Israeli ground troops for the first time have pushed into areas of a central Gaza city where several aid groups are based. An Israeli military official on Monday confirmed the incursion that appears to be the latest effort to carve up the Palestinian territory with military corridors. Deir al-Balah is the only Gaza city that has not seen major ground operations or suffered widespread devastation in 21 months of war. That has led to speculation that the Hamas militant group holds large numbers of hostages there. The main group representing hostages' families said it was "shocked and alarmed" by the incursion.

Syria's defense minister has announced a ceasefire just hours after government forces entered a key city in the volatile Sweida province. Tuesday's announcement follows deadly sectarian clashes between Druze factions and Sunni Bedouin tribes that killed over 30 people. That's according to Syria's Interior Ministry. However, fighting and allegations of civilian abuses by security forces continue. Meanwhile, Israel launched airstrikes on Syrian military convoys, claiming to protect the Druze minority near its border. Syria condemned the strikes, accusing Israel of aggression. The United Nations has urged all parties to stop the violence and engage in dialogue as ser escalation. Sectarian tensions remain high.

Israel has struck military tanks in southern Syria, where government forces and Bedouin tribes clash with Druze militias. Dozens of people have been killed in the fighting between local militias and clans in Syria's Sweida province. Government security forces that were sent to restore order on Monday also clashed with local armed groups. The Interior Ministry has said more than 30 people died and nearly 100 others have been injured in that fighting. U.N. Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Najat Rochdi has expressed "deep concern" over the violence in the country struggling for stability after a 13-year civil war.

The Israeli military says five soldiers have been killed in an attack in northern Gaza. Health officials in the Palestinian territory say Israeli strikes killed 51 people. The bloodshed came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visiting the White House on Tuesday for talks with President Donald Trump about a ceasefire plan. There was no announcement of a breakthrough from that meeting. But there were signs of progress toward a deal. The soldiers' deaths could add to pressure on Netanyahu to strike a deal in Israel where polls have shown widespread support for ending the 21-month war.

Israeli settlers have attacked a military base in the occupied West Bank, setting fires, vandalizing vehicles and clashing with soldiers. The unrest on Sunday followed recent settler violence and arrests by Israeli security forces. Last week, settlers entered a Palestinian town, setting property ablaze and firing guns. Three Palestinians were killed after military intervention. Far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir condemned Sunday's attacks on soldiers, calling them a "red line." Opposition leader Yair Lapid labeled the settlers "Jewish terrorists." Violence by extremist settlers has risen alongside growing tensions in the region, with Palestinians in the west Bank reporting increased checkpoints and delays.

Palestinian hospital officials say an Israeli airstrike has hit a street in central Gaza, killing 18 people. Witnesses say the strike targeted a crowd receiving flour from a Palestinian police unit that had confiscated goods from looters. The unit, part of Gaza's Hamas-led Interior Ministry, was distributing aid when the attack occurred. Israel has accused Hamas of stealing aid, while Gaza faces ongoing turmoil over food distribution. Armed gangs and desperate crowds have disrupted aid efforts, with tribes now stepping in to guard convoys. Meanwhile, limited aid continues to trickle into Gaza, where millions struggle with hunger and violence.

Israel's defense minister threatened Iran's supreme leader after Iranian missiles damaged a hospital in southern Israel and hit residential buildings near Tel Aviv. At least 240 people were wounded. Meanwhile Israel struck a heavy water reactor linked to Iran's nuclear program. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz blamed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and said the military "has been instructed and knows that in order to achieve all of its goals, this man absolutely should not continue to exist." U.S. officials said earlier this week that President Donald Trump had vetoed an Israeli plan to kill Khamenei. The White House announced Thursday that Trump will decide whether to join Israel's campaign against Iran's military and nuclear program within two weeks.