Iran warns that war with Israel could resume 'at any moment' | LIVE

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Pressure group calls for UN-mandated mission in Gaza

The U.N. General Assembly must urgently receive a mandate to deploy a military force in the Gaza Strip to protect Palestinian civilians, the Gaza Tribunal, an assembly of lawyers, intellectuals and prominent figures from several countries, demanded on Monday in Istanbul, according to AFP.

The goal is to “give the U.N. General Assembly the mandate to organize an armed intervention to protect Gaza,” said Richard Falk, a 94-year-old American professor emeritus of law who heads the pressure group created in London in 2024, urging governments around the world to act “urgently.”

The force's mission will be to help “end the genocide” in the Palestinian territory, said the Gaza Tribunal, whose members include American philosopher Judith Butler, Israeli historian Avi Shlaim and former British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

According to Falk, former U.N. rapporteur on the rights of Palestinians, such a deployment could be made possible by a provision similar to the “Uniting for Peace” resolution adopted in 1950 during the Korean War to circumvent a Soviet veto.

This force could also be deployed in the name of the “responsibility to protect” principle, adopted in 2005 by U.N. member states to prevent genocide, war crimes and other atrocities.

Plan for a truce in Gaza: Egypt says 'the ball is in Israel's court'

Egypt has said it has submitted a new proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza to Israel, stressing that “the ball is now in Israel's court,” reports AFP.

Egyptian and Qatari mediators “prepared this proposal” based on a previous U.S. plan, Egyptian intelligence chief Diaa Rashwan told state media outlet Al-Qahera News. They “sent it to Israel and the ball is now in its court,” he added.

The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas announced earlier that it had accepted the proposal.

Iran warns that war with Israel could resume 'at any moment'

Iran's first vice president, Mohammad Reza Aref, has warned that a new war with Israel could break out “at any moment,” more than two months after a deadly conflict between the two enemy countries, reports AFP.

"We must be ready for confrontation at any moment. Today, we are not even in a cease-fire situation, but rather a cessation of hostilities," Aref said.

Iran is “preparing plans for the worst-case scenario,” Yahya Rahim Safavi, military adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said earlier, as quoted by the daily Shargh on Sunday. “There is currently no real cease-fire; we are in a state of war, and it could break out at any moment. There is no protocol, no regulation, no agreement between us and the Israelis, nor between us and the Americans,” he noted.

Israel revokes visas of Australian representatives to Palestinian Authority

Israel revoked the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority on Monday, saying the decision followed Australia's announcement of its intention to recognize a Palestinian state, AFP reports.

On X, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the decision also came after Canberra canceled the visa of far-right Israeli lawmaker Simcha Rothman, an elected member of the Religious Zionism party, who was scheduled to give a series of lectures in Australia.

“I have decided to revoke the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority,” Saar wrote, adding that the Australian ambassador to Israel had just been informed of the decision.

“I have also instructed the Israeli embassy in Canberra to carefully review any official visa applications from Australia to enter Israel,” Saar added. These measures, he said, “follow Australia's decision to recognize a ‘Palestinian state’ and its unjustified refusal to grant visas to Israeli officials.”

Hamas has accepted the new proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza, a source from the group told AFP.

'The decision to monopolize weapons in the hands of the state has been made': Salam

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reiterated on Monday that the decision to give the Lebanese state a monopoly on weapons has been made.

“The decision to monopolize weapons in the hands of the state has been made. Without this, there is no security or stability, and without security or stability, there is no investment or economic growth,” he emphasized at the Rachid Karameh International Fair in Tripoli, which he was visiting.

Trump: Israeli hostages will only be released once Hamas is destroyed

U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social network that, in his opinion, the Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza will only be released once Hamas has been “confronted and destroyed.” “The sooner this happens, the better the chances of success,” he said.

Strike on Khiam injures four, says Health Ministry

While our correspondent in the South initially reported three Syrian workers injured in an Israeli drone strike on a quarry in Khiam (Marjayoun), Lebanon’s Health Ministry has since confirmed that four people were wounded in the incident — all of them Syrian nationals.

Sally Rooney Pledges BBC Royalties to Support Palestine Action

Irish author Sally Rooney has pledged to donate the proceeds from BBC adaptations of her novels — currently broadcast in the UK — to support Palestine Action, a group recently banned under UK anti-terrorism laws.

Writing in The Irish Times, she explained that using her royalties as a platform for activism in the UK would now be illegal. She declares: “If this makes me a ‘supporter of terror’ under UK law, so be it.”

The move comes amid growing controversy: supporters argue it’s an act of conscience against genocide in Gaza, while UK authorities emphasize that backing a proscribed group is a criminal offense.

Gaza death toll surpasses 62,000, says Health Ministry

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said that 60 people were killed and 344 wounded in Israeli strikes and shelling over the past 24 hours. This brings the total death toll since Oct. 7, 2023, to 62,004, with 156,230 wounded.

Since March 18, 2025, alone, at least 10,460 people have been killed and 44,189 injured.

In the past 24 hours, 27 people died and 281 were wounded during humanitarian aid distributions, bringing the number of aid-related deaths to 1,965, with over 14,701 injured.

The ministry also reported five more deaths due to famine and malnutrition, including two children. Since the war began, 263 people — including 112 children — have died of hunger-related causes.

Egypt ready to join international force for Gaza, with UN mandate

Egypt is prepared to take part in any international force deployed in Gaza, provided it is backed by a UN Security Council resolution and a clear political mandate, said Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty during a joint press conference with Palestinian PM Mohammad Mustafa at the Rafah crossing.

“Without a political horizon, deploying forces would be meaningless,” he said, adding that Egypt also stands ready to contribute to international efforts to establish a Palestinian state.

Three Syrian workers wounded in Israeli drone strike on quarry in Khiam (Marjayoun)

An Israeli drone struck a quarry in Khiam, South Lebanon, injuring three Syrian workers, according to our correspondent.

PM Salam to Barrack: US must now pressure Israel to act

During his meeting with Tom Barrack at the Grand Serail, Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam said the U.S. must now “assume its responsibility by pressuring Israel to stop its attacks, withdraw from the five still-occupied points in South Lebanon, and release Lebanese detainees.”

Salam said the decisions taken by the Lebanese government reflect “the national interest” and emphasized the need to increase international financial and material support for the Lebanese Army.

He also stressed the importance of renewing the mandate of UNIFIL, which plays a key role in stabilizing the South and supporting state authority below the Litani River.

Salam also called for the international community to organize a conference to support Lebanon’s reconstruction and economic recovery.

His comments on UNIFIL came as AP reported that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a proposal last week to gradually scale back the U.N. mission in South Lebanon.

(Credit: X/@Lebarmy.)

Tom Barrack met with Lebanese Army Commander-in-Chief Rodolphe Haykal in Yarzeh.

An Israeli drone dropped a bomb on a quarry in Khiam (Marjayoun), injuring three Syrian workers, according to our correspondent in South Lebanon.

Israel 'will play its part once Lebanon takes concrete steps,' says Israeli source

An Israeli political source told the Saudi pan-Arab channel Al-Hadath that the withdrawal of Israeli forces from five strategic points in South Lebanon “will take place in coordination with the cease-fire monitoring committee.”

“Israel will play its part once Lebanon takes concrete steps,” the source added.

The remarks came after U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, speaking from Beirut, called on Tel Aviv to take reciprocal action following the Lebanese government's commitment to disarm militias, including Hezbollah.

Berri questioned Barrack on Israel’s commitment to honoring the cease-fire agreement

In a statement released after the meeting between U.S. envoy Tom Barrack and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Berri’s press office said he questioned the American official about “Israel’s commitment to respecting the cease-fire agreement and withdrawing from Lebanese territory up to the internationally recognized borders.”

According to the statement, Israel’s adherence to the agreement is “the key to stability in Lebanon and the opportunity to launch reconstruction efforts, enable displaced residents to return to their villages, and provide the necessary support to the Lebanese Army.”

UK politicians call on Starmer to halt arms sales to Israel

Leaders of political parties from Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales have signed a joint letter urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to recall Parliament and impose sanctions on Israel over its military campaign in Gaza, Al Jazeera reports.

The letter calls on Starmer to “act now” to pressure Israel to end its offensive, describing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “both man-made and avoidable.” 

It also demands an immediate halt to all UK arms sales to Israel and support for “independent, international investigations into alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide.”

“We urge you to act decisively by standing against the man-made famine, the mass killing of children, and the broader assault on civilian life,” the letter states. “History will remember whether we chose to remain silent or to stand on the side of humanity.”

Israeli forces kill at least 17 people across Gaza since dawn

At least 17 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip since dawn on Monday, including eight aid seekers, medical sources have told Al Jazeera.

(Credit: Mohammed Yassine/L'Orient Today.)

The U.S. delegation, led by Tom Barrack, is now meeting with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the Grand Serail.

After his meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Barrack stated that “everyone is moving in the right direction.” He added, that what matters is achieving prosperity and peace for all.

An Israeli army drone dropped a sound bomb on Ramieh, in the Bint Jbeil district, during a funeral, according to our correspondent. The strike caused no casualties.

(Credit: Mohammed Yassine/L’Orient Today.)

Tom Barrack, Morgan Ortagus, and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson arrived at Ain al-Tineh on Monday for a meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

Berri, a close ally of Hezbollah, had told al-Arabiya the previous day that he supports “dialogue regarding the decision to establish a state monopoly on arms,” but does not back the way the issue is currently being presented — namely, with a timeline to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year.

“I’ll listen to the U.S. envoy to hear his vision for how disarmament would take place, but I have nothing to offer him from my side,” Berri said regarding the meeting with the American delegation.

Israeli drones flying at low altitude over parts of South Lebanon

Israeli drones are flying at low altitude over several towns in South Lebanon, according to our correspondent. The areas include Fawqa, Tahta (both in the Nabatieh district,) Kfar Roummane, and Deir al-Zahrani (Nabatieh district,) Khirbet Silm, Kfar Dounin, and Aita al-Shaab (Bint Jbeil district,) as well as Zrarieh, Arzay, and Khrayeb (Saida district.)

Gaza: Elderly man killed by falling airdropped aid box

An elderly man died in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, after being severely injured by an airdropped humanitarian aid box that fell on a tent sheltering displaced people, Al Jazeera reported, citing Nasser Hospital.

Several people have been killed or injured in recent weeks due to aid boxes falling during airdrops.

Humanitarian agencies continue to criticize the method as dangerous and inefficient. They warn that over two million people in Gaza are facing famine and urge Israel to allow unrestricted aid delivery through land crossings.

Gaza: Five die of hunger in 24 hours, including two children

Five people, including two children, have died from hunger and malnutrition in Gaza over the past 24 hours, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry, as reported by Haaretz.

This brings the total number of hunger-related deaths since the start of the war to 263, including 112 children.

During meeting with Barrack, Aoun says 'other parties' must now commit to cease-fire agreement

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in his meeting with U.S. envoy Tom Barrack and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Morgan Ortagus, stated that “what is needed now is for the other parties to commit to the terms” of the cease-fire agreement.

He also called on the international community — particularly Washington and Paris, the sponsors of the agreement — to “provide greater support to the Lebanese Army and speed up the international measures needed to launch reconstruction in areas affected by Israeli attacks.”

Hamas received new cease-fire proposal, response expected later Monday

Hamas has received a new cease-fire proposal and is expected to issue its response later today, according to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, as cited by Haaretz.

Al Jazeera also reported that Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Thani — who also serves as foreign minister — is expected to arrive in Egypt later on Monday to participate in ongoing cease-fire and hostage release negotiations.

Israeli army chief: Gaza residents to be ‘evacuated’ within two months

Israel’s military is preparing to evacuate residents of Gaza within two months ahead of an expanded ground operation, according to a report by Israel’s Channel 12, cited by Al Jazeera.

In closed-door discussions, army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly stated that “the expected evacuation process of residents from Gaza City will take less than two months,” and that the military is preparing a range of tools to “encourage” civilians to relocate to humanitarian zones.

Once that stage is complete, Zamir said, the army will move to “surround Gaza City, enter it, and occupy it,” while aiming to “minimise the use of reserve forces as much as possible.”

The report also noted that Israel is in talks with at least five countries — Indonesia, Somaliland, Uganda, South Sudan, and Libya — to potentially host displaced Palestinians from Gaza.

Human rights organizations have denounced the plans, warning they may constitute forced displacement under international law.

South Lebanon

An Israeli army drone just dropped a sound bomb on the border town of Dhaira (Sour district,) according to our correspondent.

Barrack: Washington not resorting to threats over Hezbollah disarmament

During his press conference at the presidential palace, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack emphasized that Washington had not submitted any specific "proposal" to Israel.

“What we are doing is implementing an agreement that was violated,” he said. He added that the U.S. administration "is not resorting to threats regarding Hezbollah’s disarmament."

Barrack from Baabda: Lebanon has taken a first step, now it’s Israel’s turn

Speaking from Baabda Palace, Tom Barrack said, that in the coming weeks, significant progress will be made and the beginning of a roadmap for dialogue with all neighbors will be created.

"I think the Lebanese government has done their part. They've taken the first step. Now what we need is Israel to comply with that equal handshake," Barrack declared.

US envoy Barrack begins official visit in Beirut

Having arrived in Beirut last night, U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack began his round of meetings with Lebanese officials on Monday morning. For the first stop of his visit, he was received by President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace, in the presence of Morgan Ortagus and a U.S. delegation.

Israel conducting 'a deliberate starvation campaign' in Gaza, says Amnesty International

Israel is carrying out a “deliberate starvation campaign” in Gaza, Amnesty International said in a statement, as the U.N. and several NGOs continue to warn of an imminent famine in the war-torn Palestinian territory.

“The deadly combination of hunger and disease is not an unfortunate side effect of Israeli military operations in Gaza,” the human rights organization stated. “It is the intentional result of plans and policies Israel has designed and implemented over the past 22 months to deliberately impose living conditions calculated to bring about the physical destruction of Palestinians in Gaza.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry and military have not yet responded to AFP’s request for comment.

Israeli army chief finalizes assault plans for Gaza City

The Israeli army “continues preparations to take Gaza City, including a large-scale mobilization of reservists,” reported Haaretz, after army chief Eyal Zamir approved the operational plans on Sunday.

These plans are expected to be presented to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant by Tuesday or Wednesday, and then submitted to the Security Cabinet.

Hamas reportedly receives new cease-fire proposal, urged to respond 'within hours'

According to Saudi TV channel Al-Hadath, citing sources close to the negotiations, Hamas has received a new cease-fire proposal from Egyptian and Qatari mediators.

Other Palestinian factions have also received the proposal and are reportedly urging Hamas to respond “within the next few hours.”

Al-Hadath sources say a meeting of mediators is expected later today in Egypt, chaired by Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed al-Thani.

Southern Lebanon: Israeli infiltration near Mais al-Jabal, house demolished

At 5:45 a.m., an Israeli army unit carried out a ground incursion about 200 meters into Lebanese territory near Mais al-Jabal, according to our South Lebanon correspondent. The soldiers advanced near the Kassayer neighborhood, heading toward Kroum al-Sharaqi.

The Israeli army blew up an unoccupied house, already partially damaged during the autumn war. No casualties were reported. The powerful explosion was heard in several nearby villages and completely destroyed the building.

U.S. envoy Tom Barrack begins official visit in Beirut

Having arrived in Beirut last night, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack began his tour of meetings with Lebanese officials Monday morning.

For the first stop, he was received by President Joseph Aoun at the Baabda Palace, in the presence of former U.S. official Morgan Ortagus and an American delegation.

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of developments in the Middle East.

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