"Israel's Warning: Potential Expansion of Conflict to Lebanon Raises Concerns"

Israel's defense minister warns that the war against Hamas is part of a larger conflict against an Iranian-led "axis," as the International Rescue Committee expresses concerns for patients and staff at Gaza's only functioning hospital. The defense minister justifies Israel's response to Hamas attacks, while also expressing worries about the next phase of the conflict in the north and the threat of Hezbollah in Lebanon. The IRC has withdrawn its medical team from the hospital due to the risk posed by the fighting, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken is engaging in regional diplomacy to try to stop the Gaza war from spreading.