Israel carries out 'massive' demolition in south Lebanon despite ceasefire The Israeli army carried out a "massive" demolition in the southern Lebanese town of Khiam on Friday, the official Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported. Hours after a ceasefire came into effect, Israeli forces conducted a large-scale detonation in the town, located in the Marjayoun district.
Tens of thousands return to southern Lebanon: Report Tens of thousands of those displaced from southern Lebanon are reportedly returning to their areas following a ceasefire deal with Israel, Anadolu Agency reports. Footage circulating online shows citizens in droves driving back to their homes, despite earlier statements by the Lebanese army cautioning against returning to southern villages and towns due to Israeli attacks.
Europe has capacity to clear mines in Hormuz Strait, French Defence Minister says French Defence Minister said on Friday that European countries, such as Belgium, the Netherlands and France, have mine clearance capacity which could help secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz. "There are capabilities to provide fully supported escort services – that is to say, in no way offensive, of course – for ships to ensure safe passage through the strait; that is what will be debated today in Paris," Catherine Vautrin told French TV station TF1 France and the UK are set to hold an international summit, with French President Emmanuel Macron's office indicating that about 30 countries will attend Friday’s talks, including some from the Middle East and Asia.
Australia did not receive US request to join operations against Iran Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday that his country did not receive any "new requests" from the Washington to participate in military operations against Iran. The remark comes in response to criticism from US President Donald Trump, who expressed he is "not happy with Australia" because it was "not there when we asked them to be there" in regards to the Strait of Hormuz. Treasurer of Australia, Jim Chalmers, told reporters in Washington that he is not aware of any formal request from the US regarding this matter.
Poll: 62 percent of Israelis think war on Iran will restart A poll by the Israeli daily Maariv found that a majority of Israelis (62 percent) believe that Israel will return to fighting Iran in the near future. According to the survey, 24 percent think the war will not restart and another 14 percent are unsure about the outcome.
Ceasefire in Lebanon widely welcomed, Trump says may be 'historic day' Several countries have hailed the 10-day ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel that came into a few hours ago. Statements have poured in from across the Arab world, including supportive remarks by Egypt, Syria, Jordan and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Iranian Foreign Ministry was quick to welcome the agreement, praising the "tremendous efforts" made by Pakistan in mediating talks.
Netanyahu rejects demand by Hezbollah for full Israeli army withdrawal Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he has agreed to a “temporary ceasefire” with Lebanon to facilitate discussions, but rejected Hezbollah's demands for Israel to fully withdraw from Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he has agreed to a “temporary ceasefire” with Lebanon to facilitate discussions. However, he has rejected Hezbollah's demands for Israel to fully withdraw from Lebanon, stating that Israel will maintain a “security zone” pic.
Hezbollah lawmaker demands end to Israeli attacks under ceasefire deal A lawmaker from Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc said the new ceasefire agreement with Israel must include a complete cessation of Israeli hostilities across Lebanon. In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Ibrahim al-Moussawi said the Lebanese group would approach the 10-day truce cautiously and monitor developments closely. He added that the deal was reached "under Iranian pressure, Pakistani efforts and Saudi cooperation".
Pope Leo slams 'those who manipulate religion' for war Pope Leo XIV on Thursday issued what may be his most explicit condemnation yet of the Trump administration's use of biblical invocations to justify the US-Israeli war on Iran, as tensions between the Vatican and the White House ramp up. "Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic, and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth," Pope Leo wrote on X, citing his own remarks on a visit to Cameroon. "The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants," he said in his speech.
Turkey, Pakistan could become Israel's new enemy, analyst says Submitted by Mera Aladam on Fri, 04/17/2026 - 00:27 In an opinion piece in Maariv, Israeli analyst Boaz Golani claims war on Iran has 'wiped out' its military capabilities Handout photo taken shows Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf shaking hands with Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir before their meeting in Tehran, on 16 April, 2026 (AFP/Office of Iranian Parliament Speaker) Off Predictions on who is set to be next in line to become Israel 's arch nemesis have start rolling in, with whispers lulling in Pakistan or Turkey as Iran 's successors for that role. In an opinion piece by Israeli analyst Boaz Golani published in the daily Maariv, he indicates "shifting sands" in the Middle East, as discussions on the end of the war on Iran swirl. As Tehran "will be forced to vacate the role of Israel's great enemy", Golani says that there will be a new country to fulfill that role.
Israeli envoy to UN: ‘If we feel threatened, we will react' Speaking to reporters, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations said that Israel "will have to follow very carefully what is happening on the ground, and if we feel threatened, we will react". Danny Danon said it was "too early" to determine whether a meeting between Israel and Lebanon will take place. The statement comes hours after Lebanon and Israel reached a 10-day ceasefire.
Trump says war on Iran 'should be ending pretty soon' US President Donald Trump said that the war in Iran is going "swimmingly" and that it "should be ending pretty soon. " “It should be ending pretty soon,” Trump said at an event in Las Vegas. "It was perfect.
Lebanon says Israel commits violations hours after ceasefire took effect Israel has committed several violations of a ceasefire in Lebanon that took effect at midnight, the Lebanese army said early on Friday. It also warned citizens from returning to southern villages and towns due to the attacks. The latest violations include intermittent shelling of several southern Lebanese villages.
UN chief urges full respect for Israel-Lebanon ceasefire UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, calling on all sides to respect the agreement. “The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, and commends the role of the United States in facilitating” it, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. He added that Guterres hopes the pause in fighting will “pave the way for negotiations”.
Israeli shelling continues in Lebanon after ceasefire takes effect Lebanon’s National News Agency reports that Israeli artillery has continued to strike southern areas despite the ceasefire coming into force less than an hour ago. Shelling has hit the towns of Khiam and Dibbine, accompanied by sweeping operations involving machine-gun fire, according to the report. In the western Bekaa Valley, Israeli reconnaissance aircraft have also been active over the Rashaya region and the western slopes of Jabal al-Sheikh.
Lebanon death toll rises to 2,196 Lebanon’s National News Agency reports that the number of people killed in Israeli attacks has climbed to 2,196, with 7,185 others wounded.
G7 warns prolonged Middle East war risks global economic damage Finance leaders from the G7 have warned of the urgent need to contain the economic fallout of a prolonged war in the Middle East, stressing the importance of moving towards a lasting peace. Meeting on the sidelines of IMF and World Bank spring gatherings in Washington, ministers and central bank governors discussed the conflict as a key concern. They said limiting disruption to the global economy remains a priority, alongside stabilising markets and energy flows.
IRGC commander says Hezbollah ‘winner’ as Lebanon ceasefire holds Iran’s Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani has said Hezbollah emerged victorious, as he commented on the ceasefire in Lebanon. In a message reported by Tasnim News Agency, Qaani credited the truce to what he described as the resilience of the Lebanese resistance and backing from Iran. "The dear people of Lebanon and the region know that the winner of the decisive battle is Hezbollah, the hero.
Pope Leo slams 'those who manipulate religion' for war, as White House invokes divine calling Pope Leo XIV on Thursday issued what may be his most explicit condemnation yet of the Trump administration's use of biblical invocations to justify the US-Israeli war on Iran , as tensions between the Vatican and the White House ramp up. "Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic, and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth," Pope Leo wrote on X, citing his own remarks on a visit to Cameroon. "The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants," he said in his speech.
Pope Leo slams 'those who manipulate religion' for war, as White House invokes divine calling Submitted by MEE staff on Thu, 04/16/2026 - 20:06 The first American pope's criticism of US policies has not gone down well with President Donald Trump Pope Leo XIV holds a holy Mass at the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Annaba, Algeria, on 14 April 2026 (Reuters/Guglielmo Mangiapane) Off Pope Leo XIV on Thursday issued what may be his most explicit condemnation yet of the Trump administration's use of biblical invocations to justify the US-Israeli war on Iran , as tensions between the Vatican and the White House ramp up. "Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic, and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth," Pope Leo wrote on X, citing his own remarks on a visit to Cameroon. "The world is being ravaged by a handful of tyrants," he said in his speech.
