MAHMUD BASAL
Israel says it can send Lebanon 'back to Stone Age' as UN warns against war
During a visit to Washington, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel does not seek war with Lebanon but warned of severe retaliation if diplomacy fails, capable of "taking Lebanon back to the Stone Age." He emphasized Israel's preparedness amid escalating clashes with Hezbollah since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel. Gallant reported over 400 Hezbollah fighters killed, while an AFP tally recorded 481 deaths in Lebanon, including 94 civilians, and 26 Israeli casualties since the conflict began.
Gaza civil defence says Israeli strike kills 10 relatives of Hamas chief
An Israeli air strike reportedly killed 10 members of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh's family in the northern Gaza Strip. The strike targeted the Haniyeh family home in Al-Shati refugee camp, according to the Gaza civil defence agency. Among the casualties was Zahr Haniyeh, the sister of Ismail Haniyeh. The Israeli military has not yet confirmed the attack. This strike comes after Haniyeh lost several family members, including three sons and four grandchildren, in a previous Israeli strike in April.
Benjamin Netanyahu dissolves war cabinet; calm in Gaza after Joe Biden message
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved the six-member war cabinet following the departure of centrist former general Benny Gantz from the government. Netanyahu will now consult with a smaller group, including Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, regarding the Gaza conflict amid tensions with nationalist-religious coalition partners.
