We are closing our live blog on events in the region for tonight. We will be back tomorrow morning with more news updates.
Hostages in Gaza: '600 days, not one without thinking of them,' says Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron has denounced “600 days of unbearable ordeal” for the Israeli hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza.
“600 days of unbearable ordeal for them and their loved ones. 600 days, not one without thinking of them,” he wrote on social network X. “France stands by them, mobilized and determined,” he continued. “For their release, for an immediate cease-fire, for peace and security for all. That is our priority."
The war ignited by Hamas entered its 600th day on Wednesday, with no hope of a truce in the Israeli bombardment of Gaza or the release of hostages held since the movement's attack on Oct. 7, 2023.
Trump says he warned Netanyahu against striking Iran
The United States has warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against any strike on Iran that could derail nuclear talks.
“I don't think that would be relevant right now,” Donald Trump said during an exchange with the press in the Oval Office, assuring that he had "very good discussions" with Iran towards an agreement.
Steve Witkoff, Trump's Middle East envoy, has “a very good feeling” about a possible truce in Gaza, reports AFP.
“We are about to send a new proposal that will hopefully be delivered later today,” he said, adding, ”I have a very good feeling about the possibility of reaching ... a temporary cease-fire and a long-term solution.”
Gaza: Al-Mawassi hospital targeted by Israeli fire
The Red Cross field hospital in the al-Mawassi humanitarian zone, west of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, was targeted by Israeli fire this morning, Gaza's Health Ministry said in a statement.
The incident caused panic among patients and visitors, and left several injured, said Al Jazeera's local correspondent.
Netanyahu says he created 'new reality in Lebanon, unprecedented in 50 years'
“We have neutralized the threat of a Hezbollah incursion into Israel's northern communities,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Israeli Parliament.
“The opposition says we haven't achieved anything, but never since the creation of Israel have there been so many successes on so many fronts ... We have created a totally new situation in Lebanon, a situation that has not existed for 50 years,” added the head of the Israeli government, as opposition Knesset members questioned him about the extension of the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip. “We're going to transform the face of the Middle East, and that's exactly what we've done,” he added.
Palestinians in Gaza deserve 'more than survival': UN
The Palestinians of Gaza, who are sinking deeper and deeper “into the abyss [deserve] more than just to survive,” the U.N.'s Middle East envoy told the Security Council.
“The civilians of Gaza have lost all hope. Instead of saying 'goodbye, see you tomorrow,' the Palestinians of Gaza are now saying 'see you soon in paradise.' Death is their companion. It's not life; it's not hope. The people of Gaza deserve more than survival. They deserve a viable future full of life,” said Sigrid Kaag. “Since the resumption of hostilities in Gaza, the already terrifying existence of civilians has sunk even deeper into the abyss,” she added, once again calling for a cease-fire and the release of the hostages. “When you talk to people in Gaza, words like empathy, solidarity and support have lost their meaning,” she continued.
“We must not get used to the number of people killed or wounded. These are girls, mothers and young children whose lives have been shattered. All had names, all had futures, all had dreams and aspirations.”
While Israel last week partially lifted the total blockade it had imposed on Gaza since March 2, officially to force Hamas to release the last hostages, the U.N. official also deplored the inadequacy of humanitarian aid to meet the needs of over two million inhabitants threatened by famine. “It's like a lifeboat after the ship has sunk,” she commented.
Hezbollah denounces Israeli strike in Yemen
Hezbollah has condemned the Israeli attack on Sana'a airport, calling it a “flagrant violation of international law.” The party accused Israel of “intensifying its aggression throughout the region, from Gaza to Lebanon, and now in Yemen, under the total cover of the United States and in deafening global silence.”
According to Houthi media and Israeli officials, strikes on Wednesday destroyed the last remaining civilian aircraft at the rebel-controlled Sanaa airport. This attack comes several weeks after a bombing raid that severely damaged the airport and led to its temporary closure.
According to Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the Israeli defense establishment says it's unsure if Mohammad Sinwar is dead, despite Netanyahu's earlier confirmation.
Abu Dhabi summons Israeli ambassador
The United Arab Emirates has summoned the country's Israeli ambassador to express its condemnation of “provocative practices carried out by Israeli extremists” in Jerusalem, the official WAM news agency reported on Wednesday, quoted by Reuters.
According to Reuters, the statement did not clearly specify which practices were targeted.
'Significant efforts to end war'
Hamas said in a statement that it was “making significant efforts to end the brutal war against the Gaza Strip.” The most recent of these efforts is the development of a general framework agreement with U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, aimed at establishing a permanent cease-fire, the complete withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, the delivery of humanitarian aid and the formation of a professional committee to manage the enclave's affairs immediately following the announcement of the agreement,” it added.
“The agreement provides for the release of 10 Israeli hostages and several bodies, in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners, under the guarantee of mediators. The movement is currently awaiting a definitive response to this framework agreement,” Hamas concluded.
At least 36 killed by Israel on Wednesday in Gaza
According to Gaza's health ministry, at least 36 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks since Wednesday morning, reports Al Jazeera.
Aid distribution in Gaza continues 'without incident'
The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said aid distribution continued in the Palestinian enclave on Wednesday without incident, and that it had opened a second distribution site.
“At both sites, around 14,550 boxes of food have been distributed so far. Each box feeds 5.5 people for 3.5 days, for a total of 840,262 meals,” the foundation said in a statement. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has a monopoly on aid distribution in the enclave, said it was working to open four sites and said it had “plans to build more sites across Gaza in the coming weeks.”
Netanyahu confirms death of Mohammad Sinwar
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he had confirmed the death of de facto Hamas leader Mohammad Sinwar, younger brother of long-time leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in October last year, according to reports in Israeli media.
Netanyahu made the announcement during what the Times of Israel described as a combative address during a Knesset debate initiated by 40 opposition lawmakers, rejecting criticism of his government’s wartime performance and touting what he calls unprecedented achievements.
The Israeli army has not released its own confirmation of Sinwar's death.
Hamas announces 'general framework agreement' with Witkoff
Hamas released a statement saying it is making "significant efforts" to bring a permanent end to the devastating war on Gaza.
"The most recent of these efforts," the statement reads, "is reaching a general framework agreement with U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, aimed at achieving a permanent cease-fire, the complete withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, the flow of humanitarian aid, and the formation of a professional committee to manage the affairs of the Strip immediately upon the announcement of the agreement.”
According to Hamas, the agreement currently on the table includes the release of 10 Israeli captives and a number of bodies, in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners, under the guarantee of mediators. "The movement is currently awaiting a final response to this framework.”
Hamas announces 'general framework agreement' with Witkoff
Hamas released a statement saying it is making "significant efforts" to bring a permanent end to the devastating war on Gaza.
"The most recent of these efforts," the statement reads, "is reaching a general framework agreement with U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, aimed at achieving a permanent cease-fire, the complete withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, the flow of humanitarian aid, and the formation of a professional committee to manage the affairs of the Strip immediately upon the announcement of the agreement.”
According to Hamas, the agreement currently on the table includes the release of 10 Israeli captives and a number of bodies, in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners, under the guarantee of mediators. "The movement is currently awaiting a final response to this framework.”
Displaced Palestinians react as they display items received from an aid distribution center in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on May 28, 2025. (Credit: AFP)
Aid distribution organization says two sites in Gaza reopened
The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said aid distribution has continued in the Palestinian enclave so far without incident, Reuters reports. The organization also announced it had opened a second distribution site.
"Across the two sites, approximately 14,550 food boxes have been distributed so far. Each box feeds 5.5 people for 3.5 days, totaling 840,262 meals," the foundation said in a statement. The GHF is working to open four sites and said it has "plans to build additional sites across Gaza in the weeks ahead."
Jonathan Whittall, head of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the West Bank and Gaza, criticized the new aid distribution mechanism in Gaza as failing to meet basic food needs. The organization is also criticized for placing all the food distribution centers in the South, except one in central Gaza. The move is seen as an attempt to force Palestinians to leave the North in order to collect food staples, crossing over the militarized Netzvarim Corridor, which would then allow Israel to prevent their return.
Israeli MPs propose bill to try Palestinians for 'genocidal acts'
Israel's Knesset approved the initial stages of a bill establishing a special tribunal to try Palestinians from Gaza for "genocidal acts," with 39 MPs in favor and one against, according to reports from Haaretz and the Jewish News Syndicate.
The bill, proposed by Knesset members Simcha Rothman (Religious Zionism) and Yulia Malinovsky (Yisrael Beiteinu), defines the acts perpetrated on Oct. 7, 2023 as genocidal and as crimes against humanity, requiring a unique judicial framework separate from Israel’s regular court system.
The legislation would create a 15-judge tribunal, composed of top Israeli jurists and "international legal experts," with the authority to deviate from standard criminal procedures to expedite trials and prolong detention.
A displaced Palestinian man carries a food parcel as he returns from an aid distribution center in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on May 28, 2025. The United Nations on May 28 condemned a U.S.-backed aid system in Gaza following a chaotic food
Israeli security cabinet approves 22 illegal settlements
The Israeli Security Cabinet has secretly approved the construction of 22 new illegal settlements on Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth has reported.
According to the newspaper, the cabinet “secretly approved two weeks ago the establishment of 22 settlements in [the occupied West Bank].” The report added that the proposal was submitted by Defence Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
The Palestinian presidency said that the approval of the new illegal settlements constitutes “a dangerous escalation that drags the region into a cycle of violence and instability.”
Violence from Israeli settlers and Israeli soldiers alike has escalated dramatically since the January-March cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. Thousands have been displaced, hundreds killed, and hundreds detained.
Ryanair extends suspension of flights to Tel Aviv
In a massive blow to travelers, low-cost air travel giant Ryanair announced it is extending the suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv until Aug. 1, according to a report from Times of Israel. The airline said that the flights are being canceled for reasons “beyond our control.”
According to Channel 12 news, the announcement means that some 200,000 tickets have been canceled, ahead of an expectedly busy summer season. The low-cost carrier resumed flights to Israel in March after an extended hiatus, but suspended them again this month following a Houthi attack in which a missile hit the grounds of the airport. It had been set to resume flying in early June.
The new pope calls for a cease-fire in Gaza
Pope Leo appealed for a cease-fire in Gaza, calling on "those responsible" to halt all hostilities and "respect humanitarian law."
"In the Gaza Strip, the intense cries are reaching Heaven more and more from mothers and fathers who hold tightly to the bodies of their dead children," the pontiff said during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, as cited by AFP.
"To those responsible, I renew my appeal: stop the fighting," said the pope. "Liberate all the hostages. Completely respect humanitarian law."
Yater residents say UNIFIL patrols drew their weapons
Residents in Yater, Bint Jbeil district, say UNIFIL soldiers had raised their weapons at them during a confrontation. When asked about these accusations, UNIFIL denied the residents' version of events.
"This morning, UNIFIL peacekeepers on a planned patrol coordinated with LAF [Lebanese Armed Forces] were stopped by a group of men in civilian clothes in Yater," a UNIFIL spokesperson told L'Orient Today. "The situation was calm, and peacekeepers were able to continue on their way about 30 minutes later."
However, residents of Yater, where a man was killed last night by an Israeli strike, said they had blocked UNIFIL troops who bypassed them from another angle, which led to a confrontation. It was at this point that residents say UNIFIL drew their weapons.
The Lebanese Army quickly requested reinforcements after attempting to negotiate with UNIFIL, which refused to leave the area.
Israeli army attacks south Lebanon villages
The Israeli army fired a stun grenade, gunshots, and artillery shells at three villages in southern Lebanon, injuring at least one person and — as has been the case since the cease-fire agreement was signed six month ago — violating the truce with Hezbollah.
In Kfar Kila, Marjayoun district, an Israeli drone dropped a stun grenade, our correspondent reports, adding that initial information indicates one civilian was injured. The Israeli army also opened fire at residents from the town of Blida, in the same district, while they were near a chicken farm in the "Ghasouna" area east of the town. No injuries have been reported.
In Hasbaya district, Israeli artillery shelled the outskirts of the town of Kfar Shuba, with two shells, accompanied by gunfire.
Israel to deport citizens paid by PA
Israel is set for the first time to deport citizens convicted of terrorism who are receiving payments from the Palestinian Authority, Defense Minister Israel Katz and Coalition Whip Ofir Katz announced, according to a Times of Israel report.
In a joint statement, the officials say four individuals are currently in advanced stages of the deportation process, with proceedings initiated against hundreds more. The Israeli outlet did not give any more details about them.
The announcement follows a classified Knesset committee meeting attended by Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, where they reviewed the implementation of a February 2023 law allowing the revocation of citizenship from convicted terrorists and their deportation.
Three killed and nearly 50 wounded at aid distribution site yesterday
Gaza’s Government Media Office reported that three Palestinians were killed and 46 wounded at an aid distribution site in Rafah run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation yesterday.
A statement cited by Al Jazeera add that several more remain missing. The Israeli army claims its troops fired "warning shots," amid the chaos of a hungry crowd desperate to get a box of basic food supplies like flour and oil, which overran the barriers set up to control the flow of distribution, and causing the organization's staff to briefly lose control of the facility.
Several times during the war, the Israeli army has fired on Palestinians trying to collect the scare food aid that has been allowed into the besieged Strip. Aid dropped from planes has also crushed people waiting below, or landed in the water, where then several people drowned trying to retrieve it.
Aid distribution halted in Gaza
The newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation tasked with distributing humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, announced its centers will not open this morning, Haaretz reports.
The closure, as starvation and malnutrition spreads, is due to "arrangements" that need to be made following yesterday's events, in which a crowd of people desperate to find supplies after a nearly three-month-long total blockade overran the center and the organization's staff abandoned their posts.
The foundation, backed by Israel and the U.S., also stated that it is working diligently to renew the distribution as soon as possible. Yesterday was the first day food packages were made available to some in the Strip.
France, Indonesia call for progress toward two-state solution
France and Indonesia called for progress to be made on "mutual recognition" between Israel and the Palestinians at a key meeting scheduled for next month, as Emmanuel Macron visited Jakarta, bringing the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation into his diplomatic efforts, AFP reports.
It came as Paris and Jakarta signed a series of cooperation agreements, with Macron seeking to deepen trade and defense ties with Southeast Asia's largest economy on a three-country tour promoting France as a balancing power between the United States and China.
Speaking next to his French counterpart, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made the rare pledge of recognizing Israel if it allowed for a Palestinian state. Indonesia has no formal ties with Israel and support for the Palestinian cause runs high there.
Israel calls NYT report on Iran talks 'fake news'
Israel rejected a report in the New York Times that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been threatening to disrupt talks on a nuclear deal between the United States and Iran by striking Iran's main nuclear enrichment facilities, Reuters reports.
Netanyahu's office issued a statement in response to the article which said simply: "Fake news."
Citing officials briefed on the situation, NYT said that Israeli officials were concerned that U.S. President Donald Trump was so eager to reach a deal with Iran that he would allow Tehran to keep its nuclear enrichment facilities, a red line for Israel.
The report said U.S. officials were concerned that Israel could decide to strike Iran with little warning, and said U.S. intelligence estimated that Israel could mount an attack on Iran in as little as seven hours.
A young man walks with a package of aid on his back as displaced Palestinians receive food basics from a U.S.- and Israeli-backed foundation tasked with distributing humanitarian aid in western Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on May 27, 2025. (Credi
Israel 'on the eve' of preventing Iran from attaining nuclear weapons
Israeli Knesset member Benny Gantz said that Israel is "on the eve" of preventing Iran, who he called a regional and global threat and a profound threat to Israel, from attaining nuclear weapons, Haaretz reports.
American media last week cited leaks from U.S. intelligence that Israel was preparing to strike Iranian nuclear sites. Trump called Netanyahu yesterday to warn him against such a move while Iran and the U.S. continue to hold talks.
Gantz said this morning, at an Israel Democracy Institute conference, that Israel "does not have 600 days to deal with this," in reference to today marking the 600th day since the Gaza war began.
He also said that if an "excellent deal that will put significant distance between Iran and nuclear weapons" won't be reached, Israel will have to "rope in" the U.S. and the entire region to act against Iran's nuclear facilities. "Israel cannot let a country whose considerations are motivated by religious extremism rather than rationality" attain weapons of mass destruction, he said.
Israel bombs Sanaa airport in Yemen
The Israeli air force has hit Houthi targets at Sanaa international airport in Yemen, Israel's Defense Ministry said, as cited by Reuters. The Houthis launched missiles toward Israel yesterday as part of its campaign in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The Israeli Defense Ministry warned that ports in Yemen will continue to be "severely damaged" and that the Sanaa airport — which the main gateway for travel in and out of the country — and other infrastructure will be hit "again and again," the Reuters report continues. The strikes are a "clear message that whoever fires on Israel will pay a heavy price."
Trump warns Netanyahu against Iran strikes in phone call
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Israeli Prime MInister Benjamin Netanyahu against taking any action that could jeopardize negotiations between Iran and the U.S. on a nuclear deal, Axios reports, citing a White House official and a source familiar with the call.
Trump reportedly told Netanyahu he "doesn't want anything to impede" a diplomatic solution with Iran. The White House official said of Trump that, "he doesn't want [Netanyahu] to antagonize at a time when he is trying to solve problems."
Trump reportedly stressed to Netanyahu that the "other option" is on the table, but he wants to see first if a diplomatic solution is possible.
U.S. intelligence officials leaked last week that the U.S. had become aware of Israeli plans to bomb Iranian nuclear sites. Negotiatiors from Iran and the U.S. plan to meet for a sixth round of talks at a yet-unknown date.
Israeli machine-gun fire on the outskirts of Khiam
This morning, machine-gun fire was also reported from Tallet Hamames, a hill on the outskirts of Khiam (Marjayoun) occupied by the Israeli army, according to our correspondent. The gunfire targeted the outskirts of Khiam and the surrounding plain.
One man killed in Israeli drone strike in South Lebanon
An Israeli army drone targeted a man on a moped, later identified as Nabil Mohammad Balaghi, in Yater, in Bint Jbeil district, last night, according to information from our correspondent in the South, Muntasser Abdallah. The Ministry of Health later announced the Balahi's death, and Hezbollah said it would be holding a funeral for him in his hometown of Yater. Since the pager attack in September, the party no longer officially announces the deaths of its members.
Also yesterday, a man was shot while driving his moped in Sour district's Majdal Zoun village, later succumbing to his injuries. The Israeli army had announced that it had eliminated a member of Hezbollah's elite Radwan force.
Since the cease-fire came into effect six months ago, Israel has killed at least 166 people in Lebanon.
Good morning and welcome to today's live coverage of events in the region, especially Israel's ongoing military onslaught against Palestinians in Gaza, Syria's attempts at brokering peace both domestically and with Israel, and in Lebanon, the ongoing Israeli strikes and incursions in the South, in full violation of the cease-fire agreement that is now six months old.
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