Iran Press/ West Asia: A heavy exchange of fire continues along the Israel-Lebanon border. Israel says mortars and antitank guided missiles have been launched from southern Lebanon at its military positions, setting off sirens.
“A shell hit inside the base [in Naqoura],” said Andrea Tenenti, spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
He reported “no injuries but some damage”, adding UNIFIL is seeking to verify who fired the round.
A Lebanese military source told the AFP news agency on condition of anonymity, “an Israeli shell penetrated the cement wall” around UNIFIL headquarters.
“This war has stages and today we are moving to the next stage. Our forces are currently operating on the ground in the Gaza Strip,” Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi said in a televised message.
Israel said troops sent in on Friday night were still in the field whereas previously it made only brief sorties.
A protest against the fighting in Gaza is currently taking place in Tel Aviv.
Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obaida says Israeli air strikes and shelling have killed 50 captives.
The “price” of returning all the captives in Gaza is the release of all Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons – estimated at 6,600 people.
“If the enemy wants to resolve this issue, we are ready,” he said.
“If the enemy wants to close this file of detainees in one go, we are ready for it. If it wants to do it step-by-step, we are ready for that, too.”
Some 229 hostages are being held in the Gaza Strip, according to the Israeli army.
UN chief, Guterres, while visiting Qatar, also held a call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
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