News Briefing
Breaking News
Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets at Haifa and northern Israel early Thursday in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in Baalbek that killed 11 civilians, marking one of the deepest barrages since 2006 →.
Israeli forces stormed Tulkarm and Jenin in the occupied West Bank with hundreds of troops early Thursday, killing at least 8 Palestinians and wounding 30 in the largest raid in months →.
The UN warned that famine is "fast approaching" in northern Gaza as the Israeli military has blocked all food, water, and medical aid entry for the ninth consecutive day, with only 12 aid trucks entering Gaza total in the past week →.
The White House confirmed that President Trump will not accept any Iran deal that does not meet his "red lines" after a two-hour Situation Room meeting ended without a final decision, as Iran denied an agreement has been finalized →.
Israel refused to withdraw from southern Lebanon during negotiations mediated by the US, according to Hebrew media, as Israeli forces crossed the Litani River and escalated ground operations →.
Hamas warned that the Gaza ceasefire agreement risks collapse after Israeli airstrikes killed 20 Palestinians in 48 hours, including 10 in a single strike on a residential building in Gaza City →.
Gaza resistance security arrested an alleged Israeli spy accused of providing intelligence that led to the killing of senior resistance leaders, as investigations continue →.
Stories at a Glance
Germany police drew guns on peace activists protesting arms supplies to Israel outside a Rheinmetall facility in Berlin, in a video that showed officers pointing handguns at unarmed protesters →.
The EU commissioner condemned Netanyahu's plan to control 70% of Gaza, saying shifting military lines are cutting off aid and essential services →.
Hezbollah warned that Israeli allegations about movements near the Qaraoun Dam could be a pretext for an attack on the critical water infrastructure, and called on the international community to intervene →.
An Israeli newspaper owned by top Trump donor Miriam Adelson revealed that Mossad operates a secret branch for influence operations inside Iran, using AI-generated influencers and fake social media accounts →.
Iran downed a hostile drone over the Strait of Hormuz as Iranian lawmakers said Russia and China would receive "special privileged treatment" when passing through the strategic waterway →.
The US announced the dismantling of an Iranian network that impersonated American companies to smuggle sensitive technology to the Iranian military →.
Key Takeaways
- Israel's escalation in Gaza is accelerating despite ceasefire rhetoric. The resumption of large-scale bombing of residential blocks — including near hospitals — and the tightening of the northern siege to the point of imminent famine indicate that Israel is pursuing a maximalist approach, likely aimed at permanent forced displacement from northern Gaza and seizing control over the Strip's remaining functional areas.
- The Hezbollah-Israel conflict has escalated to a new threshold. The crossing of the Litani River by Israeli ground forces and the firing of over 100 rockets toward Haifa represent a significant escalation beyond the 2006 war's boundaries, raising the risk of a full-scale ground war with Lebanon that could draw in Iran.
- The US-Iran deal is not yet finalized, and Israeli obstruction is intensifying. While a framework has reportedly been reached, Trump's indecision and Israeli pressure — including demands to expand the Abraham Accords as part of any agreement — are complicating the final stages. Iran insists that a deal must include an end to all hostilities, which Israel is actively undermining by escalating in Lebanon.
- The West Bank is being systematically absorbed through annexation by digital and administrative means. Israel's new electronic land registry system and the seizure of land for a military base inside Jenin — the first since Oslo — represent a shift from "silent gradual annexation" to declared, bureaucratized annexation under the cover of conflict.
- International legal mechanisms are being tested and resisted. The ICC prosecutor's statement and the UN's inclusion of Israel on the sexual violence blacklist are receiving hostile responses from both Israel and the US, with Trump threatening sanctions and Israel freezing ties with the UN chief. This suggests the genocide in Gaza may continue without meaningful accountability if Western pressure does not materialize.
Iran & Regional Conflict
Trump Weighs Iran Deal but Hesitates
The White House confirmed on Friday that President Donald Trump held a two-hour meeting in the Situation Room with advisors to discuss a potential agreement with Iran but did not reach a final decision. A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said "the president will not accept any agreement that does not meet his red lines," according to Al Quds Al Arabi. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent laid out three scenarios for Iran: reaching a deal, continuing the blockade, or facing more strikes, as reported by RT Arabic.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei denied that an agreement had been finalized, saying message exchanges with the US continue, according to Anadolu Agency. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera Arabic reported that Trump ended a meeting without announcing a final decision, despite earlier claims about ending the naval blockade, while Tehran expressed skepticism about the implementation of his statements.
Trump Fails to Expand Abraham Accords Within Iran Negotiations
Reporting in Arabic, Al Quds Al Arabi revealed that the US president's attempt to force the expansion of the Abraham Accords as part of the negotiations with Iran has encountered a wall of rejection. The report cites sources saying the effort "exposed the limits of the project that Washington has promoted for years as a gateway to reshaping the Middle East and cementing Israel's integration into the region." The article notes that while the US and Israel celebrated the agreements as a historic breakthrough, the attempt to leverage the Iran talks to force normalization with additional Arab states has failed.
Israeli Concerns Grow Over "Bad Deal" with Iran
Israeli fears are escalating over Trump's efforts to reach an agreement with Tehran, with a senior Israeli official warning of what he described as a "bad deal" that does not address Tel Aviv's concerns, according to Al Jazeera Arabic. The Hebrew newspaper Israel Hayom — owned by Trump donor Miriam Adelson — reported details of a secret Mossad branch dedicated to influence operations inside Iran, including media leaks, fake social media accounts, and AI-generated influencers to force senior Iranian officials from power, as reported by Middle East Monitor.
Iran Downs Drone Near Strait of Hormuz
Iranian air defense systems shot down a hostile drone in the skies over the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Qeshm Island in southern Iran, according to RT Arabic. Separately, Iranian state television, citing a local official, reported that a US aircraft had been destroyed in Jam governorate in Bushehr, though no US confirmation followed, according to Middle East Monitor.
Iran's Internal Economic Fears
The Iranian political system faces not only external threats but also rising internal risks due to the severe economic impact of the war, with concerns that outside parties could exploit the crisis to trigger domestic unrest, reported Al Jazeera Arabic.
US Dismantles Iranian Tech-Smuggling Network
The US announced the dismantling of a sophisticated Iranian network that impersonated American companies to obtain sensitive technology for the Iranian military, according to RT Arabic.
Lebanon
Hezbollah Rockets Hit Haifa After Baalbek Massacre
Hezbollah fired a massive salvo of over 100 rockets at the Haifa Bay area and several settlements in northern Israel early Thursday, according to Al Jazeera. The group's statement, reported by Al Manar, said the attack was in direct retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in the Baalbek region of eastern Lebanon hours earlier that killed 11 civilians and wounded 30. Air raid sirens blared across the Haifa metropolitan area, with Israeli media reporting several impacts causing fires and light injuries. The barrage marks one of the deepest and most sustained attacks on the Haifa area since the 2006 war.
Israel Refuses South Lebanon Withdrawal
Israel has refused a Lebanese demand for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon during US-mediated negotiations, according to Hebrew media reported by Al Quds Al Arabi. The Israeli public broadcaster cited unnamed officials saying Beirut had demanded during military talks held under US auspices that Israel withdraw from south Lebanon, but Israel refused. Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israeli forces had crossed the Litani River in southern Lebanon, according to Al Jazeera English. The escalation comes as RT Arabic reported that Israel is increasing military pressure on Lebanon while security talks are underway at the Pentagon.
Hezbollah Warns of Israeli Threat to Lebanon Dam
Hezbollah warned on Thursday that Israeli allegations about movements by its members near the Qaraoun Dam in western Bekaa could be a pretext for targeting the critical water infrastructure. In a statement reported by Middle East Monitor, Hezbollah said: "We warn that these fabricated allegations and pretexts could be paving the way for a new Israeli attack targeting the Qaraoun Dam or its surroundings, or targeting civilian and vital facilities in Lebanon." The group called on the international community and human rights organizations to intervene.
Church and Christian School Damaged in Israeli Strikes
Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon's Nabatieh targeted the dome of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church and the School of the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts, damaging both religious and educational sites, according to the Lebanese state news agency reported by Anadolu Agency.
Lebanese President and US Secretary of State Discuss Ceasefire
Lebanese President Michel Aoun received a phone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss ceasefire efforts and regional developments, according to the Lebanese presidency reported by Anadolu Agency.
Gaza & Palestine
UN Warns Famine Imminent in Northern Gaza
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issued an emergency warning Thursday that famine is "fast approaching" in northern Gaza, where the Israeli military has blocked all food, water, and medical aid entry for the ninth consecutive day, according to Al Jazeera. OCHA reported that only 12 aid trucks entered Gaza total over the past week — a 94% drop from the daily average of 200 trucks in September — and none have reached the north. The World Food Programme described the situation as "catastrophic," with bakeries and soup kitchens in Gaza City and Beit Lahia shutting down due to lack of flour and fuel. The siege is creating conditions for a massive humanitarian catastrophe unseen since the start of the war.
Hamas Warns Ceasefire at Risk of Collapse
Hamas warned on Thursday that the Gaza ceasefire agreement was at risk of collapse and called on the US administration and guarantor countries to take "serious and urgent" steps to force Israel to comply, according to Middle East Monitor. The statement said Israeli airstrikes had killed 20 Palestinians over the past 48 hours, including an air strike on a residential building Wednesday evening that killed 10 Palestinians, including two children and three women. Hamas urged the US to announce a clear position "condemning Israel's violations."
Israel Resumes Bombing Entire Residential Blocks
Despite the ceasefire, the Israeli army has resumed bombing entire residential blocks in Gaza, displacing dozens of families. "Fear has become a permanent guest in our homes," one resident told Mondoweiss. The Israeli military is targeting remaining residential blocks that were left standing after the ceasefire.
Resistance Arrests Alleged Israeli Spy in Gaza
The security apparatus of the Palestinian resistance in Gaza announced the arrest of an alleged informant working for the Israeli army who was directly involved in providing intelligence that led to the targeting of senior resistance leaders, according to Middle East Monitor. A source said the suspect was arrested while trying to flee beyond the Yellow Line after receiving urgent instructions from an Israeli military intelligence officer. The suspect admitted during questioning to monitoring the movements of several resistance leaders and identifying their locations, facilitating attacks against them.
Israel Launches Electronic Land Registry System for West Bank Annexation
Israel launched a new electronic system called the "Land Registry and Settlement of Rights" in the occupied Palestinian territories on Thursday, in a move that specialists described as part of a legal and administrative annexation project in the West Bank, particularly Area C. Middle East Monitor reported that the move marks a shift from "silent gradual annexation to declared annexation through digital and administrative tools." The project officially began on 15 February 2026 after powers related to land registration were transferred to Israeli administration.
Israeli Raids on Tulkarm and Jenin Kill Eight
Hundreds of Israeli troops, backed by armored bulldozers and drones, stormed the cities of Tulkarm and Jenin in the occupied West Bank early Thursday, reports Al Jazeera. The raids targeted the old city neighborhoods of both towns. The Palestinian Health Ministry, cited by Ma'an News, confirmed at least 8 Palestinians were killed and 30 injured by live fire, including two medics wounded while trying to reach the injured. The Israeli military said the operation is aimed at dismantling "terrorist infrastructure," but local witnesses described widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, including water and electricity networks.
Israeli Spy Pollard Suggests Turkiye and Egypt Are Next Targets
Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard suggested that Turkiye and Egypt could be Israel's next military targets, casting Ankara as the "new Iran" and a future strategic enemy. Speaking on an Arutz Sheva podcast reported by Middle East Monitor, Pollard said: "I'm not so sure that we will have as easy a time with the Turks as we've had with the Iranians. We have to be prepared for the next war, which will probably be against Turkiye and Egypt. The storm is coming."
UN Says 100% of Gaza Should Belong to Palestinians
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that "100% of Gaza" should be for Palestinians, according to Al Jazeera English. The statement came amid reports that Israel is building earthen barriers and military bases inside Gaza during the so-called ceasefire.
EU Commissioner Slams Netanyahu's Gaza Plans
EU Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib, condemned Netanyahu's plans to control 70% of Gaza, saying that shifting military lines are cutting off aid access and essential services, as Israel admits controlling about 60% of Gaza, reported Anadolu Agency.
Israel Freezes Ties with UN Chief Over Sexual Violence Blacklist
Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, announced the suspension of relations with Secretary-General António Guterres after Israel was added to a UN blacklist of parties accused of committing sexual violence in conflict zones. Middle East Monitor reported Danon's statement on X describing the UN decision as "political." Meanwhile, the UN's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, said Israel did not provide "an iota of evidence" that it took efforts to prevent sexual violence, according to Anadolu Agency.
International Response
ICC Prosecutor: No One Has License to Commit Atrocities in Gaza
ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, addressing the UN Security Council on Wednesday, explicitly warned that his office is actively investigating alleged war crimes in Gaza and that "no one has a license to commit atrocities," according to Al Jazeera. Khan noted that the court has gathered significant evidence of potential crimes by all parties, including blocking of aid, targeting of civilians, and starvation as a weapon of war. He urged all states to cooperate with the court's investigations.
German Police Draw Guns on Peace Protesters
German police drew handguns on peaceful protesters outside a Rheinmetall facility in Berlin who were demonstrating against arms supplies to Israel. Footage showed officers pointing guns at unarmed activists, reported Anadolu Agency.
Other Developments
Houthis Strike Two Ships in Bab el-Mandeb
Yemen's Ansarallah (Houthi) movement announced Thursday that it had struck two commercial vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb strait linked to Israel, according to Al Mayadeen. The Houthi military spokesperson said anti-ship missiles and drones hit the MV Pacific Glory and MV CMA CGM Alaska. British maritime security firm Ambrey confirmed reports of explosions near the Bab el-Mandeb but said both ships continued their voyages. The Houthis reiterated that operations will continue until Israel halts its assault on Gaza and lifts the siege.
Sudan: Rapid Support Forces Attack Villages in North Kordofan
Elements of the Rapid Support Forces renewed attacks on villages west of the city of Bara in North Kordofan state on Friday, following a Thursday attack that killed dozens of civilians, according to RT Arabic.
Ukraine War: Russian Shelling Kills Two in Belgorod
Ukrainian shelling on Russia's Belgorod region killed two people on Friday, according to Russian officials, as reported by RT Arabic. Meanwhile, Ukraine warned of a large-scale Russian offensive, with the president saying all forces are on standby.
Poland-Ukraine Tensions Escalate Over WWII History
Polish President Karol Nawrocki threatened to revoke the highest state honor from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after Ukraine renamed a military unit after fighters who killed Poles during World War II, causing "outrage" in Poland, according to Al Jazeera English.
US Judge Orders Trump's Name Removed from Kennedy Center
A federal judge ordered the removal of President Trump's name from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, ruling that the name change cannot be made without an act of Congress. Al Quds Al Arabi reported that Judge Christopher Cooper also ruled against Trump's plan to close the theater for two years.
US Southern Command Chief Meets Cuban Military Officials
The commander of US Southern Command, General Francis Donovan, held a rare meeting with senior Cuban military officials near the perimeter of the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba to discuss operational security matters, according to RT Arabic. Also reported by Al Quds Al Arabi.
Russia Imposes Import Restrictions on Armenian Produce
Russia imposed temporary restrictions starting May 30 on importing fresh fruits and vegetables from Armenia, including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and strawberries, according to RT Arabic, amid Armenia's moves toward closer EU integration.
China Continues Reducing US Treasury Holdings
China's holdings of US Treasury securities fell to $652.3 billion by March 2026, down from $1.3 trillion in 2013, in what analysts describe as a decade-long strategy to weaponize US borrowing costs at a moment of geopolitical maximum pressure, according to Middle East Monitor. Overall foreign holdings of US Treasuries fell by $138.4 billion in March alone.
Brazil's Lula Slams US "Terror" Designation for Gangs
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized the US decision to designate Brazilian criminal networks as "terrorists," warning that the move could "undermine" local law enforcement efforts, according to Al Jazeera English.
Mosque in Netherlands Attacked
A mosque in the Netherlands was attacked, and the Islamic Foundation Netherlands filed a complaint, saying worshippers feel increasingly threatened due to rising attacks targeting Muslims and mosques, according to Anadolu Agency.
No Updates Yet
- Hamas Signals Flexibility Ahead of Cairo Cease-Fire Talks — A senior Hamas official told Middle East Eye on Tuesday that the movement is prepared to show "flexibility" on key sticking points in the stalled cease-fire negotiations, including the timing of an Is… See previous report →
- UN Report Accuses Israel of Genocide Through Destruction of Gaza's Healthcare System — A new report from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) , obtained and summarized by Al Jazeera English, accuses Israel of committing acts that amount to genocide… See previous report →
- Al-Qassam Brigades Publishes Message from Late Commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad — Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, published a message from their late chief of staff Izz al-Din al-Haddad, according to Al Jazeera Arabic. See previous report →
- Iran Says Potential Memorandum Includes End of War on All Fronts — A potential memorandum of understanding between Iran and the US includes an end of the war on all fronts, Tasnim news agency reported on Sunday, as cited by Middle East Monitor. See previous report →
- Oil Prices Fall Amid US-Iran Deal Uncertainty — Oil prices fell more than 4% amid continued differences between the US and Iran over a peace agreement, with Brent crude dropping $4.64 — or 4.48% — to $98.90 per barrel, according to Al Quds Al Arabi… See previous report →
- 18 Countries Condemn Somaliland Embassy in Occupied Jerusalem — The foreign ministers of Turkiye and 17 other countries strongly condemned the "illegal and unacceptable" move by the breakaway Somaliland region to open a so-called embassy in occupied Jerusalem, acc… See previous report →
- Pakistan Welcomes Trump's "Extraordinary Efforts" for Iran Peace — Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif welcomed President Trump's "extraordinary efforts" to pursue peace, following a call with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, the UAE, Jordan, an… See previous report →
- EU Commission Chief Welcomes Progress on US-Iran Deal — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed progress toward a possible agreement between the US and Iran, stressing the need for a deal that would reduce tensions and prevent further e… See previous report →
- Netanyahu's Circle Pushes to Ban Arab List from Elections — Reporting in Arabic, Al Jazeera Arabic revealed that associates of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are seeking to ban the "Arab List" and classify its parent movement as a terrorist organiza… See previous report →
- Houthi Leader Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum on Red Sea Attacks — The leader of Yemen's Ansar Allah (Houthi movement), Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, announced in a televised address Tuesday evening that the group will resume its campaign targeting Israeli-linked vessels in… See previous report →
- Syria Holds Legislative Elections in Former Kurdish-Controlled Areas — Syria held legislative elections in Hasakah and the town of Kobane — areas formerly under Kurdish control — for the first time in over a decade, Al Jazeera English reported. See previous report →
- Saudi Arabia Announces Full Readiness for Hajj Season — Saudi Arabia announced its full readiness to receive pilgrims for the current Hajj season, with all organizational, service, and health plans completed at the holy sites to ensure the safety and smoot… See previous report →
- Qatar and Saudi Arabia Express Support for Pakistani Mediation Between Washington and Tehran — Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, during which both sides affirmed th… See previous report →
- India's Stock Market Surges on Iran Deal Hopes — Japan's stock market surged to a record high on hopes for an end to the US-Israeli war on Iran, Al Jazeera English reported. See previous report →
- California Declares Emergency Over Chemical Leak Risk — The state of California declared an emergency in Orange County over the risk of a chemical leak at an aerospace facility, where an overheating tank containing methyl methacrylate threatened to release… See previous report →
- Israel creates special military tribunal for Oct. 7 suspects — +972 Magazine reported that the Israeli Knesset voted 93-0 to establish a special military tribunal to try Palestinian detainees accused of involvement in the October 7, 2023, attacks. See previous report →