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ISRAEL STRIKES SOUTHERN BEIRUT AFTER ACCUSING HEZBOLLAH OF ROCKET ATTACKS, ESCALATING TENSIONS

The Israeli military launched a strike on southern Beirut on Friday, marking the first such attack since November, after accusing Hezbollah of firing two projectiles from Lebanon into Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed targeting a Hezbollah site in the Dahieh area, describing it as a “terrorist infrastructure site used to store UAVs by Hezbollah’s Aerial Unit.” The IDF accused Hezbollah of embedding its operations within civilian areas, calling it a “cynical exploitation of Lebanese civilians as human shields.” Hezbollah denied launching the rockets and reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire with Israel. Prior to the strike, the IDF issued evacuation orders to residents near the targeted area in southern Beirut, warning them to move at least 300 meters away for their safety. The Lebanese government suspended classes in the area, evacuating schools and staff following Israel’s warning. Israeli forces also struck multiple locations across southern Lebanon, targeting what it called “Hezbollah command centers, terrorist infrastructure sites, launchers, and terrorists.” An attack on Kfar Tebnit killed three people, including a woman, and injured at least 18 others, according to Lebanon’s state news agency NNA. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Beirut would “be treated the same” as Kiryat Shmona, the northern Israeli town allegedly hit by the projectiles. “If there is no peace in Kiryat Shmona and the Galilee communities, there will be no peace in Beirut either,” Katz said in a statement. The Lebanese army reported discovering a rocket launch site near the border and announced an investigation into the incident. It condemned Israel’s strike as a “blatant and repeated violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty,” calling it a breach of international law and the ceasefire agreement. Hezbollah suggested the rocket attacks were a pretext for further Israeli aggression, while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated his government was in contact with U.S. officials to reinforce the November ceasefire. “There is a ceasefire in place, and both sides are expected to respect the agreement,” Aoun said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a forceful response to any threats, declaring, “We will attack everywhere in Lebanon against any threat to the state of Israel.” The strike comes amid rising tensions following months of relative calm after the ceasefire. Since the truce, Israel has conducted numerous strikes in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated after the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, with cross-border attacks persisting for over a year. The November 2024 ceasefire reduced violence, but Israel maintains a military presence in southern Lebanon despite agreeing to withdraw under the deal.

ISRAELI STRIKE KILLS 9 CHARITY WORKERS IN GAZA, HAMAS CONDEMNS ATTACK AS “HORRIFIC MASSACRE”

At least nine charity workers were killed and several others injured in an Israeli strike in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, on Saturday, marking the deadliest incident since the ceasefire took effect in January. The Israeli military claimed it had targeted “terrorists” operating a drone, but Hamas accused the Israeli military of committing “a horrific massacre”. Ismail Thawabta, Director General of Hamas’ Government Media Office, condemned the attack, stating, “The targeting of unarmed civilians, especially those providing humanitarian aid to displaced and homeless individuals, constitutes a blatant violation of international and humanitarian law.” The Gaza health ministry confirmed that nine people had been killed, including three members of a media team documenting humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza. Multiple people with critical injuries were transported to Gaza’s Indonesian Hospital. The Israeli Defense Forces said it had targeted two “terrorists” operating a drone that posed a threat to IDF troops. However, Hamas and other Palestinian groups have denied that the victims were affiliated with any militant organizations. The incident has raised concerns about the ongoing violence in Gaza, despite the ceasefire agreement. Israeli military operations inside Gaza have continued, with the IDF citing threats to its troops or Hamas violations. However, there has been a decline in casualties in recent months.

ISRAEL CUTS OFF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO GAZA, HAMAS CALLS IT “STARVATION POLICY”

Israel has announced that it is cutting off its electricity supply to Gaza, a move that has been condemned by Hamas as part of Israel’s “starvation policy.” The decision is expected to have a significant impact on the arid territory’s desalination plants, which rely on electricity to produce drinking water. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassam said, “Israel has practically cut off electricity since the start of the war.” He added that the latest move is part of Israel’s “starvation policy, in clear disregard for all international laws and norms.” The Israeli government has defended its decision, saying it is necessary to pressure Hamas to accept an extension of the first phase of their ceasefire. Israel wants Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages in return for a promise to negotiate a lasting truce. However, Hamas is insisting on starting negotiations on the ceasefire’s more difficult second phase, which would see the release of remaining hostages from Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a lasting peace. The United Nations human rights office has criticized Israel’s decision to cut off supplies to Gaza, saying, “Any denial of the entry of the necessities of life for civilians may amount to collective punishment.” The International Criminal Court has also accused Israel of using “starvation as a method of warfare.” Israel has denied the allegations, saying it has allowed in enough aid and blaming shortages on the UN’s inability to distribute it. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has paused the deadliest and most destructive fighting ever between the two sides, sparked by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The White House has confirmed direct US talks with Hamas, with envoy Adam Boehler saying, “I think you could see something like a long-term truce, where we forgive prisoners, where Hamas lays down their arms, where they agree they’re not part of the political party going forward. I think that’s a reality. It’s real close.”

HAMAS DELAYS HOSTAGE RELEASE AFTER ACCUSING ISRAEL OF CEASEFIRE VIOLATIONS

Hamas has announced that it will delay the release of more hostages in the Gaza Strip, citing Israel’s alleged violations of the fragile ceasefire that began three weeks ago. This move comes after three Israelis were freed on Saturday, returning home emaciated after 16 months in captivity. According to Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida, Israel has obstructed key provisions of the ceasefire by not allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, carrying out strikes across the territory, and failing to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid. “The next hostage release would be delayed until further notice,” Obeida said on social media. The Israeli government has expressed its commitment to upholding the ceasefire agreement, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu consulting security officials and pushing forward a scheduled meeting of his Security Cabinet. Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned Hamas’ decision, calling it “a complete violation” of the ceasefire agreement, and instructed the Israeli military to be on high alert. The development has sparked concerns about the fate of the remaining hostages, with the Hostages and Missing Family Forum urging mediating countries to restore the existing deal. “Recent evidence from those released, as well as the shocking conditions of the hostages released last Saturday, leaves no room for doubt — time is of the essence, and all hostages must be urgently rescued from this horrific situation,” the Forum said. Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has announced the end of a controversial system that paid stipends to the families of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted in deadly attacks on Israel. The move aims to improve relations with the Trump administration, which has criticized the so-called “martyrs fund” for rewarding violence against Israel.

ISRAELI HOSTAGES RELEASED BY HAMAS, RAISING CONCERNS OVER THEIR CONDITION

Three Israeli hostages, Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy, were released by Hamas on Saturday, after being held captive for 491 days. The hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza and later reunited with their families in Israel. However, the condition of the released hostages has raised concerns, with Israel describing the scenes as “shocking” and saying they “would not go unaddressed.” The hostages appeared thin and pale, with Levy looking particularly frail. Gershon Baskin, a veteran Israeli negotiator, said the condition of the released hostages should “compel us all to accelerate the release of all hostages.” He added that the images reminded him of Nazi concentration camp survivors. The release of the hostages is part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. However, uncertainty looms over the future of the agreement, with negotiations on extending the Gaza ceasefire in doubt. In a separate development, US President Donald Trump proposed that the US “take over” Gaza, relocate its residents to neighboring countries, and redevelop the war-torn enclave. The proposal was met with international condemnation, with Hamas describing it as a “recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region.” “We will not allow these plans to pass, and what is required is to end the occupation and aggression against our people, not expel them from their land,” said Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri.

ISRAELI HOSTAGES NAMED AHEAD OF RELEASE IN GAZA

Three Israeli hostages set to be released in Gaza on Thursday have been named by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. The hostages are Arbel Yehoud, 29, Agam Berger, 19, and Gadi Moses, 80. The release is part of a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas. According to the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, all three hostages are believed to be alive. Yehoud was kidnapped from her home in the Nir Oz kibbutz, while Moses, a grandfather and agronomist, was also taken from Nir Oz. Berger, a soldier, was abducted from a military base beside the Nahal Oz kibbutz. The chairwoman of Kibbutz Nir Oz, Osnat Peri, described the news of the releases as “an exciting moment for us, and another step on the long road to bringing all our loved ones home.” However, she noted that 29 members of the community remain in Gaza, and “the struggle will continue” until all are returned. Moses’ family expressed their excitement at the news of his release, thanking “the people of Israel for their embrace and support.” The Hostage and Missing Families Forum vowed to continue working towards the release of all hostages, saying they would “not give up or stop at any stage until all hostages return home – down to the very last one – the living for rehabilitation and the deceased for proper burial.”

TRUMP FLOATS PLAN TO “CLEAN OUT” GAZA, SEEKING PALESTINIAN RESETTLEMENT

US President Donald Trump has proposed a controversial plan to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, describing the territory as a “demolition site” after the Israel-Hamas war. Trump suggested that Egypt and Jordan could take in the Palestinians, estimating that around 1.5 million people would be relocated. “I’d like Egypt to take people. And I’d like Jordan to take people,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “You’re talking about probably a million and half people, and we just clean out that whole thing.” Trump emphasized that the relocation could be temporary or long-term, stating that “it’s literally a demolition site right now, almost everything is demolished and people are dying there.” The proposal has sparked concerns among Palestinians, who fear that any attempt to move them from Gaza would evoke memories of the mass displacement during Israel’s creation 75 years ago, known as the “Nakba” or catastrophe. Israel has denied plans to force Gazans to move, but some extreme-right members of the Israeli government have expressed support for the idea. Trump’s plan comes as a fragile truce and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas enters its second week. The US president has claimed credit for the deal, which was signed on the last day of former President Joe Biden’s administration. Trump’s administration has promised “unwavering support” for Israel, but details of its Middle East policy remain unclear. In a related development, Trump confirmed that he had ordered the Pentagon to release a shipment of 2,000-lb bombs for Israel, which was blocked by his predecessor Biden. “We released them. We released them today,” Trump said. “They paid for them and they’ve been waiting for them for a long time.”

HAMAS NAMES FOUR HOSTAGES TO BE RELEASED UNDER GAZA CEASEFIRE DEAL

Hamas has announced the names of four hostages to be released on Saturday as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal. The hostages, all Israeli soldiers, are Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag. They will be freed in exchange for 180 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. This will be the second hostage exchange since the ceasefire came into effect last Sunday. The first exchange saw three hostages and 90 prisoners released. The ceasefire halted the war that began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages. Hamas is expected to provide information about the remaining 26 hostages due to be released over the next five weeks. The prisoners to be released in the current exchange are of a more serious category than those freed in the first exchange, including those who have killed and are serving sentences of over 15 years. Israel has insisted that no one involved in the October 7 attacks will be freed. The four hostages to be released were seized at the Nahal Oz military base, which was overrun by Hamas gunmen.

ISRAELI SECURITY CABINET APPROVES GAZA CEASEFIRE AND HOSTAGE DEAL

Israel’s security cabinet has voted to approve a ceasefire deal to end the fighting in Gaza, just two days after mediators Qatar and the United States announced an agreement had been reached with Israel and Hamas. The 11 voting members of the security cabinet approved the deal with a simple majority vote, and the full 33-member Israeli cabinet will meet later Friday to consider the deal. “After examining all political, security, and humanitarian aspects, and understanding that the proposed deal supports achieving the war objectives,” the security cabinet recommends the government approve the ceasefire deal, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The agreement foresees a six-week ceasefire, with a first phase to include the staggered release of 33 hostages held in Gaza and the release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees held in Israel. It also includes a partial Israeli military withdrawal and a surge in humanitarian aid going into the besieged coastal enclave. During the first phase, the sides would begin talks to find a permanent end to the war that began on October 7, 2023, with a surprise attack on southern Israel by Hamas-led militants based in Gaza. That attack killed some 1,200 people and saw 250 taken captive, according to Israeli officials. Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, has called the agreement the “right move” and urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to proceed with it. However, far-right ministers have voiced opposition to the deal, and one has threatened to quit if it goes ahead. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that he still expects the ceasefire to take effect on Sunday. If approved by the full Israeli cabinet, the deal would pave the way for its implementation, including the release of the first hostages by Hamas on Sunday. SOURCE: CNN, NPR

GAZA CEASEFIRE DEAL YET TO BE FINALIZED, NETANYAHU’S OFFICE SAYS

A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is yet to be finalized, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. This comes after multiple mediators claimed that both parties had agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages after over 15 months of war. Netanyahu’s office stated that the final details are still being sorted out, with hopes that the details would be worked out Wednesday night. The plan, which still needs approval from Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet and then his full Cabinet, proposes a three-phased agreement. The first phase involves the release of 33 women, children, older adults, and wounded civilians in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian women and children imprisoned by Israel. Soldiers and other male captives would be released in the second phase. According to humanitarian organization CARE, the ceasefire would bring much-needed relief to the hard-hit Gaza Strip, where Israel’s offensive has displaced around 90% of the population of 2.3 million, many at risk of famine. CARE’s Global Humanitarian Director, Deepmala Mahla, emphasized the need for humanitarian access, saying, “Conditions must be created right now to allow humanitarian organisations to safely carry out their work, quickly reach people wherever they are in Gaza, and massively scale up their operations so we can stem the overwhelming tide of suffering.” The Qatari prime minister has stated that the deal is expected to take effect on Sunday, but Israel says the details are still in flux. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

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