Two members of family killed in Israeli strike on Kfar Roummane were Hezbollah members; one killed in drone strike on Sojod-Rihan road| LIVE

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4 Israeli strikes, 25 detonations, and 11 artillery shells targeted Mansouri today

Four Israeli airstrikes, 25 detonations and 11 artillery shells have targeted Mansouri (Sour) so far today, according to our correspondent. Israeli forces have also carried out sweeping operations and opened fire in the area.

Israeli strikes target Nabatieh Fawqa and Wadi Slouqi

An Israeli airstrike, and artillery shelling, targeted Nabatieh Fawqa (Nabatieh), while another strike targeted Wadi al-Saluki in the direction of Markaba (Marjayoun). 

Top diplomats of Kuwait, Pakistan hold talks on boosting peace in Middle East

Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and his Pakistani counterpart Mohammad Ishaq Dar have discussed “the latest regional developments, and the efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in the region”, according to the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry.

Pakistan has been leading mediation efforts between the US and Iran to end the war that has directly and heavily affected the Gulf countries, including Kuwait.

Kuwait was attacked several times by Iran, with targets including military infrastructure and energy facilities.

2 airstrikes target Mansouri, explosion in Kfar Tibnit; machine-gun fire targets Zawtar Sharqieh

Two airstrikes targeted Mansouri (Sour), and an explosion targeted Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh). Israeli forces also conducted machine-gun fire toward Zawtar Sharqieh (Nabatieh), according to our correspondent in the south. 

At least 4,381 killed in Israeli attacks since March 2

In its latest update on the war’s death toll, the Health Ministry reported 4,381 people killed and 12,402 wounded in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2.

The total death toll from the two wars between Israel and Hezbollah since Oct. 8, 2023, now stands at 8,948 killed and 30,638 wounded.

Two members of family killed in Israeli strike on Kfar Roummane were Hezbollah members

Two members of the Farhat family, several of whose members were killed Monday in an Israeli strike on Kfar Roummane (Nabatieh), were Hezbollah members: Hajj Hassan Mohammad Farhat and Hussein Mohammad Farhat.

Hezbollah offered its condolences to the victims’ relatives and said their funerals will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the town.

Iran commander says war strategy ‘reshaped global economic equations’

A senior military commander says Iran’s enemies “miscalculated” Tehran’s ability to steer the course of the war.

In comments reported by Iranian media, Brigadier-General Kioumars Hedari, deputy chief of the armed forces said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran, by using its strategic capacities, succeeded in having a significant impact on the world’s economic equations.”

Hedari highlighted the strategic importance of the vital Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has been attacking since the US and Israel launched their war in February.

Control of the crucial waterway for global trade remains a major stumbling block in negotiations to end the conflict, now in its seventh month.

IAEA boss urges Iran to reengage as Western powers seek UN referral

Rafael Grossi, chief of the UN nuclear agency, says giving access to key nuclear facilities in Iran would have “positive repercussions” for the Islamic Republic as a draft resolution reportedly proposes referring Tehran to the UN Security Council.

Iran’s mission to the UN on X called the draft resolution a “new desperate action” that would bring “no benefit”.

Grossi described the lack of contact with Iran as “regrettable”.

“The best, shortest way for a positive outcome is for Iran to engage with us,” Grossi told a press conference. “If Iran engages with us in a serious dialogue, if we can start getting access … I can guarantee to you that this will have very, very positive repercussions.”

Israeli strike kills motorcyclist on Rihan-Sojod road

An Israeli drone strike targeted a motorcycle near Sharafeddine shops on the Rihan-Sojod road on Sunday, killing its driver, according to our correspondent.

Israeli artillery fire also targeted Mansouri (Sour) and the outskirts of Zibqin (Sour), according to our correspondent.

Southern municipal officials and mokhtars protest ongoing strikes

Heads and members of municipal and mokhtar councils from southern Lebanon held a protest outside the Sour Serail on Sunday, condemning what they described as Israel’s systematic destruction of southern villages and calling on the Lebanese state to support displaced residents and reconstruction efforts, our correspondent in the south reported.

Ibrahim Hamzeh, head of the Naqoura municipality, called on the authorities "to provide housing allowances, monthly support for people who had lost their livelihoods, school fee exemptions for students from border villages and assistance for displaced residents." He said Naqoura had been "almost completely destroyed, including its homes, infrastructure, businesses and fishing port."

For his part, Abbas al-Sayyed Ali, head of the Khiam municipality, criticized the Lebanese authorities for "failing to adequately support southern communities, saying municipalities had been left to deal with the crisis on their own." He also said municipalities had not received their allocations from the Independent Municipal Fund since 2023.

Mohammad Bazzi, head of the Bint Jbeil municipality, said "85% of the city had been completely destroyed and the remainder was severely damaged." Qassem al-Abd Hamdan, head of the Jabal Amel Municipal Union, called on the state to assume responsibility for displaced residents, provide housing allowances and compensation for war damage, and begin reconstruction, particularly of public institutions and infrastructure. He stressed that southern residents would remain on their land and “will not give up a single grain of its soil.”

Southern Lebanon toll rises to 27 dead, 69 wounded in 3 days of Israeli strikes

Israeli air strikes across southern Lebanon over the past three days have killed at least 27 people and wounded 69 including children, women, and medical personnel.

The deadliest single strike occurred on the town of Kfar Roummane in Nabatieh district where an attack on a residential building killed 11 people, the Health Ministry said.

The death toll remains preliminary as search-and-rescue operations continue, it said.

Israeli strikes, detonations, and phosphorus shelling continue across southern districts

An Israeli drone targeted a vehicle near Sharafeddine shops on the Rihan-Sojod road (Jezzine), according to our correspondent.

Israeli artillery fire using phosphorus shells sparked a fire on the outskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa toward Mayfadoun (Nabatieh), according to our correspondent.

Two Israeli detonations were also reported in Bani Hayyan and Wadi Wadi Slouqi (both located in Marjayoun) , while Israeli artillery fire targeted Mansouri (Sour). A new Israeli detonation was subsequently reported in Mansouri.

Another Israeli detonation was reported in Hola (Marjayoun), according to our correspondent.

Aoun in meeting with Darmanin: 'If Israel wants war, let it say so clearly'

Earlier today, President, Joseph Aoun condemned the “attacks, the killings of innocent people, children and women, and the destruction of homes and property” carried out by Israel, describing them as “unacceptable crimes.”

Speaking whilst receiving the French Justice Minister, Gérald Darmanin, he said that these strikes “undermine all efforts” being made on the diplomatic front and any potential progress towards the implementation of the framework agreement.

“What Israel is doing will not ensure the safety of civilians at the border,” he added, emphasizing that “the question today is this: does Israel want peace or war? If it wants war, let it say so clearly. ”

He nevertheless affirmed that he was “determined to continue the diplomatic process, as we regard it as the best solution for both sides.”

2 Israeli soldiers slightly injured in exchange of fire in the Beaufort area, according to Israeli broadcaster Channel 12

According to the Israeli broadcaster Channel 12, a Hezbollah member barricaded inside a building opened fire on Israeli occupation forces during an operation in the Beaufort area (Nabatieh).

Two Israeli soldiers were slightly injured and evacuated to hospital for treatment. Israeli forces later returned fire and killed the Hezbollah member, reports Channel 12.

Iran stepping up production of military equipment and adapting its tactics, according to air defense commander

General Alireza Elhami said that Iran was stepping up its production of military equipment, according to the Iranian news agency Mehr News.

Elhami also stated that Tehran would expand the “type, uses, and tactics” associated with this equipment.

“We are ready,” he added, echoing statements made earlier this week that Iran is preparing for “any confrontation” with the United States or Israel.

Israel carries out explosions in Houla, Zawtar, Sharqieh; demolitions in Mansouri; flies low altitude jets over Bekaa

Israel carried out an explosion in the town of Houla (Marjayoun), followed by a massive explosion in Zawtar Sharqieh (Nabatieh), according to our correspondent in the South.

Israel carried out 14 demolitions in Mansouri (Sour) today, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

Israeli fighter jets are flying over the northern Bekaa at low altitude, reports our correspondent in the region.

Series of Israeli strikes on Nabatieh; driver of vehicle seriously injured in drone strike

Israeli strikes continue to target the Nabatieh district on Monday morning and early afternoon, particularly the city of Nabatieh, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

A drone strike targeted a car in the city’s Abattoirs district (Maslakh), seriously injuring its driver and three passengers, and damaging a small house and mosque nearby.

The Israeli air force and drones also fired several missiles at Nabatieh Fawqa. At the same time, artillery was relentlessly shelling the upper part of the town. More than 30 shells were fired, whilst Israeli military vehicles were conducting manoeuvres in the neighborhoods they control on the outskirts of Nabatieh Fawqa. Meanwhile, the Israeli army carried out demolitions in Kfar Tibnit. Helicopters also flew over the Zawtar Sharqieh valley, firing machine-gun rounds at Nabateh Fawqa and Kfar Tibnit.

Rebuilding trust with Iran will be complicated, says senior UAE official

Rebuilding trust with Iran will be a difficult but necessary task, a senior UAE official has said, at a time when Tehran has regularly targeted Gulf countries in recent months, reports AFP.

“Our dialogue with Iran must be ambitious. It must go beyond specific issues and address the broader strategic matters affecting the entire Gulf region: security, freedom of navigation, non-interference, economic cooperation and, ultimately, the restoration of trust,” said Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the President of the UAE, at the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi.

“Trust is a mountain to climb, but it is worth the effort,” he added at this regional platform for strategic dialogue. “Our geography leaves us no choice but to engage, but we must clearly distinguish between rebuilding a necessary and functional relationship with Iran and rebuilding a relationship of trust that has been broken. The former is essential. The latter will be far more difficult to achieve.”

Located opposite Iran, on the other side of the Strait of Hormuz, the Emirates — allies of Washington — bore the brunt of Tehran’s wrath, having been struck by more than 3,300 missiles and drones during the first weeks of the war.

Israel threatens PA with 'all-out war' in event of attack on illegal Jewish settlements

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened the Palestinian Authority (PA) with an “all-out war” in the event of an attack on illegal Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank similar to the one carried out by Hamas on the besieged Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, according to a statement from his office reported by AFP.

“In the event that... we learn with certainty that they are preparing to launch a terrorist attack similar to that of Oct. 7 against the [Israeli army] and the Jewish population in the settlements, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have instructed the army to prepare for all-out war against the leadership and institutions of the Palestinian Authority,” said Katz.

Ghalibaf responds to US Secretary of Defense: 'Strike our oil facilities and you will be struck'

The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has responded to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, warning the United States that Iran would strike its oil and gas facilities if Iranian facilities were bombed.

“Strike our facilities and you will be struck. We have already proven this. Just ask the bases that are no longer operational,” he emphasized on X.

The chief Iranian negotiator added that “the oil and gas production chain is vast, accessible and exposed,” stressing that “U.S. oil and gas companies operating in these waters and at these facilities share this same vulnerability."

On Sept. 5, Pete Hegseth had warned that “if Iran opens fire on U.S. ships, we will destroy [and sink] its oil tankers.” He added that “all Iran has to do is not fire on the U.S. Navy.”

He also stated that “the Iranian tanker fleet enjoys no protection,” asserting that “Iran has neither naval nor air power."

Israel carries out simultaneous demolitions in Kfar Tibnit and strikes on Nabatieh

Hezbollah MP to Aoun: 'How many more massacres will it take before we...withdraw from the framework agreement?'

MP Ibrahim Moussawi, a member of the Hezbollah parliamentary bloc, has taken an even tougher line regarding the direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, the path opted for by President Joseph Aoun. Moussawi has called for an end to the talks and a withdrawal from the “framework agreement,” against the backdrop of Israeli escalation in southern Lebanon, which has claimed scores of victims in recent days, almost all civilians.

“How many more massacres will it take before he puts an end to the negotiations and withdraws from the framework agreement, which is already obsolete?” he asked.

According to the MP, the “philosophy” championed by Aoun regarding direct negotiations and the framework agreement is to secure “a cease-fire, an end to the aggression and the withdrawal of the occupying forces.”

He pointed out that Aoun had even presented these points as conditions for the continuation of negotiations. “But he continues to negotiate and still wants to give it another go, despite the disastrous results,” he criticized.

Israel continues its demolition operations in Mansouri (Sour)

Since this morning, Israeli occupying forces have been continuing their demolition operations in Mansouri (Sour), where they have carried out seven demolitions targeting houses, buildings, and infrastructure. It had already carried out dozens of similar operations there over the weekend.

Houthis accuse Riyadh of conducting air strikes on Yemen

The pro-Iranian Houthis have accused Saudi Arabia on Monday of carrying out air strikes on various areas of the country. “The Saudi enemy has targeted the provinces of Jawf [north], al-Bayda and Marib [center], and Taiz [south-west] with a series of air strikes and cruise missiles,” reported the Saba news agency, which is affiliated with the rebel movement.

Tehran threatens to retaliate if the IAEA passes a resolution against Iran

The spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmail Baghai, has described as “irrational” the desire of European countries to have the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopt a resolution against Iran, whilst, according to him, the “imposed war” has rendered Iran’s nuclear facilities inaccessible.

He warned that Tehran would take reciprocal measures if the IAEA were to adopt such a resolution against Iran, reports Reuters.

Baghai also responded to comments made on Thursday by U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance, who had refused to describe the six-month-long conflict between the United States and Iran as a “war.” “I wouldn’t call it a war,” Vance said, claiming that there was “currently no active firing.” “It is not a war, but a clear act of aggression,” the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson replied on Monday.

MP Marc Daou urges Hezbollah to announce complete withdrawal from Nabatieh and lay down its arms

MP Marc Daou has called on the Lebanese authorities to “declare a state of emergency in Nabatieh” and to declare the main town in the center of the Jabal Amel region “weapon-free,” insisting that Lebanon can no longer tolerate the occupation of the town.

“The town of Nabatieh must be declared a weapons-free zone and a state of emergency must be declared there immediately by the government. The army must be deployed across all neighborhoods of the town and control entry and exit points, and all foreigners present in the town must be removed,” he emphasized on X.

According to Marc Daou, “the issue of Nabatieh must be placed on the agenda of the Rome negotiations so that it can be incorporated into arrangements similar to those envisaged for the pilot zones.” As for Hezbollah, the MP urged the group to “announce its complete withdrawal from the city and lay down its arms."

Israeli air strikes kill nine members of Farhat family in Kfar Roummane

The victims of Israel's overnight massacre on Kfar Roummane have been identified as all members of the same family, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

They are Mohammad Naim Farhat (Abu Dani), his sons Hassan and Hussein Farhat, Zahra Ayoub, the children Maryam, Abdallah, Abbas and Mohammad Hussein Farhat, and Fatima Hassan Farhat.

Iran war shows strategic alliance with US 'not enough,' according to Qatari official

The U.S. war on Iran has shown that the Arab Gulf states cannot rely solely on their strategic partnership with the United States to ensure their security, said Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi.

“We in the Gulf must realize that the presence of international forces in the region and a strategic alliance with the United States are very important, but they are not enough. Self-sufficiency in security matters is the only way forward,” he said.

Israel targets Qantara water reservoir in Marjayoun

Israeli military vehicles were reported moving in Baydar Jneijel, in the village of Qantara (Marjayoun), at the same time as Israel targeted a water reservoir in the village with several artillery shells, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

Two Israeli explosions rocked the village of Mansouri (Sour) this morning.

Israel targeted Zawtar Sharqiyeh (Nabatieh), in the direction of Mayfadoun, with artillery fire.

Israeli drones continue to violate Lebanese airspace over southern Lebanon.

Israel expands grant scheme for installation of 'security' measures in homes in the north

Israel is planning on providing "grants" of up to $60,000 (182,000 shekels) to homeowners in northern Israel, within a radius of up to 9 kilometers from the border, who wish to install enhanced security measures in their homes, including "secure rooms."

This scheme, known as the "Northern Shield," was launched in June and, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, has so far enabled 3,000 homes, within a radius of up to one kilometer from the border, to be fitted out. It will now be expanded to cover around 11,000 homes in 89 localities. The initiative comes on top of other "fortification" projects in schools across the Galilee, the creation of "mobile shelters" and the refurbishment of public "shelters."

The security measures have been taken as the Israeli authorities continue to fear infiltrations by Hezbollah fighters into the Galilee, whilst the army continues its attacks on southern Lebanon, where it occupies a "buffer zone" of over 600 km².

Yemen: Over 300 fighters killed in Houthi offensive, families on the move

Clashes between Yemeni pro-government forces and the pro-Iranian Houthis in south-western Yemen have left more than 300 people dead in recent days, forcing many families to flee.

In this impoverished country, which was plunged back into war in July against a backdrop of regional unrest, the rebels launched a new offensive on Thursday aimed, in particular, at advancing towards areas bordering the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Iran set to declare 'no-go zone' near Strait of Hormuz in coming days

Iran is preparing to declare a “no-go zone” near the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic sea lane that has been blocked by Tehran since the start of the war with the United States, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council said on Sunday.

“In the coming days, a no-go zone will be declared outside the Strait of Hormuz. It will begin at the line of the U.S. Navy’s blockade and will include parts of the Gulf,” Mohsen Rezai said on state television. “Any vessel entering this new zone will be placed on a sanctions list.”

Israel kills at least 11 in overnight strikes on Kfar Roummane and Deir Zahrani, southern Lebanon

Israel intensified its bombardments overnight from Sunday to Monday on inhabited villages in southern Lebanon, mainly in the Nabatieh district, killing at least 11 people in Kfar Roummane and causing large-scale forced displacement, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

• Israel carried out a strike on a building in Deir Zahrani (Nabatieh), destroying it, some twenty minutes after ordering the evacuation of the house at around 2 a.m. The Israeli army had ordered residents to evacuate the building marked on a map, as well as neighboring buildings, leading to an exodus of the population towards safer areas.

• Israel carried out several air strikes on Kfar Roummane: one targeted the family home of Bassima Farhat, who was killed two days prior in Arab Salim, but caused no casualties. Two other strikes targeted a residential building belonging to Dani Farhat, which was completely destroyed, causing casualties, damaging neighboring homes and destroying vehicles. Rescue teams managed to extract 15 victims, including 11 dead — amongst them two infants — as well as a number of injured, some in critical condition. Searches are continuing amongst the rubble.

• Earlier, a drone strike targeted a car in Kfar Roummane, opposite the Said supermarket, killing two paramedics from the Al-Rissala Scouts, Ali Chahrour, as well as another member of the Farhat family. A third rescue worker was injured.

• Israel also bombed Nabatieh Fawqa (Nabatieh) and the heights of Jabal Rafih-Sojod (Jezzine). In addition, artillery fire targeted Dohat Kfar Roummane, as well as the heights of Soueida, between Arab Salim and Kfar Roummane, and Jabal Rafih.

• The Israeli strikes were preceded by a powerful explosion in the vicinity of Zawtar Sharqieh.

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