Netanyahu says Israel targeted new Hamas military commander in Gaza Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel carried out an attack against Mohammed Odeh, who media reports say was appointed commander of Hamas’s military wing in Gaza in May. “We will reach everyone,” Netanyahu said on Telegram, claiming Odeh was one of the architects of the October 7 attack in 2023. There was no immediate information about Odeh.
Rubio to face Congress as lawmakers scrutinise Iran war US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to testify before Senate and House committees on 2 June as the conflict with Iran remains a major concern for lawmakers. Although the hearings are officially focused on the State Department budget, members of Congress are expected to question Rubio on a range of issues connected to the war. Reports over the weekend about a possible deal to end the conflict prompted mixed reactions among Republicans, with some, including Senator Ted Cruz, urging President Donald Trump not to reduce pressure on Iran.
Netanyahu says Israel ‘deepening’ military operation in Lebanon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is “fortifying” its so-called “security zone” inside Lebanese territory as Israeli forces expand operations in the country. Speaking ahead of a security cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said: “Under my direction and that of the minister of defence, together with the [army] chief of staff, we are deepening our operation in Lebanon. ” The remarks come as Israeli forces intensify attacks across Lebanon and push deeper into the country.
Trump to hold rare cabinet meeting in Camp David US President Donald Trump is expected to convene an unscheduled cabinet meeting on Wednesday at Camp David, the presidential retreat in rural Maryland, rather than at the White House. All cabinet members are reportedly expected to attend the gathering, which will provide an opportunity for discussions away from public and media distractions. The situation involving Iran is expected to be a major focus of the talks.
CENTCOM says US escort mission in Hormuz has not resumed US Central Command has pushed back against media reports claiming the US Navy had resumed escorting commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that “Project Freedom” remains suspended. Earlier in May, the Trump administration launched the initiative to force open safe passage through the strategic waterway. The operation was halted less than 24 hours later after Iran began attacking vessels and launching drones and missiles, sharply escalating tensions in the Gulf.
Israeli strikes hit Lebanon’s Bekaa An Israeli air raid struck the town of Mashghara in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa region after the Israeli military issued forced evacuation orders for Mashghara and Sahma, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. The state-run agency also reported three Israeli air strikes near the Qaraoun Dam, Lebanon’s largest dam, in the Bekaa Valley. In southern Lebanon’s Tyre district, civil defence teams recovered the bodies of four women from beneath the rubble of a home in the town of Maraka.
Israel seizes control of historic Nabi Samuel mosque from Islamic waqf Submitted by Lubna Masarwa on Tue, 05/26/2026 - 16:24 Palestinians say expropriation of religious site is further exploitation of archaeology and religion to target Palestinian land and identity People visit the Tomb of Samuel at the Nabi Samuel village between Ramallah and Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank, 24 September 2021 (AFP/Ahmad Gharabli) Off Israel has issued an order to seize the tomb of the Prophet Samuel (Nabi Samuel), an important religious landmark in the occupied West Bank run by the Islamic Waqf, in a move that has been condemned as the latest example of “Judaisation” of Palestinian sites. On Tuesday, Israel’s civil administration, which carries out Israeli orders in the occupied West Bank, announced that it was expropriating 28 acres of land. That land includes the Palestinian towns of Beit Iksa and Nabi Samuel, covering the area where the historic Nabi Samuel mosque stands.
Hezbollah says it attacked Israeli positions near Litani River Hezbollah said it confronted “the Israeli enemy army” near the town of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah overlooking the Litani River in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh province. The group said it targeted Israeli positions along the river and near the town of Yahmar al-Shaqif with rocket salvoes and artillery fire.
Use of force by guards in trial of pro-Palestine activists in Germany under scrutiny Submitted by Katherine Hearst on Tue, 05/26/2026 - 11:09 Defence lawyers reiterate demands for the recusal of the judge, who they say has 'no interest' in hearing the defendants The "Ulm Five" from left to right: Daniel Tatlow-Devally, Zo Hailu, Crow Tricks, Vi Kovarbasic and Leandra Rollo (supplied) Off The use of force during the trial of pro- Palestine activists in Germany has come under scrutiny after defendants were forcibly carried into the court in handcuffs and people attending have been subjected to “violent body searches”. Daniel Tatlow-Devally, Zo Hailu, Crow Tricks, Vi Kovarbasic and Leandra Rollo, who are from Germany, Spain , Ireland and the UK , were arrested on 8 September following an alleged break-in to the premises of Israeli arms firm Elbit Systems in the southwestern German city of Ulm. Known as the “Ulm Five”, the group is accused of damaging the building's glass facade and smashing office equipment, including computers, screens and telephones.
Israeli strikes hit multiple towns across southern Lebanon Eight Israeli air strikes hit the southern Lebanese town of Khirbet Selm in Bint Jbeil district. Lebanon’s National News Agency said an ambulance heading towards the Bir al-Salasil area was also targeted and forced to withdraw. In a separate attack, a drone strike hit a car in the same town, killing one man, the agency added.
Halal food at the wedding? Hard-right Restore leader's son marries daughter of Libyan academic Submitted by Imran Mulla on Tue, 05/26/2026 - 11:21 Rupert Lowe's party could play decisive role in crucial Makerfield vote, but many online supporters aren't happy about his son's wedding Rupert Lowe photographed in London on 5 July 2024, a day after the general election in which he was elected as MP for Great Yarmouth (AFP) Off Restore Britain, a party led by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe which vows to reverse the "Islamisation of Britain", is receiving more public attention than ever. Enthusiastically endorsed by South African-born billionaire and X owner Elon Musk, Restore has become a significant player in next month's Makerfield by-election, in which Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is standing to be elected as a Labour MP.
Iran warns of stronger retaliation if US and Israel resume attacks A senior spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces has warned that any renewed US and Israeli strikes on Iran would trigger a far stronger response. “If the region enters another round of war, Iran’s response will extend beyond regional borders and will be much heavier and stronger,” Abolfazl Shekarchi said in comments carried by Fars news agency. Earlier, Fars reported that US and Israeli aircraft struck Iranian vessels south of Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz, killing “several Iranian nationals”.
Iran partially restores internet after 88-day blackout A partial restoration of internet connectivity has begun in Iran after 88 days of near-total isolation from international networks, according to monitoring group NetBlocks. The move came a day after Iranian media reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian had ordered the restoration of internet access across the country, ending one of the longest nationwide shutdowns in modern history.
Haftar's forces arrest Gaza aid convoy in Libya Submitted by Alex MacDonald on Tue, 05/26/2026 - 15:10 Activists and doctors from Argentina, US, Italy, Spain and elsewhere detained in city of Sirte Libyan army vehicles take part in military exercises under the command of Khalifa Haftar, in the Ras al-Alba region, southeastern Libya, 16 May 2026 (AFP) Off Forces belonging to Libyan military leader Khalifa Haftar have arrested a number of members of a Gaza aid convoy in the city of Sirte. According to a statement published by the Global Sumud Convoy Instagram page, last contact with the activists was made at 3. 22pm on Tuesday.
Atrocities in Sudan backed by Colombian mercenaries trained at UAE bases, says report Submitted by MEE staff on Tue, 05/26/2026 - 12:51 Hundreds of Colombian contractors transited through Emirati bases in Sudan to support the RSF Sudanese students leave a school operated by the Sudanese Coalition for Education for All, in partnership with Unicef, south of Port Sudan on 26 April 2026 (Khaled Desouki/AFP) Off Columbian mercenaries who helped carry out atrocities in Sudan were trained at Emirati bases in the country, according to a new report. Human Rights Watch said it had evidence that special military contractors sent Colombians to the north African country to back the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary in their fight against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The report said that since 2024, Global Security Services Group (GSSG), an Abu Dhabi-based security company, has hired hundreds of Colombian private military contractors who deployed to Sudan to fight alongside the RSF.
Israeli forces kill Palestinian man in Jenin during a raid Israeli forces on Tuesday shot a Palestinian man in the Jenin refugee camp to death during a raid in the area. The man, identified as 30 year-old Nasser Ali Kamal al-Saadi, died after he sustained wounds to the lower half of his body.
Israel reportedly begins ground operation in Lebanon Israel's Channel 12 is reporting that the Israeli army has begun a ground operation in Lebanon, crossing the "Yellow Line" demarcation stipulated by the ceasefire deal. According to Israeli Channel 14, Tel Aviv is expanding its military operation beyond the line in the Nabatieh area.
Israel targets ambulance team, attack area near Lebanon's largest dam The Israeli army launched a wave of attack in Khirbet Selm, with a majority of air strikes focused on the Bir al-Salasil area. An ambulance team headed towards the town was the targeted by the Israeli army, preventing them from reaching victims. Similar attacks were reported across Lebanon, especially south of the country.
Palestinians in Gaza protest water shortages amid ongoing Israeli curbs on aid Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday protested the deepening water crisis in the enclave, amid continued Israeli restrictions on essentials. Last week, a Palestinian official warned that Israeli curbs were causing a “severe and alarming” drop in the number of aid trucks entering the territory. Israel has maintained a devastating military assault and blockade since 2023, severely restricting the entry of food, water, medicine and electricity.
Maritime body reports tanker explosion 60 nautical miles off Oman's coast The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it received reports of an "external explosion" near a vessel 60 nautical miles off the coast of Oman. Though some fuel leaked into the sea from the tanker after damage was sustained to its port side, all crew members and passengers were reportedly safe. UKMTO added that authorities are looking into the incident.
