With the cease-fire over, Israel says it’s expanding its ground operations to all of Gaza. And plans for the next merger in the airline industry have been announced. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.
Israel expanding operation in Gaza days after cease-fire ends
Just days after the temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas ended, Israel Defense Forces said Sunday, Dec. 3, that it was expanding its ground operations to all of Gaza. Israel said the offensive in southern Gaza would be “no less powerful than” those in the north.
Israel expanded its evacuation orders on Sunday, Dec. 3, with reports saying the IDF dropped leaflets in communities in southern Gaza, warning neighborhoods of a heavy attack. On Sunday night, Dec.3, an Israel military spokesman said the country “continues and expands its ground operations against Hamas strongholds all across the Gaza Strip” but did not further elaborate.
The Israeli military said this morning its airstrikes hit about 200 Hamas targets in Gaza overnight, including a school in northern Gaza that it said contained “terror infrastructure.”
Speaking to ABC News on Sunday, Dec. 3, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the U.S. is still working to get cease-fire discussions back on the table to free the approximate 140 hostages that remain in Gaza, including eight Americans.
Kirby also said Israel has been “receptive” to the U.S.’ message to minimize civilian casualties amid the IDF’s growing operations.
3 commercial ships attacked by Iranian-backed militia in Red Sea
On Sunday, Dec. 3, three commercial ships with ties to 14 countries were attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, according to a U.S. Central Command report. Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, reportedly fired ballistic missiles at the three ships over about eight hours.
According to the report, a U.S. warship also shot down three drones in self-defense, though it was not clear if the warship was the target of any specific attacks. Minor damage was reported as a result of the hours-long assault. In a statement, the U.S. military called these attacks a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security.
“We also have every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Houthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran,” U.S. Central Command said. “The United States will consider all appropriate responses in full coordination with its international allies and partners.”
5 bodies recovered from wreckage of Osprey that crashed in Japan
The bodies of five U.S. military crew members have been recovered in the wreckage of the Osprey aircraft that crashed off the coast of Japan last week, according to local reports. The Osprey crashed during a training flight last Wednesday, Nov. 29, after requesting an emergency landing on the island of Yakushima.
Initially, the remains of one of the eight U.S. military members on board were recovered. The Air Force confirmed the victim’s identity as 24-year-old Staff Sergeant Jacob Galliher from Massachusetts.
On Monday, Dec. 4, the U.S. military, along with divers from the Japanese Navy, recovered the additional victims amid wreckage believed to be the front of the aircraft. Japan’s military has temporarily grounded its fleet of Ospreys due to the crash and has asked the U.S. military to halt Osprey flights until safety inspections can be conducted. The U.S. military continues to investigate the cause of the crash.
Alaska Airlines plans to buy Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion
Another airline merger was announced over the weekend as Alaska Airlines said Sunday, Dec. 3, that it plans to buy Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion. Alaska, which is the fifth largest U.S. carrier, would keep both brands.
Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines officials said the deal would combine two carriers with few overlapping routes. They said the combined organization would provide service to 138 destinations, including nonstop service to 29 international locations.
The companies said the plan would add more travel opportunities to and from Hawaii. The deal still has to be approved by Hawaiian Airlines investors and U.S. regulators, which could be an issue. The Justice Department is currently trying to block JetBlue’s proposed acquisition of Spirit Airlines.
First wireless-charging public road opens in the U.S.
Drivers of electric vehicles in Detroit searching for the next station to charge their car now have another option: the first wireless-charging public road in America. For a few days now, drivers of certain EVs have had the opportunity to charge their cars on the newly paved 14th Street in the Motor City.
Here’s how it works: rubber-coated copper inductive charging coils installed in the quarter-mile stretch of the roadway allow EVs equipped with receivers to charge while driving, idling, or parking.
Israel-based company Electreon developed the technology. The company, which has similar projects in other countries, including Sweden, Germany, Italy, and Norway, said the roadway is safe for pedestrians. State officials said the cost of the project is approximately $6 million.
Washington, D.C. celebrates 2023 Kennedy Center honorees
For one day, it wasn’t politicians getting the attention in Washington D.C. but a group of celebrities who were honored for their achievements in the arts. Singer Dionne Warwick, comedian Billy Crystal, Bee Gees member Barry Gibb, rapper and actress Queen Latifah, and opera singer Renée Fleming made up this year’s Kennedy Center honorees.
Speaking at a White House reception before Sunday evening’s Dec. 3 event, President Biden welcomed the group and said the performing acts “reflect who we are as human beings.”
Several guests from all corners of the entertainment industry appeared on stage to honor the stars, including actors Meg Ryan, Robert De Niro, and Kerry Washington, country group Little Big Town, and rapper Missy Elliot. The event was hosted by 2017 honoree singer Gloria Estefan and is set to air on CBS on Dec. 27.