Yacoubian calls on Lebanon to join the Rome Statute
MP Paula Yacoubian denounced a “war crime” on X following the killing of journalist Amal Khalil.
“The targeting of journalist Amal Khalil is a war crime that adds to Israel’s heavy toll of killing journalists,” she wrote. She said she called for Lebanon to join the Rome Statute and recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court: “For weeks, we have been calling for an immediate decision. Today, the same blood is being shed again with no accountability. Until when?”
“Any delay in this decision amounts to entrenching impunity. The urgency is clear: to join the Rome Statute and allow the Court to examine crimes committed from 2002 to the present,” she added.
Lebanon and Israel are not parties to the International Criminal Court (ICC), established in 2002 by the Rome Statute (unlike the Palestinian Authority, which acceded to it in 2015, editor’s note). In the absence of accession, the ICC prosecutor cannot open an investigation that could lead to prosecutions or the issuance of arrest warrants.
However, the Lebanese government can set up a commission tasked with documenting serious violations, as it did during the 2024 war, in order to record the facts and produce reports.
Information minister accuses Israel of a 'crime' after Amal Khalil killed: 'We will not remain silent'
Information Minister Paul Morcos denounced a crime and a blatant violation of international humanitarian law following the announcement of journalist Amal Khalil’s death.
“With deep sorrow, we mourn journalist Amal Khalil, who was targeted by the Israeli army while carrying out her professional duty of conveying the truth in Tiri, in south Lebanon,” Morcos wrote on X.
“Targeting journalists is a proven crime and a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, to which we will not remain silent. We once again call on the international community and support organizations to act to put an end to this and prevent it from happening again,” he added.
Tribute from Carmen Joukhadar to Amal Khalil: 'Today, I have become an orphan…'
“Today, I have become an orphan … since this morning you had only been worrying about me, telling me you were afraid for me. During our last call from Tiri, you told me you were fine … but now none of us are fine anymore … none,” journalist Carmen Joukhadar wrote on social media in tribute to Amal Khalil.
On 13 October 2023, a strike near the village of Alma al-Shaab killed Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah and injured six other reporters, including Carmen Joukhadar of Al Jazeera. Independent investigations, including one conducted by AFP, concluded that a 120 mm tank shell of Israeli origin had been used. Israel has denied deliberately targeting journalists.
Civil Defense confirms recovery of journalist Amal Khalil’s body in Tiri
The General Directorate of Civil Defense announced in a statement that its teams had “recovered the body of journalist Amal Khalil, who was killed following an enemy strike that targeted a house in the locality of Tiri.”
It added that “search and rescue operations were conducted in the presence of the Lebanese Army and the Lebanese Red Cross, and that all necessary procedures were carried out in accordance with established protocols.”
South Lebanon: Large-scale demolition operation in Khiam
The Israeli army carried out a large-scale demolition operation in Khiam, in the Marjayoun district, according to information from our correspondent in the south.
Cease-fire with Hezbollah could collapse 'at any moment,' Israeli officials warn, according to Ynet
Israel is preparing for the possibility that the cease-fire with Hezbollah could collapse “at any moment,” amid rising tensions along the northern border, military officials said, according to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
The apostolic nuncio’s convoy present at the site of the Israeli strike in Tiri
As it was returning from the border Christian village of Ain Ibl, the convoy of apostolic nuncio Paolo Borgia stopped at the site of the Israeli strike in Tiri. The convoy is on site alongside UNIFIL, as well as the Lebanese Army and teams from the Red Cross, according to the National News Agency (NNA).
Trump does not consider the seizure of 2 ships by Iran to be a violation of the cease-fire
U.S. President Donald Trump does not view Iran’s seizure of two ships as a violation of the cease-fire, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday.
“No, because they were neither American ships nor Israeli ships. They were two international vessels,” the spokesperson said on Fox News when asked whether the seizure breached the cease-fire between the United States and Iran.
She further stressed that the Iranians “do not control the Strait [of Hormuz]. What we are witnessing is piracy.”
Tiri: Search operations reach the ground floor, where Amal Khalil may be
In Tiri, search operations in the house targeted by the Israeli strike have reached the ground floor, where rescue teams are hoping to find journalist Amal Khalil. Her colleague Zeinab Faraj had indicated that she was there a few minutes before the strike, our correspondent reported.
Al-Akhbar has posted photos of the rescue operations.
'We are waiting for you, Amal': Al-Akhbar awaits news of its journalist trapped under the rubble in Tiri
The pro-Hezbollah daily Al-Akhbar has published an illustration of its journalist Amal Khalil, as rescue operations continue in an attempt to save her after she was trapped under the rubble in Tiri following an Israeli strike. The illustration is accompanied by the message: “We are waiting for you, Amal.”
Hezbollah claims it shot down four Israeli drones in Mansouri
In its fourth statement of the day, Hezbollah said it had shot down four Israeli reconnaissance drones at 6:00 p.m. in Mansouri, in the Sour district.
Hezbollah says it targeted Israeli soldiers and military vehicle in Qantara
Hezbollah said it carried out a new attack against the Israeli army in southern Lebanon, claiming it struck, at 6 p.m., an Israeli military Humvee in Qantara (Marjayoun district) using a drone, achieving a “direct hit.” The group said the attack was in response to “the Israeli enemy’s violation of the cease-fire, as well as the drone strike targeting a vehicle in Tiri.”
In a second statement, Hezbollah said it also targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers at the same time and in the same locality in the Marjayoun district, again using a drone, in response to an Israeli strike on Yohmor al-Shaqif.
CPJ denounces targeting of journalists in southern Lebanon, warns of possible war crime
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said it was “outraged” that the Israeli army had “apparently targeted Lebanese journalists Amal Khalil and Zeinab Faraj” in Tiri, southern Lebanon, on Wednesday, warning that “continued obstruction of rescue operations by Israel could constitute a war crime.”
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) added that journalist Amal Khalil had received a death threat in September 2024 attributed to the Israeli army, “raising serious concerns about a possible deliberate targeting.”
Lebanese Health Ministry accuses Israel of 'targeting' journalists and obstructing Red Cross rescue efforts
The Lebanese Health Ministry said in a statement that two Israeli strikes in Tiri killed two people and injured one, adding that efforts are ongoing to rescue journalist Amal Khalil.
According to the ministry, the Israeli army “targeted Amal Khalil and Zeinab Faraj, who had taken shelter after the first strike in a nearby house, by striking the building where they had sought refuge.”
The ministry also accused Israel of obstructing the Red Cross’s “humanitarian mission,” saying a “stun grenade was thrown at the ambulance and it was targeted by gunfire,” preventing the evacuation of Amal Khalil. Zeinab Faraj was transported to hospital, along with the bodies of the two victims.
The ministry concluded by calling on “U.N. and international bodies to put an end to this inhumane violation by the Israeli enemy, which will sooner or later be held accountable.”
Journalists caught in Israeli strikes in Tiri: Israel justifies its operations
The Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, Ella Waweya, said on X that earlier Wednesday the Israeli army had identified in southern Lebanon “two vehicles leaving a military building used by Hezbollah.”
According to her, the individuals “crossed the forward defense line and approached the forces in a manner constituting an immediate threat.”
She then stated that the air force “struck one of the vehicles, then a building where the individuals had taken refuge.” She added that “reports indicate that two journalists were injured as a result of these strikes.”
She specified that “at this stage, the Israeli army is not blocking access for rescue teams to the area” and that “the incident is under review.”
Finally, Waweya stressed that “the Israeli army does not target journalists” and said it seeks to “minimize as much as possible any harm to them, while ensuring the safety of its forces.”
Search continues for journalist Amal Khalil under rubble in Tiri
Search operations are continuing in Tiri at a house destroyed by an Israeli strike, where journalist Amal Khalil was inside with Zeinab Faraj, according to our correspondent in south Lebanon.
Clearing operations are currently underway in an effort to reach the site and locate Amal Khalil.
Journalist Zeinab Faraj in stable condition after surgery
Journalist Zeinab Faraj, injured in an Israeli strike in Tiri, has undergone surgery at Tibnin Hospital for a head injury and is now in stable condition, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Iran rules out reopening Strait of Hormuz while US blockade continues
The speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said on Wednesday that Iran would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz as long as the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports continues, which he described as a violation of the cease-fire between the two countries.
“A complete cease-fire only makes sense if it is not violated by a naval blockade … the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is impossible as long as the cease-fire is openly violated,” Ghalibaf wrote on X.
His statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday night an extension of the truce, initially agreed on April 8.
Update on journalists in Tiri: Rescue operations underway
According to our correspondent, the Red Cross has intervened in Tiri, accompanied by an excavator to clear rubble and attempt to locate journalist Amal Khalil, who remains trapped.
Zeinab Faraj, who was evacuated earlier, is currently in the operating room at Tibnin Hospital.
Earlier, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that a Red Cross vehicle transporting journalist Zeinab Faraj from the town of Tiri to Tibnin Public Hospital came under Israeli fire, with bullet impacts visible on the vehicle.
Contacted by L’Orient-Le Jour, the Red Cross did not respond to requests for comment.
Morcos: Lebanon holds Israel responsible for journalists’ safety
Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos told Al Jazeera that the government has carried out “intensive and urgent contacts,” in coordination with the army, UNIFIL, the Red Cross, and Civil Defense, to secure and evacuate journalists in Tiri.
He said that “Lebanon holds Israel responsible for the safety of journalists,” condemning violations of the Geneva Conventions and their protocols, and describing the recent attacks as “direct assaults targeting journalists.”
Morcos added that Lebanon has referred the matter to several international bodies and will continue its diplomatic and legal efforts to hold Israel accountable and strengthen protections for journalists in conflict zones.
Journalists in Tiri: Lebanese Press Syndicate condemns 'flagrant violation of international laws and conventions'
The Lebanese Press Syndicate said it is following “with deep concern what journalists Amal Khalil and Zeinab Faraj endured while covering events in Tiri.”
It denounced what it described as “a flagrant violation of international laws and conventions guaranteeing the protection of journalists” and “a clear attempt to intimidate the media.”
Stressing that “what happened is not an isolated incident, but part of a repeated series of violations targeting Lebanese journalists,” the syndicate called on Lebanese authorities and international organizations — including the Lebanese Army and the Red Cross — to “intervene immediately to ensure the safe return” of Amal Khalil, while wishing Zeinab Faraj a swift recovery.
Latest developments in southern Lebanon:
- Israeli artillery fire targeted the Wadi al-Khanazir area, between Wadi Zawtar, Alman and Qsair, according to our correspondent in south Lebanon.
- In addition, an Israeli strike on the town of Yohmor al-Shaqif (Nabatieh) killed two people and wounded another two, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.
Efforts ongoing to allow rescue access to Tiri
Intensive efforts are underway to allow rescue teams access to the town of Tiri, where journalist Amal Khalil is still trapped under the rubble following Israeli strikes.
According to LBCI, the presidential palace and the Grand Serail are multiplying diplomatic and operational efforts to facilitate the entry of rescue teams to the site. The Prime Minister is also in direct contact with the commander of UNIFIL.
Journalist in Tiri: Beirut contacts Israeli army via 'Mechanism'; Israeli drone reportedly targets rescue workers
A senior Lebanese military source told Reuters that the Lebanese Army contacted the Israeli army through the “Mechanism” to request authorization for rescuers to recover an injured journalist.
The same source said that an Israeli drone dropped a grenade on rescue workers who were attempting to extract a wounded journalist from the rubble in Tiri.
Israeli president says he 'dreams of going to Beirut' and 'befriending the Lebanese people'
Isaac Herzog said he dreams of “getting into a car and going directly to Beirut” to visit “this beautiful city” and “befriend the Lebanese people.”
In a post on X, he described the remarks as a “message of hope and peace,” saying he had shared them with ambassadors, diplomats, military attachés, and religious officials during celebrations marking Israel’s 78th Independence Day at the presidential residence.
Lebanese army and Civil Defense attempt to enter Tiri, 1 journalist still trapped under rubble
A unit of the Lebanese Army and Civil Defense has been mobilized and is attempting to enter the locality of Tiri, according to our correspondent in south Lebanon.
While journalist Zeinab Faraj has been evacuated after an Israeli strike in the area, journalist Amal Khalil is reportedly still trapped under the rubble.
Two journalists trapped in Tiri: President Aoun mobilizes Red Cross, army and UNIFIL
Following reports of two journalists trapped in Tiri amid Israeli strikes, the Lebanese presidency said on X that President Joseph Aoun is closely following the situation.
“The President has asked the Lebanese Red Cross to work on reaching them, in coordination with the army and international forces (UNIFIL),” the presidency said. It added that Aoun reiterated his call not to target media workers while they are carrying out their journalistic duties.
Israeli attacks in Lebanon: 2,475 killed and 7,696 wounded since March 2
According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed 2,475 people and injured 7,696 since March 2.
In addition, 121,126 people have been displaced and are being hosted in shelters due to the ongoing war.
Rescue operations for trapped journalist halted in Tiri after Israeli drone strike
Rescue operations in the town of Tiri (Bint Jbeil) have been halted after the Israeli army targeted the area with a drone strike near the Red Cross team, which had managed to retrieve the two killed in a strike against their vehicle, and the wounded journalist, Zeinab Faraj.
Amal Khalil, another journalist, remains under the rubble, and her fate is unknown.
A Red Cross team has arrived in the locality of Tiri to evacuate the 2 trapped journalists, Amal Khalil and Zeinab Faraj, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
French UN peacekeeper killed: Joseph Aoun condemns the attack and offers condolences
Following the killing of a French UN peacekeeper, who succumbed to his injuries after an ambush on a UNIFIL convoy on Saturday in southern Lebanon—an attack attributed to Hezbollah by France and the U.N. — President Joseph Aoun “reiterated his condemnation of the incident” and “offered his condolences to the French state as well as to UNIFIL command,” the Lebanese presidency said in a post on X.
President Aoun said the fallen soldier “has joined, with his comrade, the long list of members of international forces who have been killed in the South,” alongside “many soldiers of the Lebanese army and other security forces.”
Trump says a resumption of talks with Iran 'possible' in the coming days
Donald Trump said it was “possible” that discussions with Iran could resume in the coming days, in a text exchange with the New York Post.
“It’s possible! President DJT,” he wrote in response to a journalist from the tabloid, who asked about the likelihood of talks taking place within the next “36 to 72 hours,” meaning by Friday.
The U.S. president announced on Tuesday that he was extending the cease-fire to allow for negotiations with Tehran, without providing a new deadline.
Israel strikes Tiri
Israel strikes Tiri (Bint Jbeil), our correspondent in the south reported. This strike comes as two journalists remain in Tiri, with Israel blocking rescue teams from reaching them.
Two journalists trapped in Tiri: Israel blocks rescue access as Beirut steps up efforts for evacuation
The Israeli army is preventing ambulances from reaching Tiri, hindering rescue operations after a strike in the area (Bint Jbeil district) targeted a vehicle near journalists, according to our correspondent in the south.
The journalists, Amal Khalil of Al-Akhbar and Zeinab Faraj, remain trapped in the locality. They are safe, although their vehicle was damaged. The Lebanese Army and the Red Cross are attempting to reach the area, but their movements are being obstructed by the Israeli army.
Contacts are ongoing with the Minister of Information, the Minister of Interior, the Governor of the South, UNIFIL, and the Lebanese army to secure their evacuation.
Attack on UNIFIL in Ghandourieh: French peacekeeper dies from wounds
The ambush on Saturday targeting a convoy of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Ghandourieh has claimed a second victim.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on X that Corporal Anicet Girardin of the 132nd Cynotechnical Infantry Regiment in Suippes, who had been repatriated after being wounded in Lebanon on Tuesday, died from his injuries on Wednesday morning.
“He died for France,” Macron wrote, adding that a tribute would be paid on Thursday to Warrant Officer Florian Montorio, who was killed in the same ambush.
France and the United Nations have accused Hezbollah of being responsible for the attack. Macron also paid tribute to “the exemplary commitment of our armed forces within UNIFIL, which work with courage and determination in the service of France and peace in Lebanon.”
Israeli strike on a car in Yohmor al-Shaqif, southern Lebanon: 4 casualties
An Israeli drone struck a vehicle in Yohmor al-Shaqif (Nabatieh district), causing four casualties, whose condition was not immediately confirmed, according to our correspondent. Yohmor al-Shaqif is located in the buffer zone that Israel is de facto establishing in southern Lebanon, north of the Litani River.
In a separate development, following the strike on Tiri, the Israeli army has blocked ambulances from accessing the area, hindering the evacuation of the wounded. Two journalists are also stranded in the locality due to the security situation and are awaiting evacuation by the Red Cross.
Southern Lebanon: Israel carries out large-scale demolition operation in Qantara
The Israeli army has carried out a large-scale demolition operation in Qantara (Marjayoun), with explosions heard in neighboring villages, according to reports from our correspondent in the region.
It is also continuing to demolish homes in Rshaf (Bint Jbeil) using heavy machinery, whilst the area is being targeted by machine-gun and tank fire.
Meanwhile, Israeli artillery fire targeted residential neighborhoods in the west of Mais al-Jabal (Bint Jbeil), whilst machine-gun fire also targeted the area.
Two killed in Israeli strike on a car in Tiri, southern Lebanon
Two people were killed in the Israeli strike that targeted a car in Tiri, southern Lebanon, according to our correspondent.
Vehicle targeted by Israel near journalists in Tiri, southern Lebanon
An Israeli strike, the nature of which remains unclear, targeted a vehicle in Tiri (Bint Jbeil), close to journalists present at the scene, according to our correspondent in the region.
According to initial reports, journalists and civilians were present near the site of the strike but were not injured. The passengers in the targeted car, however, were injured. Paramedics and the Lebanese Army have arrived at the scene. Tiri is located in the so-called "buffer zone," set by Israel to demarcate its de facto occupation of southern Lebanon.
The exact nature of the strike remains unclear, and it could have been an artillery strike or a strike carried out by a drone.
Hezbollah claims it attacked Israeli troops occupying a position in Bayyada, southern Lebanon
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for a new attack on an Israeli occupation position in southern Lebanon, stating that at 11am it struck a “recently established artillery position” set up by the Israeli army in Bayyada, on the coast south of South, using an explosive drone.
The party claims that “flames were observed” rising from the targeted site. This is the third claim of attacks published by Hezbollah since the cease-fire came into effect on Thursday night, following an ambush in the eastern sector of southern Lebanon and an attack on northern Israel.
Turkey's foreign minister to visit UK for talks on Iran, Ukraine, source says
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will head to London this week for talks on the wars in Iran and Ukraine, a Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters on Wednesday, adding that he will also discuss cooperation between the NATO allies.
Fidan's visit comes as the British government said military planners from more than 30 countries would hold two-day talks in London starting Wednesday to advance a mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
During his two-day visit, Fidan will also repeat Turkey's readiness to contribute to efforts to end the war in Ukraine, the source said, after Kyiv said on Wednesday it had asked Turkey to host a leaders' level meeting with Russia.
He will also convey Ankara's request to finalize a free trade agreement with Britain and emphasize the importance of deepening defense industry and energy cooperation between the allies, the source added.
Revolutionary Guards say they seized two ships attempting to pass through Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Revolutionary Guards say they have seized two ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to AFP.
Washington sanctions Baghdad to force it to dismantle pro-Iranian militias, according to media reports
The United States has suspended the delivery of dollars to Baghdad as well as military cooperation programs in the hope of forcing Iraq to dismantle the pro-Iranian militias it accuses of recent attacks on U.S. interests, according to media reports.
The Wall Street Journal, citing official Iraqi and U.S. sources, reported on Tuesday that Washington had, for the second time since the start of the war, suspended the delivery by cargo plane of nearly $500 million in cash, derived from Iraqi oil sales.
The United States has also suspended funding for certain "counter-terrorism" programs, notably against the Islamic State group, and for the training of Iraqi armed forces, according to the same sources. An Iraqi security official confirmed to AFP that bilateral cooperation had been halted due to “the militias and the ... bombings.”
Another body recovered from beneath the rubble of buildings targeted just moments before the cease-fire in Sour
Another body has been recovered from beneath the rubble of destroyed buildings which Israel targeted in Sour with a series of strikes a mere three minutes before the truce began on April 17.
Reda Hijazi, one of the people who miraculously survived the impact of the strike, identified the body of his brother Mohammad after having searched for him relentlessly for five days. He was at his café when he heard that a body had just been pulled from the rubble of a building.
Reda spoke to our reporter Emmanuel Haddad at Jabal Amel Hospital, where the body had been taken to a temporary mortuary.
Read more here.
Mais al-Jabal and Rshaf municipalities condemn Israeli attacks on their towns
The municipality of Mais al-Jabal (Bint Jbeil) stated that “although a cease-fire has been declared, Israeli attacks and destruction in the city and border areas have continued and even intensified.”
The municipality also criticized the Lebanese state and cease-fire guarantors for their “silence and failure to act.”
For its part, the municipality of Rshaf (Bint Jbeil) also condemned what it described as the “systematic destruction and criminal explosions carried out by the Israeli occupation,” saying they targeted homes, neighborhoods, places of worship, Hussainiehs, and the town’s cemetery.
Nabatieh municipality bans scrap collecting without permit
The municipality of Nabatieh announced “a strict ban on scrap and rubble collection across the city, especially in areas affected by recent Israeli attacks, to protect private property and maintain public safety.”
“Exceptions are only allowed if property owners request removal directly and obtain prior written municipal permission specifying the worker, location, and timeframe. Anyone collecting scrap without an official permit will be considered to be unlawfully trespassing and seizing property, and will face immediate legal action and referral to the relevant authorities,” the municipality said in a statement.
Zamir: 'Israeli army remains on high alert, ready to respond immediately on all fronts'
The Chief of Staff of the Israeli army, Eyal Zamir, stated that the army remained “on high alert” on all fronts, with simultaneous cease-fires currently in place with Iran and Hezbollah respectively.
At an event marking the 78th anniversary of the establishment of the state of Israel (the Palestinian Nakba) in Jerusalem, Zamir “paid tribute” to 120 soldiers, according to a statement published on the army’s website.
Israeli FM calls on Lebanon to ‘work together’ with Israel against Hezbollah
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has called on Lebanon to join forces with Israel in the "fight against Hezbollah," ahead of planned talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington.
He also called on Lebanon to normalize relations with Israel, stating that “cooperation is even more necessary for [the Lebanese] than for [the Israelis],” according to remarks made to diplomats during a ceremony marking the 78th anniversary of Israel’s independence, as reported by Haaretz.
Lebanon is “a failed state… de facto under Iranian occupation via Hezbollah,” the minister also stated. “There are a few minor border disputes, which can be resolved,” he said, claiming that the main obstacle to normalization is Hezbollah.
Israeli army demolishes houses in Houla, Kfar Kila, Taybeh, digs up roads in the Slouki Valley
- The Israeli army carried out explosions and large-scale demolitions of homes in the towns of Houla, Kfar Kila, and Taybeh, all located in Marjayoun, our correspondent in southern Lebanon reported.
- Israeli artillery also shelled the outskirts of the town of Deir Siryan (Marjayoun) with two shells.
- Israeli mechanized patrols, supported by bulldozers, cleared and dug up roads in the Slouki Valley.
Southern Lebanon: Israel says it killed two people in the Slouki Valley
The Israeli army has stated that it killed two people who had crossed its so-called "buffer zone," near the Slouki Valley, a demarcation line imposed as a de facto occupation of southern Lebanese territory.
On Tuesday, a strike carried out by an Israeli fighter jet — the first of its kind since the cease-fire began – targeted the Wadi Houjeir valley, but not the Slouki valley. No casualties were reported.
Cargo ship leaving Iran stopped by gunfire
A cargo ship leaving Iran has been stopped by gunfire, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The agency says it has “received a report of an incident west of Iran,” in which a cargo ship came under fire – the source of which it does not specify – and is now “at a standstill.”
It states that the crew are safe and that no damage has been reported to the vessel.
Report: In the relative lull of the cease-fire, Kfar Sir holds a mass burial for its residents killed by Israel
The coffins of people killed by Israeli strikes during Israel's last war on Lebanon during a ceremony organized in Kfar Sir, Nabatieh, on April 21, 2026. (Credit: Mohammad Yassin/L’Orient Today)
Residents of Kfar Sir, in the Nabatieh district of southern Lebanon, made use of the current truce between Hezbollah and Israel to lay its victims to rest, some of whom had been provisionally buried elsewhere.
Read the full report here, and see more images below ⬇️.
US blocks Iraq's dollar shipments to squeeze Iran-backed militias, WSJ reports
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration halted U.S. dollar shipments to Iraq and froze security cooperation programs with its military, as it presses Baghdad to dismantle Iranian-backed militias operating in the country, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing Iraqi and U.S. officials.
U.S. Treasury Department officials recently blocked the delivery of Iraq's proceeds in oil sales, nearly $500 million in U.S. banknotes, from accounts at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the Journal said.
Read more here.
U.S.-Iran talks: Iranian negotiators awaiting 'instructions' from Mojtaba Khamenei, Axios reports
One of the reasons for Trump's decision to extend the cease-fire is that U.S. and Pakistani mediators are waiting for Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to respond to the latest proposal and provide clear guidance to his negotiation team, Axios reported.
Citing a regional source "familiar with the mediation efforts" and an Israeli source "briefed on the details of the discussions," Khamenei is expected to give his response today.
Uncertainty remains over Khamenei's health following the Israeli-U.S. strike on Feb. 28 that killed his father, Ali Khamenei, at a compound in central Tehran where he was believed to be present. He has not appeared in public since the start of the war.
Israeli army fires interceptor missile near Lebanon border after false alarm
The Israeli army fired an interceptor missile near the border with Lebanon after mistakenly identifying a threat, according to the Israeli daily Haaretz.
Earlier, Israel’s Channel 12 broadcast footage showing a trail in the sky over northern Israel following the launch.
It was a false alarm, coming after Hezbollah had claimed responsibility on Tuesday evening for a drone and rocket attack on a military position in northern Israel. According to the Israeli army, all the projectiles were intercepted.
Iran threatens to 'wipe out' Gulf oil production if attacked from their territory
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned Tuesday evening, shortly before the expiration of the truce with the United States, that they could “wipe out” the oil production of Gulf countries if an attack on Iran were launched from their soil.
“Our southern neighbors must understand that if their territory and facilities are used by enemies to attack the Iranian nation, they can say goodbye to oil production in the Middle East,” said Majid Moussavi, commander of the Guards’ aerospace force, quoted by Fars news agency.
During the war, triggered on Feb. 28 by Israeli-U.S. strikes, Iran carried out multiple attacks against U.S. army bases in Gulf countries.
Bint Jbeil municipality denounces Israeli 'domicide,' 'urbicide,' and 'ecocide'
The municipality of Bint Jbeil condemned Israeli demolitions in a statement, describing them as “domicide,” “urbicide,” and “ecocide.”
It called on the Lebanese state to “fully assume its national responsibilities and act urgently through diplomatic and legal channels to document these crimes and bring them before the competent international bodies.”
Israel has largely destroyed the town, as it attempted to invade it before the cease-fire came into effect last week.
The municipality denounced the “systematic destruction of residential units,” noting that satellite images show the destruction of “hundreds of housing units.”
It accused Israel of having “deliberately erased entire residential neighborhoods, destroyed infrastructure and historic sites, notably the old square and al-Jamaana neighborhood, leading to the erasure of the city’s heritage identity, as well as the destruction of the grand mosque dating back more than 400 years.”
It further condemned the “burning of agricultural land, forests, and wooded areas using phosphorus and incendiary bombs.”
Hezbollah claims attack on Israeli artillery position in northern Israel
Hezbollah said Tuesday evening it carried out a rocket and drone attack on an Israeli artillery position in Kfar Giladi, in northern Israel, “in response to blatant and documented violations by the Israeli enemy, more than 200 since the start of the cease-fire.”
The Israeli army said the projectiles were intercepted and claimed that it had struck a rocket-launching platform in Lebanon.
Israeli drone strike kills 1 person in western Bekaa
An Israeli drone strike killed one person and injured two others overnight on the outskirts of Jabbour in western Bekaa, the state-run National News Agency reported on Wednesday.
A cease-fire came into effect on April 17 between Israel and Hezbollah. Since then, Israeli violations have continued regularly in south Lebanon.
Trump extends Iran truce indefinitely
The cease-fire appeared to still be ongoing this morning in Iran and the Gulf after U.S. President Donald Trump announced it would be extended, while maintaining the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.
Trump ultimately said he was extending the halt in fighting at the request of Pakistani mediators, until “Iran presents a proposal” to end the war. In a post on Truth Social, he cited divisions within Iran’s leadership.
Israeli army continues overnight demolitions in south Lebanon
The Israeli army continued overnight its demolition operations in multiple towns and villages in south Lebanon, within what it is dubbing a "buffer zone."
Loud explosions were reported west of Mais al-Jabal, around Markaba and Qantara, twice in Khiam (all in the Marjayoun district), as well as in Bint Jbeil, Beit Lif (Bint Jbeil), and Shamaa and Bayyada (Sour), according to our correspondent in the South.
Israel also carried out artillery shelling on the strategic Wadi Hujeir valley, also within the buffer zone.
It fired illumination flares over the heights of Halta (Hasbaya) and north of Khiam.
➡️ As Israel’s systematic demolition of border villages continues, residents tell us their villages' stories through their own.
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