US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

Witnessing the aftermath of a bombing that ravaged a building directly across from her home in Salim Salam, Beirut, Fatima recounted the traumatic scenes that unfolded before her eyes. “The destruction was catastrophic,” she recalled to Amnesty International, “with bodies strewn across the ground and blood-soaked streets as far as the eye could see.”

Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) CEO Jodie Ginsberg pointed out that the Israeli drone strike that resulted in the death of Al Jazeera’s Mohammed Wishah today is a stark reminder of a disturbing trend. “This incident, unfortunately, aligns with a recurring pattern of targeted killings of journalists by Israel,” Ginsberg noted, referencing the period since October 7th.

Ginsberg highlighted that since the conflict began, over 260 journalist and media personnel have lost their lives in Gaza. “This staggering figure underscores Israel’s status as the leading perpetrator of journalist fatalities since CPJ began documenting these incidents in 1992,” she stated in an interview with Al Jazeera. According to Ginsberg, Israel has surpassed all other governments and military forces in the world in terms of journalist fatalities.

Ginsberg emphasized that deliberately targeting journalists would constitute a war crime, as they are civilians and should never be targeted during conflict. “The killings are part of a broader strategy aimed at controlling the flow of information from Gaza to the outside world,” Ginsberg added, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Netanyahu’s recent comments and stance have underscored the intense domestic pressure he is facing. His assertion directly contradicts the initial stance he took at the outset of the conflict, vowing to dismantle the existing system and transform Iran into a more Israel-aligned nation. According to reports in Israeli media, Israel was not involved in the fragile ceasefire negotiations between Iran and the US, which has contributed to Netanyahu’s growing political vulnerability. As a result, his primary focus has shifted to defeating Hezbollah and severing Lebanon’s ties with Iran, a move that not only serves as a demonstration of his authority but also signals that the conflict will persist.

A senior official at the UAE’s foreign ministry has announced that the country will be seeking further clarification on the specifics of the recent US-Iran ceasefire agreement, with a focus on guaranteeing Iran’s adherence to a complete halt in regional attacks and the unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The official emphasized the importance of a multi-faceted strategy that addresses the full scope of Iranian threats, encompassing its nuclear and military capabilities as well as the presence of its proxies within the region.

Oxfam’s executive director, Amitabh Behar, has expressed cautious optimism over the US-Iran agreement to engage in diplomatic talks, but emphasized that a comprehensive cessation of hostilities is necessary to guarantee lasting peace in the region.
“Global relief is palpable following the averted catastrophe, as President Trump’s threats have been temporarily set aside and a fragile truce has been established between the US and Iran,” Behar stated in a statement.
“Yet, until all belligerent activities are brought to a complete halt, the people of the region will remain vulnerable to violence and insecurity.”
Behar condemned Israel’s recent assault on Lebanon, as well as ongoing ground operations and airstrikes in Syria, and attacks on Palestinian communities in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, deeming these actions “unacceptable and inexcusable”.
“A genuine peace accord must involve Israel’s unconditional withdrawal from Lebanon and Syria, an end to its unlawful occupation of Gaza and the Syria Golan, and the cessation of its annexation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.”

In a recent conversation, Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi revealed that discussions with his Saudi counterpart centered on the intricacies of bilateral ties and regional dynamics.

Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has alleged that several key provisions of the country’s 10-point proposal for ending the conflict have been disregarded even before negotiations commenced. Specifically, Ghalibaf pointed to an agreement reportedly reached with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Sharif, which would have extended the ceasefire to Lebanon. Furthermore, an unidentified drone was said to have entered Iranian airspace, directly contravening a clause prohibiting such incursions. Additionally, Iran’s right to uranium enrichment was also included in the proposed peace terms. According to Ghalibaf, these breaches have effectively undermined the basis for meaningful negotiations, rendering a bilateral ceasefire or talks unreasonable in the current circumstances. This assertion comes as the White House reaffirmed that halting all uranium enrichment remains a non-negotiable demand for US President Trump.

Following the ceasefire agreement, Israel has scheduled a midnight restart for flights at Ben Gurion airport, according to a Transport Ministry statement released to foreign airlines, as reported by The Times of Israel.
Flights will also resume at Herzliya airport on Thursday, while operations at Eliat’s Ramon airport are set to resume on Sunday.

In response to an alleged Israeli threat, the Lebanese military has announced plans to seal off a crucial crossing point in the country’s southern region. This pivotal bridge, situated in the Tyre area, is the final remaining link between the north and south of the Litani River, where numerous families continue to reside despite Israeli evacuation warnings. Since the onset of conflict, Israel has already dismantled six bridges spanning the Litani, effectively bisecting southern Lebanon into two separate areas. Israel asserts that Hezbollah is utilizing the bridge as part of its military operations.

Al Jazeera has issued a scathing rebuke against Israeli forces following the tragic loss of its journalist, Mohammed Wishah, who was struck down in an aerial assault on his vehicle while traveling in the Gaza Strip earlier today.

In a strongly worded statement, Al Jazeera Media Network unequivocally denounces the heinous act of targeting and killing its Mubasher correspondent, Mohammed Wishah, as a brazen and flagrant breach of international law and norms. This incident represents yet another egregious example of a systematic policy aimed at silencing journalists and suppressing the truth.

Mohammed Wishah’s untimely demise is part of a disturbing trend of deliberate crimes perpetrated against media professionals, which serves as a clear attempt to obstruct reporting on the ground in the Gaza Strip and conceal crimes committed against civilians. His name joins the list of Al Jazeera journalists who have fallen victim to Israeli occupation forces in Gaza, including Samer Abu Daqqa, Hamza Al Dahdouh, Ismail Al Ghoul, Ahmed Al Louh, Hossam Shabat, Ibrahim Thaher, Mohammed Qreiqea, Mohammed Nofal, Anas Al Sharif, and Mohammed Salama.

As Al Jazeera mourns the loss of its correspondent, Mohammed Wishah, who had been a part of the Network since 2018, it asserts that his killing was a deliberate and targeted act intended to intimidate journalists and prevent them from carrying out their professional duties. The Network unequivocally holds Israeli occupation forces accountable for this crime, which is part of a sustained and systematic pattern of incitement and targeting of its journalists, aimed at silencing them and obstructing coverage of ongoing events.

In a show of solidarity with Mohammed Wishah’s family and colleagues, Al Jazeera extends its deepest condolences while reaffirming its unwavering commitment to its journalistic mission. The Network calls upon the international community, human rights organisations, and media groups to take a firm and urgent stance against these grave violations, hold those responsible to account, and bring an end to the policy of impunity that continues to enable such crimes against journalists.

Furthermore, Al Jazeera reiterates its dedication to pursuing all necessary legal action to prosecute those responsible for the killing of its correspondents and staff in Gaza, and to seek justice for them and for all fallen journalists.