Author: Steven Sahiounie

The Al-Aqsa Mosque and Ibn Rushd building sheltered hundreds of displaced people, local authorities claimAt least 24 Palestinians have been killed in two Israeli strikes in Gaza that hit a mosque and a school, local officials have said. The Israeli military has insisted that the facilities were being used by Hamas operatives. Gaza’s Government Media Office accused Israel of “two brutal massacres” on Sunday, saying the strikes targeted the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Mosque, which is adjacent to a hospital, and the Ibn Rushd school. Both facilities housed “hundreds of displaced people,” it said in a statement on Telegram. In addition to claiming two dozen lives,…

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at the possibility of striking Iran’s nuclear facilities, stating that Israel’s response to recent Iranian missile attacks “will be independent.” In an interview with CNN, Gallant emphasized Israel’s close coordination with the United States as it prepares to respond to Iran but noted that Israel “will make its own independent decisions” on how to act. The Middle East is closely watching potential Israeli strikes in retaliation for Iran’s recent missile attack on Israel. While the U.S. has expressed opposition to striking Iran’s nuclear sites, Gallant made it clear that Israel “has not ruled out…

The Israeli army announced an investigation into the failure of its defense systems to intercept rockets fired from Lebanon at the city of Haifa, northern Israel, on Sunday night. The Israeli military stated: “There were interception attempts,” but despite these efforts, “several rocket hits were confirmed in the area.” The army clarified that “the incident is under investigation.” Footage from Haifa showed streets in the northern coastal city damaged by a direct rocket hit. The Lebanese group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the rocket attack, targeting Haifa in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon. Hezbollah launched the attack with “Fadi 1″…

On Sunday night, the Israeli military launched new airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. These attacks came after the Israeli army ordered the evacuation of two regions in Beirut’s southern suburbs, which have been under continuous bombardment for several days. The strikes targeted the Saint Therese and Burj Al-Barajneh areas, according to official media. Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Urgent warning to residents of Burj Al-Barajneh and Hadath. You are near Hezbollah facilities, and the Israeli army will soon target them.” He urged residents to evacuate these areas. According to the National News Agency, over…

On Sunday, the Israeli military announced the deployment of additional forces around the Gaza Strip, just ahead of the first anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel. This attack had triggered the ongoing war. In an official statement, the Israeli military noted, “The Gaza Division has been reinforced with several battalions, with troops stationed to defend both the towns and the border area.” The military added, “The soldiers are fully equipped to protect the region in coordination with local security forces.” According to the statement, three units inside Gaza are currently working to “dismantle terrorist infrastructure and weaken Hamas’…

On Sunday night, Hezbollah launched rocket attacks targeting the northern Israeli cities of Haifa and Tiberias. These strikes came in retaliation for Israel’s heavy airstrikes on Lebanon. Hezbollah claimed it had fired “Fadi 1” rockets at the Carmel military base, located south of Haifa. This move was a direct response to Israeli assaults on Lebanon. Israeli media reported that 15 rockets hit northern Israel, specifically Haifa, the third-largest city. As a result, the attack caused injuries and property damage. According to reports, 10 people were injured in Haifa. Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s emergency service, confirmed that one person suffered…

Syria witnessed Russian and Israeli airstrikes on Sunday, targeting different locations with varying objectives. Russian media reported that Russian air forces launched strikes on two militant sites in Syria, near the Al-Tanf area, which houses a U.S. military base. According to Oleg Ignatiuk, the deputy head of Russia’s reconciliation center in Syria, the militants had recently left the Al-Tanf area, close to the Jordanian border. He stated, “Russian air forces targeted two specific sites where militants had relocated from Al-Tanf.” On the other hand, the Syrian Ministry of Defense confirmed that Israeli airstrikes targeted military sites in central Syria, resulting…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, following recent tensions over Macron’s call to halt arms exports to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Netanyahu-Macron Phone Call Amid Tensions The phone call comes after Netanyahu strongly condemned Macron’s suggestion to stop sending weapons to Israel. Netanyahu warned that such a ban would benefit Iran and its allies, stating that restricting arms to Israel would only strengthen adversaries in the region. In a statement, Netanyahu’s office said: “The Prime Minister informed Macron that imposing an arms embargo on Israel would serve…

Under the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and with the oversight of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has launched a nationwide relief campaign to support the Lebanese people. UAE’s “With You, Lebanon” Relief Initiative The campaign, titled “UAE With You, Lebanon,” will run from Tuesday, October 8, to Monday, October 21. It will involve participation from the general public, as well as government and private sector institutions. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed emphasized the UAE’s…

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed deep concern on Sunday regarding recent Israeli military activities near its mission site in Lebanon. UNIFIL’s Statement on Israeli Activities In an official statement, UNIFIL said: “We are deeply concerned about the recent activities carried out by the Israeli army near UNIFIL’s position 6-52, located southeast of Maroun al-Ras, within Lebanese territory.” UNIFIL added: “The Israeli army has been repeatedly informed about this ongoing situation through normal communication channels.” Serious Violation of Peacekeeping Mission UNIFIL emphasized the seriousness of this development, stating, “This is an extremely serious situation. It is unacceptable…