Today, Lebanon faced a dual crisis, grappling with rockslides and submerged roads in some areas, while witnessing intensified clashes in the south. Hezbollah executed a series of operations against Israeli positions, prompting Israel to escalate artillery shelling and airstrikes on southern towns. The Israeli Chief of Staff described southern Lebanon as a 'war zone,' asserting their freedom to operate in Lebanese airspace.
Amid a political deadlock, notable developments included a potential meeting between ministers Suleiman Frangieh and Walid Jumblatt. The invitation, seemingly a routine social event, carries political undertones given recent convergences between Frangieh and Jumblatt. Some view this meeting as strategic, extending from Baabda to Sweida, establishing a new phase of cooperation aligning with regional changes, especially post-Gaza war rearrangements.
Another development hints at an upcoming move regarding the presidential vacuum, with envoys Jean-Yves Le Drian and Jassim bin Fahd Al Thani planning to visit Lebanon. However, expectations are low for unified approaches within the Quintet, reflecting persistent divisions over the presidential file.
In a notable scene, Lebanon's national football team received a warm welcome during a visit to the Lebanese pavilion at Expo Qatar. The Minister of Youth and Sports, George Klass, led the reception, expressing pride in the team's achievements in Qatar and other Arab countries.
Regionally, the 99th day of the war witnessed dozens of casualties in Gaza, particularly in Khan Younis and Rafah. Battles intensified near the Egyptian border, where hundreds of Gazans sought refuge.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the fight until all objectives are achieved, emphasizing the restoration of calm in both the southern and northern fronts. Israeli Chief of Staff, Aviv Kochavi, stressed the urgency of retrieving captives held in Gaza, advocating military pressure on Hamas to prevent extortion for a ceasefire.
The conflict extended to Yemen, where the United States launched another strike on Houthi positions in the western province of Hodeidah. The airstrikes targeted a Houthi naval base in the Al-Kuthaib area and on Development Street. The new strike in Hodeidah was in response to a Houthi-launched missile from the city.
In parallel, Egypt denied what it called "lies" propagated by the Israeli defense team at the International Court of Justice, claiming responsibility for hindering the entry of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Internationally, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the United States delivered a "private message" to Iran regarding the Houthi attacks on Israeli-affiliated ships in the Red Sea. These attacks have been ongoing for weeks as a response to Israeli aggression on Gaza.
Furthermore, the EU Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell, emphasized the need for collective responsibility to end hostilities in Gaza and work effectively toward implementing a two-state solution.
Regarding the situation in the Red Sea, in a private conversation to “Al Joumhouria newspaper” the former Russian Ambassador to Lebanon, Dr. Alexander Zasypkin, mentioned a current escalation linked to events in Gaza. He pointed out the potential for an expanded conflict, given the consistent U.S. stance against Iran or, broadly, against the resistance. Considering the Palestinian cause, he expected support for the Palestinian issue from Hezbollah, an integral part of the resistance axis.
In the Russo-Ukrainian war, Russia launched 40 missiles and drones at various locations in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force reported the enemy's release of 40 aerial attack weapons, destroying 8 missiles. More than 20 devices failed to reach their targets due to active measures by electronic warfare.
Moving away from Middle East conflicts, Lai Ching-te, described by China as a "serious threat" due to his pro-Taiwan independence stance, won the presidential elections. He pledged to defend Taiwan against continuous Chinese threats, declaring determination against intimidation. Simultaneously, he vowed to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and continue exchanges and cooperation with China.
China, in response, criticized the newly elected Taiwan president, Lai Ching-te, pledging not to tolerate any "separatist activities" on the island, which enjoys self-rule and is considered an integral part of Chinese territory. The Chinese spokesperson for Taiwan relations stated commitment to the 1992 consensus, upholding the principle of 'One China,' and strongly opposing any separatist activities aiming for 'Taiwanese independence' and foreign intervention.
Additionally, the United States congratulated Lai Ching-te on winning the presidential elections in Taiwan, clarifying that it does not support the island's independence.
