Several American and coalition personnel suffered minor injuries, including smoke inhalation, during a drone attack in northeastern Syria on Friday, a US official told the Reuters news agency. Still, some personnel are being examined for traumatic brain injuries, the official said. We previously reported that a drone attacked US troops at the Rumalyn Landing Zone in Syria. No group has claimed responsibility but Iran-backed armed groups have carried out similar attacks in Syria and Iraq in recent months. This includes Monday’s rocket attack on the Ain al-Assad airbase in western Iraq that wounded at least seven US personnel.

The IDF announced the death of a high-ranking Hamas security official in an airstrike in the Gaza Strip yesterday. Walid Alsousi, a key figure in Hamas’s military wing and head of a department within the group’s general security forces in southern Gaza, was killed in the attack. According to the IDF, Alsousi played a crucial role in developing an “intelligence picture” for Hamas, gathering information from various sources across Gaza. The military confirmed that Alsousi was targeted and killed in an airstrike carried out by fighter jets.

Two rockets fired from Gaza landed in open areas near the Israeli border, causing no injuries. According to Hebrew media reports, rocket sirens sounded in the Gaza border communities of Kissufim and Ein Hashlosha, prompting residents to seek shelter. Fortunately, the rockets fell in unpopulated areas, avoiding any potential harm.

The IDF announced today that combat engineers have successfully destroyed a vast underground tunnel in the Netzarim Corridor area of the central Gaza Strip. Measuring three kilometers in length, the tunnel featured multiple floors and branching paths, showcasing the complexity and sophistication of Hamas’ underground infrastructure. During the operation, troops discovered several rooms within the tunnel that were used by Hamas operatives to store weapons and equipment, as well as reside for extended periods. After conducting a thorough investigation of the tunnel’s underground passages, combat engineers carried out a controlled demolition, completely destroying the tunnel.

Hamas has demanded the release of prominent Fatah leader and jailed Intifada figure Marwan Barghouti as part of the initial phase of a proposed ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Israel, according to Arabic media reports on Friday. Sky News Arabia revealed that international mediators, including the United States, have accepted Hamas’ demand for Barghouti’s release among the first group of security prisoners in exchange for the Gaza hostages. Barghouti is serving five life sentences for his role in the planning of three terror attacks that killed 5 Israelis during the Second Intifada. His release would be a significant concession by Israel and a major victory for Hamas.

In a rare display of unity, President Joe Biden, the Emir of Qatar, and the President of Egypt issued a joint statement today calling on Israel and Hamas to engage in a final round of negotiations on August 15. The aim of these talks is to secure a comprehensive agreement on a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages, bringing an end to the ongoing conflict. The joint statement, released simultaneously from the three leaders’ respective offices, emphasizes the importance of this final round of negotiations and urges both parties to work towards a mutually beneficial solution. The statement reads, in part: “We, the leaders of the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, are united in our commitment to achieving a lasting peace in the region.

According to Channel 12, citing unnamed Hamas sources, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has sent a message to leaders outside of Gaza, urging them to pursue a ceasefire with Israel. This move comes as a surprise, given Sinwar’s reported ties with Iran. However, Channel 12 claims that Sinwar’s relationship with Iran is not as close as previously thought. In contrast, The Wall Street Journal reports that Sinwar emphasized the importance of selecting a new leader with close ties to Iran. This contradictory information raises questions about Sinwar’s true intentions and allegiances. Meanwhile, Channel 12 reports that Sinwar is facing pressure from his military commanders in Gaza and has restricted involvement in hostage talks to only his deputy, Khalil al-Hayya, and senior official Ghazi Hamad.

TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH: A message from Israel’s Minister of Defense to the people of Lebanon: Citizens of Lebanon, Shiite Iran and those who submit [to its ideology], led by Hezbollah, have taken Lebanon and its people hostage for the sake of narrow sectarian interests. The State of Israel seeks peace, prosperity and stability on both sides of the northern border. Therefore, we will not allow the Hezbollah militia to destabilize the border and the region. If Hezbollah continues its aggression, Israel will fight it, with all its might. Remember Nasrallah’s regret following the dangerous and miscalculated adventure he embarked on, in August 2006 – learn the lesson of the past so as not to fall into a dangerous scenario in August 2024.

US Central Command chief Gen. Michael Kurilla visited Israel earlier today to strengthen US-Israel cooperation in preparation for potential threats from Iran and Hezbollah, according to Axios, citing sources. This marks Kurilla’s second visit to Israel this week.