U.S. increases military presence in Middle East amid rising Israel-Iran tensions

The U.S. is increasing its military presence in the Middle East, deploying B-52 bombers, warships, and missile defense systems amid rising tensions with Iran. This follows reports of escalating violence in Gaza and Lebanon. In Gaza, 84 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes, while the UN warns of an "apocalyptic" situation. In Lebanon, Israeli strikes reportedly killed 45 people in the Bekaa Valley. Hamas has rejected a cease-fire proposal that included a partial hostage release. Meanwhile, Israeli forces killed a senior Hamas official in an airstrike, and three people were injured in Tira, Israel, from rocket fire originating from Lebanon.