**Hezbollah and Israel Exchange Fire and Warnings, Threatening Escalation of War**
In the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel along the Lebanon-Israel border, tensions have escalated as both sides exchange fire and issue warnings, raising concerns about a wider war. Hezbollah, a Shiite Muslim political party in Lebanon with an armed wing, reported the deaths of five more militants, bringing the total number of Hezbollah militants killed to 24 since the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israel has warned Lebanon not to get dragged into a new war and has vowed to retaliate aggressively if Hezbollah enters the conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Hezbollah would regret its decision to engage in the war, and Israel would respond with devastating force.
**Critical Fuel Shortage in Gaza Threatens Humanitarian Aid, UN Warns**
The United Nations has sounded the alarm about an imminent fuel crisis in Gaza that would severely impact humanitarian aid efforts. Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner General for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), stated that the agency would run out of fuel in three days, leading to critical shortages of water, functioning hospitals, bakeries, and the inability to provide aid to civilians in desperate need. The UN recently sent a humanitarian aid convoy to Gaza, but it did not include fuel supplies due to concerns about potential military use by Hamas. Egypt has reported that more trucks of aid are on their way to Gaza, but the United Nations has not confirmed their arrival.
**U.S. Asserts Readiness to Respond to Escalation in Middle East Conflict**
United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has declared the U.S.’s readiness to defend itself and position troops in response to any escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict by other Middle Eastern countries. Austin emphasized that the U.S. would not hesitate to act and cited the recent successful interception of missiles by the U.S.S. Carney, demonstrating the capabilities of the United States Navy. He also highlighted the importance of minimizing civilian casualties and urged Israel to adhere to wartime law and carefully assess potential targets. Speculation suggests that Iran-backed militant groups may be responsible for recent attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East.
**UN Expects Additional Humanitarian Aid Trucks to Reach Gaza Amidst War**
Cindy McCain, the director of the United Nations World Food Programme, announced that more humanitarian aid convoys are expected to reach Gaza, with 17 trucks arriving on Sunday and an additional 40 trucks anticipated tomorrow. McCain expressed concern over the inadequate amount of aid reaching the population and emphasized the necessity for increased support. The clearance to cross the Rafah border has been a challenge due to the fluidity of the war zone, but McCain emphasized the importance of safe and sustainable delivery of aid to meet the urgent needs of the Gaza population.
**Israeli Prime Minister Warns Hezbollah Against Entering the Conflict**
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautioned Hezbollah against involvement in the ongoing conflict, warning them of the severe consequences. Netanyahu declared that if Hezbollah decided to enter the war, it would face a much stronger response than during the 2006 Second Lebanon War. He emphasized Israel’s determination to cripple Hezbollah with overwhelming force. Iran-backed Hezbollah officials have already proclaimed their active participation in the conflict.
