BBC Verify: Tracking Israel's Recent Strikes
The health ministry in Gaza, managed by Hamas, reports that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in over 400 fatalities. The Israeli military claims these operations are targeting "terror sites" throughout the region. Nick Beake from BBC Verify has been analyzing video evidence to piece together the extent of the destruction. The verification team includes Benedict Garman, Joshua Cheetham, and Shayan Sardarizadeh, with production by Jemimah Herd and graphics by Mesut Ersoz.
In other developments, thousands of Syrians have fled into Lebanon from Latakia and Tartus provinces. A former soldier reportedly gathered intelligence for Tehran and fled from HMP Wandsworth. Following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, three hostages have been released back to Israel. Doron Steinbrecher, 31, Emily Damari, 28, and Romi Gonen, 24, were seen exiting a Red Cross vehicle in footage shared by the Israeli Defense Forces.
Feras Killani, who grew up in Yarmouk, Damascus, witnessed intense battles between rebels and government forces. Orla Guerin reports from Al-Sina prison in northeastern Syria, where many suspected fighters have been detained for years. Sharaa led the rebel charge that recently brought down the Assad regime in Syria.
In Aleppo, the BBC's Hugo Bachega observed Syrians celebrating with dancing and flag-waving. Lina Sinjab reports a celebratory atmosphere in Damascus as citizens commemorate the fall of the Assad regime. The BBC's international editor revisits Bashar al-Assad's presidential palace, where he previously conducted an interview in 2015. Crowds in Damascus surged amid rumors of the imminent execution of a despised Assad associate.
Video footage shows Syrian rebel fighters gathered around the burning tomb of the late president Hafez al-Assad. Some Syrians remain hopeful that their loved ones, detained under the Assad regime, might still be alive. Footage captures the Mansaa border crossing between Lebanon and Syria after rebel forces took control of Damascus on Sunday. Lina Sinjab in Damascus notes the disbelief among people that the 54-year Assad rule has concluded.
A video, verified by AP news, appears to show rebels releasing numerous prisoners. Lina Sinjab, a Syrian, remarks that this is her first time entering the country "without fear of detention." She describes chaotic scenes in the Syrian capital as rebel fighters and civilians gather to celebrate the end of President Assad's rule. Syrians have entered an Assad residence in Damascus following the president's downfall.