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No military solution will provide security: Lebanese president tells Israel

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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun gives a speech in Beirut, Lebanon on February 16, 2026. [Houssam Shbaro – Anadolu Agency]

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun warned that no military solution can provide Israel with lasting security, urging Tel Aviv to resolve disputes through diplomacy rather than force, Anadolu reports.

In an interview with CNN released Friday, Aoun said “Military solutions” will never bring security and safety to Israelis, asking the Israeli people whether they “really want to live” in a “perpetual war.”

“Military activities or military solution will never provide you with security and safety to the northern people, we are ready to sit and talk,” Aoun said.

“Aren’t you fed up with war since 1948? Do you want really to live in peace? Let’s sit and talk. For the Israeli government. It’s a time … for the power of reason to prevail over the reason of power,” Aoun said.

Lebanon and Israel have officially been in a state of war since Israel’s establishment in 1948. The most recent escalation started when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in response to a US-Israeli attack on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with senior military leaders.

“Our people along the border are fed up with wars, but you need to show some willingness and commitment to end this war for the sake of most people and on both sides of the border.”

“We are ready, we are willing, we are committed. Are you?” Aoun said. “If you are not, you will never live in peace, safety and security.”

Over the course of three months, Israel’s military campaign has resulted in more than 3,500 deaths, forcing around 20% of Lebanon’s population from their homes.

READ: Hezbollah rejects Lebanon-Israel ceasefire agreement

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingNo military solution will provide security: Lebanese president tells Israel

Ireland imposes travel ban on 2 Israeli Cabinet ministers

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Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (L) and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in Jerusalem. [Photo by AMIR COHEN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]

Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed on Friday that the government imposed a travel ban on two Israeli Cabinet ministers, Anadolu Agency reports.

Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan introduced travel bans on Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Martin said as he was in Montenegro for the EU-Western Balkans Summit, according to broadcaster RTE.

Underlining that the two ministers’ actions and words “amount to a desire to see the elimination of Palestinians from Palestine,” Martin called for further EU measures against them.

“In my view, their behavior justifies sanctions at EU level as well, and that’s something that we will raise; whether we can get sufficient support across the European Union is a different matter,” he said.

A spokesperson for O’Callaghan said travel bans on the two Israeli ministers were put in place following an agreement by the government earlier this week.

READ: Nearly 5,000 Belgian academics and students urge universities to cut Israel ties

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingIreland imposes travel ban on 2 Israeli Cabinet ministers

Iran says navy fired warning shots toward US destroyers in Sea of Oman

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Iranian military personnel take part in an exercise titled “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz”, launched by the Naval Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is being carried out in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz on February 16, 2026. [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – Anadolu Agency]

The Israeli army on Friday warned residents of nine towns in southern Lebanon to evacuate their homes ahead of targeting the areas, despite efforts to solidify a ceasefire, Anadolu reports.

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued a warning to residents of Arnaya, also known as Arnaba, Anqoun in the Sidon district, and Kfar Fila in Nabatieh, ordering them to move at least 1,000 meters, or about 3,280 feet, away to open areas.

The army later expanded the evacuation orders to include Sarafand, Tafahta, Babliyeh, Qa’qaiyet al-Snawbar, Marwaniyeh and Saksakiyeh in Sidon.

Adraee urged residents to leave their homes immediately and head north of the Zahrani River.

Israel has carried out an intensified deadly escalation in Lebanon in recent days, claiming that Hezbollah is violating a ceasefire agreement announced on April 17 and extended until early July.

Israel violates the agreement daily through deadly bombardment and the widespread demolition of homes, while Hezbollah responds by firing rockets and drones at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.

READ: Iran was ready to turn any Israeli advance on Beirut’s southern suburbs into “hell”, Rezaei says

A joint Lebanese-US-Israeli statement announced early Thursday that Beirut and Tel Aviv had agreed during talks in Washington to implement a ceasefire based on a complete halt to Hezbollah attacks and the withdrawal of all Hezbollah members from the area south of the Litani River.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the US would determine the timing and mechanism for implementing the ceasefire, which could begin within 24 hours of receiving approval.

But Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem rejected the outcomes of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.

Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the 2023-2024 conflict. During the current offensive, Israeli forces advanced more than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) into Lebanese territory, marking their deepest incursion since 2000.

More than 3,500 people have been killed and over 10,000 injured in Israeli attacks across Lebanon since March 2, according to Lebanese officials.

READ: Iran sets conditions for accepting Trump plan to end war

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingIran says navy fired warning shots toward US destroyers in Sea of Oman

Chilean court reopens case against soldier accused of Gaza war crimes

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Rom Kovtun, who served as a sniper during the Al-Shifa Hospital operation, is facing allegations of war crimes and Gaza genocide in Chilean courts. [Photo source –The Hind Rajab Foundation]

by Eman Abusidu EmAbusidu

A recent judicial ruling in Chile has revived scrutiny of a criminal complaint against an Israeli-Ukrainian soldier accused of committing war crimes in the Gaza Strip, reviving a legal debate over the application of universal jurisdiction in the country.

The Santiago Court of Appeals overturned a prior ruling by the Eighth Guarantee Court, which had refused to examine the complaint against Rom Kovtun. The appellate court ruled that the question of jurisdiction cannot be decided without hearing all parties involved. 

A public hearing is scheduled for 12th June, where the complainant, the defence, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office will present arguments on whether Chilean courts have the authority to investigate alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed abroad.

The complaint was filed in February by the Hind Rajab Foundation through Chilean lawyer Pablo Andrés Araya Zacarías. It seeks Kovtun´s investigation under Chilean Law No. 20.357, which criminalises genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, in line with the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

According to the complaint, Kovtun served as a sniper in the 424th “Shaked” Battalion of the Givati Brigade and operated under the 401st Armored Brigade during military operations in Gaza. He is accused of participating in the siege and destruction of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City between March and April 2024. The operation reportedly caused extensive damage to medical infrastructure and civilian casualties, including patients and hospital staff.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZGQrJrDwAt

Legal experts and human rights advocates caution that the Court of Appeals’ decision does not confirm the allegations or rule on the merits of the case. Its purpose is limited to determining whether Chilean courts have jurisdiction to examine the complaint. The outcome of the June hearing will decide whether Chile proceeds with a formal criminal investigation or dismisses the case as outside its jurisdiction.

READ: Director of ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ declines award at Berlin event

Chilean lawyer and former ambassador Nelson Hadad highlighted the lack of legal consistency in Chile regarding universal jurisdiction. “This issue lacks consistent jurisprudence; that is, in most cases, the Chilean judiciary has rejected the principle of universal jurisdiction and the extraterritorial application of the law,” he said.

Regarding the upcoming hearing, Hadad noted, “In this case, there is a hearing scheduled for 10th June in which… will there be a ruling on this matter? It could perhaps be the first time.”

He emphasised the cautious approach of the judiciary and prosecutorial authorities. “The Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Judiciary as such accept some arguments to be able to prosecute in Chile this Israeli soldier responsible for numerous crimes,” Hadad explained.

At the same time, he highlighted past reluctance from Chilean authorities. “But I believe that the Public Prosecutor’s Office, especially the North Central Prosecutor’s Office where Prosecutor Armendariz is, has been consistently reluctant to accept universal jurisdiction,” he said.

Looking ahead, Hadad stressed the potential impact of a favorable ruling. “We are waiting to see what happens because if it were the opposite and it were accepted, it would set a very important legal precedent for trying numerous cases from Chile with the Chilean justice system, crimes committed abroad, in this case, crimes committed in Gaza and throughout occupied Palestine.”

He concluded with cautious optimism: “So we can talk again on 10th June, once the court has ruled on this point. But at least there is hope.”

BLOG: Latin American anger grows over Israel’s detention of Thiago Ávila

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingChilean court reopens case against soldier accused of Gaza war crimes

Most people in 36 countries hold unfavorable views of Israel: Poll

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Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference at his office in Jerusalem on 16 February, 2025 [EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]

A majority of people in 36 countries hold unfavorable views of Israel and lack confidence in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a new survey Thursday by the Pew Research Center.

The survey, conducted Feb. 8 – May 13, 2026, found that a global median of 67% of adults view Israel unfavorably, while 25% hold a favorable view.

Views were particularly negative in Muslim-majority countries that were surveyed, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkiye, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The majority in most surveyed countries said they have little or no confidence in Netanyahu to do the right thing regarding world affairs, it said.

Kenya and the Philippines were the only countries where more than half of the public expressed confidence in the Israeli prime minister, it added.

Unfavorable views of Israel increased in 13 of the 24 countries where trend data were available since 2025, said Pew.

READ: Israel becomes world’s most disliked country, global survey finds

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingMost people in 36 countries hold unfavorable views of Israel: Poll