Germany rejects presence of Israeli troops on Lebanese territory

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Government Spokesperson Stefan Kornelius holds a press conference in the capital, Berlin, Germany, on March 9, 2026. [Halil Sağırkaya – Anadolu Agency]

Germany said on Monday it is opposed to a permanent Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory following statements by Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz, who stated that his country would not withdraw from territory occupied in southern Lebanon, Anadolu reports.

“The federal government’s position is quite clear: We reject a permanent presence of Israeli troops on Lebanese territory. Nor must the civilian population be prevented from returning to where they live,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Giese at a press briefing in Berlin.

Giese’s remarks were underscored by government spokesman Stefan Kornelius, who reiterated German “support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity.”

Katz claimed that Israeli forces have “no restriction” in Lebanon.

“There was and is no restriction on IDF soldiers in Lebanon from operating to remove threats,” he said.

“As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have made clear, Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon,” Katz said.

His comments came after a major Israeli escalation in Lebanon on Friday and Saturday, during which the Israeli military launched more than 200 strikes across southern and eastern parts of the country.

An interim agreement between Washington and Tehran called for halting all hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon.

READ: Israeli army won’t withdraw from occupied territory in southern Lebanon, defense minister says

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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/

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 rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.

Continue ReadingGermany rejects presence of Israeli troops on Lebanese territory

Israeli forces raid church-owned land in occupied East Jerusalem

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An aerial view of the Silwan neighborhood, located south of Al-Aqsa Mosque, as Palestinians are struggling to continue their lives under harsh conditions due to Israeli home demolitions and eviction orders in East Jerusalem on December 31, 2025. [Mostafa Alkharouf – Anadolu Agency]

Israeli forces raided church-owned land belonging to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem in the town of Silwan, south of Al-Aqsa Mosque on Monday, in the latest move targeting Palestinian religious properties in occupied East Jerusalem, Anadolu reports.

In a statement, the Jerusalem Governorate said personnel from Israel’s so-called “Nature Authority” raided the church-owned land and forced the official in charge of overseeing the property to leave the site.

The governorate said the land, owned by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, covers around 11 dunams (2.72 acres) and is located near the Al-Bustan neighborhood in Silwan.

According to the statement, Israeli authorities seized the land on June 15 and surrounded it with fences and gates, prompting the Patriarchate to file a lawsuit demanding the restoration of the land and the removal of Israeli control over the property.

READ: HRW: Israel escalating home demolitions, evictions in East Jerusalem

An Israeli court has postponed a ruling in the case until Thursday after the Patriarchate submitted documents proving its ownership and continued use and maintenance of the land before its seizure.

According to Jerusalem-based institutions, the move is part of escalating Israeli measures targeting Palestinian land and religious properties in occupied East Jerusalem, particularly in neighborhoods surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Earlier this month, the Palestinian Presidential Committee for Church Affairs condemned the seizure of the church land, calling it a “blatant violation” of international law, private property rights, and the historical and religious status of churches in the Palestinian territories.

It called on churches worldwide, international institutions, the UN, and rights groups to take practical steps to protect church property as well as Islamic and Christian holy sites and hold those responsible accountable under international law.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. It annexed the entire city in 1980 in a move never recognized by the international community.

Palestinians regard East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, in line with international resolutions that do not recognize Israel’s occupation of the city.

READ: Israeli occupiers attack Palestinian towns, homes in West Bank under army protection

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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/

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 rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.

Continue ReadingIsraeli forces raid church-owned land in occupied East Jerusalem

EU rejects Israel’s Gaza territory plans, demands immediate crossing access

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Children of displaced Palestinian families go home after receiving hot meals distributed by charities in the Rimal neighborhood, west of Gaza City, Gaza, Palestine on June 15, 2026. [Mahmoud Abu Hamda – Anadolu Agency]

EU leaders on Friday issued a sharply worded statement on the war in Gaza and the situation in the West Bank, urging Israel to allow full humanitarian access, reverse settlement expansion and comply with international law, while calling for Hamas to be disarmed as part of a wider post-war settlement, Anadolu reports.

In conclusions adopted June 18-19, the European Council said it was “gravely concerned” about the “deteriorating situation” in Gaza, describing a “devastating humanitarian crisis” and demanding immediate, unimpeded aid deliveries “at scale” across the territory.

It called for border crossings to be reopened, including a medical corridor linking Gaza and the West Bank, and said international media should be granted access.

The statement also pressed Israel to allow UN agencies and humanitarian organizations to operate independently and urged compliance with international humanitarian law, stressing that civilian protection “needs to be ensured at all times.”

EU leaders backed the use of alternative supply routes, including the Cyprus maritime corridor, to supplement land access.

On the political track, the European Council reaffirmed support for a two-state solution, describing it as the basis for a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace” in which Israel and Palestine would exist side by side within secure borders. It also welcomed efforts by civil society and referenced an international conference in Paris aimed at supporting peacebuilding.

READ: UNICEF calls Gaza ceasefire ‘deadly illusion’ as 265 Palestinian children killed since October

The conclusions went further on the military and security situation, calling for the “permanent disarmament of Hamas and other non-state armed groups” alongside a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the deployment of a temporary international stabilization force under a wider UN-backed plan.

EU leaders rejected reports that Israel intends to take control over around 70% of Gaza, and expressed concern over limited progress in implementing a ceasefire framework linked to UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

The council also condemned the treatment of detainees intercepted in international waters following the Global Sumud Flotilla incident, and criticized rhetoric from “extremist ministers” accused of inciting abuses.

Tensions in the West Bank featured heavily in the conclusions. The EU denounced settlement expansion, including in the E1 area, calling it unlawful under international law, and warned of “legal and reputational consequences” for companies involved in construction projects there. It also condemned rising settler violence and endorsed further sanctions against extremist settlers and organizations.

The council also criticized Israel’s adoption of a death penalty law as discriminatory and called for its repeal, while signaling that EU institutions would consider additional options if the situation worsens.

READ: Gaza administration committee says reconstruction priorities finalized, ready to begin work

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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/
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 Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingEU rejects Israel’s Gaza territory plans, demands immediate crossing access

Israeli strikes kill at least 28 in southern Lebanon despite ceasefire

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Smoke rises from the town of Shweikin and the Ali al-Tahir hill area in the Nabatieh Governorate of southern Lebanon following Israeli airstrikes on June 20, 2026. [Ramiz Dallah – Anadolu Agency]

The death toll from Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon on Saturday has risen to at least 28, despite a ceasefire and the US-Iran agreement, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported, Anadolu reports.

The Israeli army carried out airstrikes on the southern Lebanese cities of Nabatieh, Tyre and Sidon since the early hours of the day.

An Israeli airstrike targeting the town of Qanarit in Sidon killed seven people and injured 13 others, according to preliminary figures.

Lebanon’s Civil Defense Directorate said 16 people were killed in Israeli attacks in Nabatieh.

Earlier, an Israeli airstrike on the town of Barish in Tyre killed four members of the same family, including two children, the NNA added.

Another person was killed in the eastern Lebanese town of Suhmur.

The Civil Defense Directorate said its teams evacuated 47 people to safe areas and transported 16 bodies and 12 wounded individuals to hospitals.

Israel’s military offensive in Lebanon has killed more than 3,980 people, injured over 12,000 others and displaced over 1 million residents since March 2, according to Lebanese authorities.

The latest attacks came after Israel’s Channel 12 on Friday quoted an unnamed official confirming reports that a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah had begun at 4 pm local time (1300GMT).

A senior US official also confirmed the ceasefire in a statement to Anadolu, while Hezbollah has not yet commented.

READ: Fresh Israeli attacks kill at least 6 in Gaza amid continued ceasefire violations

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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/
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 Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue ReadingIsraeli strikes kill at least 28 in southern Lebanon despite ceasefire

2 Lebanese soldiers killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, violating ceasefire

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A view of destruction following Israeli air strikes in the town of Al-Qlailah, southern Lebanon, on June 19, 2026. [Houssam Shbaro – Anadolu Agency]

Two Lebanese soldiers were killed on Saturday in two separate Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese army said in a statement, Anadolu reports.

The army said Jamil Nahhal was killed in an Israeli airstrike while traveling on the Kfarrumman–Nabatieh road in southern Lebanon.

The “brutal Israeli occupiers’ attacks continue against Lebanon,” the army said, noting that the latest escalation has affected wide areas in the south and extended to the Bekaa Valley, causing additional deaths and injuries and inflicting significant damage to property.

It warned that the continued attacks could obstruct efforts aimed at restoring stability in the country.

In a separate statement, the army said First Sergeant Ali Ibrahim died of wounds sustained in an Israeli airstrike on the town of Touline in Marjayoun on June 19.

Since early Saturday, the death toll from Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon has risen to at least 28, despite a ceasefire and the US-Iran agreement, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported.

Lebanese authorities say Israel’s military offensive in Lebanon has killed more than 3,980 people, injured over 12,000 others and displaced over 1 million residents since March 2.

The latest attacks came after Israel’s Channel 12 on Friday quoted an unnamed official confirming reports that a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah had begun at 4 pm local time (1300GMT).

A senior US official also confirmed the ceasefire in a statement to Anadolu.

Strait of Hormuz ‘closed to all vessels’ over Israeli, US violations: Iran’s IRGC

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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/
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 Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.

Continue Reading2 Lebanese soldiers killed in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, violating ceasefire