Israeli army arrests groom, father and brother during wedding raid in Jerusalem

Spread the love

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

Israeli military vehicles and soldiers patrol the streets during a raid on Balata Refugee Camp in Nablus, West Bank, Palestine, on June 18, 2026. [Nedal Eshtayah – Anadolu Agency]

Israeli forces raided a wedding celebration in the town of Anata, northeast of occupied Jerusalem, on Thursday evening, arresting the groom, his father and his brother. A young woman was also injured, while several Palestinians suffered tear gas inhalation during the raid.

Local sources told Anadolu that Israeli forces stormed the town and raided the wedding of the al-Refai family, arresting groom Saeed Nasser al-Refai, his father Omar Nasser al-Refai, and his brother Jamal Nasser al-Refai.

The sources said the forces detained wedding guests for more than two hours, preventing them from leaving the venue. They also pushed and assaulted several young men.

At the same time, Israeli forces raided a number of homes in the town, carrying out searches and causing damage to property and household contents.

A young woman suffered facial bruises after being assaulted by Israeli soldiers. The forces also fired large amounts of tear gas in several neighbourhoods, causing a number of Palestinians to suffer from suffocation. They were treated at the scene.

According to official Palestinian figures, since 8th October 2023, Israeli military escalation in the occupied West Bank has killed 1,173 Palestinians, injured 12,666 others, displaced around 33,000 people and led to the arrest of about 23,000 Palestinians.

Israeli prime minister faces calls to resign during military ceremony: Report

Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace

Continue ReadingIsraeli army arrests groom, father and brother during wedding raid in Jerusalem

UAE foreign minister holds 1st publicly announced call with Iranian counterpart since outbreak of war

Spread the love

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

United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan gives a speech in Budapest on April 2, 2024. [Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP/ Getty Images]

In the first publicly announced contact between the two countries since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran, UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday, Anadolu reports.

According to the UAE Foreign Ministry, the two officials reviewed “the latest regional developments” following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran aimed at ending the war that came into force on June 18.

Bin Zayed stressed “the importance of full compliance with the provisions of the agreement” and said “serious diplomacy and responsible dialogue” remain the preferred means of addressing regional and international crises.

The UAE is among the Gulf countries that came under Iranian attacks during the war launched by Israel and the US on Feb. 28, with Tehran saying its strikes targeted US bases and interests.​​​​​​​

READ: Iran says ‘direct communication line’ established with US over Hormuz to avoid military confrontation

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

Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace

Continue ReadingUAE foreign minister holds 1st publicly announced call with Iranian counterpart since outbreak of war

Houthi leader warns against Israeli presence in Somaliland, pledges response

Spread the love

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

Yemeni Houthi followers walk under a billboard depicting the Houthi leader Abdul Malik Al-Houthi after participating in a protest, staged in solidarity with the people of Palestine and Lebanon, on October 25, 2024, in Sana’a, Yemen. [Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images]

Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, leader of Yemen’s Ansar Allah movement, warned on Thursday against what he described as Israeli efforts to establish a presence in Somaliland, saying the group would respond to any such move.

Speaking in a televised address, al-Houthi said Israel was seeking to expand its influence in the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandab Strait in an effort to strengthen its control over strategic shipping routes in the Red Sea.

He warned that Ansar Allah would not remain passive in the face of any Israeli presence in the region and affirmed the group’s readiness to confront it.

Al-Houthi also called on countries bordering the Red Sea to adopt a unified position to safeguard regional security, sovereignty and strategic waterways.

Turning to regional developments, the Houthi leader congratulated Iran on what he described as its “victory” over Israel and the United States, saying the outcome served the interests of the so-called “axis of resistance.”

He reaffirmed the group’s support for the Palestinian cause and said coordination with members of the “axis of resistance” was continuing in response to what he described as Israeli escalation, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

Addressing the situation in Yemen, al-Houthi reiterated his group’s opposition to the continuing blockade and foreign intervention in the country.

He said Ansar Allah remained committed to what he described as the Yemeni people’s right to sovereignty and the recovery of national resources.

Concluding his address, al-Houthi urged his supporters to maintain unity, remain mobilised and prepare for what he described as the challenges facing Yemen and the wider region.

READ: Israel prepares to resume fighting on Yemen front, updates plans against Houthis

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

Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace

Continue ReadingHouthi leader warns against Israeli presence in Somaliland, pledges response

Hezbollah rejects direct talks with Israel, urges Lebanese government to embrace Iranian support

Spread the love

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

Billboards featuring the late former Iranian leader Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba Khamenei, who were killed in U.S. and Israeli attacks against Iran on February 28, are displayed on the Rafic Hariri International Airport highway with the text reading “Thank you, loyal Iran” in Beirut, Lebanon on June 21, 2026. [Houssam Shbaro – Anadolu Agency]

Hezbollah has renewed its opposition to any direct negotiations with Israel, urging the Lebanese government to abandon what it described as a policy of concessions and to take advantage of Iranian support in addressing the conflict with Israel.

In a statement, the group criticised the Lebanese government’s current approach, saying it had resulted in “gratuitous concessions” to Israel and deepened political divisions within Lebanon.

Hezbollah reiterated its categorical rejection of direct negotiations with Israel, calling instead for an immediate and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

The group also urged Lebanese authorities to capitalise on what it described as Iran’s support, arguing that it had helped secure a ceasefire and commitments from the United States regarding an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon.

Hezbollah warned against what it called continued political intransigence, saying the current approach had come at the expense of Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Israel will remain in territory occupied in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza ‘indefinitely’: Defence minister

The statement rejected any arrangements that would link an Israeli withdrawal to additional conditions or negotiations.

Hezbollah also criticised proposals involving what it referred to as “experimental zones” north of the Litani River, warning against any agreements that, in its view, could provide Israel with new strategic gains.

The group said Lebanese authorities should insist on a complete and immediate Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory, alongside the return of displaced residents, the release of detainees and an end to Israeli military operations against Lebanon.

Hezbollah added that all other issues should remain internal Lebanese matters and should not be subject to negotiations or external conditions.

The statement comes as US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel continue in an effort to address security arrangements along the border and reduce the risk of renewed conflict following months of hostilities.

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

Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace
Donald Trump explains why he established his Bored of Peace

Continue ReadingHezbollah rejects direct talks with Israel, urges Lebanese government to embrace Iranian support

Israeli minister says army won’t leave occupied territory in Lebanon ‘even if US demands’ it

Spread the love

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

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz holds a security situation assessment meeting with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Head of the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate (AMAN) Shlomi Binder and other senior commanders in Tel Aviv, Israel, on March 07, 2026. [Israeli Ministry of Defense – Anadolu Agency]

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed Wednesday army forces will not leave territory occupied in southern Lebanon “even if the United States demands withdrawal.”

“Israel will not leave its security zone in Lebanon, even if the United States demands withdrawal,” Katz said during an event in Tel Aviv, as cited by Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

There was no immediate response from Washington.

The comments come as senior Israeli officials continue to insist on maintaining control over occupied areas in southern Lebanon despite a recent US-Iran understanding, which includes commitments related to respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Katz and Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir pledged to maintain control of what Israel describes as a “security zone” in southern Lebanon.

Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the 2023-2024 conflict. During its current military campaign, Israeli forces have advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory.

Since March 2, Israel’s attacks in Lebanon have killed 4,192 people, wounded 12,171 others and displaced more than one million residents, according to Lebanese official figures.

Katz also vowed that Israel will not allow the return of around 200,000 Lebanese to their areas in southern Lebanon.

READ: Iran says Israeli strikes on Lebanon delayed next round of US talks

He claimed that allowing civilians to return could expose Israeli troops to attacks.

“What happened in the past in security zones that included civilian populations was the planting of explosive devices and attacks against soldiers,” he said.

“The soldiers are inside, the population is outside, the infrastructure is destroyed and the houses are demolished. We will not withdraw,” he said.

Katz further said Israel would maintain its occupation of areas in both Syria and Lebanon.

“We will not leave the security zone in Syria and Lebanon; this is the security doctrine,” he said, claiming that Israeli forces must “be present in enemy territory to protect Israeli communities.”

His remarks come as Lebanese and Israeli delegations are holding a fifth round of talks in Washington from Tuesday through Thursday.

According to Israeli media reports, the discussions include possible areas from which Israeli troops could withdraw and be replaced by Lebanese army forces.

In addition to occupying territory in southern Lebanon, Israel continues to occupy Palestinian territories and areas inside Syria, while rejecting international calls for withdrawal and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in line with relevant UN resolutions.

READ: Israeli soldiers’ parents demand end to Lebanon fighting and return of troops

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/

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.

Continue ReadingIsraeli minister says army won’t leave occupied territory in Lebanon ‘even if US demands’ it