Hezbollah

Lebanese military has apprehended individuals, including Palestinians, for allegedly launching rockets into Israel in March, triggering Israeli airstrikes. hezbollah has denied involvement. Confiscated equipment and a vehicle were seized, and the detainees were handed over to judicial authorities. Amidst ongoing border tensions, a UN resolution implementation was discussed during a cabinet meeting.

An Israeli airstrike hit a residential building in Beirut’s southern suburbs, killing at least three people and injuring seven. The strike targeted a hezbollah member involved in planning attacks against Israel. Despite a ceasefire, tensions remain high with Israel continuing its strikes, and hezbollah warning of potential retaliation if the Lebanese government fails to act.

Israel conducted a pre-dawn strike in Sidon, Lebanon, killing Hamas commander Hassan Farhat, his son, and daughter. Lebanese leaders condemned the attack as a breach of sovereignty and ceasefire. The strike caused significant damage and panic in the area. Farhat was implicated in multiple attacks on Israel, including a deadly rocket attack in February 2024.

Former Lebanese interior minister Nohad Machnouk appeared in court on Thursday, facing Judge Tarek Bitar's questioning regarding the 2020 Beirut port explosion. The investigation, which resumed after political pressure and leadership changes, focuses on Machnouk's alleged negligence and misconduct related to the unsafely stored ammonium nitrate. French investigators are expected to provide additional evidence, as the probe continues.

Amidst internal unrest and international pressure, US President Trump suggests Iran might be more receptive to discussions, emphasising diplomacy while warning of severe consequences if talks fail. Negotiations are planned in Muscat, involving US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iran faces challenges with its proxies and economic sanctions, yet continues uranium enrichment, raising nuclear concerns.

Israel's defence minister declares troops will stay in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria security zones. This complicates ceasefire talks with Hamas regarding hostage release. Hamas demands complete Israeli withdrawal for hostage release, and Netanyahu plans to resettle Gaza's population elsewhere. Trump's envoy seeks a new ceasefire. The situation remains tense with ongoing conflict and displacement.

USCIS has issued a statement clarifying that US visa could be revoked if the post uploaded by a applicant/holder on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media accounts is considered anti-semitic by the administration. As per the agency, a posts could be defined as anti-Semitic if it includes social media activity in support of militant groups classified by the United States as terrorists, including Hamas, Lebanon's hezbollah and Yemen's Houthi insurgents.

Thousands of people in Kashmir marched in solidarity with Palestine on Al-Quds Day, raising pro-hezbollah slogans and flags. J&K police filed FIRs under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against the organizers for creating a law and order situation and promoting terrorism.

Syria's new president arrived in Qatar on Tuesday, state media said, for his first official visit to the Gulf state, a key backer of the new administration after longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad's ouster. His new administration has received support from several countries including key backers Turkey and Qatar, as well as multiple Arab states.

The US and Iran held high-level nuclear negotiations in Oman, the first since the 2015 agreement's termination, with both sides expressing a desire for a swift, mutually beneficial outcome. While Trump warns of potential military intervention if negotiations fail, Iran seeks sanctions relief amidst regional tensions. Discussions will continue next Saturday, aiming for a "real and fair agreement".

As part of this new policy shift, the government has already begun taking action. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, around 300 individuals have had their visas revoked due to alleged antisemitic ties. One prominent case is that of Mahmoud Khalil, a former Algerian student at Columbia University, who was arrested and is currently awaiting deportation for allegedly organizing pro-Palestinian demonstrations believed to support antisemitic terrorism.

The Israeli military reported that two projectiles were fired from Lebanon, intercepting one while the other landed in Lebanon. This follows Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon that resulted in six casualties, targeting hezbollah operatives, amidst ongoing tensions and breaches of a ceasefire agreement.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in a release stated, “Today, USCIS will begin considering aliens’ antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests. This will immediately affect aliens applying for lawful permanent resident status, foreign students and aliens affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity.”

Iran is not allowed to have nuclear weapons because it is a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which it signed along with most other countries. This agreement allows countries to use nuclear technology only for peaceful purposes, like energy, medicine, and agriculture. It strictly prohibits the development of nuclear weapons.

Iran and the United States are set to engage in talks in Oman, aiming to revive negotiations concerning Iran's nuclear program. Despite disagreements over the format, these discussions mark a significant point in the strained relationship between the two nations. This meeting follows a timeline of escalating tensions, including the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal and recent regional conflicts.

The Trump administration is facing backlash for its strict immigration policies. These policies target pro-Palestine voices in American universities. Visa cancellations and deportations are rising. Universities are under pressure to align with the administration's views. Federal funding is at risk for non-compliance. International students are now considering other countries for education. This situation is creating fear and silence on campuses.