Iran sent a message to Israel on Saturday stressing that it does not want further escalation in the Hamas-Israel war, but that it will have to intervene if the Israeli operation in Gaza continues, two diplomatic sources with knowledge of the situation told Axios.
Why it matters: The fighting between Hamas and Israel will turn into a regional war if Iran gets involved either directly or indirectly, such as through a militant group in Syria or by backing any Hezbollah decision to fully join the fighting.
The State Department told American citizens in Gaza on Saturday to move south towards the Rafah Crossing with Egypt ahead of a possible reopening of the crossing to allow foreign nationals to leave the enclave, a State Department spokesperson told Axios.
Why it matters: There are more than 500 Americans and hundredsof other foreign nationals in Gaza, including UN workers, members of non-governmental organizations and journalists, according to U.S. and Israeli officials.
The speed of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in densely-populated Gaza is "bone-chilling" and the enclave is "fast becoming a hell hole," the UN Palestinian agency said on Friday.
The big picture: The dire warning underscores the scale of the immense suffering of Palestinians in Gaza — home to more than 2 million people — as the Israeli military continues its heavy bombardment of the enclave in response to last Saturday's Hamas attack on Israel.
Russia circulated a draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza to the members of the UN Security Council on Friday, according to a copy of the draft obtained by Axios.
Why it matters: The resolution, if passed, would likely be vetoed, but the Russian move is expected to put pressure on the Biden administration and could push more countries to call for a ceasefire.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Israel on Friday and discussed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant further U.S. military assistance to Israel amid the fighting in Gaza.
Why it matters: The Biden administration has already delivered two initial ammunition shipments to Israel but is working with the Israeli government on a larger military aid package that will require the approval of Congress.
Russian authorities arrested lawyers representing opposition leader Alexei Navalny on Friday in what his allies say is part of a continued effort to isolate him and reduce his political influence.
Why it matters:Navalny's spokesperson said that by arresting three of his lawyers, authorities have sent a warning to other attorneys against representing the prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Jordianian King Abdullah II warned Secretary of State Tony Blinken in their meeting in Amman on Friday against any Israeli attempt to "forcibly displace Palestinians from all Palestinian Territories or cause their internal displacement," the Hashemite court said in a statement.
Why it matters: The King's harsh statement underscores Jordan's anxiety about the war in Gaza and concern that escalating tension in the occupied West Bank could lead to a flow of Palestinian refugees to Jordan.
The U.S. Capitol complex is enhancing security due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, the House and Senate's top security officials said in bulletins on Thursday.
North Korea on Friday warned of the possibility of a preemptive nuclear strike after the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier in South Korea.
Driving the news: America's USS Ronald Reagan and its strike group arrived in South Korea's port of Busan on Thursday for a five-day visit in a show of force against North Korea, Reuters reported.
