attacks on Palestinian villages intensified following the death of an Israeli teenager near Ramallah

Canada has warned citizens to avoid all travel to Israel, Gaza and the West Bank, upgrading its risk assessment of the region due to the increased threat of attacks on Israeli territory.

Foreign Minister Melanie Joly posted a statement on social media site X late on Friday and said Canadians already in the area should consider leaving by commercial means.

"With a heightened risk of attacks on Israeli territory, the regional security situation remains highly volatile & could escalate without notice," Joly posted.

The federal government had previously advised Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to the region.

The Israeli settlers are expanding their presence and attacks against Palestinian properties in the occupied West Bank.

Settlers stormed the village, opened fire on Palestinian civilians and set houses and vehicles ablaze, under full protection from the Israeli army.

The settlers also gathered at Wadi Ain Qiniya, northwest of Ramallah, and near Dura al-Qare‘ town.

Israel's foreign minister urged the EU on Saturday to declare Iran's Revolutionary Guards a "terrorist organisation" after Iran said it had seized a ship linked to Israel in the Gulf.

"I call on the European Union and the free world to immediately declare the Iranian Revolutionary Guards corps as a terrorist organisation and to sanction Iran now," Foreign Minister Israel Katz posted on X.

Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned against revenge attacks after a missing Israeli teenager was found dead in the occupied West Bank on Saturday.

"Let the security forces act quickly in the hunt for the terrorists -- revenge actions will make it difficult for our fighters in their mission -- the law must not be taken into one's own hands," Gallant posted on X.

Dutch airline KLM will no longer fly over Israel and Iran, Dutch press agency ANP reported on Saturday, citing a KLM spokesperson.

KLM, the Dutch arm of Air France-KLM, said the move was a precaution, referring to the rising tensions between Iran and Israel, but added that it would continue flying to Tel Aviv, on Israel's Mediterranean coast.

Italian-Swiss Shipping group MSC said Saturday that there were 25 crew members on board a container ship seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in the Gulf, as tensions soar in the region.

"We regret to confirm that MSC Aries... has been boarded by Iranian authorities via helicopter as she passed the Strait of Hormuz at approximately 0243 UTC this morning," the group said in a statement. "She has 25 crew onboard, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure their wellbeing, and safe return of the vessel."

An adviser to Iran's supreme leader said Saturday that Israel is panicking over a possible retaliatory response from Iran after a strike in Syria which killed members of its Revolutionary Guards.

"It has been a week that the Zionists are in complete panic and are on alert,"

Yahya Rahim Safavi, senior adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was quoted as saying by the ISNA news agency.

"They don't know what Iran wants to do, so they and their supporters are terrified," ISNA quoted him as saying.

Tehran has blamed Israel and vowed to avenge the April 1 air strike on Damascus that levelled the Iranian embassy's consular annex, killing seven members of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including two generals.

Following the strike, which Israel has not commented on, its army announced a leave suspension. It also said officials decided to increase manpower and draft reserve soldiers to operate air defences.

"This psychological, media and political war is more terrifying for them than the war itself, because they are waiting for an attack every night and many of them have fled and gone to shelters," Safavi added.

A missing Israeli teenager was found dead in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a "heinous murder".

The disappearance of Benjamin Achimeir, 14, on Friday sparked a deadly rampage carried out by settlers in the West Bank, which killed one Palestinian man and vandalised and damaged homes and vehicles belonging to Palestinian.

Teheran is conducting piracy and should be sanctioned for it, Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on Saturday, after Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

"The Ayatollah regime of Khamenei is a criminal regime that supports Hamas' crimes and is now conducting a pirate operation in violation of international law," Katz said. "I call on the European Union and the free world to immediately declare the Iranian Revolutionary Guards corps as a terrorist organization and to sanction Iran now."

Iran will suffer the "consequences" of escalating the conflict in the region, Israel's army warned Saturday, after Iran announced it had seized a ship linked to Israel in the Gulf.

"Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further," military spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a statement.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Saturday seized a container ship "related to Zionist regime (Israel) in the Gulf," state media reported.

"A container ship named 'MCS Aries' was seized by the Sepah (Guards) Navy Special Forces by carrying out a heliborne operation," IRNA state news agency reported, adding that the operation took place "near the Strait of Hormuz" and "this ship has now been directed towards the territorial waters" of Iran.

Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip has killed at least 33,686 Palestinians and wounded 76,309 since Israel began waging its war on the territory on October 7, the health ministry said.

There have been 52 Palestinians killed and 95 wounded in the past 24 hours, the ministry statement added.

A vessel was reportedly seized off the coast of the United Arab Emirates by "regional authorities" on Saturday, maritime security firms said, as tensions soared in the region.

"Vessel reported to have been seized by regional authorities," the Royal Navy's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said. Security firm Ambrey said it "observed still footage of at least three individuals fast-roping from a helicopter onto what appeared to be a container ship", adding that Iran's Revolutionary Guards "have previously used this method of boarding".

Israeli forces seized two houses Saturday morning in Douma, south of Nablus, and turned them into field investigation centers, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.

Sulaiman Dawabsheh, the village's head, said that the Israeli army raided the village and searched several houses over the last few hours. He added that settler militias are taking part in the ongoing offensive in the village.

Dawabsheh added that Israeli settlers were also taking part in the ongoing offensive in the village.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Saturday that it had received a report of an incident 50 nautical miles northeast of the United Arab Emirates' Fujairah and authorities were investigating.

The commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard's navy said on Tuesday that Israel's presence in the UAE was viewed as a threat by Tehran and it could close the Strait of Hormuz - the entrance to the Gulf - if deemed necessary. Fujairah is located on the eastern side of the Strait of Hormuz.

Months of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have disrupted global shipping, forcing firms to re-route to longer and more expensive journeys around Southern Africa, and stoked fears that the Israel-Hamas war could spread to destabilise the wider Middle East.

The United States and Britain have carried out strikes against Houthi targets in response to the attacks on shipping. 

The US has rushed warships into position to protect Israel and American forces in the region, in case of an Iranian attack, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Friday.

The US moves included repositioning two destroyers, US officials said, adding that at least one of the vessels carried the Aegis missile-defense system, WSJ reported.

The moves are part of an effort to avoid a wider conflict in the Middle East, six months since Israel began waging its deadly war on Gaza, and followed a warning from a person familiar with the matter about the timing and location of the potential Iranian attack, the newspaper said.

However, quoting a person briefed by the Iranian leadership, the paper reported that Tehran had yet to make a final decision on an attack.

Israeli settlers have closed the entrances to the towns of Silwad and Turmus-Aya in the occupied West Bank province of Ramallah this morning, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.

Local sources reported that dozens of settlers closed the western entrance of Silwad and attacked vehicles belonging to Palestinians with stones, though no injuuries were reported.

Settlers also prohibited Palestinian citizens' vehicles from entering or leaving the town, according to the same sources.

Settlers also closed the entrance of Turmus-Aya town and attacked passing vehicles.

One Palestinian was killed, and at least 10 were injured in a serious settler attack near Ramallah.

Australia's Qantas Airways said on Saturday it had temporarily rerouted flights between Perth and London on concerns about the Middle East, as expectations rose of an attack by Iran on Israel.

"We’re temporarily adjusting the flight paths for our flights between Perth and London due to the situation in parts of the Middle East," a Qantas spokesperson said. "We’ll reach out to customers directly if there’s any change to their booking."

Qantas said no flights between Perth, the capital of Western Australia state, and London had been paused or cancelled but that flights on the route were operating on an adjusted flight path via Singapore.

The Sydney-based airline's other flights to and from London remained unchanged as they take different flight paths.

The Netherlands will close its embassy in Tehran on Sunday as a precaution, the Dutch Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday, citing the rising tensions between Iran and Israel.

The Ministry added that it would decide on Sunday whether the embassy would reopen on Monday.