Israeli army claims Hezbollah targeted its positions in southern Lebanon

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Israeli soldiers stand near an Israeli flag in a village in southern Lebanon as seen from a position on the Israeli side of the border on January 23, 2025 in Northern Israel, Israel. [Amir Levy/Getty Images]

The Israeli army claimed Tuesday that Hezbollah fired several rockets at its positions in southern Lebanon, describing the incident as a violation of a ceasefire agreement, Anadolu reports.

A military statement said that the rockets were launched toward Israeli soldiers operating south of what it described as “the Forward Defense Line” in the area of Rab al-Thalathine.

Israeli forces responded by striking the launcher used in the attack, the statement added.

The army also said that sirens in northern Israel, including in the areas of Kfar Yuval and Ma’ayan Baruch, were likely triggered by the interception of a drone launched from Lebanon before it crossed into Israel.

“The launches constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement,” the statement said.

There was no comment from Hezbollah on the Israeli claims.

On Sunday, the Israeli army published a map outlining what it called a “forward defense line,” showing where its forces are operating in southern Lebanon.

READ: Israeli military analyst: Hezbollah explosive drones pose serious threat

The army had earlier referred to a “Yellow Line” in Lebanon, similar to a designation used in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli media reported that the so-called yellow line is an unofficial boundary drawn south of the Litani River, running parallel to the Blue Line along the border and extending between 4 and 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory.

The line stretches from Naqoura in the west to Khiam in the northeast, passing through towns including Shaqra, Aita al-Shaab, Bint Jbeil, and Adaisseh, according to the reports.

The total area between the so-called yellow and blue lines is not clear, but Israeli media reported that Israeli forces are present in about 55 towns and villages in southern Lebanon.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Friday that Israel intends to maintain control over all areas it has occupied in southern Lebanon during the latest offensive.

US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon on Thursday following calls with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Since March 2, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed 2,294 people, injured 7,544 others, and displaced more than one million, according to official figures.

READ: US asks Lebanon to repeal ban on ties with Israel — Israeli daily

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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/
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.

Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it's easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel's genocidal expansion.
Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it’s easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion.

Continue ReadingIsraeli army claims Hezbollah targeted its positions in southern Lebanon

Hamas says Israel tightening “engineered starvation” in Gaza by closing Rafah crossing

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Ambulances belonging to Egypt’s Ministry of Health stand ready on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing for the transfer of Palestinian patients from Gaza and possible emergency needs, in Rafah, Egypt, on February 8, 2026. [Ahmed Sayed – Anadolu Agency]

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said Israel is continuing to tighten its blockade on the Gaza Strip by closing crossings and controlling the entry of aid and the number of travellers through the Rafah crossing.

In a video statement on Monday, Qassem said the Rafah crossing had been closed while severe restrictions on aid deliveries remain in place. He added that Israel had not met the agreed number of aid trucks allowed into Gaza, with fewer than half entering, alongside continued limits on the number of travellers.

Qassem said Israel is pursuing a policy of “engineering starvation” in Gaza, pointing to rising prices of basic goods as hunger deepens, as well as ongoing violations including shelling and killings, such as those reported early on Monday.

He added that what is happening reflects a systematic Israeli policy of violations, calling for a “genuine stance” from mediators and guarantor states, as well as what he described as the “Board of Peace”, to put an end to these actions and lift the blockade on Gaza after two years of what he described as genocide.

Meanwhile, Ismail Al-Thawabta, Director General of the Government Media Office, said the humanitarian crisis in the enclave has reached unprecedented levels amid the continued closure of crossings, particularly the Rafah crossing.

UN Special Coordinator Nikolay Mladenov: Gaza plan requires rapid progress

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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/
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it's easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel's genocidal expansion.
Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it’s easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion.

Continue ReadingHamas says Israel tightening “engineered starvation” in Gaza by closing Rafah crossing

Trump says US used ceasefire to ‘restock,’ warns he is ‘ready to go’ if Iran deal falls through

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United States President Donald Trump speaks to the Press before departs at the White House to Las Vegas, Nevada on April 16, 2026, in Washington DC. [Celal Güneş – Anadolu Agency]

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Washington used the ceasefire period with Iran to replenish its weapons stockpiles, while claiming Tehran had likely done the same and was attempting to move missiles, Anadolu reports.

Trump told CNBC he was “ready to go” on resuming strikes if prospects for a signed deal failed to materialize, while also expressing confidence that the two sides would ultimately reach a “great deal” — one he previously said would surpass the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Trump also claimed that the Iranian-flagged cargo ship TOUSKA, seized Sunday by US forces after refusing to comply with blockade directions, was carrying what he described as a “gift from China.” US Central Command has confirmed the vessel remains in US custody following the interception. China did not immediately respond to this claim.

READ: Trump says US will get Iran’s nuclear dust ‘in a much more unfriendly form’ if deal fails

On a possible currency arrangement with the United Arab Emirates, Trump said a swap is “under consideration,” calling the Gulf state “a good country.”

The two-week ceasefire, which ends Wednesday evening Washington time, has been described by the president as having been violated “numerous times” by Iran. He earlier said extending it was “highly unlikely” if a deal was not reached beforehand.

US Vice President JD Vance, alongside envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is expected to travel to Islamabad for a new round of talks. Iran has not officially confirmed its participation, having demanded the lifting of the US naval blockade as a precondition.

READ: France’s Bardella calls Trump’s Middle East policy ‘erratic’

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/
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it's easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel's genocidal expansion.
Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it’s easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion.

Continue ReadingTrump says US used ceasefire to ‘restock,’ warns he is ‘ready to go’ if Iran deal falls through

US directs 28 vessels to turn around under Iran port blockade: CENTCOM

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A view of the vessels passing through Strait of Hormuz following the two-week temporary ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran on the condition that the strait be reopened, seen in Oman on April 08, 2026. [Shady Alassar – Anadolu Agency]

US forces have directed 28 vessels to turn around or return to port since the start of a blockade on ships entering or exiting Iranian ports, US Central Command said Tuesday, Anadolu reports.

The comments came as Washington has maintained a naval blockade since last week, a move Tehran described as a violation of a ceasefire.

Tensions have grown after Iran, which said Friday that the Strait of Hormuz was reopened to maritime traffic, reversed course one day later and again restricted vessel movements, citing unmet US obligations under a two-week ceasefire deal, which is set to expire Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump has also accused Iran of violating the ceasefire “numerous times.”

US Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Pakistan with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for a new round of talks, though Iran has not confirmed participation and has demanded the lifting of the blockade as a precondition.

READ: Confused closures and opaque openings: Continuing dramas in the Hormuz Strait

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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/
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it's easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel's genocidal expansion.
Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it’s easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion.

Continue ReadingUS directs 28 vessels to turn around under Iran port blockade: CENTCOM

Druze leader in Israel criticizes government over treatment of community

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, together with ISA Director Ronen Bar, met with Shaykh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel [@IsraeliPM/Twitter]

The spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community, Mowafaq Tarif, on Tuesday criticized the government of Benjamin Netanyahu over unfair policies toward the community, Anadolu reports.

Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported that Tarif pointed to housing shortages and the government’s refusal to connect thousands of Druze homes to the electricity grid, citing issues including a lack of building permits and planning constraints.

“The sacrifices of members of the community for Israel’s security are met with unjust government policies,” Tarif said.

He made the remarks during a memorial ceremony for soldiers killed in action held at a military cemetery in Isfiya in northern Israel, which was marked by tension and sharp criticism of the government.

The annual memorial precedes Israel’s Independence Day, which marks the establishment of the state on occupied Palestinian land and is observed on Wednesday according to the Hebrew calendar.

“Hundreds of gravestones in military cemeteries are the clearest evidence of the central role and deep contribution of the Druze community in protecting the state’s security,” Tarif said.

He added: “But these great sacrifices have not changed the difficult reality in Druze villages.”

“Thousands of homes remain unconnected to the electricity grid, reflecting a significant gap between the duties of military service and the basic civil rights the community has demanded for years without success,” he said.

READ: Jerusalem Latin cleric condemns destruction of Jesus statue by Israeli soldier

Tarif has previously called for international intervention in Syria, claiming that Druze in Suwayda province in southern Syria face “terrorist attacks.”

Syrian authorities have repeatedly said they guarantee equal rights for all groups and accused Israel of using the Druze as a pretext to interfere in Syrian affairs.

The broadcaster said the criticism extended beyond official remarks, with some attendees loudly interrupting a speech by Energy Minister Eli Cohen in protest over policies including home demolitions in Druze towns.

Protesters conveyed a direct message to the government that “the threat to demolish our homes comes from within, not from external rockets,” referring to planning and construction regulations affecting Druze communities.

They said the government sends members of the community to serve in the military reserves to protect Israel while issuing demolition orders against their homes.

Protesters called for an end to the policy and urged comprehensive solutions to planning, housing, and electricity issues affecting Druze villages.

Thousands of Druze citizens serve in the Israeli army, and some have been killed in Gaza, Lebanon, and elsewhere. Community leaders have repeatedly criticized successive governments over their treatment.

READ: Former senior Israeli officials say Netanyahu government ‘hijacked’ country, failed in Iran 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/
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it's easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel's genocidal expansion.
Donald Trump warns against following the https://onaquietday.org blog, says that it’s easy atm, she only needs to report war crimes supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion.

Continue ReadingDruze leader in Israel criticizes government over treatment of community