An oil tanker burst into flames in the Gulf of Aden on Friday after being hit by a missile fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Houthi rebels have said they will retaliate for recent attacks on Yemen's infrastructure by US and British forces. These attacks are aimed at preventing the Houthis from disrupting global shipping in the region.
All of this stems from Israel's ongoing war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The Houthis say their actions are aimed at pressuring Israel to stop ground attacks and widespread bombing of Palestinian territories.
According to U.S. Central Command, the U.S. sent a destroyer that had been the target of an attack by the Houthis on Friday to respond to a distress call from a merchant vessel.
This is just the latest example of rising tensions in the Middle East as world leaders try to contain the spillover effects of the war in Gaza.
Here's more you need to know today:
Allegations against UN staff in Gaza: Israel's Foreign Ministry said on Oct. 7, 2023, that it expected the United Nations' main aid agency in the Gaza Strip to conduct an urgent internal investigation after firing employees allegedly involved in Hamas attacks on Israel.
Israel has shared with the United States and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) all the information it has about the 12 employees at the center of the sensational allegations, an Israeli official told CNN on Friday.
The head of UNRWA previously promised to investigate the claims. These allegations jeopardize the organization's ability to provide much-needed humanitarian assistance in the region.
Increasing pressure to rescue hostages: The United States says there is “no imminent progress” on an agreement to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. Even though diplomatic efforts are being made to reach a deal.
The White House's Middle East coordinator concluded a regional meeting Friday, and CIA Director Bill Burns is scheduled to meet with the intelligence chiefs of Israel and Egypt, as well as the Qatari prime minister, to discuss a deal.
Meanwhile, Hamas released a heavily edited video showing three female hostages in an attempt to increase pressure on Israeli leaders.
The worsening situation for health workers in Gaza: According to Doctors Without Borders, essential health services at Nasser Hospital, the largest hospital in Gaza, have “collapsed.” Intense fighting around the hospital has made resupplying the medical center difficult.
The United Nations said Thursday that less than half of Gaza's hospitals were still partially functioning. In areas that are still open, there is a shortage of staff, basic medical supplies, fuel, food and water.
Here is today's ruling from the UN's highest court: The UN Secretary-General said he hoped Israel would follow the International Court of Justice's order today. The International Court of Justice called for a halt to the genocide in Gaza but did not call for a ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the ruling as a rejection of “discrimination” against his country, while the Palestinian Authority and South Africa said it represented a victory for human rights.