Israeli airstrike on Beit Lahiya residential block kills at least 15, mostly women and children — A large-scale Israeli airstrike hit a multi-story residential building in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya early Thursday morning, collapsing the structure onto its inhabitants. Medical sources at Kamal Adwan Hospital reported at least 15 Palestinians killed, with dozens more wounded and many still trapped under rubble. The Gaza Civil Defense warned that rescue efforts are severely hampered by a lack of heavy equipment and fuel. →
US vetoes UN Security Council resolution demanding immediate Gaza ceasefire; UK abstains — The United States vetoed a UNSC resolution backed by 14 votes in favor that demanded an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza as well as unhindered humanitarian access. Washington argued the resolution was "one-sided," while Palestinian representative Riyad Mansour called the veto "a green light for more killing." It marks the fifth US veto on Gaza ceasefire resolutions since October 2023. →
Israel's Knesset passes law banning UNRWA from Jerusalem, designating it a "terror organization" — The Israeli parliament gave final approval to legislation ordering the closure of all UNRWA offices in occupied East Jerusalem within 90 days and revoking legal immunities for UN staff. Diplomatic sources warned the move could trigger a collapse of education and healthcare services for hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees. The EU and several UN member states condemned the law. →
Hezbollah threatens retaliation after Israeli jet violates Beirut airspace at low altitude — An Israeli warplane breached Lebanese airspace Wednesday evening, flying low over Beirut and breaking the sound barrier in what Lebanese state media described as a deliberate provocation. Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV quoted a party official calling it a "serious violation" of the November 2024 ceasefire and warning of a "suitable response." The Lebanese army submitted a formal complaint to UNIFIL. →
EU imposes first sanctions on Israeli settlers and settler groups in the West Bank — The European Union sanctioned three Israeli settler groups — including Tzav 9, Havat Esh Kodesh, and Havat Maon — and two individual settlers for "serious human rights abuses" against Palestinians. Sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell cited "credible evidence of systematic human rights violations." Israel's Foreign Ministry called the move "hypocritical." →
Houthis claim first attack on Israeli-affiliated cargo vessel in Indian Ocean — Iran-backed Yemeni Houthis announced they targeted the cargo ship "MSC Fribourg" in the Indian Ocean with drones and ballistic missiles. The vessel's management company confirmed a "security incident" but said the ship sustained no damage and all crew are safe. The Houthis vowed to continue their campaign until a Gaza ceasefire is achieved. →
Over 100,000 protesters in Tel Aviv demand hostage deal and early elections — Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square on Wednesday evening in one of the largest anti-government protests since October 7, 2023, demanding an immediate deal to release the remaining 100+ hostages in Gaza and calling for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign. Police used water cannons to disperse a splinter group. →
Egypt and Jordan jointly reject any proposal for 'voluntary' transfer of Palestinians out of Gaza — Diplomatic sources told Al Jazeera that Cairo and Amman have formally and jointly rejected Israeli or Western proposals for the "voluntary transfer" of Palestinians from Gaza to Sinai or Jordan, viewing such plans as a disguised form of ethnic cleansing. The rejection was conveyed during a meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Cairo. →
Gaza health ministry reports 33 Palestinians killed in last 24 hours across the enclave — The ministry said the dead include 11 children, with the majority of casualties in northern Gaza and Gaza City. The total death toll since October 7, 2023, has risen to 45,689, with over 108,000 wounded. →
IAEA confirms Iran has sharply escalated uranium enrichment to 60% at Fordow facility — Inspectors found that Iran installed additional advanced centrifuges and is producing enriched uranium at a faster rate, moving closer to weapons-grade levels (90%). The IAEA board of governors will hold an emergency session called by the US, France, and Germany. →
Israeli military escalation in Lebanon is the most violent since the truce extension, RT Arabic reports — The past 24 hours saw intensified Israeli airstrikes and clashes along the border, coinciding with preparations for a new round of negotiations in Washington. →
Multiple European countries summon Israeli ambassadors over Ben-Gvir's treatment of Gaza flotilla detainees — Spain, Italy, Canada, Poland, and Finland condemned video footage released by far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir showing detained activists blindfolded and forced to kneel. The EU called the treatment "completely unacceptable." →
UN chief Guterres strongly condemns Israel's decision to set up military facilities on UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem — The UN Secretary-General called the move "wholly unacceptable," stating that the Sheikh Jarrah compound remains UN premises and that the measures constitute a breach of the inviolability of UN premises. →
Israeli settlers burn vehicles and install caravans in occupied West Bank — Palestinian residents reported that settlers set vehicles ablaze, sprayed racist graffiti, and erected new outposts in multiple locations, as documented by Al Jazeera video footage. →
Erdogan tells Trump that issues with Iran can be solved, welcomes ceasefire extension — During a phone call Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told US President Donald Trump that he believes it is possible to resolve differences with Iran, and welcomed the extension of the ceasefire between the US and Iran. →
Iran's IRGC navy warns Trump against attempting to forcibly open the Strait of Hormuz — A senior commander in the IRGC Navy stated, "We get wounded but don't concede," cautioning the US president against any military action to reopen the Strait, as reported by RT Arabic. Separately, a new Iranian authority defined a "maritime control zone" at the Strait. →
The US veto at the UN Security Council, combined with the Knesset's UNRWA ban, signals a coordinated push to dismantle the international framework for Palestinian rights and humanitarian relief simultaneously. Washington's fifth veto of a Gaza ceasefire resolution, paired with Israel's legislative assault on UNRWA, creates a dual blockade: diplomatic and humanitarian. The timing suggests coordination between the Biden administration and the Netanyahu government to preempt any binding UN action while Israel pursues its military campaign in Gaza.
The flotilla incident has escalated into a major diplomatic crisis for Israel, with multiple European states summoning ambassadors and demanding accountability, marking a qualitative shift in Western response. The treatment of the Sumud Flotilla activists, particularly the video circulated by Itamar Ben-Gvir showing detainees humiliated, has provoked unusually strong condemnations from Spain, Italy, Canada, Poland, Finland, and the EU. This goes beyond the usual diplomatic statements and indicates growing political costs for Israel in Europe, especially as the flotilla included citizens of these countries.
The Iran-US negotiations are entering a decisive phase, with multiple regional actors mediating and both sides signaling final positions — but the risk of renewed military confrontation remains high. Iran is studying a new US text delivered via Pakistan, while Erdogan and Arab states are actively engaged. However, Trump and Netanyahu held a "lengthy and dramatic" call reportedly on the verge of a decision about war with Iran, per Israeli media. The dual track of diplomacy and military preparation suggests a narrow window for a deal.
The Strait of Hormuz blockade is shifting from a shipping/energy crisis to a systemic global food security threat, as the FAO warns of price shocks within 6-12 months. The UN agency's warning that the disruption is "unfolding in stages: energy, fertilizer, seeds, lower yields, commodity price increases, then food inflation" underscores that the humanitarian impact extends far beyond the region. Iran's new maritime control zone and IRGC threats complicate any US attempt to forcibly reopen the Strait.
Israel is systematically tightening control over both humanitarian access and legal presence in Gaza and the West Bank through new court orders and military measures. The High Court gave aid groups 30 days to submit employee lists or cease operations, while the military is pushing past the "Yellow Line" to control 65% of Gaza. In the West Bank, settlers are burning vehicles and installing caravans with impunity, and the Ibrahimi Mosque was illuminated with Israeli flag colors — all indicating a accelerated annexation drive.
An Israeli airstrike hit a multi-story residential building in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahiya early Thursday morning, collapsing the structure and killing at least 15 Palestinians — mostly women and children — with dozens wounded, according to medical sources at Kamal Adwan Hospital as reported by Al Jazeera. Many victims remain trapped under the rubble. The Gaza Civil Defense warned that rescue efforts are severely hampered by a lack of heavy equipment and fuel, a recurring problem as Israel's siege on the strip continues to block essential supplies.
The attack is part of the Israeli military's sustained ground and air operation in northern Gaza, which has been ongoing for weeks, targeting what it calls "Hamas regrouping." Earlier reports by Mondoweiss detailed how Israeli forces have pushed past the "Yellow Line" dividing Gaza and now control 65% of the territory, with residents calling the new border Gaza's "apartheid wall."
The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Wednesday that demanded an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, as well as unhindered humanitarian access. The draft, put forward by the 10 non-permanent members, received 14 votes in favor with the United Kingdom abstaining, according to Middle East Eye. Washington argued the resolution was "one-sided" and would not lead to a "durable peace," echoing Israeli objections.
This marked the fifth US veto since October 2023 on ceasefire resolutions regarding Gaza. Palestinian representative Riyad Mansour called the veto "a green light for more killing." The UK's abstention, rather than a vote in favor, was seen as a concession to US pressure, drawing criticism from humanitarian groups.
The Israeli Knesset gave final approval to a law designating UNRWA (the UN agency for Palestinian refugees) as a "terror organization" and ordering the closure of all its offices in occupied East Jerusalem within 90 days, as reported by Al Jazeera. The legislation also revokes legal immunities previously granted to UN staff. Diplomatic sources in Jerusalem warned the move could trigger a collapse of education and healthcare services for hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees.
The EU and several UN member states condemned the legislation. The UN chief António Guterres also strongly condemned Israel's decision to set up military facilities at the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound in East Jerusalem, which Israel had seized in January, according to Middle East Monitor. Guterres called the move "wholly unacceptable" and a "breach of the inviolability of United Nations premises."
Gaza's Ministry of Health reported that Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire across the enclave killed at least 33 Palestinians in the preceding 24-hour period, with the majority of casualties in northern Gaza and Gaza City. The dead include 11 children, according to initial hospital tallies from the ministry, as cited by Al Jazeera. The total death toll since October 7, 2023, has risen to 45,689, with over 108,000 wounded. The figures are considered reliable by the UN and most international bodies, while the Israeli military claims it targets only militants without providing evidence for specific strikes.
Palestinian residents reported that Israeli settlers burned vehicles, sprayed racist graffiti, and installed new outposts in multiple locations across the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, as documented by Al Jazeera video footage. The incidents occurred amid ongoing settler violence that has escalated since the start of the Gaza war, with international rights groups documenting hundreds of attacks on Palestinian communities with minimal Israeli military intervention.
In a related development, the Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs condemned the illumination of the walls of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron with Israeli flag colors and Hebrew phrases, calling it "a blatant assault" on the sanctity of the mosque and "a dangerous attempt to alter its historical features and impose a new Judaization reality," as reported by Middle East Monitor.
Israel's High Court rejected a petition filed by international aid organizations operating in Palestine and gave them one month to submit employee lists to the government or cease operations, according to an Israeli government statement reported by Middle East Monitor. The petition was filed by AIDA, an umbrella group representing 19 international NGOs working in Gaza and the West Bank. Dozens of aid groups have opposed new Israeli requirements that include submitting names of local staff members and identifying aid beneficiaries, arguing it compromises their neutrality and endangers employees.
The European Union placed sanctions on three Israeli settler groups and two individual settlers accused of committing violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, as reported by Reuters. The designated groups include "Tzav 9" (Order 9), which had previously been sanctioned by the UK and US, as well as the Havat Esh Kodesh and Havat Maon outposts. Sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the decision was based on "credible evidence of systematic human rights violations." Israel's Foreign Ministry called the move "hypocritical and unjustified."
A Haifa court found two Palestinian citizens of Israel guilty of "indirect incitement to terrorism" after they joined an anti-war protest, according to +972 Magazine. Lawyers warned the verdict sets a dangerous precedent by criminalizing political expression and could be used to suppress dissent against the war in Gaza. It is the first time Israel has convicted individuals solely for chanting political slogans at a protest, raising concerns about the shrinking space for free speech within Israel.
Diplomatic sources told Al Jazeera that Cairo and Amman have formally and jointly rejected any Israeli or Western proposals that involve the "voluntary transfer" of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Sinai or Jordan. The two countries view such plans as a disguised form of ethnic cleansing that would liquidate the Palestinian cause. The rejection was conveyed during a meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Cairo, where they reaffirmed that only a two-state solution can bring stability. The US and Israel have floated the idea of "temporary relocation" during reconstruction, but Arab states remain united in opposition.
An Israeli warplane breached Lebanese airspace on Wednesday evening, flying low over the capital Beirut and breaking the sound barrier in what Lebanese state media described as a deliberate provocation. The aircraft was tracked by radar from the south of the country before circling the city, according to Al Jazeera. Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV quoted a party official saying the group considers this a "serious violation" of the November 2024 ceasefire terms and warned of a "suitable response." The Israeli military claimed the flight was routine and within international norms, but the Lebanese army submitted a formal complaint to UNIFIL.
According to RT Arabic, Lebanon witnessed during the past 24 hours an Israeli military escalation described as the most violent since the decision to extend the truce. The intensified airstrikes and clashes came alongside preparations for a new round of negotiations in Washington. Reporting in Arabic, RT detailed that the escalation could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire framework established in November 2024, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported in a confidential document shared with member states that Iran has sharply escalated its uranium enrichment activities at the underground Fordow plant, according to a report by the Washington Institute (citing IAEA). Inspectors found that Iran had installed additional advanced centrifuges and was producing uranium enriched up to 60% purity at a faster rate, moving closer to weapons-grade levels (90%). The IAEA board of governors is set to discuss the report in an emergency session called by the United States, France, and Germany. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, but the escalation has raised alarm about a potential diplomatic crisis and could undermine ongoing US-Iran negotiations.
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a "lengthy and dramatic" phone call overnight, their second contact in just a few days, according to Israel's Channel 12 reported by Middle East Monitor. No details were provided about the content, but the broadcaster characterized the talks as coming as the two leaders appeared to be "on the verge of a decision" regarding the Iran war. Neither the White House nor Netanyahu's office issued a statement. On Sunday, Netanyahu and Trump spoke for over 30 minutes about "the possibility of renewing fighting in Iran."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan informed US President Donald Trump during a phone call Wednesday that he believes it is possible to resolve the issues with Iran, according to Al Quds Al Arabi. Erdogan welcomed the extension of the ceasefire between the US and Iran, and stressed that Turkey, as a neighbor of Iran and a NATO member, is in close communication with all parties including Pakistan, which has been mediating. The call was part of broader diplomatic efforts, with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar also holding consultations on the US-Iran negotiations, as reported by Al Quds Al Arabi.
Iran is studying a new text sent by the United States via Pakistan in response to Iran's earlier proposals, according to Al Jazeera Arabic's liveblog citing the Iranian news agency Tasnim (reported in Al Jazeera Arabic). The Pakistani interior minister's visit to Tehran aims to "facilitate the exchange of messages" between the US and Iran, as confirmed by Anadolu Agency quoting an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman. Meanwhile, Trump stated he will not provide sanctions relief for Iran until a deal is complete, as reported by Anadolu Agency.
Reporting in Arabic, Al Jazeera cited the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth which revealed that a "fatal security error" committed by Izz al-Din al-Haddad, a commander in the Qassam Brigades, enabled Israeli intelligence to track and liquidate him. The article, titled "يديعوت أحرونوت: خطأ أمني قاتل قاد إسرائيل لتصفية الحداد" (report available at Al Jazeera Arabic), is based on an Israeli source. While the event itself is not new (it occurred some time ago), the Israeli media's detailed account provides new insight into the assassination. We include it here as supplementary context from a Hebrew source, attributed clearly.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warned Wednesday that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a severe global food price crisis within 6 to 12 months, calling the disruption "the beginning of a systemic agrifood shock," as reported by Middle East Monitor. The FAO said the shock is moving through global agrifood systems in stages: "energy, fertilizer, seeds, lower yields, commodity price increases, then food inflation." The Strait has been effectively closed since February 2026 due to US blockade and Iranian countermeasures, severely impacting grain and fertilizer shipments.
A senior commander in the IRGC Navy, Mohammad Akbar Zadeh, warned US President Trump against thinking about forcibly opening the Strait of Hormuz, stating, "We get wounded but don't concede," as reported by RT Arabic. Separately, a newly established Iranian authority for managing waterways in the Gulf announced on Wednesday that it will create a "maritime control zone" at the Strait of Hormuz, defined as "the line connecting Jabal Mubarak in Iran and south of Fujairah in the UAE on the eastern side of the Strait," as reported by Al Quds Al Arabi. This move effectively formalizes Iran's claim to control maritime traffic in the strategic waterway, raising the stakes for any US military intervention.
Yemen's Houthi militants announced they had targeted an Israeli-affiliated cargo ship, the "MSC Fribourg," in the Indian Ocean with a swarm of drones and ballistic missiles, according to Al Jazeera. The vessel's management company confirmed a "security incident" but said the ship sustained no damage and all crew are safe. The Israeli military said it was not aware of any casualties and that the attack was intercepted by naval escort. The Houthis vowed to continue their campaign against any shipping linked to Israel until the Gaza ceasefire is achieved. This marks the first Houthi attack in the Indian Ocean, far from their Yemeni base, demonstrating their expanding reach.
A wave of diplomatic condemnation swept Europe after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted video footage showing detained activists from the Sumud (Steadfastness) Flotilla handcuffed, blindfolded, and forced to kneel. Key responses include:
Spain summoned the Israeli charge d'affaires, with Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares calling the treatment "monstrous, inhumane and disgraceful" and demanding a public apology, as reported by Middle East Monitor.
Italy summoned the Israeli ambassador and demanded an apology, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani issuing a joint statement saying the images were "unacceptable" and violated human dignity (Middle East Monitor).
Canada demanded Israel ensure the safety of Canadians involved, with Prime Minister Mark Carney denouncing the "abominable treatment" and noting Canada has already imposed sanctions on Ben-Gvir (Middle East Monitor).
Poland demanded "justice" for its citizens, with Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stating, "In the democratic world we do not abuse and gloat over people in custody" (Middle East Monitor).
Finland said it will seek an explanation from the Israeli ambassador, while the EU called the treatment "completely unacceptable" (Anadolu Agency).
Cuba at the UN denounced the "torture" of flotilla members in international waters, rejecting "the impunity with which Israel commits new violations of international law" (Anadolu Agency).
The flotilla was attempting to break the Israeli naval blockade on Gaza. A former Egyptian diplomat was among the detainees, according to RT Arabic.
Progressive Democrat Chris Rabb won the primary election for a US House seat in Pennsylvania's 3rd District, defeating an AIPAC-backed challenger. The result was celebrated by activists as "AIPAC LOST," according to Al Quds Al Arabi and Mondoweiss. However, AIPAC also helped defeat incumbent Thomas Massie in Kentucky, illustrating the lobby group's mixed results. The Rabb victory is seen as a setback for pro-Israel groups and a sign of growing grassroots support for Palestine within the Democratic base.
Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Faleh al-Zaidi confirmed Wednesday that the government will not tolerate any individual or group that uses Iraqi territory to target Saudi Arabia or the UAE with drones, as reported by RT Arabic. The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions and concerns about militia groups operating from Iraq launching attacks on Gulf states.
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing for a summit with Xi Jinping, just days after Donald Trump's visit to China, according to Al Jazeera. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described the partnership as a "stabilizing force in a turbulent world" and said both countries "do not want to fight anyone but will defend their legitimate rights" (Anadolu Agency, RT Arabic. Putin's visit signals a continued alignment against US-led efforts to isolate both nations.
The Trump administration indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro in connection with the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes belonging to the Brothers to the Rescue organization, as reported by Al Jazeera. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel responded by calling the US indictment a lie and a distortion of events. The indictment marks one of the sharpest escalations in US-Cuba tensions, though Trump later said there was "no reason for the US to escalate further" because "the place is falling apart" (Anadolu Agency).
Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said after a visit to the US that the American military will maintain a large presence in Poland, as reported by RT Arabic. This comes as Belarus and Russia conducted joint nuclear weapons drills and Russia dangerously intercepted a British spy plane over the Black Sea, according to Al Jazeera.
Russia intercepted a British Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft over the Black Sea in an incident described as "dangerous" by the UK Ministry of Defence, as reported by Al Jazeera. The unarmed plane was securing NATO's eastern flank in international airspace last month, but details were only released now. The incident underscores the heightened risk of direct military confrontations between Russia and NATO.
Sierra Leone received nine West African migrants expelled by the United States under its strict immigration crackdown, as reported by Al Jazeera. The deportation is part of a broader wave of removals under the Trump administration's policies.
The World Bank reported that global revenues from carbon emission pricing reached $107 billion in 2025, a record high, according to RT Arabic. The increase reflects the expansion of carbon pricing mechanisms globally, though the effectiveness remains debated.
Meta (parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) announced the elimination of 8,000 jobs and cancellation of hiring plans for an additional 6,000 roles, part of a continued pivot to artificial intelligence, as reported by Al Jazeera. The layoffs add to the thousands of tech sector job cuts in recent months.