Israel Launches Initial Gaza Strikes as Civilians Seek Safety, Hezbollah Remains Resolute Amid Border Clashes in Lebanon

Hezbollah remains steadfast, rejecting calls to stay neutral in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, as clashes persist along the Lebanese-Israeli border. In response to Israel's directive, which ordered over a million Palestinians to evacuate northern Gaza within 24 hours, the White House expressed reservations. John Kirby, the White House's national security spokesperson, described it as a formidable task. Meanwhile, Turkey has strongly condemned Israel's mandate, deeming it "completely unacceptable." Additionally, senior officials from the United States and Israel have engaged in discussions regarding the establishment of secure zones in Gaza to facilitate the relocation of civilians, according to a senior State Department representative.