Israel killed over 900 in Gaza since start of ceasefire Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip have killed 906 Palestinians and injured 2,747 others since the ceasefire began in October. A total of 72,803 people have been killed during the over two years of Israel's genocidal war on the territory. Thousands more are missing and presumed dead under the rubble.
Iran seeks to release $24bn funds frozen overseas in potential deal with the US Iran is seeking to release around $24bn of its funds frozen overseas in a potential deal with the US, the Tasnim news agency reported. According to source close to Tehran's negotiation team, the frozen funds must be released under a memorandum of understanding that is being discussed with Washington. The report added that Iran's leading negotiator Mohammad Baqr Qalibaf's visit to Qatar aimed to reach an agreement to implement this demand.
Israel drops white phosphorus bombs in Lebanon: Report Lebanese state-media is reporting Israel's use of white phosphorus bombs in Shebaa, south east of Lebanon, on Tuesday. White phosphorous is an incendiary chemical that ignites when in contact with air and can cause severe burns in people or structures it comes into contact with. Leading human rights groups have slammed Israel's use of such chemicals as "unlawful", with evidence of it being utilised in Lebanon in recent times.
Iran's Supreme Leader vows Middle East will no longer be 'safe haven' for the US Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on Tuesday that countries in the region will no longer be a "safe haven" for the US and its military bases. He called on Muslim states and international governements to "pursue shared interests" for creating a new regional and global order. "I sincerely invite all Islamic countries and governments to friendship and cooperation for the common good," Khamenei added.
Israel issues displacement threats in Lebanon's Nabatieh Israel's Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee on Tuesday issued expulsion orders for residents of Nabatieh, south Lebanon. The threats come amid reports of the Israeli army readying itself to expand its offensive in the country.
Iran war: Cheerleaders of foreign bombs do not have Iranian interests at heart Submitted by Ghazal Tanhaei on Fri, 05/15/2026 - 20:58 Those who dance over bodies shredded into pieces and call Iranian officials targeted by US-Israeli bombs 'cutlet' dehumanise their fellow countrymen. No good will come of it Iranian-American activist Masih Alinejad tears up a picture of the now deceased Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the UN offices in Geneva on 17 February 2026 (Valentin Flauraud/AFP) On Twenty years ago, I watched Saddam Hussein's execution on satellite TV. I have never forgotten that moment.
Israel kills five Palestinians in central Gaza Israeli attacks on al-Maghazi refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, killed at least five Palestinians and wounded several others on Tuesday. Elsewhere south of the territory, a child succumbed to wounds she sustained during an Israeli air strike earlier this week in Khan Younis. The latest killings represent an escalation of assaults in the besieged enclave despite a ceasefire deal that came into effect in October.
Israeli army calls up reservists to expand operation in Lebanon: Report The Israeli army has begun mobilsing reserve soldiers in order to expand its offensive in Lebanon, according to Israel's public broadcaster KAN. The comments came after reports that Israeli military leaders discussed on Sunday renewed strikes on Beirut. On Tuesday, Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported continued Israeli attacks, especially south of the country.
Mali’s new turmoil tests Algerian bid to reclaim mediator role in the Sahel Submitted by Samira Elsaidi on Tue, 05/26/2026 - 09:27 Latest crisis in Mali offers Algiers a chance to regain diplomatic influence on a key security issue, but distrust prevails in Bamako Black smoke rises above buildings in the Malian capital Bamako after attacks by the Azawad Liberation Front and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, 26 April 2026 (AFP) Off Recent fighting in Mali that has weakened the ruling junta has revived a familiar question in the Sahel : can Algeria , once the region’s leading mediator, regain a role that many in Bamako openly question? On 25 April, an alliance of Tuareg separatists linked to the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a group seeking independence for a region in northern Mali, and Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated coalition, launched a surprise attack on Malian military and government sites. They seized key towns, such as Kidal, and army bases, blockaded the capital city, Bamako, and killed the country’s defence minister, Sadio Camara , in the most serious challenge to the government since it came to power in 2020.
Morning update Good morning Middle East Eye readers, Efforts to secure a US-Iran agreement face a crucial test after US forces carried out strikes in southern Iran while negotiators from Tehran travelled to Qatar for fresh talks. Washington says the attacks were conducted in self-defence, while Iranian officials insist progress in negotiations does not mean a deal is imminent. Meanwhile, tensions are rising sharply in Lebanon, where Israel is threatening stronger action despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the wider conflict.
'From position of power’: Iran should negotiate as victor, lawmaker says Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei has said Tehran’s diplomats should approach mediated negotiations with the United States from what he described as a position of strength. Rezaei, a spokesperson for the parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, said in a post on X that Iran had emerged as the “definitive victor” of the conflict and argued that negotiators should reflect that assessment in ongoing diplomatic efforts. “Yielding to the enemy only makes it more savage and exacerbates our problems.
China and Pakistan back five-point plan for Middle East stability China and Pakistan have expressed their readiness to make a joint contribution to restoring peace and stability in the Middle East, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. The ministry said China praised Pakistan’s role in helping facilitate the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran and welcomed Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts during the crisis. Both countries also reaffirmed their commitment to implementing a five-point initiative aimed at promoting stability and reducing tensions across the region.
Report says UK jailing Palestine supporters and climate activists The United Kingdom has effectively created a new category of political prisoners through its treatment of protesters involved in Palestine solidarity and climate activism campaigns since 2019, a new report claims. The report, titled Britain’s Political Prisoners, was co-published by Queen Mary University of London's Centre for Climate Crime and Climate Justice and Defend Our Juries. “This report strips away the illusion that Britain remains committed to democratic principles,” said Tim Crosland, of Defend Our Juries, which co-authored the report.
Iranian military says targets identified for future conflict A senior spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces has said the country is prepared for any renewed conflict and has already identified targets in the event of a new attack by the United States or Israel, Press TV reported. According to remarks carried by the state media, the spokesperson said any future Iranian response would differ from previous operations and would involve new tactics. He warned that if the region entered another round of war, Iran’s retaliation would be broader in scope and more intense than earlier military operations.
Video: Australian flotilla activist describes abuse in Israeli detention Australian activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla described their experience in Israeli detention as they arrived in Sydney, Australia. One activist, Juliet Lamont, details being beaten, dragged and tied up following her abduction by Israeli forces. The activists called on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to end their country’s relationship with Israel.
Israeli strike hits Kafr Sir as fighting escalates in south Lebanon An Israeli air strike has hit the town of Kafr Sir in the Nabatieh district of southern Lebanon, according to Al Jazeera. The attack came amid a wave of Israeli strikes reported across the Tyre and Nabatieh districts as well as the town of Mashgara in the western Bekaa Valley. Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters carried out a series of operations against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
Israeli ministers call for cutting power to Lebanon, return to full-scale war Two senior Israeli ministers have called for a more aggressive response to Hezbollah following a series of drone attacks from Lebanon. National security minister Itamar Ben Gvir said Israel should cut electricity supplies to Lebanon, seize the Zahrani River and return to full-scale military operations. Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich called for a tougher response to Hezbollah’s drone capabilities, saying Israel should impose a high cost for attacks.
Gold falls as Iran tensions fuel inflation concerns Gold prices fell on Tuesday after renewed US military strikes in Iran pushed oil prices higher, raising concerns that inflation could remain elevated and keep interest rates higher for longer, Reuters reported. Spot gold fell 0. 7 percent to $4,537.
Video: Beirut’s southern suburbs empty as residents prepare for Israeli strikes Footage shows heavy traffic out of Beirut’s southern suburb, known as Dahyieh, as residents evacuate following Israeli threats of major strikes on the area, with many fearing a new phase of escalation aimed at destabilising Lebanon. Videos circulating online show packed roads, families loading cars with belongings, and long lines of vehicles attempting to leave before nightfall. The warnings come as Israel expands what it has called “Operation Arrows of Fire” against Hezbollah in Lebanon, with Israeli officials signalling broader military action could follow continued cross-border attacks.
Pakistan defence minister rejects joining Abraham Accords Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Asif has said he does not believe Pakistan should join the Abraham Accords, rejecting calls to normalise relations with Israel. Speaking to Samaa TV, Asif said joining such an arrangement would conflict with Pakistan’s fundamental principles and added that the country’s position on the issue remained clear. His comments came after US President Donald Trump urged several regional countries, including Pakistan, to sign the accords as part of a broader push for regional normalisation linked to ongoing diplomacy with Iran.
