Xinhua Middle East news summary at 2200 GMT, June 18
TEHRAN -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that the country remains steadfast amid its conflict with Israel and will not surrender to anyone amid pressure, according to the Tasnim news agency.
In a televised address, Khamenei praised the "steadfast, courageous, and timely" response of the Iranian people to what he called "the foolish and malicious aggression" of Israel. He said the nation's resilience reflected "the growth of rationality and spirituality" in the country. (Iran-Israel-Conflict)
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JERUSALEM -- Israel carried out fresh waves of airstrikes in Iran on Wednesday, with the Israeli military saying it was targeting nuclear-related facilities and weapons sites, as the aerial conflict between the two countries entered its sixth day following an Israeli surprise attack.
In the morning, around 25 Israeli fighter jets struck more than 40 military targets in western Iran, including missile infrastructure, weapons storage sites, and personnel linked to the Iranian regime, the Israeli military said in a statement. (Israel-Iran-Airstrikes)
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GAZA -- At least 37 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire and shelling across Gaza on Wednesday, including 14 near two U.S.-backed aid centers, local sources said.
Witnesses told Xinhua that Israeli forces opened fire on crowds gathering for humanitarian aid near the Netzarim junction in central Gaza. Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat reported receiving 11 bodies and treating over 70 wounded. (Gaza Strip-Israeli Attacks-Casualty)
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ANKARA -- Türkiye has increased security measures along its borders amid rising tensions in the region following recent hostilities between Iran and Israel, Defence Minister Yasar Guler said on Wednesday.
"Security measures at our borders have been increased due to recent incidents in neighboring Iran," Guler said during a visit to the eastern border province of Van. (Türkiye-Border Security)
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