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  • Israeli Airstrikes Kill At Least 14 in Southern Lebanon Ahead of Washington Security Talks

    Israeli Airstrikes Kill At Least 14 in Southern Lebanon Ahead of Washington Security Talks

    Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon killed at least 14 people Thursday, including women, children, and a Lebanese soldier, as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah escalated ahead of planned security talks in Washington.

    The strikes targeted multiple locations across Lebanon’s south, including the major coastal cities of Tyre and Sidon, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry and state media. Dozens of people were also reported wounded amid the intensified bombardment.

    The latest escalation follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement that Israel would expand military operations against Hezbollah. The move reportedly came in response to Hezbollah’s growing use of fiber-optic explosive drones that have targeted Israeli troops and communities near Israel’s northern border.

    In Tyre, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for several buildings and nearby neighborhoods before the attacks began, prompting many residents to flee the area.

    Further north in Sidon, an Israeli drone strike hit an apartment building housing displaced families, killing five people and injuring at least 21 others, including children. Among those killed was Hossan Zeidan, a former correspondent for Iran’s Arabic-language al-Aalam television network.

    Residents described scenes of chaos following the explosion.

    Mohammad Al-Gharbi, who lived nearby, said debris and shattered glass crashed into his home when the strike hit.

    “This building that was hit had six apartments occupied by poor families who had fled from the south to escape the attacks there, only to be hit here,” he said.

    In the coastal town of Adloun, another Israeli drone strike targeted a fleeing family vehicle, killing six people, including two parents and their children, according to Lebanese officials.

    Additional strikes near Tyre and Nabatiyeh also killed two civilians on a motorcycle and a Lebanese soldier traveling separately on his motorcycle.

    Meanwhile, the Israeli military said one Israeli soldier was killed and two reservists wounded in a Hezbollah drone attack in northern Israel.

    Lebanese and Israeli military officials are expected to meet Friday in Washington for rare security talks aimed at maintaining a fragile ceasefire that officially took effect on April 17. Despite the truce, violence has continued to intensify across southern Lebanon, although Beirut has largely been spared.

    Hezbollah has rejected the negotiations and instead aligned itself with Iran, which reportedly insists that any broader diplomatic progress with Washington depends on ending the conflict in Lebanon.

    The ongoing conflict began after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel on March 2 in support of Iran following the outbreak of the Iran-Israel war.

    Lebanon’s Health Ministry says more than 3,269 people have been killed and over 9,800 wounded since the conflict began, while more than one million people have been displaced.

    Israeli officials say at least 23 Israeli soldiers, a defense contractor, and two civilians have also been killed during the fighting, most in drone attacks.

  • Lebanon Death Toll Surpasses 3,000 as Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Escalates Amid Fragile Ceasefire

    Lebanon Death Toll Surpasses 3,000 as Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Escalates Amid Fragile Ceasefire

    Lebanon Death Toll Surpasses 3,000 as Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Escalates Amid Fragile Ceasefire

    The death toll in Lebanon has climbed past 3,000 as fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group continues despite an ongoing ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.

    Lebanon’s Health Ministry announced Monday that at least 3,020 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since the latest round of violence erupted on March 2. Among the dead are 292 women and 211 children, highlighting the growing humanitarian crisis unfolding across the country.

    The conflict intensified after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel following joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year. Since then, cross-border violence has expanded into a broader military confrontation, with Israel carrying out heavy bombardments across southern Lebanon, Beirut, and other regions.

    Israeli officials say the military campaign is focused on preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities and rearming. Israeli forces continue to occupy large areas of southern Lebanon while targeting suspected Hezbollah positions.

    The ongoing fighting has displaced more than one million people across Lebanon. Thousands of families have been forced to seek shelter in makeshift camps, tents, and crowded public areas, particularly along roadsides and coastal zones in Beirut.

    Despite a ceasefire agreement brokered during talks in Washington that began on April 17, attacks from both sides have continued almost daily. The truce was recently extended by another 45 days, and both countries are expected to send military delegations for direct talks scheduled for May 29.

    However, Hezbollah has rejected participation in the negotiations and continues to oppose normalization efforts between Lebanon and Israel. The militant group remains closely aligned with Iran, which is also engaged in separate negotiations with the United States through Pakistani mediation.

    On Monday, the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to residents in several towns near the southern Lebanese city of Tyre ahead of planned airstrikes. In another deadly development, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group confirmed that one of its officials and his daughter were killed in an Israeli strike in the city of Baalbek near the Syrian border.

    Israeli leaders have described the talks as a potential step toward broader diplomatic relations with Lebanon, while Lebanese officials insist they are only seeking a security agreement that would ensure Israeli troop withdrawals without formal normalization.

    U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly encouraged a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though Aoun has reportedly declined direct talks for now amid growing domestic tensions and protests inside Lebanon.

    The conflict has also taken a toll on Israeli forces and civilians. Since the fighting began, at least 20 Israeli soldiers, two civilians, and a defense contractor working in southern Lebanon have been killed. United Nations peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon have also suffered casualties, with six personnel reported dead after being caught in the crossfire.

  • Israeli Strikes in Lebanon Kill Hundreds as Ceasefire With Iran Faces New Strain

    Israeli Strikes in Lebanon Kill Hundreds as Ceasefire With Iran Faces New Strain

    Israel launched its most intense wave of attacks on Lebanon in the current conflict just a day after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran was announced, raising fresh concerns about whether the fragile agreement can hold.

    The Israeli military said it struck Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, describing the operation as one of its most powerful offensives so far. Verified videos and images showed massive plumes of smoke rising above Beirut as residents rushed to evacuate areas under bombardment.

    Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that at least 203 people were killed in the attacks, with the toll expected to rise as rescue teams continue searching through damaged buildings.

    The strikes came despite optimism following the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States, Israel and Iran. Israeli leaders had already signaled that their campaign against Hezbollah would continue regardless of the agreement.

    The timing of the attacks has complicated U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region and could strain relations between Washington and Israel during a sensitive phase of negotiations with Iran.

    Iran responded angrily to the strikes, with state-linked media reporting that Tehran could suspend shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas supply passes.

    Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused Israel of violating the negotiating framework associated with the ceasefire agreement supported by U.S. President Donald Trump.

    The escalating tensions highlight how separate but interconnected conflicts across the Middle East continue to complicate diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the broader war.

    Trump’s “No Tax on Tips” Promise Delivers Mixed Results for Workers

    While President Trump has promoted his “no taxes on tips” policy as a major economic win for American workers, some households say the financial benefits have fallen short of expectations.

    Sherrie Cummings, a cocktail waitress working on the Las Vegas Strip, had hoped the policy would significantly increase her tax refund. Instead, she and her husband received less than they anticipated due to limits on how much tip income can be deducted.

    Under the tax policy, deductions for tips are capped at $25,000, even for couples whose primary income comes from tipped work.

    Although IRS data shows the average tax refund this season has increased to $3,521 — about $350 higher than last year — some middle-income workers say the structure of the tax cuts leaves them with smaller gains.

    Several groups of workers are also excluded from other elements of the tax changes. Many railroad workers and truck drivers, for example, do not qualify for the overtime tax deduction, while the Social Security deduction excludes both the lowest and highest earners.

    Tax analysts say the biggest financial gains are going to higher-income households, some of which could save millions of dollars under the new law.

    Gilgo Beach Serial Killer Pleads Guilty to Multiple Murders

    In a major development in one of the most notorious criminal cases in recent U.S. history, Rex Heuermann — the man accused of carrying out the Gilgo Beach killings — pleaded guilty in a New York courtroom.

    Heuermann, a 62-year-old former Manhattan architect, admitted to murdering seven women and acknowledged responsibility for the death of an eighth victim, Karen Vergata.

    Standing before a judge in Suffolk County, Heuermann calmly answered “yes” repeatedly as he confirmed the details of the crimes, which involved strangling and dismembering victims over a 17-year period.

    The courtroom proceedings lasted roughly 30 minutes, marking a dramatic turning point in a case that had haunted families and investigators for nearly two decades.

    Other Headlines Making News

    Authorities have arrested a man in connection with the disappearance of his American wife in the Bahamas after he claimed she fell overboard during a boat ride.

    A woman known as the “Ketamine Queen,” Jasveen Sangha, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for illegally supplying drugs linked to the death of actor Matthew Perry.

    A Hawaii doctor accused of attempting to kill his wife during a birthday hike was convicted of attempted manslaughter.

    Immigration enforcement actions have increased sharply, with arrests of immigrants without criminal convictions rising significantly during President Trump’s second term, according to new analysis.

    Buffalo Bills Fans Buying Pieces of Their Historic Stadium

    As the Buffalo Bills prepare to move into a new stadium, fans are being offered a chance to take home physical pieces of their team’s history.

    Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York — which has been the team’s home for more than 50 years — is being dismantled, and memorabilia from the venue is being sold to the public.

    Fans are purchasing everything from stadium seats and sections of turf to pieces of infrastructure from the iconic venue.

    Collectibles expert Brandon Steiner, who is overseeing the sales, said demand has been overwhelming. Thousands of season ticket holders have already purchased their old seats, while other unusual items — including restroom troughs — have also attracted buyers.

    The enthusiasm reflects the deep loyalty of Buffalo’s fan base, widely considered one of the most passionate in the NFL, eager to hold onto a piece of the stadium where decades of football history were made.

  • Islamic Resistance of Iraq Claims Responsibility for Drone Attack on Southern Israel

    Islamic Resistance of Iraq Claims Responsibility for Drone Attack on Southern Israel

    In a significant escalation of hostilities, the Islamic Resistance of Iraq has officially claimed responsibility for a drone attack targeting what they described as a “vital target” in southern Israel. This marks a notable increase in military actions linked to the coalition of armed groups, which stated that this incident represents the sixth drone attack on the same day.

    The armed group’s announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with their fighters reportedly carrying out the drone strike against a location considered strategically important. While the group did not specify the exact target of the attack, their communication emphasized the intent to demonstrate military capabilities and resolve.

    In response to this development, the Israeli military confirmed that it had successfully intercepted a drone that was approaching from the east. This interception reflects Israel’s ongoing efforts to protect its territory and critical infrastructure from aerial threats. The military did not provide detailed information about the interception but underscored its commitment to national security amid ongoing regional conflicts.

    This incident is part of a broader context of violence and military engagements in the region, where various armed groups have been increasingly leveraging drone technology in their operations. The use of drones in conflicts has raised significant concerns regarding civilian safety and the potential for escalation in hostilities between opposing factions.

    The Islamic Resistance of Iraq’s claim to responsibility highlights the growing complexity of the regional security landscape. As drone technology becomes more accessible and operational, armed groups are likely to continue employing these tactics, prompting heightened vigilance and military preparedness from Israel and its allies.

    As the situation develops, international observers will be closely monitoring the implications of these attacks on regional stability and the potential for retaliatory actions. The dynamic nature of the conflict underscores the critical need for diplomatic efforts to address the underlying tensions that fuel such violent exchanges.

    In summary, the Islamic Resistance of Iraq’s claim of responsibility for the drone attack on southern Israel marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. With Israel’s military actively intercepting threats, the situation remains precarious, raising alarms about the potential for further violence and instability in the region.

    Source : Swifteradio.com

  • Five-Month-Old Baby Among 25 Victims in Gaza’s Nuseirat After Overnight Airstrikes

    Five-Month-Old Baby Among 25 Victims in Gaza’s Nuseirat After Overnight Airstrikes

    In a devastating escalation of violence in Gaza, at least 25 people, including a five-month-old baby, were killed during airstrikes on residential areas in Nuseirat. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah has reported a surge in casualties, with bodies continuing to arrive from sites targeted by overnight bombings that struck three residential homes. The tragedy has heightened fears over the safety of civilians in the region, with many accusing the Israeli military of indiscriminate attacks on non-combatant populations.

    Surge of Casualties at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital

    Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, a critical facility in Deir el-Balah, has struggled to manage the influx of injured and deceased individuals following the strikes. Currently, the hospital’s morgue holds 25 bodies, all victims of the recent assault, with the numbers expected to rise as search and recovery efforts continue. The sight of lifeless bodies, some of them belonging to young children, has left a profound impact on hospital staff and family members gathering at the hospital.

    Medical teams and emergency responders are working tirelessly, but the sheer number of casualties strains the hospital’s resources. Healthcare providers on the ground have expressed grave concerns about the intensifying humanitarian crisis, noting that the local infrastructure is ill-equipped to manage such large-scale devastation.

    Innocent Victims: A Five-Month-Old Baby Among the Dead

    Among the most heart-wrenching victims is a five-month-old baby who lost his life while in the care of his grandmother. According to local reports, the baby was in his grandmother’s arms when the bombing occurred, tragically ending his life. The grandmother survived the attack, along with some other family members, including the infant’s uncle, who were inside the home when it was bombarded.

    The baby’s death symbolizes the tragedy of civilian casualties in this conflict, where those too young to understand the concept of war have become its victims. Many residents are questioning the targeting of residential areas and the impact these strikes are having on families and the broader civilian population.

    The Loss of Entire Families

    In a particularly horrific instance, one family of 10 was killed as they sought shelter within their home, another stark reminder of the vulnerability of Gaza’s civilians amidst this ongoing conflict. These deaths are a grim representation of the conflict’s toll on entire family units who find themselves caught in the crossfire with nowhere to seek refuge. Images of the aftermath reveal scenes of destruction, with debris and rubble where family homes once stood.

    This tragic loss of life has sparked widespread anger and despair among Gaza residents and the international community alike. Human rights organizations are calling for immediate actions to protect civilian lives and ensure that all measures of conflict comply with international humanitarian laws designed to prevent harm to non-combatants.

    Widespread Destruction in Gaza’s Residential Areas

    The airstrikes on residential buildings in Nuseirat have not only led to significant loss of life but have also caused extensive destruction to homes and infrastructure. Entire neighborhoods are now reduced to rubble, with civilians struggling to retrieve their belongings and salvage what remains of their lives.

    The bombings have left the people of Gaza grappling with grief, loss, and uncertainty. For many, the damage goes beyond physical structures; families are now mourning the loss of loved ones while dealing with the trauma of violent displacement. This devastation has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with essential services and emergency response teams operating under immense strain due to limited resources.

    Calls for International Intervention and Accountability

    As the violence intensifies, there are increasing calls for international intervention to protect civilians and demand accountability for actions taken in the conflict. Various international organizations and human rights groups are advocating for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of innocent lives.

    The targeting of residential areas and the killing of civilians, including children and infants, have prompted calls for an investigation into potential violations of international laws governing conflict. Advocates stress the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to prioritize civilian safety and provide aid to those affected by the bombings.

    The Urgent Need for Humanitarian Support

    The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is reaching critical levels, with hospitals, like Al-Aqsa Martyrs, becoming overwhelmed by the high casualty rate. The facility is operating under limited capacity, with staff facing physical and emotional challenges in handling the aftermath of the bombings. Medical supplies, essential medicines, and resources for critical care are in short supply, further endangering the lives of those injured.

    In addition to the medical needs, there is a pressing requirement for humanitarian aid to support the displaced and those who have lost their homes and belongings. Many families are left without shelter, food, or basic necessities, underscoring the urgency of coordinated relief efforts. Humanitarian organizations are urging global stakeholders to provide immediate aid to help alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s residents.

    Conclusion

    The recent bombing in Nuseirat, which claimed the lives of 25 civilians, including a five-month-old baby, has highlighted the severe consequences of the ongoing conflict for Gaza’s population. Families are being torn apart, homes are being destroyed, and the humanitarian situation is worsening. As bodies continue to arrive at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital and the numbers of dead and injured rise, there is an urgent call for peace, accountability, and humanitarian support for those affected by this escalating crisis.

    Source : Swifteradio.com

  • Israel Strikes Central Beirut: Deadly Airstrike Escalates Hezbollah Clashes Amid Rising Tensions in Lebanon

    Israel Strikes Central Beirut: Deadly Airstrike Escalates Hezbollah Clashes Amid Rising Tensions in Lebanon

    The tension in the Middle East has reached new heights as Israel launched a devastating airstrike on central Beirut early Thursday, killing at least six people and escalating ongoing hostilities with Hezbollah. The deadly airstrike, which struck an apartment building in Beirut’s densely populated center, came in the wake of Israel’s deadliest day on the Lebanese front in over a year, with its military forces clashing with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

    According to Lebanese officials, the strike, which occurred late Wednesday night, caught residents off guard, hitting close to key landmarks, including the United Nations building, the prime minister’s office, and the Lebanese parliament. No warnings were issued before the attack, which Lebanese Health Ministry reports say left six people dead and seven others injured. Social media has been flooded with images of the damaged building, its first floor engulfed in flames.

    While the Hezbollah-linked Islamic Health Authority confirmed that seven of its staff members, including two medics, were killed in the strike, Israeli authorities have remained focused on their broader military objectives. Earlier in the day, Israel’s military reported the killing of 15 Hezbollah militants in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil.

    Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah intensified after Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli strike last week. This marked a significant blow to the militant group, which has wielded substantial political and military power in Lebanon for years. Despite the heavy losses, Hezbollah continues to hold vast territory in the region and remains a potent force.

    Meanwhile, Iran, Hezbollah’s chief backer, has warned of retaliatory action. Following Iran’s unprecedented missile strike on Israel, which involved over 180 missiles, the situation has grown increasingly volatile. Though Iran announced its missile barrage was over unless further provoked, Israel has vowed to respond with increased force if necessary.

    As the conflict continues to rage, the human cost is becoming more pronounced. Lebanon’s government reports that more than 1,900 people have been killed, with 9,000 more injured in cross-border fighting over the past year. The latest surge in violence, however, has led to the displacement of 1.2 million Lebanese citizens, with many forced to seek refuge in makeshift shelters.

    One particularly stark example is a Beirut nightclub, once known for its vibrant parties, now serving as a shelter for over 300 displaced individuals. Gaelle Irani, formerly in charge of guest relations at the club, described the atmosphere as overwhelming but emphasized the importance of providing a haven for those in need.

    The international community is taking notice. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has called for a ceasefire, urging global powers to stop Israel’s “aggression” and insisting that lasting peace in the Middle East is impossible without the creation of a Palestinian state. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed this sentiment, warning that any further military actions by Israel would be met with decisive retaliation.

    Countries such as Canada have already begun preparations for the potential evacuation of their citizens from Lebanon, although no large-scale evacuations have taken place so far. Global Affairs Canada has assisted 1,700 individuals in finding flights out of Beirut, with one-third reserving seats on outbound commercial flights.

    The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has implications far beyond Lebanon’s borders. The involvement of regional allies, including Yemen’s Houthis and other Iranian-backed groups, continues to complicate efforts for peace. Just days ago, the Houthis claimed to have launched a drone strike on Israel’s commercial hub, Tel Aviv. Although Israel reported intercepting the drone, the attack highlighted the far-reaching impact of Hezbollah’s network and its connections to Iran’s military strategy.

    As both sides brace for further conflict, the situation remains fluid. Israel has made clear that it will continue its airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, urging residents of villages in southern Lebanon to avoid returning home until further notice. The question now is whether international diplomacy can bring the violence to a halt or if the region is destined for a prolonged and bloody conflict.

     

    SOURCE: Swifteradio

  • Hamas Military Commander Killed in July Strike, Says Israel

    The Israeli military has confirmed that Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip last month.
    Deif was the target of an attack on a compound in the Khan Younis area on July 13. Hamas has not yet confirmed his death.
    Israel says Deif was one of the masterminds of the October 7 attacks in southern Israel that left 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage.
    Hamas political leader Ismael Haniyeh was killed on Wednesday during a visit to Iran. Israel has not commented directly on his death.
    In a statement released on Thursday, the Israeli military said that “following an intelligence assessment, it can be confirmed that Mohammed Deif was eliminated” in the July 13 attack.
    The Hamas-run Gaza health authorities said at the time that the airstrike killed more than 90 people, but denied that Deif was among the dead.
    Deif was widely seen as Hamas’ second-ranking official in Gaza, after Yahya Sinwar, the group’s leader in the territory.
    Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Deif’s death was “a significant milestone” in disbanding Hamas.
    “This operation reflects the fact that Hamas is disintegrating, and that Hamas terrorists may either surrender or they will be eliminated,” he added.
    Mohammed Deif is the leader of the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas movement.
    For decades, he was one of the most wanted men by Israel and survived seven assassination attempts.
    According to Israeli and Palestinian media, Deif was born in the Khan Yunis refugee camp in Gaza in 1965, when the territory was occupied by Egypt.
    In the 1980s as a young man, he joined Hamas and quickly rose in rank.
    Israel accused him of plotting and overseeing bombing of buses that killed dozens of Israelis in 1996, and of being involved in the capture and killing of three Israeli soldiers in the mid-1990s.
    Deif is also known for helping build tunnels that allow Hamas militants to enter Israel from Gaza.
    In 2002, he assumed the position of head of the military wing of Hamas.
    In 2014, Israel tried to kill Deif by launching an airstrike on a house in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza, killing his wife, Widad, and their infant son, Ali.
    Israel thought Deif was also killed, but he was not in the building at the time.
    In the current conflict, Deif is suspected of directing Hamas military operations from underground tunnels inside Gaza.
    Confirmation of Deif’s death came at the end of a tumultuous week in the Israel-Gaza conflict, which has raised fears of a wider regional war.
    On Saturday, 12 Israeli children and teenagers were killed after a rocket hit a soccer field in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Lebanon-based Hezbollah, vowing that it would pay a heavy price.
    On Tuesday, Israel responded by launching an airstrike in Beirut that killed Hezbollah’s senior commander Fuad Shukr and four others, including two children.
    Hours later, Hamas political leader Ismael Haniyeh was killed in an attack on the building he was staying in during a visit to Tehran, the capital of Iran.

    Source: BBC News