Israeli shelling damages homes in Lebanese town

<article data-history-node-id="445699" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israeli-shelling-damages-homes-lebanese-town" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israeli-shelling-damages-homes-lebanese-town" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Israeli shelling damages homes in Lebanese town </span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Israeli artillery shelled the vicinity of the town of al-Mansouri early Saturday morning, the country's National News Agency reported.</p> <p>The Israeli army continues to occupy swaths of land in southern Lebanon and has regularly been attacking villages despite ongoing diplomatic talks between Lebanon and Israel. Hezbollah is not part of the talks.&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> </article>

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PPS says family visit ban exposes Palestinian prisoners to further Israeli abuse

<article data-history-node-id="445698" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/pps-says-family-visit-ban-exposes-palestinian-prisoners-further-israeli" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/pps-says-family-visit-ban-exposes-palestinian-prisoners-further-israeli" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">PPS says family visit ban exposes Palestinian prisoners to further Israeli abuse</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>The Palestinian Prisoner's Society (PPS) has said that Israel’s decision to renew the ban on family visits to Palestinian detainees would provide the Israeli prison system cover to continue violations against incarcerated Palestinians, Wafa reported.</p> <p>PPS said Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's decision to renew the ban was an extension of a systematic policy “aimed at enforcing the complete isolation of detainees and turning prisons into closed environments where torture, starvation, slow killing, and concealment from the outside world can continue without oversight or accountability”.</p> <p>The PPS added that the renewed ban on family visits came shortly after the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that the continued prevention of visits by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to Palestinian detainees was unlawful, according to Wafa.</p> </div> </div> </article>

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Two civilians killed in Houthi strike on Marib as UN warns of large-scale conflict

<article data-history-node-id="445697" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/two-killed-14-wounded-houthis-strike-marib-again" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/two-killed-14-wounded-houthis-strike-marib-again" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title"> Two civilians killed in Houthi strike on Marib as UN warns of large-scale conflict</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Yemen's&nbsp;Houthis launched ballistic missiles and drones at displacement camps and residential neighbourhoods in the city of Marib on Friday, killing two people and wounding 14, Reuters reported, citing state news agency SABA.</p> <p>The UN special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, meanwhile, said in a statement that the country "today faces a greater risk of renewed large-scale conflict than at any point since the UN-brokered truce of April 2022".</p> <p>Yemen's army said early on Saturday it had responded against Houthi forces on several fronts along the lines of contact.</p> <p>In a video broadcast by Yemen TV, a spokesperson for Yemen's armed forces said&nbsp;the operation achieved its objectives and warned that continued Houthi attacks would be met with a military response “without leniency.”</p> <p>The army did not give details of the operations or say when they took place.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="rtl" lang="ar">عاجل<br> الناطق الرسمي للقوات المسلحة اليمنية العقيد ماجد النزيلي<br> القوات المسلحة نفذت عمل عسكري ضد العناصر الحوثية الارهابية وعتادها العسكري. <a href="https://t.co/KvAhprLqn9">pic.twitter.com/KvAhprLqn9</a></p> — قناة اليمن الفضائية | YemenTv (@yementvyem) <a href="https://x.com/yementvyem/status/2085913361607217229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> </div> </article>

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Two killed, 14 wounded as Houthis strike Marib again

<article data-history-node-id="445697" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/two-killed-14-wounded-houthis-strike-marib-again" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/two-killed-14-wounded-houthis-strike-marib-again" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Two killed, 14 wounded as Houthis strike Marib again</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis launched ballistic missiles and drones at displacement camps and residential neighbourhoods in the city of Marib on Friday, killing two people and wounding 14, Reuters reported, citing state news agency SABA.</p> <p>Yemen's army said early on Saturday it had responded against Houthi forces on several fronts along the lines of contact.</p> <p>In a video broadcast by Yemen TV, a spokesperson for Yemen's armed forces said&nbsp;the operation achieved its objectives and warned that continued Houthi attacks would be met with a military response “without leniency.”</p> <p>The army did not give details of the operations or say when they took place.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="rtl" lang="ar">عاجل<br> الناطق الرسمي للقوات المسلحة اليمنية العقيد ماجد النزيلي<br> القوات المسلحة نفذت عمل عسكري ضد العناصر الحوثية الارهابية وعتادها العسكري. <a href="https://t.co/KvAhprLqn9">pic.twitter.com/KvAhprLqn9</a></p> — قناة اليمن الفضائية | YemenTv (@yementvyem) <a href="https://x.com/yementvyem/status/2085913361607217229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> </div> </article>

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'End this war. NOW': US senators introduce resolution

<article data-history-node-id="445696" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/end-war-now-us-senators-introduce-resolution" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/end-war-now-us-senators-introduce-resolution" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">'End this war. NOW': US senators introduce resolution</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>American senators have “introduced a resolution to put a stop to President Trump’s illegal war with Iran”, according to Senator John Hickenlooper.</p> <p>“American lives have been lost. Gas and fertilizer prices have skyrocketed. Our military stockpiles drained,” Hickenlooper, who represents Colorado in the US Senate, wrote on X.&nbsp;</p> <p>“End this war. NOW.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">We just introduced a resolution to put a stop to President Trump’s illegal war with Iran.<br> <br> American lives have been lost. Gas and fertilizer prices have skyrocketed. Our military stockpiles drained.<br> <br> End this war. NOW. <a href="https://t.co/zi17ukdcZW">pic.twitter.com/zi17ukdcZW</a></p> — Senator John Hickenlooper (@SenatorHick) <a href="https://x.com/SenatorHick/status/2085838392579785211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> </div> </article>

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Pezeshkian says Iran open to dialogue, warns against regional divisions

<article data-history-node-id="445695" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/pezeshkian-says-iran-open-dialogue-warns-against-regional-divisions" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/pezeshkian-says-iran-open-dialogue-warns-against-regional-divisions" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Pezeshkian says Iran open to dialogue, warns against regional divisions</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran is prepared to pursue dialogue to protect its national interests but will not accept demands that undermine its sovereignty or defensive capabilities, IRNA reported.&nbsp;</p> <p>In an address to the Iranian public, Pezeshkian stressed improved relations with neighbouring countries and the need to prevent regional divisions, the report said.</p> <p>The president rejected claims that his administration had pressured the country’s leadership into accepting negotiations.</p> <p>Pezeshkian stressed that Iran regarded Muslim countries as brothers and questioned why Muslim states should become involved in conflict with one another, IRNA reported.</p> <p>He warned that the US and Israel sought to bring Persian Gulf countries together against Iran, while Tehran worked to prevent it.</p> <p>Tehran would not accept dismantling Iran’s military and defence capabilities, while pursuing dialogue when it protected national interests.</p> </div> </div> </article>

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300 Palestinian children killed in 300 days of Gaza ceasefire, Unicef says

<article data-history-node-id="445694" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/300-palestinian-children-killed-300-days-gaza-ceasefire-unicef-says" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/300-palestinian-children-killed-300-days-gaza-ceasefire-unicef-says" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">300 Palestinian children killed in 300 days of Gaza ceasefire, Unicef says</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>At least 300 children — an average of one child every day — &nbsp;have been killed in Gaza in the 300 days since a ceasefire was announced in October 2025, according to Unicef.</p> <p>"A ceasefire that leaves an average of one child dead each and every day is failing children," Unicef Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Edouard Beigbeder, said in a statement.</p> <p>&nbsp;"With hundreds more children injured, many severely, children in Gaza are still waiting for the end to the violence they were promised,” he said.</p> <p>Across the Strip, children continue to face acute malnutrition, disease, unsafe water and damaged sanitation systems, the statement added.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">"A ceasefire that leaves an average of one child dead each and every day is failing children.<br> Children have heard promises before. This time, agreements must translate into action."<br> <br> — Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa<br> <br> Read the full… <a href="https://t.co/Df7VSI3hXh">pic.twitter.com/Df7VSI3hXh</a></p> — UNICEF MENA - يونيسف الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا (@UNICEFmena) <a href="https://x.com/UNICEFmena/status/2085314954157060303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> </div> </article>

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Erdogan says Mecca Defence Agreement open to 'other friendly nations'

<article data-history-node-id="445693" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/erdogan-says-mecca-defence-agreement-open-other-friendly-nations" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/erdogan-says-mecca-defence-agreement-open-other-friendly-nations" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Erdogan says Mecca Defence Agreement open to 'other friendly nations'</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan was open to the participation of “other friendly nations”, Turkish media reported.</p> <p>In a post on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, Erdogan said: “The agreement does not target any country and is open to the participation of all brotherly countries seeking peace, prosperity and stability in our region.”</p> <p>He added that the agreement reaffirms the right to self-defence as defined under Article 51 of the UN Charter, according to TRT World.</p> </div> </div> </article>

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Several Palestinians injured in West Bank Israeli settler attacks

<article data-history-node-id="445692" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/several-palestinians-injured-west-bank-israeli-settler-attacks" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/several-palestinians-injured-west-bank-israeli-settler-attacks" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Several Palestinians injured in West Bank Israeli settler attacks</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Several Palestinians, including two officers of an ambulance, were injured in a series of attacks and raids carried out by Israeli forces and settlers across the West Bank, Wafa reported.</p> <p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Three Palestinians were injured after being beaten by settlers in Beit Dajan, east of Nablus.&nbsp;</p> <p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;In Abu Nujaym, southeast of Bethlehem, settlers opened fire, injuring a Palestinian, before attacking an ambulance that arrived to help him and spraying its crew with pepper spray.</p> <p>Director of the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s ambulance service in Bethlehem, Abdul Halim Jaafreh, said that two ambulance officers were injured in the attack, rendering the vehicle inoperable.</p> <p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;In Anza, south of Jenin, Israeli forces arrested a 13-year-old boy, Mohammed Imad Sadaqa, after raiding his family home.</p> <p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Another Palestinian was beaten and arrested during a raid on Beit Furik, east of Nablus.</p> <p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Settlers also attacked Palestinian homes and communities in the northern Jordan Valley and near Ramallah.</p> <p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Israeli forces set up checkpoints, closed roads and carried out raids in Bethlehem, Jenin, Qalqilya, Tubas and other areas.</p> </div> </div> </article>

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CNN: Top general says US needs ‘off ramp’ from Iran war

<article data-history-node-id="445691" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/cnn-top-general-says-us-needs-ramp-iran-war" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/cnn-top-general-says-us-needs-ramp-iran-war" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">CNN: Top general says US needs ‘off ramp’ from Iran war </span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>A top United States general has said that the country needs “an off-ramp” from the war with Iran, fearing that the military options currently being considered by the Trump administration could backfire, according to CNN.</p> <p>US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine has privately said in recent weeks that airstrikes alone are unlikely to accomplish the administration’s goals, CNN reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.</p> <p>Caine has discussed the possibility of an off-ramp with vice president JD Vance, CIA chief John Ratcliffe and the secretary of state Marco Rubio, the report said.</p> </div> </div> </article>

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Turkish, Pakistani and Saudi flags shine in Kingdom's cities

<article data-history-node-id="445690" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/turkish-pakistani-and-saudi-flags-shine-kingdoms-cities" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/turkish-pakistani-and-saudi-flags-shine-kingdoms-cities" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title"> Turkish, Pakistani and Saudi flags shine in Kingdom's cities</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Saudi Arabia lit up prominent landmarks and towers with the flags of Turkey, Pakistan and the Kingdom, following the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).&nbsp;</p> <figure role="group" class="media-block"> <div class="group-inner"> <div alt="Makkah pact" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bcfbe164-be11-4090-99c3-b9af5f628cfd" data-langcode="en" class="embedded-entity"> <img src="https://www.middleeasteye.net/sites/default/files/Saudi1_2.jpg" width="1220" height="803" alt="Makkah pact" typeof="foaf:Image" fetchpriority="high"> </div> <figcaption>Landmarks in Saudi cities were lit up with the flags of Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to celebrate the joint defence pact. (SPA)</figcaption> </div> </figure> <p><span style="background: url(&quot;https://www.middleeasteye.net/modules/contrib/ckeditor/vendor/plugins/widget/images/handle.png&quot;) rgba(220, 220, 220, 0.5); top: -15px; left: 0px;"><img height="15" role="presentation" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" loading="lazy"></span></p> <p>This agreement embodies their shared commitment to strengthening their security and achieving peace and stability in the region and the world, striving for a secure and prosperous future, the official SPA reported.&nbsp;</p> <figure role="group" class="media-block"> <div class="group-inner"> <div alt="Makkah Agreement" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a77fcaf6-4d8c-42c5-8b8c-c0497a802ef4" data-langcode="en" class="embedded-entity"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.middleeasteye.net/sites/default/files/pp2_0.jpg" width="1244" height="728" alt="Makkah Agreement" typeof="foaf:Image"> </div> <figcaption>The agreement was signed on Friday. (SPA)</figcaption> </div> </figure> <p><span style="background: url(&quot;https://www.middleeasteye.net/modules/contrib/ckeditor/vendor/plugins/widget/images/handle.png&quot;) rgba(220, 220, 220, 0.5); top: -15px; left: 0px;"><img height="15" role="presentation" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" loading="lazy"></span></p> </div> </div> </article>

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Muslim nations, organisations welcome Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact

<article data-history-node-id="445689" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/muslim-nations-organisations-welcome-saudi-arabia-turkey-pakistan" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/muslim-nations-organisations-welcome-saudi-arabia-turkey-pakistan" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Muslim nations, organisations welcome Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Several Arab nations and organisations have welcomed the joint defence agreement signed by&nbsp;Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Friday.</p> <p>The deal, which has been under negotiation since last year, creates a significant new trilateral framework amid a deepening regional crisis following Israeli and US attacks on Iran.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Yemen:</strong> During a cabinet meeting, Yemen’s internationally recognised government “praised the leadership role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in building responsible regional and international partnerships based on the principles of cooperation and mutual respect.”</p> <p><strong>Bahrain:</strong> Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the pact as “a strategic partnership between equal parties, each of which contributes to it with its capabilities.”</p> <p>It said Bahrain considered the deal “a qualitative addition that complements and enhances the joint defence system of the GCC countries.”</p> <p><strong>Muslim World League:</strong> The secretary-general of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, said the agreement is based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity and aimed at enhancing shared security and achieving peace, stability, and prosperity in the region in particular, and the international community in general.</p> <p><strong>The Palestinian Presidency:</strong> The Palestinian Presidency affirmed that strengthening the capabilities of the nations of the Muslim world, their integration, and their cooperation in protecting their security, sovereignty, and legitimate interests constitutes a fundamental pillar for the stability of the region and the preservation of the resources of its peoples.&nbsp;</p> <p>The presidency expressed its hope that the agreement will contribute towards supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and their legitimate struggle to end the Israeli occupation and establish their fully sovereign and independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.</p> <p><strong>OIC: </strong>The secretary-general&nbsp; of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Hissein Brahim Taha, said: “This Agreement constitutes a fundamental pillar for supporting security and stability in the region and across the Muslim world.”</p> </div> </div> </article>

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Oman 'facing environmental disaster' as tanker leaks off its coast

<article data-history-node-id="445688" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/environmental-disaster-looms-oman-tanker-leaks-its-coast" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/environmental-disaster-looms-oman-tanker-leaks-its-coast" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Oman 'facing environmental disaster' as tanker leaks off its coast</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Oman is facing an impending environmental catastrophe as an alleged Russian shadow fleet tanker leaks oil across hundreds of square kilometres near a nature reserve, NGOs warn.</p> <p>The ship was rocked by explosions, a maritime security firm told AFP, but the cause of the blasts is unclear.</p> <p>Russia has built up a ghost fleet of old ships with opaque ownership to get around Western sanctions since its 2022 Ukraine invasion, and experts have said the vessels' poor condition increases the risk of oil spills.</p> <p>Satellite imagery verified by AFP showed what appeared to be an oil slick spreading from a ship that has been stranded for over a month near al-Qibliyyah island, off Oman's southern coast.</p> <p>It is far from the Strait of Hormuz, which has seen regular tanker attacks in the Middle East war.<br> "With oil apparently continuing to leak and the vessel stranded in a difficult location, the risk of an even larger environmental disaster remains serious," Nina Noelle of Greenpeace told AFP.</p> <p>She warned of a "severe and long-lasting" consequence.</p> <p>Greenpeace said the oil sheen had expanded from up to 20 square kilometres on July 24 to an estimated 600 on August 4, according to satellite imagery it reviewed. (Reporting by AFP)&nbsp;</p> <figure role="group" class="media-block"> <div class="group-inner"> <div alt="Ship leak" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5cc716b0-33c8-4f13-ad86-b239bfa43f76" data-langcode="en" class="embedded-entity"> <img src="https://www.middleeasteye.net/sites/default/files/oil%20leak.jpg" width="1024" height="682" alt="Ship leak" typeof="foaf:Image" fetchpriority="high"> </div> <figcaption>Satellite image shows an oil slick from a stranded tanker off Oman’s coast. (AFP)</figcaption> </div> </figure> <p><span style="background: url(&quot;https://www.middleeasteye.net/modules/contrib/ckeditor/vendor/plugins/widget/images/handle.png&quot;) rgba(220, 220, 220, 0.5); top: -15px; left: 0px;"><img height="15" role="presentation" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" loading="lazy"></span></p> <p><span style="background: url(&quot;https://www.middleeasteye.net/modules/contrib/ckeditor/vendor/plugins/widget/images/handle.png&quot;) rgba(220, 220, 220, 0.5); top: -15px; left: 0px;"><img alt height="15" role="presentation" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" loading="lazy"></span></p> </div> </div> </article>

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Oman 'facing environmental disaster' as tanker leaks off its coast

<article data-history-node-id="445688" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/environmental-disaster-looms-oman-tanker-leaks-its-coast" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/environmental-disaster-looms-oman-tanker-leaks-its-coast" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Environmental disaster looms for Oman as tanker leaks off its coast</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Oman is facing an impending environmental catastrophe as an alleged Russian shadow fleet tanker leaks oil across hundreds of square kilometres near a nature reserve, NGOs warn.</p> <p>The ship was rocked by explosions, a maritime security firm told AFP, but the cause of the blasts is unclear.</p> <p>Russia has built up a ghost fleet of old ships with opaque ownership to get around Western sanctions since its 2022 Ukraine invasion, and experts have said the vessels' poor condition increases the risk of oil spills.</p> <p>Satellite imagery verified by AFP showed what appeared to be an oil slick spreading from a ship that has been stranded for over a month near al-Qibliyyah island, off Oman's southern coast.</p> <p>It is far from the Strait of Hormuz, which has seen regular tanker attacks in the Middle East war.<br> "With oil apparently continuing to leak and the vessel stranded in a difficult location, the risk of an even larger environmental disaster remains serious," Nina Noelle of Greenpeace told AFP.</p> <p>She warned of a "severe and long-lasting" consequence.</p> <p>Greenpeace said the oil sheen had expanded from up to 20 square kilometres on July 24 to an estimated 600 on August 4, according to satellite imagery it reviewed. (Reporting by AFP)&nbsp;</p> <figure role="group" class="media-block"> <div class="group-inner"> <div alt="Ship leak" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5cc716b0-33c8-4f13-ad86-b239bfa43f76" data-langcode="en" class="embedded-entity"> <img src="https://www.middleeasteye.net/sites/default/files/oil%20leak.jpg" width="1024" height="682" alt="Ship leak" typeof="foaf:Image" fetchpriority="high"> </div> <figcaption>Satellite image shows an oil slick from a stranded tanker off Oman’s coast. (AFP)</figcaption> </div> </figure> <p><span style="background: url(&quot;https://www.middleeasteye.net/modules/contrib/ckeditor/vendor/plugins/widget/images/handle.png&quot;) rgba(220, 220, 220, 0.5); top: -15px; left: 0px;"><img height="15" role="presentation" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" loading="lazy"></span></p> </div> </div> </article>

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Arab League secretary-general condemns Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia

<article data-history-node-id="445687" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/arab-league-secretary-general-condemns-houthi-attack-saudi-arabia" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/arab-league-secretary-general-condemns-houthi-attack-saudi-arabia" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Arab League secretary-general condemns Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Nabil Fahmy, secretary-general of the League of Arab States, has condemned an attack by Yemen’s Houthis on Najran region in Saudi Arabia, in which several civilians were wounded, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM).</p> <p>Fahmy affirmed the Arab League's full solidarity with the kingdom, warning that the continued escalation threatens the security of the region, WAM reported.</p> </div> </div> </article>

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Lebanon's Health Ministry says Israeli attacks have killed 4,335 people since 2 March

<article data-history-node-id="445686" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/lebanons-health-ministry-says-israeli-attacks-have-killed-4335-people-2" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/lebanons-health-ministry-says-israeli-attacks-have-killed-4335-people-2" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Lebanon's Health Ministry says Israeli attacks have killed 4,335 people since 2 March</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Israeli attacks on Lebanon since 2 March this year, four days after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, have killed at least 4,335 people and wounded 12,273 others, according to the country’s Ministry of Public Health.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Israeli army continues to occupy swaths of land in southern Lebanon and has regularly been attacking villages despite ongoing diplomatic talks between Lebanon and Israel. Hezbollah is not part of the talks.</p> <p>On Friday, a Lebanese official said the two countries agreed on a shortlist of countries that could send troops to verify the disarmament of Hezbollah under a US-brokered agreement, with the US due to pick countries from the list.</p> </div> </div> </article>

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Kpler: Hormuz traffic subdued, surges 18 percent through Bab el-Mandeb

<article data-history-node-id="445685" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/kpler-hormuz-traffic-subdued-surges-18-percent-through-bab-el-mandeb" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/kpler-hormuz-traffic-subdued-surges-18-percent-through-bab-el-mandeb" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Kpler: Hormuz traffic subdued, surges 18 percent through Bab el-Mandeb </span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained subdued on 7 August, with eight confirmed crossings, down 33% from the previous day, according to maritime traffic tracking firm Kpler.</p> <p>Traffic through Bab el-Mandeb moved in the opposite direction, rising 18 percent to 26 confirmed crossings, including three dark transits.</p> <p>Most vessels used Iran’s Unilateral Scheme, Kpler said, and added that the International Maritime Organisation confirmed no additional vessel attacks.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hormuz traffic remains subdued<br> <br> The Strait of Hormuz remained subdued on 7 August, with 8 confirmed crossings, down 33% day-on-day, while most vessels used the Iranian Unilateral Scheme. Bab el-Mandeb activity moved in the opposite direction, rising 18% to 26 confirmed crossings,… <a href="https://t.co/9vLl2uREMU">pic.twitter.com/9vLl2uREMU</a></p> — Kpler (@Kpler) <a href="https://x.com/Kpler/status/2085680964978561259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> </div> </article>

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OIC, former Qatari PM welcome Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact

<article data-history-node-id="445684" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/oic-former-qatari-pm-welcome-saudi-turkey-pakistan-defence-pact" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/oic-former-qatari-pm-welcome-saudi-turkey-pakistan-defence-pact" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">OIC, former Qatari PM welcome Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has welcomed the signing of the Mecca Agreement on Joint Defense between Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan.</p> <p>In a statement issued by the organisation on X, OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha said: “This Agreement constitutes a fundamental pillar for supporting security and stability in the region and across the Muslim world.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/OIC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OIC</a> Secretary-General Welcomes the Mecca Agreement on Joint Defense between <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/saudiarabia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#saudiarabia</a>, <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> and <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/T%C3%BCrkiye?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Türkiye</a> <a href="https://t.co/R2CuclSGJP">pic.twitter.com/R2CuclSGJP</a></p> — OIC (@OIC_OCI) <a href="https://x.com/OIC_OCI/status/2085826243652468959?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <p>Qatar’s former prime minister, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, also welcomed the agreement, calling it “an important agreement and a step that calls for optimism”.<br> &nbsp;</p> </div> </div> </article>

middleeasteye.net

US says it has redirected 51 vessels since reinstating Iran blockade

<article data-history-node-id="445683" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/us-says-it-has-redirected-51-vessels-reinstating-iran-blockade" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/us-says-it-has-redirected-51-vessels-reinstating-iran-blockade" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">US says it has redirected 51 vessels since reinstating Iran blockade</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>United States Central Command (Centcom) said in a post on X that it has redirected 51 commercial vessels, disabled two, and boarded two others since it reinstated a naval blockade of Iran on 14 July.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">A U.S. sailor stands watch in the combat information center aboard USS Mason (DDG 87) as the guided-missile destroyer sails in regional waters supporting the U.S. blockade against Iranian ports and coastal areas. As of Aug. 7, CENTCOM forces have redirected 51 commercial vessels,… <a href="https://t.co/fOO8O95UYT">pic.twitter.com/fOO8O95UYT</a></p> — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2085827179858825273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> </div> </article>

middleeasteye.net

Iranian parliamentary committee reviews draft bill to bar US, Israeli ships from Hormuz

<article data-history-node-id="445682" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/iranian-parliamentary-committee-reviews-draft-bill-bar-us-israeli-ships" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/iranian-parliamentary-committee-reviews-draft-bill-bar-us-israeli-ships" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Iranian parliamentary committee reviews draft bill to bar US, Israeli ships from Hormuz</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>An Iranian parliamentary committee is reviewing a preliminary bill that would bar US, Israeli and other "hostile" vessels from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported, citing a lawmaker.</p> <p>The draft bill would impose fines of up to 20 percent of a ship's cargo value for violations of the proposed restrictions.</p> <p>The lawmaker said the legislation was still under expert review and that parliament had invited specialists to submit recommendations before the draft is finalised.</p> <figure role="group" class="media-block"> <div class="group-inner"> <div alt="Vessels are seen anchored in the Strait of Hormuz, off the port city of Khasab on Oman’s northern Musandam Peninsula on 17 May 2026 (Reuters)" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bbc7089-d502-4761-8f18-6b71774f62b3" data-langcode="en" class="embedded-entity"> <img src="https://www.middleeasteye.net/sites/default/files/Vessels%20are%20seen%20anchored%20in%20the%20Strait%20of%20Hormuz%2C%20off%20the%20port%20city%20of%20Khasab%20on%20Oman%E2%80%99s%20northern%20Musandam%20Peninsula%20on%2017%20May%202026%20%28Reuters%29.jpg" width="1024" height="682" alt="Vessels are seen anchored in the Strait of Hormuz, off the port city of Khasab on Oman’s northern Musandam Peninsula on 17 May 2026 (Reuters)" typeof="foaf:Image" fetchpriority="high"> </div> <figcaption>Vessels are seen anchored in the Strait of Hormuz, off the port city of Khasab on Oman’s northern Musandam Peninsula on 17 May 2026 (Reuters)</figcaption> </div> </figure> <p><span style="background: url(&quot;https://www.middleeasteye.net/modules/contrib/ckeditor/vendor/plugins/widget/images/handle.png&quot;) rgba(220, 220, 220, 0.5); top: -15px; left: 0px;"><img height="15" role="presentation" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" loading="lazy"></span></p> </div> </div> </article>

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Home catches fire, as Israel shells Lebanon’s al-Mansouri

<article data-history-node-id="445681" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/home-catches-fire-israel-shells-lebanons-al-mansouri" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/home-catches-fire-israel-shells-lebanons-al-mansouri" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Home catches fire, as Israel shells Lebanon’s al-Mansouri</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><section data-testid="conversation-turn-3" data-turn="user" data-turn-id="7362c580-e928-4e00-8f86-03d289e5bd09" data-turn-id-container="7362c580-e928-4e00-8f86-03d289e5bd09" dir="auto"><span style="font-family: Calluna, &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 18px;">Israeli forces have heavily shelled the southern Lebanese town of al-Mansouri, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported.</span></section> <section data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:47944d2e-3c2d-476d-b944-d8bd18868f00-1" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:47944d2e-3c2d-476d-b944-d8bd18868f00-1" dir="auto"> <p data-end="172" data-is-last-node data-is-only-node data-start="121">The shelling set a house on fire, according to the agency.</p> </section> </div> </div> </article>

middleeasteye.net

Turkey says new defence pact aligns with Nato commitments

<article data-history-node-id="445680" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/turkey-says-new-defense-pact-aligns-nato-commitments" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/turkey-says-new-defense-pact-aligns-nato-commitments" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Turkey says new defence pact aligns with Nato commitments</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Turkey said on Friday that its new defence agreement with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia did not contradict its commitments to the Nato alliance.</p> <p>"The agreement is not in contradiction with the commitments of Turkey's existing international alliances, including those at the heart of NATO," the government's anti-disinformation service said in a post on X.</p> <p>In fact, it was an additional mechanism for cooperation that supported regional security, the statement added.</p> <p>"Turkey's development of regional partnerships is not an alternative to its NATO membership," he said. The service said it was responding to "baseless claims and manipulative posts" criticising the new agreement.</p> </div> </div> </article>

middleeasteye.net

Turkey says new defence pact aligns with Nato commitments

<article data-history-node-id="445680" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/turkey-says-new-defense-pact-aligns-nato-commitments" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/turkey-says-new-defense-pact-aligns-nato-commitments" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Turkey says new defense pact aligns with Nato commitments</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Turkey said on Friday that its new defence agreement with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia did not contradict its commitments to the Nato alliance.</p> <p>"The agreement is not in contradiction with the commitments of Turkey's existing international alliances, including those at the heart of NATO," the government's anti-disinformation service said in a post on X.</p> <p>In fact, it was an additional mechanism for cooperation that supported regional security, the statement added.</p> <p>"Turkey's development of regional partnerships is not an alternative to its NATO membership," he said. The service said it was responding to "baseless claims and manipulative posts" criticising the new agreement.</p> </div> </div> </article>

middleeasteye.net

Iran's Araghchi praises military, urges Muslim unity

<article data-history-node-id="445679" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/irans-araqchi-praises-military-urges-muslim-unity" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/irans-araqchi-praises-military-urges-muslim-unity" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Iran's Araghchi praises military, urges Muslim unity</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi&nbsp;said on Friday that&nbsp;Iran's armed forces had demonstrated their readiness and strength in confronting what he called the world's most expensive military, and urged Muslim countries to unite and rely on themselves in the face of "hostile outsiders".</p> <p>His post on X came hours after Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed a joint defence agreement in Mecca, bringing together three Muslim US partners.</p> <p>It was not immediately clear whether Araghchi was referring to the defence agreement in his remarks.</p> </div> </div> </article>

middleeasteye.net

Iran's Araghchi praises military, urges Muslim unity

<article data-history-node-id="445679" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/irans-araqchi-praises-military-urges-muslim-unity" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/irans-araqchi-praises-military-urges-muslim-unity" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Iran's Araqchi praises military, urges Muslim unity</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday that&nbsp;Iran's armed forces had demonstrated their readiness and strength in confronting what he called the world's most expensive military, and urged Muslim countries to unite and rely on themselves in the face of "hostile outsiders."</p> <p>His post on X came hours after Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed a joint defence agreement in Mecca, bringing together three Sunni Muslim US partners.</p> <p>It was not immediately clear whether Araqchi was referring to the defence agreement in his remarks.</p> </div> </div> </article>

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US official: 'We expect a deal soon' between Iran and Oman on Strait of Hormuz

<article data-history-node-id="445678" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/us-official-we-expect-deal-soon-between-iran-and-oman-strait-hormuz" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/us-official-we-expect-deal-soon-between-iran-and-oman-strait-hormuz" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">US official: 'We expect a deal soon' between Iran and Oman on Strait of Hormuz</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Progress is being made between&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and Oman on the Strait of Hormuz and "we expect a deal soon," a US official told Reuters on Friday.</p> <p>Once a deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift its blockade of&nbsp;Iranian ports, the official said.</p> </div> </div> </article>

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US Treasury targets crypto exchanges in new Iran sanctions

<article data-history-node-id="445677" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/us-treasury-targets-crypto-exchanges-new-iran-sanctions" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/us-treasury-targets-crypto-exchanges-new-iran-sanctions" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">US Treasury targets crypto exchanges in new Iran sanctions</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>The United States on Friday sanctioned an unlicensed multi-state cryptocurrency exchange, alleging it processed millions of dollars of crypto for&nbsp;Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other groups linked to the&nbsp;Iranian state.</p> <p>The designation follows a Reuters investigation published on 31 July that identified the Dubai-based exchange, Shelbit, as the hub of a $4 billion Iranian sanctions evasion scheme. The investigation found that Shelbit moved crypto on behalf of Iran’s central bank, one of the world’s largest illegal online gambling networks, and to addresses linked by the Israeli government to the IRGC.</p> <p>The US Treasury also sanctioned the expatriate Iranian who founded Shelbit and a network of other companies, Siavash Kayvanpour, for providing material support to the IRGC and Nobitex, Iran’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange. The US sanctioned Nobitex on 2 June for enabling the Iranian government to circumvent Western sanctions.</p> <p>“Treasury will hunt down and dismantle the illicit financial networks that keep the regime afloat,” Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said in a statement.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Iranian regime’s reliance on digital assets and shadow banking networks is further evidence that Economic Fury is working. We will continue to increase the economic pressure. Whether in dollars, rials, or crypto, Treasury will hunt down and dismantle the illicit financial… <a href="https://t.co/phPYBx4Zxr">https://t.co/phPYBx4Zxr</a></p> — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) <a href="https://x.com/SecScottBessent/status/2085792905399058508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> </div> </article>

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Yemen’s Houthis claim attack on Marib hit Saudi-backed forces

<article data-history-node-id="445676" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/yemens-houthis-claim-attack-marib-hit-saudi-backed-forces" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/yemens-houthis-claim-attack-marib-hit-saudi-backed-forces" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Yemen’s Houthis claim attack on Marib hit Saudi-backed forces</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p><meta charset="UTF-8"></p> <p>Yemen's Houthis attacked and hit Saudi-backed forces, depots and military equipment near the central city of Marib, the group's spokesman Yahya Saree said on Friday.</p> <p>In a post on Telegram, Saree said the Houthis will continue to “strike forcefully any Saudi mobilisation or forces brought by the Saudi enemy to maintain the siege imposed on our country”.</p> </div> </div> </article>

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Lebanon, Israel agree shortlist of countries that could send troops to verify Hezbollah disarmament

<article data-history-node-id="445675" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/lebanon-israel-agree-shortlist-countries-could-send-troops-verify" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/lebanon-israel-agree-shortlist-countries-could-send-troops-verify" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Lebanon, Israel agree shortlist of countries that could send troops to verify Hezbollah disarmament</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Lebanon&nbsp;and Israel have agreed a shortlist of countries that could send troops to verify the disarmament of Hezbollah under a US-brokered agreement, a Lebanese official said on Friday, with the United States due to pick countries from the list.</p> <p>The official declined to identify any of the countries on the shortlist or say how many there were. Another Lebanese official and two foreign diplomats have previously told Reuters that Israel and the United States had vetoed France.</p> <p>The list was produced during meetings between&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;and Israel at the US embassy in Rome this week, the latest round of talks on how to implement a previous deal on 26 June that linked Israel's progressive withdrawal of troops from&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;to the disarmament of ​Hezbollah, which would be "verified" by a third party.</p> <p>Hezbollah is not a party to the agreement and has refused to give up its arsenal.</p> <p>"We have reached a short list of countries. We decided which parties were impossible for each and set the potential actors," the Lebanese official said.</p> <p>"The Americans will now decide, and could pick more than one country."</p> </div> </div> </article>

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Israeli forces beat and detain Palestinian during settler attack near Nablus

<article data-history-node-id="445674" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israeli-forces-beat-detain-palestinian-during-settler-attack-near-nablus" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israeli-forces-beat-detain-palestinian-during-settler-attack-near-nablus" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Israeli forces beat and detain Palestinian during settler attack near Nablus</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p data-end="220" data-start="79">Israeli forces beat and detained a Palestinian man during an attack by troops and settlers on Beit Furik, east of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, Wafa news agency reported, citing local sources.</p> <p data-end="519" data-start="222">The Palestine Red Crescent Society said Israeli forces prevented an ambulance from reaching the man, who is in his 40s, before detaining him. His condition was not immediately known, and the group said it was coordinating with the International Committee of the Red Cross to follow up on his case.</p> <p data-end="727" data-start="521">Settlers attacked homes and smashed surveillance cameras in eastern Beit Furik as Israeli forces raided the area and assaulted several residents. Residents confronted the settlers, according to the sources.</p> <p data-end="808" data-is-last-node data-is-only-node data-start="729">Settlers also attacked homes in Khirbet al-Himma in the northern Jordan Valley.</p> </div> </div> </article>

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