This concludes our live coverage for the day.
Check in tomorrow for more reporting from the region.
Berri urges national unity after Israeli strikes
Following Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri called on Civil Defense teams from the Scouts of the Islamic Mission, the Amal Movement’s social services office, and local municipalities to mobilize all resources to assist victims. He instructed authorities to provide immediate help to families who lost their homes and are now displaced.
Berri said that mere statements of condemnation are no longer enough to protect Lebanon and its citizens. "What saves the homeland, liberates its territory and shields it from Israeli aggression is national unity, and then national unity again," he stressed.
He also wished a speedy recovery to the wounded, particularly journalists, and reiterated the need for coordinated national efforts to confront the current challenges.
Social Affairs Minister expresses solidarity with southern residents
Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed wrote on X: "We strongly condemn today’s Israeli attacks on the South and the terrible tragedies inflicted on civilians. At the Social Affairs Ministry, we stand with our fellow citizens in the South and all affected Lebanese, offering solidarity and support during these difficult times."
Israeli army says it targeted Hezbollah smuggling routes
Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said on X that the military continues to strike "smuggling routes used by Hezbollah." Four border crossings between Syria and Lebanon in the Hermel region, reportedly used to transfer "combat assets," were hit, he said.
Adraee added that earlier in the day, the army killed Mohammad Awada, described as "a key arms trafficker for Hezbollah." According Adraee, Awada oversaw the transfer of weapons through a shell company importing prohibited goods from Iraq, Syria and several Gulf countries, and also operated a network to move combat assets to Syria and Lebanon.
"The army continues to monitor Hezbollah’s attempts to arm itself and will intervene against any violation of agreements between Israel and Lebanon," Adraee said.
Israel strikes near Lebanese-Syrian border
The Israeli air force conducted strikes in Syrian territory close to the Lebanese-Syrian border.
19 injured in Israeli strikes on Qanarit, Health Ministry says
The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that Israeli strikes in Qanarit, Saida district, injured 19 people, including journalists.
Two were admitted to intensive care, three required hospitalization and 14 others were treated in the emergency room, the ministry detailed.
Information Minister checks on journalists after Qanarit strikes
Information Minister Paul Morcos reached out to several media directors, journalists and photojournalists to check on their safety following Israeli bombings, including the strike that hit Qanarit in the Saida district. He also attempted to contact other journalists on the ground.
Morcos emphasized that "targeting journalists is strictly prohibited" and noted that the reporters were carrying out their work in densely populated areas, far from the designated strike zones.
He expressed solidarity with the media and condemned the exposure of journalists to such dangers, stressing the importance of protecting them under international law, including the four 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 protocols, which safeguard media freedom and forbid targeting journalists under any circumstances.
AFP calls for investigation into Israeli killing of its Gaza journalist
AFP demanded a “full and transparent investigation” into the killing of Abdul Raouf Shaat, a regular contributor in Gaza, who died today in an Israeli strike alongside two Palestinian colleagues.
In a statement, the agency expressed "immense sadness" over Shaat’s death, noting he had contributed to AFP’s coverage for nearly two years and was "much appreciated by the AFP team." The statement described him as "a generous man, with a deep journalistic commitment."
"Too many local journalists have been killed in Gaza in the past two years, while free access for foreign journalists remains impossible," AFP added in its statement.
The 34-year-old freelance journalist and video reporter was killed with Anas Ghneim and Mohammed Salah Qashta in central Gaza.
The Israeli army said it had targeted operators of a drone it deemed suspicious and belonging to Hamas, adding that the incident was under investigation.
Lebanese press syndicate condemns attack on journalists in Qanarit, urges 'caution'
The president of the Lebanese Press Editors' Syndicate, Joseph Kossaifi, condemned in a statement "the targeted attack on eight correspondents and photojournalists, as well as the destruction of their equipment, in the community of Qanarit during the Israeli strikes."
While he confirmed that some of the reporters were slightly injured, Kossaifi urged media teams in southern Lebanon to "exercise vigilance and caution" and take all necessary security measures when covering these attacks.
"Israel, by its aggressive nature, does not respect international conventions or practices relating to unarmed civilians — let alone journalists documenting its crimes," he said, calling for heightened vigilance as the violations exceed all legal boundaries.
Engineers to inspect damage from Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon
On Thursday morning, engineering teams from the Council for the South will carry out field inspections of the destruction caused by Israeli strikes in Jarjou, Kfour, and Ansar, the state-run National News Agency reported.
MP Osama Saad inspects building hit by strikes in Ghazieh
Osama Saad, president of the Nasserist Popular Organization and MP for Saida, visited a building damaged by Israeli strikes in the Ghazieh area, our correspondent reported. During the visit, he expressed his "support for the residents."
Protesters block traffic under Beirut’s Salim Salam tunnel in solidarity with southern Lebanese
Traffic under the Salim Salam tunnel in Beirut was disrupted as young demonstrators took to the streets to protest Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and in solidarity with the families that lost their homes in tonight's attacks.
Iran reports 3,117 killed in protests amid crackdown
Iranian state television said 3,117 people have been killed during the widespread protests against the government, citing the Iranian Foundation for Veterans and Martyrs, AFP reported. Of those, 2,427 — including security forces — are considered "martyrs" and are described as "innocent" victims, the broadcast said.
The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR), whose figures are cited by the U.N., puts the death toll at a minimum of 3,428, warning it could potentially exceed 20,000.
Solidarity with displaced southern Lebanese
The Israeli bombing of southern Lebanon, which targeted residential areas and left at least 50 families homeless, sparked a major movement of solidarity.
Dozens of individuals have offered rooms or accommodation to accommodate the families, our correspondent reported.
Israeli army claims it struck 'Hezbollah infrastructure' in southern Lebanon
"For the second time this week, the army targeted terrorist infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah, located in the heart of the civilian population in southern Lebanon," Avichay Adraee said on X.
According to the spokesman, "several measures have been taken to minimize the risk to civilians, including the use of precision munitions, the issuance of advance warnings, aerial reconnaissance and the use of additional intelligence."
4 journalists lightly injured by Israeli strike in Qanarit
At least four journalists were slightly injured by shrapnel in Qanarit (Saida district) during Israeli strikes, our correspondent in southern Lebanon reported. The reporters said they had positioned themselves 300 meters from areas flagged in the evacuation notice.
The injured include photographers and videographers Mahmoud Zayat (AFP), Ali Hankir (Al Mayadeen), Mohammad Zeinati (Alafdal TV), and Ahmad Mantash (Annahar).
Zayat, who was struck in the leg by debris, described the blast as "the strongest I have ever felt."
"We were caught in thick black smoke and had to stop filming. It was a terrible scene of war," he told our correspondent.
Hankir was hit in the foot by a rock while photographing and said a series of explosions blew out electrical cables, leaving him unable to walk. He was taken to hospital by Civil Defense for an X-ray.
PM Salam checks in on southern Lebanon developments
From Davos, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam contacted Army Commander General Rodolph Haykal from Davos to review developments in southern Lebanon, the prime minister’s office said on its X account.
He also spoke with General Bassam Nabulsi, Secretary-General of the High Relief Committee, and Zahi Chahine, head of the Risk Management Unit, to coordinate a rapid response and ensure support for those affected by the Israeli strikes.
President Aoun condemns Israeli attacks, a 'systematic aggression policy'
President Joseph Aoun denounced Israeli airstrikes on populated Lebanese villages, calling them part of a "policy of systematic aggression that affects and terrorizes civilians" in a message posted on the presidency’s X account.
Aoun said the strikes represent a dangerous escalation that directly targets civilians, threatens their safety, and violates international humanitarian law. He added that Israel’s repeated attacks demonstrate a refusal to respect the cease-fire agreement and a disregard for Lebanon’s efforts to maintain stability and prevent further conflict
The president reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to "its sovereignty and territorial integrity," holding Israel "fully responsible for the consequences of these aggressions." He called on the international community, especially the guarantors of the agreement, to assume their responsibilities and take decisive action to halt the violations, protect civilians and preserve security and stability in Lebanon and the region.
Lebanese Army condemns repeated Israeli violations
The Lebanese army denounced the latest Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, calling them a “flagrant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and security, the cease-fire agreement and Resolution 1701.”
In a statement, the army said the attacks targeted civilian homes across several areas, undermining its operations and obstructing the implementation of its plans. “They are causing fear among civilians, resulting in deaths and injuries and displacing dozens of families who have lost their homes,” the statement added, noting the strikes also threaten regional stability.
Over 50 families displaced by Israeli strikes
More than 50 families lost their homes today following Israeli strikes, our correspondent reported, citing local residents and municipal sources.
Press photographers urged to exercise caution in southern Lebanon
Lebanese Syndican of Press Photographers warned journalists to remain cautious in southern Lebanon after reporters were injured by shrapnel and stones in Kfour (Nabatiyeh district) following an Israeli bombing.
Israeli forces had issued an evacuation notice shortly before the strikes, urging residents to move 300 meters away from areas marked on a map.
The syndicate said claims of “safe zones” offer no real protection and that warnings are not always followed. “Anyone familiar with this enemy knows they do not hesitate to target journalists, and the camera does not represent a red line,” the statement said.
The union stressed that caution is essential, urging reporters to follow professional guidelines without taking unnecessary risks. “The safety of colleagues remains a priority over the transmission of images or information,” it added.
Another Israeli strike in southern Lebanon's Kharayeb, no evacuation threat
A second Israeli strike, not preceded by an evacuation threat, hit Kharayeb (Saida), specifically in an area know as the Qalaa.
Riyadh and Doha accept Trump's invitation to sit on 'Board of Peace'
Saudi Arabia and several other countries have accepted U.S. President Donald Trump’s invitation to join his proposed 'Board of Peace,' aimed at resolving global conflicts — which would overstep the duties of the U.N.
In a statement, Saudi Foreign Ministry said the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan made a “joint decision” to join the initiative, praising Trump’s “efforts for peace.”
Israeli airstrikes hit Kharayeb, Ansar following evacuation threats in south Lebanon
- Following an evacuation threat, the Israel struck a building in Kharayeb (Saida district), our regional correspondent reported.
- Israeli planes also bombed residential buildings in Ansar (Nabatieh).
Lebanese Civil Defense clears rubble after shelling in Jarjou, Kfour
Civil Defense teams responded to Israeli strikes in Jarjouh and Kfour (both in the Nabatieh district), beginning the process of clearing rubble, our correspondent reported.
Israeli attack in Gaza kills 3 journalists
An Israeli strike killed an AFP regular contributor and two other Palestinian journalists in the central Gaza Strip, with the Israeli army claiming it had targeted the operators of a drone deemed suspicious.
The strike took place in the al-Zahra area and the bodies of the three journalists were "transferred to the al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah," said a statement from the Civil Defense in the enclave.
The Civil Defense identified the three journalists killed as Anas Ghneim, Mohammed Salah Qashta and Abdul Raouf Shaath.
The latter, a 34-year-old freelance video reporter, had been working regularly with AFP since early 2024.
US sanctions Palestinian group in blockade-breaking flotillas
Today, the United States imposed sanctions on six charities and an organization that supported civilian flotillas that aim to break Israel's sea blockade on Gaza, accusing it of working for Hamas, AFP reported.
The Treasury Department said that the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA) has been a "main organizer" of the flotillas and charged that it was "clandestinely acting on behalf of Hamas."
"The Trump administration will not look the other way while Hamas leadership and enablers exploit the financial system to fund terrorist operations," Treasury Department official John Hurley said in a statement.
The PCPA is present in Lebanon and has organized conferences in Turkey bringing together expatriate Palestinians.
The Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on a U.K.-based PCPA official, Zaher Khaled Hassan Birawi.
Trump invites Pope Leo to join 'Board of Peace'
Pope Leo is among world leaders invited to join U.S. President Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace,' Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's top diplomatic official told Reuters today.
Parolin said the pontiff, the first U.S.-born pope and a critic of some Trump policies, has received the invitation and is still considering how to respond, noting that a decision would take time.
"The pope has received an invitation, and we are considering what to do," Parolin told journalists. "I believe it will be something that requires a bit of time for consideration before giving a response."
The initiative was initially presented as an effort to end the war in Gaza, but Trump has since said it would have a broader mandate to address conflicts worldwide. While countries including Israel and Egypt have accepted the invitation, others have voiced reservations, with diplomats warning the body could undermine the United Nations.
The Vatican press office did not immediately comment.
Since his election last May, Leo has adopted a discreet but active diplomatic approach and has repeatedly decried conditions for Palestinians in Gazas.
The pope rarely joins international boards, as the Vatican maintains its own diplomatic network and holds permanent observer status at the United Nations.
Israel claims it killed Hezbollah liaison officer in south Lebanon
The Israeli army claimed it killed Ahmad Salameh, a Hezbollah liaison officer, in a drone strike on a vehicle in the village of Yanouh in southern Lebanon on Tuesday morning. The strike hit a car on the road to Bazouriyeh (Sour district). The victim’s identity had already been made public.
In a statement, the army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, said Salameh oversaw Hezbollah activities in Yanouh, including facilitating the group’s operations inside private properties in the village.
The statement accused him of passing information to Hezbollah members on Dec. 13, 2025, during a Lebanese Army intervention carried out at the request of the cease-fire monitoring committee, following an Israeli threat.
According to the Israeli account, weapons were later removed from a building in the area, and several "suspicious crates" were taken out through a rear door during the troops’ intervention. The statement added that the Lebanese Army, acting "in coordination" with Salameh, had said the building contained no weapons.
The area threatened by the Israeli army in Ansar, Nabatieh district
(Credit: Image geolocated by our correspondent Muntasser Abdallah)
The threatened building in Ansar is located in the center of town, adjacent to a large solar power station that supplies the town with electricity.
The area threatened by the Israeli army in Kharayeb, Saida district
(Credit: Image geolocated by our correspondent Muntasser Abdallah)
South Lebanon: Israeli army issues further evacuation threats for Kharayeb, Ansar
The Israeli army issued further evacuation threats to residents the villages of Kharayeb (Saida district) and Ansar (Nabatieh).
Avichay Adraee, the Arabic-speaking spokesperson wrote on X that The Israeli army "will strike the military infrastructure of the terrorist group Hezbollah soon in order to counter its illegal attempts to reconstitute its activities in the area."
He added: "We urge the residents of the buildings marked in red on the attached maps, as well as nearby buildings: you are located near buildings used by Hezbollah and, for your safety, you must evacuate them immediately and move at least 300 meters away.”
Avichay claims 'Hezbollah' targets
Israeli army Arabic-spokesperson wrote on X, that the Israeli army "is currently striking Hezbollah terrorist targets in southern Lebanon."
Israeli army strikes Kfour
The Israeli army struck the threatened building in Kfour (Nabatieh). The explosion was heard as far as Saida city, our correspondent reported.
Israeli army strikes Qanarit and Jarjou
- The Israeli army carried out multiple strikes against the threatened building in Qanarit (Saida district), our correspondent reported. He added the strikes were heard as far as Saida and at least three missiles were fired at the building, resulting in thick plumes of smoke rising from the targeted site.
- Israeli strikes also targeted the threatened buildings in Jarjou (Nabatieh). The strike resulted in the destruction of multiple-story house and fires were reported on site, our correspondent added.
Initial Israeli drone strikes threatened building in Qanarit, south Lebanon
An initial Israeli drone missile has struck the building in Qanarit (Saida) threatened in by the army, our regional correspondent reported.
Often, the Israeli army would fire a 'warning' drone missile before it begins airstrikes.
Israel claims it struck suspects of 'drone affiliated with Hamas,' following report of 3 journalists killed
Israel's military said it struck suspects operating "a drone affiliated with Hamas" in central Gaza today, after the territory's civil defense reported three journalists killed including an AFP freelancer.
"Following the identification and due to the threat that the drone posed to the troops, the [Israeli military] precisely struck the suspects who activated the drone," an army statement claimed, adding that details were under review.
The Civil Defense of the Gaza had earlier announced the death of three journalists in an Israeli strike carried out in the center of the Palestinian territory despite the cease-fire.
Southern Lebanese residents evacuating areas threatened by Israeli army
Residents of Qanarit, Kfour and Jarjou have begun evacuating the areas threatened by the Israeli army. Panicked residents escaping Qanarit to Ghazieh have resulted in extreme traffic jams in the densely populated area, which is infamous for its narrow streets too.
Meanwhile, intense Israeli drones' overflights have been reported over the Nabatieh and the Zahrani districts, our correspondent reported.
Israeli army issues evacuation orders for residents of Qennarit, Kfour and Jarjou
The Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, issued an evacuation order to the residents of Qennarit (Saida), Kfour and Jarjou (Nabatieh) in southern Lebanon.
He called on residents of three buildings marked in red on the three maps attached to his message posted on X, as well as those in adjacent buildings, to evacuate the area.
Kfar Kila residents burn tires in protest at state’s ‘neglect’
Residents of the border town of Kafr Kila (Marjayoun) set fire to tires this afternoon amid the rubble of their homes in protest at the current situation and to demand the reconstruction of their village, according to our correspondent in the south.
The town’s mayor, Hassan Sheet, told L’Orient Today that residents are angry at what they believe is the state's neglect of their situation and of the stalled reconstruction efforts.
They have no homes to return to, no infrastructure, and live in constant fear of being targeted by Israeli attacks.
Sheet added that the residents are demanding the state pay attention to them, consider their tragic situation, and help them return to live safely in their village.
Syria: 7 soldiers killed in explosion at ammunition depot targeted by Kurdish forces
The Syrian Defense Ministry announced that seven soldiers were killed in a drone attack carried out by Kurdish forces in the Hasakeh countryside, according to Reuters.
Gaza: Civil Defense announces Israeli strike kills 3 Palestinian journalists
The Civil Defense in the Gaza Strip announced the death of three journalists, including a freelancer who worked for AFP, in an Israeli strike carried out in the center of the Palestinian territory.
The strike took place in the al-Zahra area and the bodies of the three journalists were "transferred to the al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah," according to a statement from the Civil Defense, a local first aid organization.
The Civil Defense identified the three journalists killed as Anas Ghneim, Mohammed Salah Qashta and Abdoul Raouf Shaath.
The latter, a freelance photojournalist, had been working regularly with AFP in recent months.
Israel kills five Palestinians, including two boys, in Gaza
Israeli fire killed five Palestinians, including two boys, in central and southern Gaza, local health authorities said.
Palestinian medics said three people, including a 10-year-old boy, were killed as a result of Israeli tank shelling east of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip.
Two others, a boy, 13, and a woman, were killed in two separate Israeli shooting incidents in eastern Khan Younis in Gaza's south, they said.
Residents said the two incidents occurred in Palestinian-controlled areas. The cease-fire led to a partial Israeli military withdrawal, leaving Israeli forces holding about 53 percent of the enclave, but they have been gradually expanding their presence in recent weeks, leading to further displacement of Palestinian families, residents told Reuters.
The Israeli military did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the two incidents.
Read more here.
Rifaat al-Assad dies
Rifaat al-Assad, the uncle of deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad accused of orchestrating mass killings during a 1982 uprising in Syria, has died, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter, Reuters reports.
Read more here.
Witkoff: Washington 'is not currently negotiating with Iran'
White House envoy Steve Witkoff said that Washington "is not currently negotiating with Iran," while confirming that it has had contacts with Tehran, Reuters reports.
Sisi accepts Trump's invitation to sit on "Peace Board"
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has accepted Donald Trump's invitation to sit on the "Peace Board" that the U.S. president wants to create to be in competition with the U.N.
Egypt "announces its acceptance of the invitation and undertakes to complete the necessary legal and constitutional procedures," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement quoted by AFP, expressing its support for the Board's "mission" to "end the conflict" in the neighboring Gaza Strip.
The "Peace Board was initially designed to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza. But the draft "charter," which grants Donald Trump very broad powers, reveals an initiative and mandate that goes far beyond the Palestinian territory issue alone, namely to contribute to the resolution of armed conflicts around the world.
Nighttime strikes against the Kurdish city of Qamishli in northeastern Syria
At least two strikes targeted the Kurdish city of Qamishli in northeastern Syria overnight, witnesses told L’Orient-Le Jour.
The strikes, attributed to Turkish drones, were carried out around midnight (local time) and targeted a medical center in the city and a military post. No reports of casualties are available at this time.
A new cease-fire has been in effect since Tuesday evening in northeastern Syria, following four days of clashes between the Syrian government army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The city of Qamishli, located in the far north of Syria on the border with Turkey, has been the scene of demonstrations in recent days by Kurdish residents, particularly in front of the border fence with Turkey, prompting Turkish police to intervene to disperse them.
The widow of Iran's former shah, Farah Pahlavi, has told AFP she believes there is "no turning back" following the latest wave of protests against the country's clerical authorities, saying she is convinced the Iranian people will emerge as "victors."
Gone into exile with her husband in January 1979 during the popular revolution that brought the Islamic republic to power, she said her "desire" and her "need today are to return to Iran," in an exclusive interview with AFP.
Read more on this here.
Iranian Kurdish party accuses Tehran of targeting its headquarters in Iraq with drones
An Iranian Kurdish party based in Iraq has accused Tehran of carrying out strikes on its premises, killing one of its members and injuring several others, according to statements made by a movement official to AFP.
The drone and rocket attack took place at dawn and "targeted one of the buildings of the Kurdistan National Army," said the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), referring to an armed group operating under its authority.
"We believe we were targeted ... because we called for demonstrations in Iran against the regime and also because we have an organized and trained armed force," the party official added.
Lebanese Health Ministry confirms one killed in Zahrani strike this morning
The Lebanese Health Ministry has confirmed that one person was killed in the Israeli drone strike that targeted a car on the road to Zahrani, south of Saida, earlier this morning.
Syria: Army enters al-Hol camp for relatives of suspected IS fighters
Syria's army on Wednesday entered the country's vast al-Hol detention camp holding relatives of suspected Islamic State (IS) fighters, from which Kurdish forces had withdrawn the previous day, according to an AFP journalist present on the ground.
The correspondent saw a large number of soldiers open the camp's metal gate and enter. Al-Hol houses around 24,000 people, including 15,000 Syrians and about 6,300 foreign women and children of 42 nationalities.
One killed in drone strike on car in Saida
Earlier this morning, Wednesday morning, an Israeli military drone targeted a car on the Zahrani road, south of Saida, killing one person, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
The vehicle caught fire while the driver was inside.
Shortly after the strike, the Israeli army announced, via its Arabic-speaking spokesperson Avichay Adraee, that it had targeted a member of Hezbollah in the area.
South Lebanon: 6 Israeli artillery shells fired at Yaroun
Six artillery shells were fired at the area known as Hermon, southwest of the town of Yaroun, in the district of Bint Jbeil, on Tuesday night, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Good morning and welcome to our live blog.
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the news in the region. We will bring you the latest news from southern Lebanon and Gaza, which Israel continues to attack, in violation of the cease-fire in place.
We are also following the news in Syria, where the Syrian army is extending its control over the north of the country in the face of Kurdish forces.
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