Beirut

An Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon killed seven people, and the Lebanese state-run National News Agency reported that three others were wounded in the strike. The death toll occurs within the context of a framework agreement regarding Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

Palestinians in Qusra, West Bank, have been unable to leave their homes due to threats from Israeli settlers. The article notes that successive Israeli governments support a movement aiming to solidify control over the territory by building numerous settlements, which are viewed as illegal by most of the international community. Currently, Palestinians in the West Bank live under Israeli military rule, while settlers retain status as Israeli citizens.

Lebanon’s parliament voted to abolish the death penalty, making it the first country in the Arab world to replace capital punishment with life imprisonment and aggravated hard labor. Justice Minister Adel Nassar called the vote a “historic step,” which was celebrated by rights groups. The move comes amidst debates over a general amnesty law that could release convicted militants.

Two Israeli soldiers were killed in an explosion in southern Lebanon, marking the first Israeli deaths since a shaky truce with Hezbollah was implemented in June. The escalation came after Israel launched strikes and issued warnings due to what it described as Hezbollah's violation of the ceasefire. Discussions between Lebanese and Israeli negotiators regarding withdrawal from occupied areas stalled amid the ongoing ground conflict.

Two Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon, marking the first such deaths since the June truce between Israel and Hezbollah. The escalation occurred after Israel launched strikes in response to what it described as a violation of the ceasefire by Hezbollah. Diplomatic efforts were also underway in Rome to implement a deal requiring Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas.

The Israeli military reported that two of its soldiers were killed in combat in southern Lebanon, marking the first such deaths since a June truce with Hezbollah. The escalation occurred after Israel launched strikes on Wednesday following what it described as Hezbollah’s violation of the ceasefire and issued warnings for residents to flee.

In late September 2024, Hezbollah faced severe disruption as Israeli bombs destroyed its headquarters and killed several senior leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah. Israeli forces reportedly hacked Hezbollah's communication devices and booby-trapped thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies, forcing commanders to abandon phones and use motorbikes to navigate Beirut's southern suburbs.

Israel and Lebanon have initiated talks in Rome to discuss pilot zones, borders, and Hezbollah's disarmament. Hezbollah's leader Naim Qassem condemned the process as 'humiliation,' prompting a rebuke from Beirut.

On August 4, 2020, a massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, caused by improperly stored ammonium nitrate resulted in over 200 deaths, 7,000 injuries, and extensive damage, marking one of the largest non-nuclear explosions. Other historical events on this date include the founding of the U.S. Coast Guard and the purchase of the Danish Virgin Islands.

US embassies in the Middle East issued security alerts urging American citizens to 'consider departing' due to potential escalation in the US-Iran conflict. The warnings followed President Donald Trump's threats to strike Iran 'very hard' and reports of possible US attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure. Advisories included avoiding military bases and preparing for travel disruptions.

An agreement for Hamas and armed groups in Gaza to disarm was reached, with Hamas officials demanding Israel's withdrawal before proceeding. The Iranian army attacked US centers in Kuwait using drones, while the Israeli army obstructed Lebanese military deployment in southern Lebanon and conducted attacks in nearby towns.

Israeli forces detonated an area in southern Lebanon, claiming to have destroyed a Hezbollah tunnel system. Despite an agreement between Tel Aviv and Beirut, attacks and demolitions continue in the region, resulting in over 4,333 deaths and 12,236 injuries since early March.

Israeli forces conducted explosions in southern Lebanese towns including Mansouri, Majdal Zoun, and Mazraat Beit al-Sayyad, with shelling reported near Wadi al-Hujair and Wadi al-Salouqi. No immediate details on casualties or damage were provided, and attacks continue despite ongoing peace talks between Tel Aviv and Beirut.

Kozo Okamoto, a Japanese militant who participated in the 1972 attack on Tel Aviv’s airport, died in Beirut at 78. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine confirmed his death, stating he had been ill for a long time.

Kozo Okamoto, a Japanese militant involved in a 1972 attack on Tel Aviv’s airport that killed 26 people, died at 78 in Beirut. He was imprisoned in Israel for 12 years before being released in a prisoner exchange and later lived in Lebanon under the alias Ahmad al-Yabani, protected by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

Kozo Okamoto, a Japanese militant involved in a deadly attack on Tel Aviv’s airport over 50 years ago, has died in Beirut at 78.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and US President Donald Trump hold a press conference as pressure mounts on Beirut to disarm Hezbollah.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is set to meet with Donald Trump in Washington on July 21. Beirut's military is moving into southern Lebanon under a deal with Israel to disarm Hezbollah, a precondition for ending Israel's occupation.

Rubio praised Lebanon's president for his efforts to disarm Hezbollah. Aoun emphasized the need for alignment between Beirut and Washington on Israel's withdrawal from 'pilot zones' ahead of his meeting with Trump.

Israel is establishing new permanent military posts in southern Lebanon to strengthen its hold in the area, according to an Israeli daily. The move could increase tensions between Israel and the US amid ongoing talks between Beirut and Tel Aviv, with Washington's mediation.

Trump reportedly urged Netanyahu to withdraw Israeli troops from Syria and Lebanon. Jerusalem and Beirut are discussing IDF withdrawals from 'pilot zones,' with FM Sa'ar stating Israel is prepared to proceed.

A US military delegation met with Lebanon’s army in Beirut to discuss Israel’s withdrawal from a 'pilot zone' in occupied southern Lebanon. US Democratic lawmaker Ro Khanna was detained by Israeli settlers armed with US-made rifles during a West Bank visit. Israeli strikes continue in southern Lebanon despite a truce, and talks between Lebanon and Israel are scheduled in Rome.

A US military delegation visited Beirut to discuss the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) 'pilot zone' withdrawal. A Lebanese official stated the primary goal is 'the translation and implementation of the framework agreement' between Israel and Lebanon.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani is engaging in diplomatic efforts across multiple regions to advance President Ahmed al-Sharaa's initiatives, but faces challenges in a volatile Middle East. His travels to cities like Riyadh, Beirut, Washington, and Moscow highlight his role in reshaping regional dynamics.

An Egyptian prisoner with an apparent brain tumor has been denied medical care. The case involves allegations of forced disappearance, an unfair trial, and torture, as reported by Human Rights Watch.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani's visit to Lebanon included a meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a key ally of Hezbollah. The visit occurred amid US pressure on Syria to confront Hezbollah and reassured Beirut that Syria's new administration would not intervene militarily.

The article discusses a US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) granting Iran control over Beirut's future and an Israel-Lebanon agreement, raising questions about potential peace. It highlights Lebanon's possible shift against Hezbollah.

Syria's foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, stated during a Beirut visit that Syria is open to meeting Hezbollah if required, according to Lebanon's state news agency. He met with Lebanese leaders including President Joseph Aoun and parliament speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally. This visit occurred after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Syrian forces might combat Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Lebanon's Shiites are divided over Hezbollah and question the value of their sacrifices. Amina Sbeiteh, a shop owner in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, is mentioned in the context of these tensions.

Approximately 400,000 Lebanese displaced by conflict have returned to southern Lebanon amid a lull in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, though around 1 million people remain displaced with many still in shelters or temporary housing. A government minister stated more returns are expected in the coming week.

A security deal between Israel and Lebanon risks entrenching a stalemate instead of ending the war with Hezbollah. The deal ties Israel's withdrawal to Hezbollah's disarmament, which the group has rejected, and no Lebanese government can enforce it.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem declared the Israel-Lebanon peace deal 'null and void' a day after signing, calling it a 'grave blunder' and threatening to destroy the framework agreement. Protests are ongoing in Beirut.

Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement in Washington to end their conflict, conditioning Israel's withdrawal on Hezbollah's disarmament. Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem rejected the deal, calling it a 'humiliation,' and vowed continued resistance until Israel leaves Lebanon. Previous ceasefire agreements between the two sides have failed to materialize on the ground.

U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested assigning Syria a role in addressing Hezbollah, prompting Damascus to deny plans for military intervention in Lebanon. Lebanese authorities received assurances from Syria that it has no intention of sending forces into Lebanon, despite earlier U.S. reports suggesting Washington had encouraged such action.

Hezbollah supporters in Beirut protested against a trilateral agreement between Lebanon, Israel, and the United States. Protesters rode motorcycles through central Beirut, blocked roads, and faced military intervention, including soldiers dispersing demonstrators with burning tires. The agreement, announced on 27 June 2026, sparked unrest in areas like Dahieh, which were previously damaged by Israeli air strikes.

Hezbollah supporters protested in Beirut against a trilateral agreement between the US, Israel, and Lebanon. The agreement includes a pilot effort for Lebanese soldiers to control areas occupied by Israel and a process to disarm Hezbollah, but does not specify Israel's withdrawal conditions. Protests involved motorcycle demonstrations and road blockages in southern Beirut suburbs.

An Israeli analyst on Channel 13 claimed Israel's goal from the start was leading Lebanon into a civil war, suggesting it might benefit Israel if the Lebanese government confronts Hezbollah. This statement followed protests in Beirut after a US-brokered deal assigned the Lebanese Armed Forces to disarm Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon's public prosecutor ordered security forces to prevent riots following a security deal with Israel. Hezbollah supporters protested in Beirut by blocking a road with burning tyres against the agreement.

Hezbollah supporters blocked roads in Beirut with burning tires and motorbikes to protest an Israel-Lebanon agreement. A Hezbollah MP criticized direct negotiations with Israel, calling it a 'mistake' that risks Lebanese interests.

The US conducted strikes in Iran following an attack on a cargo ship, prompting the Revolutionary Guards to threaten a response. US official Vance urged Iran to communicate regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and warned that violence would be met with violence. Hezbollah supporters in Beirut protested an Israel-Lebanon deal.