Gaza-bound aid flotilla with 12 activists on board nears Gaza coast despite Israeli warning – Middle East Monitor

Lebanon's cabinet has tasked the army with creating a plan to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year, following significant US pressure and a ceasefire aimed at ending recent hostilities. The decision has faced opposition from Hezbollah officials and comes amid ongoing Israeli attacks, with the group asserting it will not disarm without guarantees for its security and the reconstruction of war-affected areas. Want More Context? 🔎

Syria has established a transitional justice commission aimed at holding officials from Bashar al-Assad's regime accountable for human rights violations, emphasizing the need to institutionalize protections of human rights and restore the rule of law, according to commission head Abdul Latif. The initiative seeks to address past abuses and promote justice in the war-torn nation. Want More Context? 🔎

U.S. President Donald Trump will host Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders for peace talks at the White House on Friday, potentially announcing a framework for a peace agreement. The two nations have been in conflict since the late 1980s over Nagorno-Karabakh, with recent tensions escalating after Azerbaijan retook control of the region in 2023, leading to a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians. Want More Context? 🔎

During his visit to Pakistan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian aimed to enhance political and economic relations as part of a strategy to mitigate the impact of sanctions and the recent conflict with Israel. This engagement underscores Iran's efforts to strengthen regional alliances amidst challenging circumstances. Want More Context? 🔎

Russia has formally protested to Israel over an alleged attack on a Russian diplomatic vehicle near the settlement of Givat Assaf, with the Russian foreign ministry claiming that the vehicle was targeted by settlers while Israeli military personnel were present and did not intervene. The Russian embassy in Tel Aviv has submitted an official complaint to Israeli authorities regarding the incident. Want More Context? 🔎

U.S. President Donald Trump refrained from expressing his stance on a potential Israeli military takeover of Gaza, stating the focus should be on improving food access for Palestinians. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly in favor of a complete military takeover, as he met with senior security officials to discuss the situation. Want More Context? 🔎