Israel-Hamas war: What's happening on Day 6

The Israeli government is under intense public pressure to topple Hamas after its militants stormed through a border fence Saturday and killed hundreds of Israelis. In the Gaza Strip, meanwhile, residents are facing ever-growing uncertainty after the territory's only power plant ran out of fuel and shut down Wednesday.

Israel-Hamas Conflict: Escalation and Humanitarian Crisis

The Israeli government is facing intense public pressure to topple Hamas after its militants stormed through a border fence Saturday and killed hundreds of Israelis in their homes, on the streets, and at an outdoor music festival. In the Gaza Strip, meanwhile, residents are facing ever-growing uncertainty after the territory's only power plant ran out of fuel and shut down Wednesday. Without power, communication is limited and information is scarce.

Britain to Deploy 2 Royal Navy Ships to the Mediterranean

Britain's government says it is deploying two Royal Navy ships to the eastern Mediterranean within days to show support for Israel, offer "deterrence and assurance" and support humanitarian efforts. The government said Thursday that UK Royal Air Force surveillance planes will also begin patrols on Friday to help "track threats to regional security, such as the transfer of weapons to terrorist groups."

Israel's Parliament Approves Emergency Unity Government

Israel's parliament approved an emergency unity government Thursday night, swearing in Benny Gantz and four other ministers to serve in a security cabinet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

Death Toll of US Citizens in Hamas Attack Rises to 27

The death toll of US citizens in the Hamas attack on Israel has risen to 27, and the number of missing is now at 14, White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said Thursday. Kirby said that the US was continuing to work with Israeli officials to try to locate those who remain unaccounted for. Kirby said he believes only a few of those missing have been taken hostage.

Iran's Foreign Minister: Region Will Face Repercussions if Israel Doesn't End Attacks on Gaza

During a visit to Iraq Thursday, Iran's foreign minister said that if Israel fails to stop its attacks on civilians in Gaza, the region will face "new conditions." "They cannot put Gaza under complete siege and bomb the citizens and commit war crimes, and expect no response," Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amirabdollahian said in a statement released by the foreign ministry.

Erdogan Renews Call for Reducing Tensions Between Israel and Palestinians

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on the United States to work toward reducing tensions between Israel and Palestinians, renewing his criticism of a U.S. decision to send an aircraft carrier to the region. "What is more appropriate for a country like America? To establish peace or to go there with gasoline and fuel the fire?" Erdogan said during an address to hundreds of youth on Thursday.

US to Start Evacuating Americans From Israel, Possibly as Soon as Friday

The US government will begin operating evacuation flights to help Americans leave Israel as Israel prepares to escalate retaliatory action against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, according to the Biden administration. White House National Security spokesman, John Kirby confirmed Thursday that the US would arrange charter flights from Israel to sites in Europe.

Lebanese Premier Urges Groups to Avoid Inciting Conflict in Israel

Lebanon's caretaker prime minister is calling on all Lebanese groups to exercise self-restraint and to not be pulled into "Israel's plans." Najib Mikati's comments Thursday after a Cabinet meeting in Beirut were apparently meant to encourage the militant group Hezbollah to avoid inciting any conflict with Israel.

UN Says Humanitarian Situation in Gaza Is Getting More Desperate

The number of people fleeing attacks on Gaza is continuing "in very, very large numbers," with a 30% increase in the past 24 hours, the United Nations humanitarian office says. Two-thirds of the people displaced by the violence — 218,000 — have taken refuge in 92 schools run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Thursday.

Blinken to Travel to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt After Visiting Jordan and Qatar

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed Thursday that he will visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt following planned trips to Jordan and Qatar. Blinken is set to travel on Friday to Doha, where he will talk with senior Qatari officials.

Israel's Military Says the Number of Soldiers Killed Has Risen to 247

Israel's military said Thursday that 247 soldiers have been killed since the start of the war last weekend — an increase from 222 earlier in the day. The military previously confirmed to The Associated Press that