Live: Hamas official says Gaza ceasefire talks have resumed

Israeli strikes hit two Syria border crossings with Lebanon, Lebanese minister says

Israeli strikes early on Friday hit two border crossings linking Lebanon with Syria, Lebanon’s transport minister Ali Hamieh told Reuters.

The strikes hit just across the border on the Syrian side of both the Arida crossing in northern Lebanon and the Jousieh crossing which links to eastern Lebanon, Hamieh said.

Both crossings are important access points to Syria’s Homs province, where anti-government rebels are seeking to advance against government forces after sweeping through northern Syria.

Hamas official says Gaza ceasefire talks have resumed after weeks-long hiatus

A Hamas official said Thursday that international mediators have resumed negotiating with the militant group and Israel over a ceasefire in Gaza, and that he was hopeful a deal to end the 14-month war was within reach.

Ceasefire negotiations were halted last month when Qatar suspended talks with mediators from Egypt and the United States because of frustration over a lack of progress between Israel and Hamas. But there has been a “reactivation” of efforts in recent days to end the fighting, release hostages from Gaza and free Palestinian prisoners in Israel, according to Bassem Naim, an official in Hamas’ political bureau who spoke with The Associated Press in Turkey.

Another official familiar with the talks confirmed the return of Qatari mediators. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the negotiations with the media.

Australia police investigate suspected arson at Melbourne synagogue

Australian police said it believed a fire at a synagogue in Melbourne early morning on Friday was deliberately lit by two possible perpetrators wearing masks, injuring one person and significantly damaging the building.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack and said there should be no place for anti-Semitism in Australia.

“This violence and intimidation and destruction at a place of worship is an outrage. This attack has risked lives and is clearly aimed at creating fear in the community,” Albanese said in a statement.

Welcome to our liveblog, where we post the latest developments on the Israel-Hamas war. To read all about this week’s key events, click here.