Health officials in the Gaza Strip say more than 45,000 Palestinians have now been killed in the war between Israel and Hamas militants. Gaza's Health Ministry doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count but has said more than half of the dead are women and children. Meanwhile, often-stalled ceasefire talks appear to be gaining ground. Israel's defense minister says negotiators are closer to a deal than at any time since the only previous truce in November 2023. Mediators have said there appears to be more willingness from both sides after 14 months of war.

Israelis are holding somber ceremonies to mark a year since the deadliest attack in the country's history. The Hamas-led raid shattered Israelis' sense of security and ignited wars on two fronts with no end in sight. Hamas marked the anniversary of its Oct. 7, 2023, attack by firing a barrage of rockets at Tel Aviv, underscoring its resilience after a year of war and devastation in Gaza. Lebanon's Hezbollah vowed to continue firing rockets at northern Israel in support of Hamas and the Palestinians despite its recent losses. The Israeli military says it will soon launch operations on Lebanon's southern coast, telling residents to stay off the beaches and fishermen off the sea for a 60-kilometer stretch along the Mediterranean.