"Escalating Conflict: Israel's Airstrikes and Cross-Border Fire Pose National Security Threat"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows "powerful action" in Rafah after civilian evacuation, despite appeals to avoid incursion, as Israeli jets strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon following a deadly rocket attack from Lebanese territory. World leaders and NGOs have called on Israel to avoid a ground operation in Gaza's most populated city, with concerns raised over the humanitarian impact. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden grants Palestinians in the US temporary protection from deportation amid the ongoing conflict, and Arab countries at the UN prepare to introduce a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.