Israel and CIA meet to push for hostage release; US calls for ceasefire

War information

Iranian special forces attacked by Israel . The Israeli Air Force, under the direction of the Mossad intelligence agency, conducted a major “surgical” military operation in Syria. They discovered the hideout of Iranian special forces, in the Syrian coastal city of Baniyas, and used F-16 fighter jets to attack.

Israeli intelligence confirmed that senior Iranian military advisers and assistants were living in this seaside villa. The Israeli army chose to launch the attack in the early morning, when everyone was still sleeping.

To avoid Syrian and Russian air defense systems, Israeli fighter jets first flew low from the direction of the Mediterranean Sea, then suddenly gained altitude and launched missiles at the villa.

Israel Defense Forces in the Gaza Strip. Photo: AP

Lebanese military vehicle hit by Israeli gunfire . A Lebanese military vehicle was hit by Israeli machine gun fire on March 9 in the village of Aita al-Shaab, southern Lebanon, but there were no casualties.

The incident occurred as the Lebanese army and the United Nations International Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were conducting routine patrols in the central part of the border area.

UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti confirmed that a patrol, including a Lebanese military vehicle, was hit by light machine gun fire from the direction of the Green Line near the village of Aita al-Shaab. The attack caused no casualties. UNIFIL and the Lebanese army have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.

Israel said about 35 rockets were fired from Lebanon . Hezbollah fired about 35 rockets into northern Israel, some of which were intercepted, the Israel Defense Forces said. Earlier, air raid sirens were sounded twice in northern Israel.

The Israeli military added that its air force struck Hezbollah infrastructure in the Aita al-Shaab area of southern Lebanon, as well as an anti-tank missile launch facility in the Maroun al-Ras area.

Some related developments

Israel and CIA meet to push for hostage release deal . Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the head of Israel's intelligence agency (Mossad) met with the CIA director as part of efforts to secure the release of hostages still being held in Gaza.

“ Mossad chief David Barnea met with CIA chief Bill Burns as part of ongoing efforts to broker a hostage release deal ,” the statement said.

Israel remains in contact with mediators about a possible deal but Hamas is “not interested” and is trying to inflame the region during Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month that could begin as early as March 10.

The US calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip . US President Joe Biden said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach to the war in Gaza is hurting Israel, not helping it.

President Biden said Prime Minister Netanyahu has the right to defend Israel, but must be more concerned about the innocent lives lost as a result of actions in the Gaza Strip. Biden also reiterated his call for a six-week ceasefire to achieve the goal of releasing hostages and increasing aid to Gaza, although negotiations appear to have stalled.

Asked about the possibility of a ceasefire before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan (which begins on March 10), Mr. Biden expressed confidence that this was still a feasible goal.

The US sends a ship to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip . The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) said that the country has sent a ship to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

The logistics support ship named “General Frank S. Besson” (LSV-1) left Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, less than 36 hours after President Joe Biden announced that Washington would provide humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip by sea, CENTCOM said in a statement.

LSV-1 carries the first equipment to establish a temporary dock, opening the way for vital humanitarian aid.

Israel conducts full inspection of ship carrying aid to Gaza . Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Israel has conducted a full inspection of a floating naval dock used to transport humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“ Following the instructions of the Secretary of Defense and together with our partners in the United States and the U.S. Central Command, we are coordinating the establishment of a temporary floating naval dock to bring humanitarian aid into Gaza after a comprehensive Israeli inspection of the dock. This mission is a joint effort between the Israeli military and the U.S. Central Command. Through international organizations, we will distribute relief goods to those in need ,” Hagari said.

A maritime aid corridor between Cyprus and Gaza could begin operating as early as this weekend in a pilot project run by an international charity and funded by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the European Commission said.

$90 billion needed to rebuild Gaza Strip . President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said at an event in Cairo that $90 billion is needed to rebuild Gaza following the damage caused by the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas.

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