Headlines- "In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organization of the Islamic [Republic] of Iran," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on the X social media platform..
- The declaration of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was applauded by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which described it as "a critical and long-overdue reprieve for civilians who have endured weeks of unrelenting violence."
- The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been welcomed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who expressed optimism that it will lay the groundwork for long-term stability in the Middle East.
- As part of an earlier two-week ceasefire deal between Tehran and the United States to pause the conflict in the Middle East, Iran's Foreign Ministry praised the ceasefire reached by Israel and Lebanon.
- At midnight local time on Friday, gunfire broke out in the southern suburbs of Beirut as a ceasefire with Israel came into effect.
- The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health estimates that since March 2, Israeli forces have killed at least 2,196 civilians and injured another 7,185.
- The Lebanese government urges people not return back to their homes in southern Lebanon, despite Israel and Lebanon have reached a 10-day ceasefire.
- The United States is "very close" to a deal with Iran, President Donald Trump told reporters outside the White House.
Tag: Palestine
After Gaza Hospital Blast,West Bank Palestinians...
In the aftermath of an attack on a Gaza Strip hospital that claimed hundreds of lives, Palestinians staged protests in the West Bank for a second day on Wednesday. Rock-throwing protestors, who have vented their anger at the incident—which they blame on Israel—were dispersed by Palestinian security forces using tear gas. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was also a target of the protesters. Israel denies that it attacked the hospital.
Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Remains in...
Following extensive discussions with Netanyahu, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the two have agreed to develop a plan for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. As for the UN, it reports that most Palestinians in Gaza lack access to water, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns Iran and Hezbollah not to get involved.
Israel Shuts Down Jerusalem’s Old City...
One of the most visited places in the world, Jerusalem’s Old City, has closed its stores, churches, and other public areas due to the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas militants, that started on October 7. Tourists and pilgrims have fled the city in fear of escalating violence.
US Urges Protection for Innocent Citizens...
The US has reiterated its call that innocent civilians fleeing the Israel-Hamas conflict be given basic necessities and protection. A US senator has also strongly warned Iran and the Lebanese group Hezbollah over concerns of a wider regional conflict.
Tension on US Campuses over Gaza’s...
Concerns about Jewish safety have been raised globally by Hamas’s calls for solidarity events. From Washington state, Natasha Mozgovaya is on a US campus where tensions were visible.
Jerusalem Witnesses Clashes, Tensions on Muslim...
Following the first Friday prayers since the start of the Israeli-Hamas war less than a week ago, Jerusalem was explosive on Friday, with clashes outside the Old City near the Palestinian-Israeli border. Yan Boechat has this report from Jerusalem.
Fears of Hezbollah Attack Forced Evacuation...
A potential Hezbollah attack has prompted the evacuation of some towns in northern Israel. And as Yan Boechat reports for VOA from Metula, Israel, soldiers prepare for what they fear could become a new front while Israel shoots down rockets over the city.
Reporters Covering Israel-Hamas Conflict Must Navigate...
Disinformation spread like wildfire on Saturday, just as rockets and Hamas militants infiltrated Israel.In addition to being fought offline, the conflict is also being fought online.
Israel-Hamas War Death Toll Rises as...
As missiles pound Gaza and more Israeli victims’ bodies are found in their homes, the dead toll from the Israel-Hamas conflict has risen to more than 2,300 on both sides.
Family Friend Slain by Hamas Speaks...
Following the surprise attack against Israel by Hamas, a photo of a mother, father, and three children caught in the crossfire has gone viral on the internet. When the family’s safe room—which was where they were taking refuge—was breached by a Palestinian militant group over the weekend, the family members were killed. The family friend Dor Pundark was in contact with them just before they went silent.