DOHA/GAZA/WASHINGTON - In a recent development, China has called for a comprehensive and authoritative peace conference on the conflict in Gaza. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking in Egypt, emphasized the need for a specific timetable and road map for the implementation of the 'two-state solution' and supported the prompt resumption of Israel-Palestinian peace talks.

Simultaneously, the militant group Hamas released a video featuring three Israeli hostages, indicating that their fate would be disclosed on Monday. The situation remains tense as Israel continues its offensive in Gaza, resulting in almost 24,000 reported deaths and over 60,000 wounded, according to the Gaza health ministry.

In a separate incident, the U.S. military announced intercepting an anti-ship cruise missile fired from Houthi militant areas in Yemen toward a U.S. destroyer in the Southern Red Sea. The Houthis claim these actions support Palestinians facing Israeli forces in Gaza. Recent American and British airstrikes on Houthi targets have prompted threats of a "strong" response from the Iranian-backed militia.

In the latest Gaza clashes, Israeli tanks and aircraft targeted southern and central areas, with Hamas responding by launching rockets towards Ashdod. No immediate reports of casualties were provided. The Israeli military reported the destruction of silos used by Hamas to launch missiles.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected ceasefire calls, vowing to continue until achieving complete victory over Hamas and recovering remaining hostages. The military indicates a shift to a new phase focusing on the southern end of Gaza, with plans for targeted operations against the Iranian-backed movement's leaders.

On the northern Lebanon border, there's been a low-level exchange of fire between Israeli troops and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia. Israel's military reported killing four militants attempting to cross the border, with anti-tank missiles causing casualties in northern Israel.

The Gaza conflict has also triggered violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, with Palestinian health officials reporting the killing of five Palestinians, including boys aged 14, 16, and 17. The Israeli military cited instances of Palestinians attacking checkpoints and an army base, resulting in return fire and casualties. The situation continues to evolve with tensions escalating on multiple fronts.

On Sunday, the U.S. military reported successfully intercepting an anti-ship cruise missile fired by Houthi militants in Yemen toward a U.S. destroyer in the Southern Red Sea. The interception is the latest in a series of Houthi attacks on international shipping, purportedly in support of Palestinians facing Israeli forces in Gaza.

Following American and British airstrikes on Houthi targets, the Iranian-backed militia has issued threats of a "strong" response. The recent missile interception near Yemen's port city of Hodeidah caused no injuries or damage, according to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam criticized what he termed a violation of national sovereignty, citing enemy aircraft activity near Yemeni airspace and coastal areas. Protests by pro-Palestinian activists at the gates of RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus condemned the use of the British base for strikes against the Houthis.

The Red Sea crisis raises concerns about a broader Middle East conflict, extending beyond the Gaza situation. Israel aims to dismantle the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which, like the Houthis, receives backing from Tehran.