Israel intensified its military operations against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, marking a significant escalation on both fronts. Overnight airstrikes hit southern Beirut, described as the "most severe" of the conflict. Israel also struck a mosque in Gaza, reportedly killing 18 people. The IDF claimed to have killed a Hezbollah commander and issued new evacuation alerts for areas in southern Lebanon. As tensions rose, a woman was killed in a suspected terror attack in southern Israel. The escalation came on the eve of the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack, with Israel on high alert. In domestic UK news, Sue Gray resigned as Keir Starmer's chief of staff, causing a stir in Labour Party circles. The Channel saw a record number of migrant crossings for the year.