Thanks for reading our live blog. This is where we’ll end today’s coverage.
To conclude, here’s a look back at the day’s major stories:
- The Middle East is nervously awaiting Israel’s response after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Iran “will pay” for launching almost 200 missiles at Israel on Tuesday in response to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.
- US President Joe Biden said he supported Israel’s right to defend itself, but he warned that any strike on Iran’s nuclear sites could move the region closer to a full-blown regional war.
- In the last few hours, the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of more towns in southern Lebanon, including provincial capital Nabatieh. It signals a possible broadening of Israel’s invasion.
- Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the federal government has secured 80 seats for Australians wishing to leave Lebanon today, and a further 500 seats on flights to Cyprus leaving on Saturday.
- Last night in Beirut, an Israeli airstrike near the centre of the Lebanese capital killed nine people, including first responders from a Hezbollah-linked health organisation.
- In southern Lebanon, Hezbollah recently said it had detonated explosive device against Israeli forces as skirmishes continue on the ground.
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