Guardian Live Coverage: Middle East Crisis

Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the Middle East crisis.

Ismail Haniyeh‘s assassination in Tehran complicates efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Israel’s conflict with Gaza, according to US President Joe Biden. Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pursue a ceasefire promptly.

• Hezbollah’s leader declared a new phase in the group’s conflict with Israel after the recent assassinations.
• Qatar will hold funeral ceremonies for Haniyeh following his death in Tehran.
• Hamas’ military leader, Mohammed Deif, was killed in an Israeli airstrike last month.
• Israel stands prepared for potential retaliation, emphasizing a strong response.
• Lufthansa Group canceled all flights to and from Tel Aviv until August 8 due to the regional crisis.

• Palestinian casualties from the conflict have risen significantly, with thousands injured and many more missing.
• China calls for an independent Palestinian state, urging faction reconciliation for stability.
• Iranian officials discuss retaliatory actions against Israel following the recent events.
• Turkey halts cooperation between Nato and Israel, seeking resolution to the conflict first.
• Al Jazeera refutes baseless accusations from Israel regarding the deaths of its correspondents.