On October 14, 2024, a series of violent events unfolded in Gaza and Lebanon, resulting in significant casualties. In Gaza, at least four individuals died and over 40 were injured due to an Israeli airstrike targeting displaced persons' tents at the Martyrs of Al Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. This marked the seventh attack on the same facility, according to Hamas authorities.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the strike was aimed at terrorists operating a command center within the hospital, alleging that Hamas was using the facility to plan attacks against Israel. Reports indicate that over 300 people have died in northern Gaza since the beginning of a new ground offensive on October 6, 2024, with the total death toll in Gaza exceeding 42,200 since the conflict escalated a year ago.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an artillery attack on Israeli troops attempting an infiltration near the border town of Markaba. The group reported that it fired projectiles at Israeli soldiers in various locations, including Labouneh. This followed a drone strike by Hezbollah that killed at least four Israeli soldiers and injured over 60 others in Binyamina.
Hezbollah has threatened further attacks if Israel continues its offensive in Lebanon, asserting that the recent actions are just a precursor to more severe consequences.
In a separate event, a comet known as A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) was observed in the West Midlands, UK, marking its first visibility in 80,000 years. The Royal Astronomical Society referred to it as the 'comet of the century' due to its brightness and visibility.