New major Israeli demolitions reported in south Lebanon
Israeli forces continue to ravage villages they occupy in south Lebanon, carrying out a series of four new demolitions in Taybeh, Marjayoun, our correspondent reports.
Salam condemns Israeli demolitions in south Lebanon as ‘flagrant’ cease-fire violation
Daily Israeli destruction in south Lebanon through “demolitions, bombardments and systematic destruction” constitutes a “flagrant violation of the cease-fire,” as well as a “clear assault on Lebanon’s sovereignty and security and the principles of international law,” Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said.
“These attacks not only reflect a condemnable policy of escalation, but also threaten the safety of our citizens in the South,” he added, denouncing damage to archaeological sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
US military says Strait of Hormuz ‘remains open’
The U.S. military said Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed was “false.”
“The Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial shipping. Iran does not control it. Thousands of vessels have transited this international waterway over the past four months,” U..S. Central Command said in a post on X.
Earlier, Iran said it had intercepted two vessels attempting to leave the Strait of Hormuz and that four other tankers had been forced to turn back following intervention by its forces.
UN chief hails Hamas disarmament deal as ‘only good news’
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday welcomed the agreement announced by U.S.President Donald Trump on Hamas’ disarmament in Gaza and confirmed by the Palestinian movement, calling it the “only good news” in a region at war.
After six months of “military escalation,” “what began as a regional conflict is increasingly becoming a factor of global instability,” he told reporters.
In this context, “the only good news in recent days is the announcement by the U.S. president of an agreement on the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza,” he said, stressing that fighting must stop “on all fronts” across the region.
Trump says Israel 'very happy' with Gaza disarmament agreement
President Donald Trump said Friday that Israel was "very happy" with an agreement reached by his so-called "Board of Peace" for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups in Gaza.
UK foreign secretary welcomes Hamas’s disarmament
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has welcomed the announcement that Hamas will disarm.
In a statement on X, Miliband said the focus must now be to “implement the 20-Point Plan in full” which he said “includes the withdrawal of the [Israeli army] from Gaza and respect for the ceasefire by all parties.”
He noted that conditions for people in Gaza remain appalling and stressed that Israel “must immediately end the unacceptable restrictions on aid so that more food, medicine and support can reach those who need it.”
Health Ministry records 6 new injuries over the past 3 days in Lebanon
In its latest official report, the Health Ministry in Lebanon said that it had recorded six additional injuries since Tuesday, bringing the total number of people injured since the resumption of the war in Lebanon on March 2 to 12,242.
The death toll remains at 4,333 people killed in Israeli attacks.
Trump says war ‘going well,’ US troops ‘hitting Iran hard’
U.S. President Donald Trump has told Fox News that Washington and Israel’s war on Iran is “going well”.
Speaking to the U.S. channel’s senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, Trump said U.S. troops are hitting Iran “hard”.
“It’s going well. All you can do is keep winning, then eventually something will happen,” he said.
“But we’re hitting them hard, knocking them out for a loop, and we just keep winning. Eventually they’ll have no choice but to go home.”
There will be 'no Israeli withdrawal' from Gaza without 'genuine disarmament' of Hamas, Israeli source tells AFP
An Israeli political source told AFP today that there would be “no withdrawal” of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip unless Hamas carried out a “genuine disarmament,” following the announcement of an agreement on the matter.
“In response to the various reports published this morning indicating diplomatic progress regarding the Gaza Strip, Israel reiterated that there would be no withdrawal of the Israeli army” from the area it controls in the Palestinian territory “until Hamas has carried out a genuine disarmament,” the source said.
Since the “ceasefire” in October 2025, the Israeli military has established a “Yellow Line” marking the perimeter of the territory occupied by its forces, which extends across nearly 70% of the besieged enclave.
Iran claims new strikes in Kuwait and the Strait of Hormuz
Iranian forces said on Friday that they had launched drone attacks against U.S. military sites in Kuwait and struck two oil tankers under “air escort” by the U.S. military in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, the Iranian military said it had targeted “fighter aircraft shelters, satellite communication systems, and equipment storage facilities at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base in Kuwait.”
It said the operation was carried out in “response to the recent aggression against our country by the terrorist U.S. military and its brutal attack on a residence on Qeshm Island,” in which three members of the same family were killed, according to Iranian media.
Earlier, Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense said that its military had shot down Iranian drones targeting “vital and military infrastructure,” causing “material damage due to falling debris.”
Success of Hamas disarmament agreement depends on involvement of ‘all parties,’ Kallas says
The success of the agreement on Hamas’s disarmament, reached under U.S. auspices with the aim of ending the war in the Gaza Strip, will depend on the full involvement of “all parties,” the EU’s top diplomat said on Friday.
“Many elements need to fall into place for this to work. Success depends on the full commitment of all parties,” Kaja Kallas said in a message on X.
“Verifying Hamas’s compliance with its commitments will be a major challenge. Israel will ultimately have to withdraw from Gaza,” she added, recalling the implications of the peace plan sought by Washington.
Palestinian shot and wounded during settler march in occupied West Bank
A Palestinian was shot and wounded today during a march by Israeli settlers in several Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank, during which Palestinian villagers were attacked, according to AFP.
"Our teams in Nablus are treating a young man who was wounded by live bullets in the abdomen during an incursion by the Israeli army and settlers into the al-Junaid neighborhood," the Palestinian Red Crescent said.
Israeli settlers organized a march on Friday morning in the northern West Bank to commemorate two Israelis killed last week during clashes involving settlers in the Palestinian town of Tell, near Nablus, in which four Palestinians were also killed.
According to an AFP journalist at the scene, between 100 and 150 settlers, including women and children, arrived near Tell from Havat Gilad, the settlement where one of the two Israelis killed had lived.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that, following the deaths of the two Israelis in Tell, he would authorize the establishment of new settlements in the area.
Ben-Gvir calls Hamas disarmament agreement in Gaza 'unacceptable'
Israel's far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, said today that the agreement on Hamas's disarmament in Gaza, which includes a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Palestinian territory, is "unacceptable for Israel."
"Stopping the fighting against the Palestinian Islamist movement amounts to accepting that Hamas is preparing the next massacre," Ben-Gvir wrote on Telegram, referring to the October 7 attacks. He added that "Israel must achieve victory" in the Palestinian territory.
This is the first official Israeli reaction since U.S. President Donald Trump announced the agreement overnight.
Israeli strike kills at least 1 person in Gaza
An Israeli strike killed one Palestinian today in central Gaza Strip, according to Gazan medical sources cited by Reuters.
It was the first deadly attack carried out by Israel since the announcement of the agreement on Hamas’s disarmament earlier on Friday.
Israeli demolition in Kfar Tibnit
The Israeli army carried out another large-scale demolition operation in the occupied village of Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh), our correspondent in the South reported.
Israeli artillery shelling targets Ali Taher hills amid ongoing illumination flares
Israeli targeting Ali Taher hills in the Nabatieh district. (Credit: Muntasser Abdallah/L'Orient Today)
Israeli artillery shelling is targeting the Ali Taher hills (Nabatieh), with 11 illumination flares dropped so far with more ongoing, according to our correspondent in the south.
Illumination flares are also being fired over the Ali Taher forest.
Ali Taher has become one of the focal points of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah because of its elevation and its position overlooking surrounding areas.
Civilian convoy to open Qlaya–Nabatieh route with mechanism approval and Lebanese Army escort
The Municipality of Qlaya (Marjayoun) announced that it has received approval from the Mechanism to organize a civilian convoy along the Khardali–Nabatieh road on Monday, Aug. 3. The convoy will be escorted by the Lebanese Army.
In a statement, the municipality said the convoy will depart at 8:00 a.m. from in front of the municipal building, with the return journey scheduled from the Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh) roundabout at 4:00 p.m.
Residents wishing to participate with their vehicles were asked to provide the required information via WhatsApp before 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1.
“The required information includes the driver’s full name and phone number, the number and full names of passengers, a clear photo of the vehicle, and whether participation will be for the round trip, departure only, or return only,” the municipality said.
The municipality stressed that submitting the information within the specified deadline is a mandatory requirement to complete participation procedures. It added that the number of vehicles permitted to join the convoy will not exceed 12 cars.
Roads in southern Lebanon are reopening and organizing civilian movements because the Lebanese Army is expanding its deployment into conditional pilot zones and clearing infrastructure damage.
Israeli army demolishes homes in Deir Siryan, sets fire to homes and land in Mhaibib, Aitaroun
The Israeli army demolishing homes in the town of Deir Siryan (Marjayoun.) (Courtesy of Muntasser Abdallah/L'Orient Today)
The Israeli army demolished homes in the town of Deir Siryan and set fire to homes, land, and residents' property in the towns of Mhaibib (both located in Marjayoun) and Aitaroun (Bint Jbeil), according to our correspondent in the South.
Issa and Haykal emphasize the importance of the Lebanese Army's role in implementing the framework agreement
The commander-in-chief of the Lebanese Army, Rodolph Haykal, met the American ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, for a meeting concerning "the latest developments in Lebanon and the situation in the region."
The American diplomat of Lebanese origin emphasized "the importance of the army's continued efforts to preserve Lebanon's stability." The two men also discussed the army's crucial role in the implementation mechanism of the framework agreement, as well as issues related to the Rome negotiations scheduled for August 4.
Kuwait says it shot down Iranian drones targeting military sites
Kuwait's military said it shot down drones that entered its airspace on Friday morning, adding that falling debris caused material damage but no casualties, Reuters reported.
The military said the "Iranian aggression" had targeted several key military installations and other vital facilities.
Berri condemns massive Israeli demolition in Beaufort area
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri condemned the explosions caused by Israeli forces on Thursday in the Beaufort area of southern Lebanon, as well as in the towns of Arnoun, Kfar Tibnit, Yohmor al-Shaqif and Haddatha, following earlier strikes on other towns and villages across southern Lebanon.
“The impact of these terrorist explosions, caused by 700 tons of explosives and registering a magnitude of 3.8 on seismic monitors, was felt by Lebanese from the South to Mount Lebanon and the outskirts of Beirut. It should awaken national and human consciences to the crimes committed by Israel’s machine of destruction against people, heritage, culture and infrastructure. Otherwise, humanity itself and its future will be at risk,” Berri said.
“What happened is condemnable. We must neither remain silent, turn a blind eye, nor accept this reality,” he added.
Trump convenes Cabinet at Camp David to seek path out of Iran war
U.S. President Donald Trump is convening his Cabinet at Camp David on Friday as he seeks a way out of the war with Iran and looks to curb rising gasoline prices, which threaten Republicans ahead of November's midterm elections, Reuters reported.
Unlike some of his predecessors, Trump has rarely visited the presidential retreat in western Maryland, preferring to spend time at his golf resorts when away from the White House. This will be only his third visit since the start of his second term.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters last week that the meeting would be the 13th Cabinet meeting of Trump's second term.
The agenda is expected to focus largely on foreign policy. Trump remains engaged in a cycle of strikes and retaliatory attacks involving Iran, with no clear end to the conflict in sight, despite initially saying he expected the war to last only a few weeks. The war has now entered its fifth month.
Beaufort Castle 'was not destroyed' by Israeli blasts, Minister of Culture says
Lebanon’s Culture Ministry, through the Directorate General of Antiquities, said the historic Beaufort Castle “was not destroyed” by the Israeli explosions in the area, but warned that the blasts may have caused damage near the monument, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
In a statement, the ministry said “the tremors caused by the explosions may have damaged areas surrounding the castle, but the extent of the damage can only be determined through an on-site inspection.”
It added that “the area remains under occupation, preventing specialized technical teams from accessing the site and carrying out the necessary assessment.”
Iran says struck 2 tankers under US 'air escort' trying to pass Hormuz
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they struck two oil tankers attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz under U.S. “air escort."
The Guards said the tankers had attempted to pass the strait via "an undeclared route," the US-backed alternative to Tehran's designated waterway closer to its own shores.
The IRGC said in a statement that the tankers “were hit and stopped, while four other tankers quickly changed course and returned to their previous positions,” without providing further details.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stopped 2 tankers from crossing Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Fars news agency reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stopped two oil tankers from crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Four other tankers changed course, according to Reuters.
Israeli tank shells Tallousa; military vehicles seen moving on Deir Siryan-Adsheet al-Qsair road
An Israeli Merkava tank stationed in Markaba fired several shells toward Tallousa, both in the Marjayoun district, according to our southern Lebanon correspondent.
Meanwhile, Israeli military vehicles were seen moving along the road linking Deir Siryan and Adsheet al-Qsair in the Marjayoun district, according to residents in the area.
A drone also dropped a stun grenade on the town of Mansouri in the Sour district for the third time.
Photo: Israeli army sets fields ablaze in southern Lebanon
Credit: Photo shared by our correspondent Mountasser Abdallah.
The Israeli army set fire to fields in Mais al-Jabal, in Marjayoun district.
Explosions in Beaufort area: Israel says it responded to Hezbollah’s 'blatant violation of the cease-fire'
In a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the army had destroyed “terror tunnels in the Beaufort area” using around 700 tons of explosives. They said the blasts came in response to “Hezbollah’s blatant violation of the cease-fire” on Wednesday.
The Israeli army accused Hezbollah on Wednesday of violating the cease-fire by launching an explosive drone at an Israeli military vehicle in southern Lebanon.
Israeli shelling hits Tallousa; stun grenade dropped on Mansouri
Israeli artillery shelled the southern Lebanese town of Tallousa (Marjayoun district), according to our correspondent. An Israeli drone also dropped a stun grenade on Mansouri (Sour district).
China says no nationals killed in Iranian strike on Chinese-owned building in Kuwait
China's Foreign Ministry said Friday that no Chinese nationals were killed after an Iranian strike hit a building owned by a Chinese company in Kuwait.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing had urged Kuwait to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and institutions.
On Thursday, a spokesperson for Kuwait's Defense Ministry said an Iranian strike had hit a building owned by a Chinese company in northern Kuwait, killing one employee.
Drone targets Iranian Kurdish opposition base east of Erbil
An Iranian Kurdish opposition group said its base southwest of Erbil was targeted in a drone attack early Friday, adding that the extent of the damage remained unclear, according to security sources cited by Reuters and Kurdish outlet Rudaw.
The Khabat Organization of Iranian Kurdistan is one of several Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based in Iraq's Kurdistan Region, which Tehran regards as separatist movements, Rudaw reported.
The strike targeted the group's base in the Rizgari subdistrict, also known as Topzawa, in Khabat district, Erbil province.
Israeli army says it destroyed key sections of Hezbollah tunnel network in Beaufort Castle area
The Israeli army said it had destroyed several main routes of an underground tunnel network in the Shaqif Heights area, near Beaufort Castle, in southern Lebanon.
In a statement, Israeli army spokesperson Ella Waweya said that the 36th Division had “recently destroyed several main routes of the underground tunnel network in the Shaqif Heights area, in the Beaufort Castle region of southern Lebanon.” She said powerful explosions were heard overnight Thursday-Friday from the Israeli-occupied area and that “a large part of the tunnel network in the area was destroyed.”
“The network served as a central command complex from which fighting and fire against Israeli soldiers and Israeli citizens were directed,” Waweya said. She described it as a strategic infrastructure built over two decades, consisting of multiple levels, which served as the main headquarters of Hezbollah’s Badr Unit in southern Lebanon and was allegedly funded and planned by Iran.
She added that “this infrastructure posed a threat to residents of northern Israel and our forces, as it was located about six kilometers from Metula and the Galilee Panhandle,” from where, she said, dozens of drones, suicide drones and anti-tank missiles had been launched.
According to the statement, Israeli forces had in recent weeks strengthened their control over the Beaufort Heights area, including by taking control of underground infrastructure, clearing it and preparing it for destruction.
The Israeli army also said its forces were continuing operations in the Ali Taher Heights area while maintaining a high level of readiness for both defensive and offensive operations. “Any aggression against our forces will receive an appropriate response,” the statement said.
Cairo to host meeting on second phase of Gaza truce
Cairo will soon host a meeting of Gaza cease-fire mediators, including Egypt, the United States, Qatar and Turkey, Egypt’s state-run Al-Qahera News reported early Friday.
The outlet, which is linked to Egyptian intelligence services overseeing Gaza negotiations, did not specify a date for the meeting but said talks would focus on implementing the second phase of the Gaza cease-fire plan, which includes Hamas’ disarmament. The roadmap has been accepted by Hamas and other Palestinian factions.
Israel carries out new attacks and demolitions in southern Lebanon
The Israeli army intensified its demolition operations and attacks across southern Lebanon overnight Thursday-Friday, according to our correspondent in the region.
After 10 p.m., Israeli forces carried out machine-gun fire toward Byout al-Siyad, Majdal Zoun and Mansouri in the Sour district. Israeli artillery also shelled the latter two areas.
Around midnight, a series of powerful explosions caused by the Israeli army shook several areas of southern Lebanon. Four explosions were reported in Haddatha in the Bint Jbeil district, while others targeted the outskirts of Arnoun, Yohmor in the Nabatieh district, and Deir Mimas in the Marjayoun district, near the Litani River.
Shortly afterward, the Shaqif area, home to Beaufort Castle, was rocked by a series of powerful explosions heard across much of southern Lebanon, including as far as Sidon and its surroundings. Residents said the blasts shook homes and caused panic, while thick clouds of smoke rose over the targeted areas.
Iran strikes Kuwait
Main development this morning:
Iran’s army said it launched drone strikes against U.S. military facilities in Kuwait as fighting between Washington and Tehran resumed after nearly a week of relative calm.
In a statement, the Iranian army said it targeted “fighter jet shelters, satellite communication systems and equipment storage facilities” at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base in Kuwait.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) had not immediately commented.
Iran said the strikes were carried out “in response to the recent aggression by the terrorist U.S. army against our country and its brutal attack on a residential building on Qeshm Island.”
Welcome to our live coverage of the latest developments in the Middle East, where fighting between the United States and Iran, along with their respective allies, has continued following the resumption of hostilities earlier this week, ending several days of relative calm.
We will also be following developments in southern Lebanon, where the Israeli army continues to occupy several hundred square kilometers along the border, ahead of a new round of Beirut-Tel Aviv negotiations scheduled to take place in Rome in the coming days.
You can catch up on yesterday's live coverage here and in our Morning Brief here.
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