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Beirut on the brink: recounting the deadliest day of the Lebanon war
Israel launched a sudden barrage across Beirut and other parts of Lebanon, delivering more than 100 strikes in under 10 minutes and leaving over 300 dead and about 1,000 wounded. Civilians and responders describe chaos, destruction, and fear of further attacks, with displacement rising as residents recall a day when many believed Beirut would collapse.
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Lebanon teeters on food insecurity as war disrupts supply chains, WFP says
Reuters•23 hours ago
Iran Divided Over Two-Week Ceasefire as War Continues
France 24•1 day ago
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DC Talks Put Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire at Crossroads
Israel and Lebanon are set to hold talks in Washington next week to negotiate the fragile ceasefire as heavy Israeli strikes in Lebanon escalate and concerns grow that the US-Iran truce could collapse. Netanyahu has urged direct talks with Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, while Beirut says a truce is required before negotiations; neither side has publicly confirmed the talks. The broader mediation effort also faces strains, including discussions in Islamabad over the Strait of Hormuz.

Hezbollah Launches Missiles at Central Israel as Tensions Escalate
Missiles fired from Lebanon toward central Israel triggered sirens in Tel Aviv and nearby areas; at least two launches occurred, with one missile intercepted and another landing in an open area, and no injuries were reported. The attack followed a day of escalation and rocket fire on northern Israel. The IDF said it is prepared to respond and warned that additional areas may come under fire. Prime Minister Netanyahu urged disarmament talks with Lebanon, while the US clarified that Lebanon is not part of the Iran-focused ceasefire.

Israel's Iran gamble stalls as Trump-Iran truce nudges Lebanon talks
The US-Iran ceasefire leaves Israel’s aims in the Iran-related war largely unmet and sparks domestic criticism of Netanyahu, who is sidelined as Washington and Tehran move toward talks. Under US pressure, Israel abruptly shifts from sustained strikes to direct negotiations with Lebanon to address Hezbollah, signaling a risky pivot that could undermine the fragile truce and extend a broader regional confrontation.

Israel launches its largest strike in Lebanon in years, killing hundreds
Israel launched its largest attack on Lebanon since the Hezbollah conflict, striking Beirut and more than 100 Hezbollah sites, killing at least 254 people and wounding 837, as a two-week ceasefire brokered with the US falters and Iran signals it could exit; the assault prompted hospital overload, mass displacement (over 1.1 million) and widespread condemnation from the UN and Red Cross amid the broader, deadly flare-up.

Iran warns Lebanon must be included in ceasefire or war continues
Iran’s foreign minister says any ceasefire must include Lebanon or the conflict will resume, a demand at odds with the U.S. view that Lebanon is not part of the deal; while Washington touts a two-week pause, Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz and Israel conducts strikes in Lebanon, as talks shift toward Islamabad and international leaders press for diplomacy amid heightened regional tension and security warnings.

Two-Year Gap Closed: Gaza Mother Reunites with Evacuated Daughter
A Gaza mother, Sundus al-Kurd, is reunited with her daughter Bisan after more than two years apart. Bisan, a premature baby evacuated from Gaza’s Shifa Hospital to a field hospital in Egypt in November 2023, was identified by a pink bracelet and is now back with her mother at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The story, coming amid a fragile ceasefire and ongoing uncertainty over Gaza’s future, underscores the limited but meaningful human moments within the broader conflict.

GCC at a Crossroads: War Risks, Economic Strains, and Iran
GCC states have largely avoided joining the Iran war despite being heavily targeted, weighing the risk of escalation against economic vulnerabilities, labor dependence, and regional security shifts. While the U.S. and Israel push for Gulf involvement, internal tensions, shifting security alignments, and the cost to oil-dependent economies are keeping Gulf rulers cautious, with possibilities of new security pacts or closer Israel ties still on the table.
Trump gives Iran a week for a deal as US vows rapid response to Haifa strike
Trump said the U.S. will respond soon to Iran’s strikes on Israel’s Haifa refinery and Kuwait’s water/electricity plants, urged Tehran to seal a deal within about a week, and claimed Iran’s new leadership is more reasonable; he also said Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen and may be gravely injured, and warned that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed the U.S. could obliterate Iran’s energy infrastructure and desalination plants, while signaling openness to talks with parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf.

Iran says IRGC Navy commander Tangsiri has died after injuries
Iran confirmed the death of Revolutionary Guards Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri after severe injuries, citing a guards' statement; Israel had earlier said the commander was killed in a precise operation.

Yemen’s Houthis spark new front in Israel conflict, threatening Red Sea shipping
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claim missiles and drones against Israel, marking a new front in the regional war. The escalation could widen hostilities and jeopardize Red Sea shipping via the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint, complicating global trade as Iran’s closure of Hormuz limits alternative routes. Analysts warn of possible Saudi retaliation and severe humanitarian costs if the conflict broadens.