Trump says recognizing the State of Palestine is 'award for Hamas' | LIVE

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Trump: recognizing the State of Palestine is "a reward for Hamas"

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a press briefing on Monday that President Donald Trump thinks it is "a reward for Hamas" to recognize the State of Palestine, as reported by AFP.

⚡Sharaa stalls on recognition of Israel

Syria's new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, on a visit to New York for the U.N. General Assembly, expressed hope for a security deal that would ease tensions with Israel, but ruled out any immediate recognition, AFP reported.

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Israel says it will not allow aid flotilla to break blockade on Gaza

Israel vowed today that it would not allow a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying aid to break its blockade of the Palestinian territory.

"Israel will not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone and will not allow the breach of a lawful naval blockade," the foreign ministry said in a statement, accusing Hamas of organizing the flotilla.

The ministry said the vessels would be allowed to dock at Ashkelon, from where the aid could be delivered to Gaza.

"If the flotilla participants' genuine wish is to deliver humanitarian aid rather than serve Hamas, Israel calls on the vessels to dock at the Ashkelon marina and unload the aid there, from where it will be transferred promptly in a coordinated manner to the Gaza Strip," the ministry added.

Israel will not participate in Tuesday's Security Council meeting on Gaza

Israel will not participate in Tuesday's meeting of the U.N. Security Council on the situation in Gaza because of the Jewish New Year, the Israeli ambassador announced, calling it "unfortunate" that the council would meet without Israel.

Dannon wrote a letter to the Security Council today, saying that the Israeli delegation will not participate in the meeting, as it coincides with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Despite Israel's request to postpone the date of the meeting requested by Algeria, Guyana, Pakistan, Sierra Leone and Somalia on the sidelines of the high-level week of the General Assembly, it has not been changed, he lamented. "It is unfortunate that the council meets without Israel," he added in a video.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to speak at the Assembly on Friday.

Iran to the West: Choose between 'cooperation or confrontation'

Iran believes diplomacy can resolve its decades-old dispute with the West over Tehran's nuclear ambitions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Iranian state television, adding that it was time for the West to choose between "cooperation or confrontation."

Britain, France and Germany last month launched a 30-day process to reimpose UN sanctions, accusing Tehran of failing to comply with a 2015 agreement with world powers aimed at preventing it from developing a nuclear weapon.

"They have tested Iran many times and know that we do not respond to the language of pressure and threats," Araghchi said.

Palestinian mission in London raises flag after recognition of State of Palestine

The Palestinian mission in London held a flag-raising ceremony the day after the United Kingdom recognized the State of Palestine, AFP reports.

The head of the diplomatic mission, Husam Zomlot, held up a plaque bearing the inscription "Embassy of the State of Palestine" and said it would be installed soon, "once certain legal and administrative formalities have been completed."

"The Palestinian Authority can establish an embassy and appoint an ambassador to the United Kingdom," British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told the BBC. "We will work with the Palestinian Authority to define the diplomatic steps," she added.

Hamas releases video of Israeli-German hostage held in Gaza

The armed wing of Hamas has released a video of an Israeli-German hostage held by the group since Oct. 7, 2023, reports AFP.

The Hostage Families Forum, the main organization of relatives of captives in Gaza, identified the captive as 24-year-old Alon Ohel. It is the second time this month the young man appears in a video released by Hamas. The Forum, citing the hostage's family, asked the media not to broadcast his photo or excerpts from the video.

In the images released by the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Ohel addresses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to secure the release of all captives still held in the Gaza Strip. He is also heard calling on his family to continue protests against Netanyahu and his government to put pressure on behalf of the hostages. The footage shows him speaking in front of a television screen broadcasting statements by the Israeli prime minister.

AFP has not been able to verify the authenticity of the video or the date it was recorded.

Hezbollah's Bekaa leader: Party ready to move forward to achieve its goals

Hezbollah's Baalbek branch commemorated the first anniversary of the killing of the party's al-Radwan Brigade leader Ibrahim Aqil and his companions, according to our correspondent in the Bekaa.

"The resistance community has proven that it is up to the task, and this is a strength that must be built upon," said Hussein al-Nemr, regional leader of the Bekaa for the occasion.

"We are stronger and more determined than ever. The coming days will show that this party, with its wounded, the families of its martyrs, and its supporters, will not renounce its principles and will continue to move forward to achieve its lofty goals," he added.

Hezbollah MP: Greater Israel Project poses threat to entire region

Hezbollah MP Ihab Hamadeh has denounced criticism of the party ahead of the commemoration of the assassination of its former leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

"Some accuse us of wanting to project the image of the martyred secretary general on the Pigeon Rocks. And now they claim that our weapons are in Baalbek ... in order to score points through slander, hatred, and malice, to the benefit of the Israelis," he said in Yammouneh, during a ceremony in tribute to a Hezbollah fighter killed by the Israeli army, according to our Bekaa correspondent.

The MP also commented on reactions to the recent initiative by the party's secretary general, Naim Qassem, regarding Saudi Arabia. "The entity [Israel] is now in an existential conflict with the entire umma [Arab nation]." "We see with certainty that the current [Greater Israel] project poses a threat to the umma's existence, its geography, and its people. If we call for unity to confront it, it is for them and not for us, because we know how to defend our existence and have proven to the whole world that we are capable of protecting ourselves and protecting them as well," he said. He warned that "the Greater Israel project would encompass the entire region."

"We cannot be blamed for defending the Palestinians and justice, but the umma can be blamed for bowing down to the Israelis," he added.

Read more here: Qassem wants to 'turn a new page' with Saudi Arabia

Hezbollah MP cites polls showing broad popular support for the party keeping its weapons

A ceremony was organized in Adloun to commemorate the killing one year ago of Ahmad Mahmoud Wehbe, commander of Hezbollah's al-Radwan unit until early 2024, and a native of the southern coastal town.

In attendance was Hezbollah MP Hassan Ezzedine, who said that "'the Resistance' has protected Lebanon and preserved its identity," denouncing "any link between reconstruction and disarmament," which he considers "to be in the service of the enemy" and of "American plans to strengthen their tutelage and control over Lebanon."

He pointed to latest polls that show large popular support for Hezbollah keeping control of its weapons, citing that 60 percent of Lebanese reject disarmament, with the number reaching 96.6 percent amongst the country's Shiite population.

Iranian nuclear program: 'A difficult turning point,' according to head of the IAEA

Discussions with Iran over its nuclear program are at a "rather difficult turning point," said Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in an interview with AFP on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

The comments were made after Tehran threatened on Saturday to suspend its cooperation with the UN agency if European sanctions were reimposed.

"What is important is that communication continues," he said, adding that he planned to meet with the Iranian foreign minister on Monday. Despite the critical moment, he reiterated his trust in the diplomatic process and his belief in a positive outcome to dialogue.

Gaza Health Ministry: Israel escalates ground invasion of Gaza City, pushing two hospitals out of service

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that Israel's escalation of its ground offensive of Gaza City and continued air strikes have forced two Gaza City hospitals to suspend operations, in a statement quoted by Reuters.

The statement said that Israeli strikes badly damaged the Rantisi Children's Hospital a few days ago, while attacks near the Eye Hospital forced the suspension of services there too.

"None of the facilities or hospitals have safe access routes that allow patients and the wounded to reach them," the ministry added, as Israeli tanks advance deeper into the territory.

Rocket fired from Gaza City toward Israeli settlement, army says

A rocket was fired from Gaza City toward the border settlement of Nahal Oz, the Israeli army said in a statement.

The army attempted to intercept the projectile, and the results are currently being examined, it added.

Gaza: Over 61 killed, 220 injured in 24 hours

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that hospitals "received 61 killed and 220 injured over the past 24 hours," according to Al Jazeera. This brings the total number of people killed in Israel's war on the Strip since October 2023 to 65,344.

South Lebanon

An Israeli drone struck Naqoura beach and the village of Boustan (Sour), according to L'Orient Today's correspondent in the area.

Israeli army to reinforce defensive and offensive missions between Sept. 22-24: Adraee

The Arabic-speaking spokesman for the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, announced that his army “decided to reinforce and mobilize dozens of military companies from combat training cycles from all army units to carry out defensive and offensive missions on various fronts during the Jewish New Year holidays,” celebrated this year between Sept. 22 and 24.

These measures come after an “assessment of the situation on several fronts,” Adraee wrote on X. “The [Israeli army] has reinforced all combat fronts with air, ground, and naval forces and in all military systems across the country.”

Barrack: The situation in Lebanon is very difficult, but we have a good team in power

U.S. envoy Tom Barrack said Monday in an interview with Sky News Arabia that “the situation in Lebanon is very difficult, but we have a good team in power.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “doesn't care about borders or red lines. He would go anywhere and do whatever he deemed necessary if he felt Israel was threatened.”

He also pointed out that “Qatar welcomed Hamas and the Taliban at the request of the United States.”

“I think [U.S. President Donald] Trump has a plan for Gaza and is looking to end this situation,” he added.

Situation update in south Lebanon last night:

• An Israeli drone dropped incendiary bombs on Iqlim al-Touffah (Nabatieh), sparking a forest fire that spread to the outskirts of Arab Salim. Civil defense intervened to contain the blaze.
• Israeli artillery fired flares over the town of Houla (Marjayoun).

South Lebanon schools mourn three children killed by Israeli strike

Several schools in south Lebanon closed today in response to the Israeli strike on Bint Jbeil that killed five people, including three children.

Other schools called on staff to observe a minute of silence in mourning. Shops in Bint Jbeil also shuttered.

Strike on Bint Jbeil: Lebanese FM denounces targeting of civilians

Lebanese Foreign Minister Joe Rajji on Sunday night condemned the Israeli strike that killed five people in Bint Jbeil.

“The targeting of civilians, especially children, is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and all conventions that guarantee the protection of innocents in conflicts,” he said. He also urged the international community to “assume its responsibilities to put an end to Israel’s ongoing violations on Lebanese territory.”

Number of countries recognizing Palestinian statehood expected to reach 145 out of 193 UN member states

On Sunday, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal formally recognized Palestine, bringing the total to at least 145, according to AFP. Full Palestinian membership at the U.N. remains blocked by the United States.

Several more countries, including France, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and San Marino, are expected to join the move today, according to the French presidency.

The announcements come as Israel intensifies its war on Gaza, as pressure grows over the dire humanitarian situation in the territory, as Israel's blockade on humanitarian aid continues.

French President Emmanuel Macron said recognition of a Palestinian state is essential to isolating Hamas.

“The Palestinians want a nation, they want a state, and we must not push them toward Hamas,” he told CBS’s “Face the Nation” yesterday.

“If we want to isolate Hamas, the process of recognition and the peace plan that goes with it is a precondition,” he added.

Several countries are set to recognize the State of Palestine today at the U.N. General Assembly in New York, in a symbolic move aimed at pressuring Israel to agree to a cease-fire in Gaza.

The recognition effort, led by France and Saudi Arabia, is the culmination of months of diplomacy. French President Emmanuel Macron secured overwhelming support for a resolution backing a future Palestinian state, while explicitly excluding Hamas — a condition demanded by many Western nations.

Good morning. Thank you for joining us for today's live coverage of the events in Lebanon, Gaza, Palestine, Syria and the region. Make sure to read today's Morning Brief to get caught up on the weekend's key events and today's upcoming ones.