Aug 2, 2026, 05:00 AM UTC

United States embassies across the Middle East have urged American citizens to prepare for evacuation due to risks of "unforeseen escalation" in the regional conflict. The warnings come as Israeli media reported expectations that Iran may launch ballistic missiles against Israel regardless of Israeli participation in strikes on Tehran.

Separately, Russian air strikes in the Ukrainian region of Kherson killed a 54-year-old woman and wounded 18 people, according to regional authorities. Meanwhile, Russian state nuclear company Rosatom confirmed that Ukrainian naval drones sank its cargo ship Janjina in international waters of the Black Sea. All 17 crew members were safely rescued.

Sources: N1, Tanjug.

Overnight Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of at least eight Palestinians, including two children, according to Palestinian media reports.

The bombardments targeted several areas throughout the enclave. In central Gaza's Deir al-Balah, a strike hit a residential property, killing two people and injuring several others. In western Gaza City, an attack on an apartment within the al-Susi building killed a couple and their child. Additional strikes were reported in the al-Mawasi area near Khan Younis in the south.

The casualties come amid ongoing military actions in the region, with local emergency services responding to the damaged locations.

Sources: Anadolu Ajansı