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His Buller, a militia based in Lebanon and backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for firing rockets that hit the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shimona.

Israeli planes bombed a house in Bintzibil in Lebanon, killing at least three people.

Israel also shot down three aircraft that crossed the border.

The chief of Israel's army, Herzie Hall Hallavi, said war will last many months amid signs the conflict is spreading.

Israel's Gaza, offensive, now appears to be focused on refugee camps in the centre of the territory as well as the city of Harn-unice in the South.

America said it would send $250 million worth of weapons, including artillery and anti-aircraft missiles

to Ukraine.

Republicans in Congress have, however, blocked a bigger package of military aid for the country.

Meanwhile, Japan is planning to send Patriot Air Defence Systems to Ukraine after easing its arms export rules.

Russia said the move would have grave consequences for Russia-Japan ties.

Kim Jong-un, North Korea's leader, told his military to accelerate war preparations

including with its nuclear weapons program

according to state media.

Mr Kim reportedly ordered the move in response to confrontational moves by America.

Last week America, Japan and South Korea fully activated a new system to jointly track North Korean missiles.

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