Israel-Hamas War Day 243: What's happening in Gaza, Middle East?

Following reports that the IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi prevented a mission to rescue hostages at Shifa Hospital at the beginning of the war, an IDF spokesperson clarified on Tuesday evening that the claims are false and baseless.

"It was an operational idea that lacked feasibility both operationally and intelligence-wise, as there was no information about the presence of hostages in the hospital. If such information had existed, the plan would have progressed toward implementation. The operation as presented would have led to the killing of hostages and compromised the safety of our forces," stated the IDF.

Slovenia became the latest European Union country to recognize an independent Palestinian state after its parliament approved the move with a majority vote on Tuesday, dismissing a call for a referendum on the issue by the largest opposition party.

The government last week decided to recognize Palestine as an independent and sovereign state following in the steps of Spain, Ireland and Norway as part of a wider effort to coordinate pressure on Israel to end the conflict in Gaza.

"Today's recognition of Palestine as a sovereign and independent state sends hope to the Palestinian people in the West Bank and in Gaza," Prime Minister Robert Golob said on X.