Million-plus pilgrims to begin hajj under blazing sun

Pilgrims are set to undertake the final major ritual of the hajj, the "stoning of the devil," on Friday, coinciding with the start of Eid al-Adha. Over 1.6 million Muslims will throw stones at three concrete walls in Mina valley, symbolizing the devil, commemorating Abraham's rejection of Satan's temptation. This year's hajj featured increased security and heat mitigation measures after last year's tragedy, aiming to prevent fatalities among pilgrims, especially those who illegally entered Mecca,...

SummaryIsrael conducted air strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, targeting Hezbollah's drone production, despite a six-month ceasefire. Lebanese leaders, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, condemned the attacks as systematic violations of national security, particularly on the eve of Eid Al Adha. The Israeli military justified the strikes by citing Hezbollah's drone use against Israel and evacuation warnings were issued to residents in the targeted neighborhoods, causing significant panic and traffic disruption. Full Article

Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the suspect in a Molotov cocktail attack on a Jewish protest in Boulder, Colorado, appeared in court facing over 100 charges, including 28 counts of attempted murder, after injuring 15 people, three of whom are hospitalized. Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian allegedly in the country illegally, could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted, with the Boulder County District Attorney stating potential consecutive sentences could total 672 years. Additionally, Soliman's family has been...

Hamas's lead negotiator Khalil al-Hayya announced the group's readiness to engage in new talks for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, coinciding with Israeli airstrikes that killed at least 37 people. Amid dire humanitarian conditions exacerbated by a blockade, international pressure for a ceasefire has intensified, with leaders like Brazilian President Lula da Silva and French President Macron calling for action. Despite efforts to ease aid restrictions, the situation remains critical, with Gazans struggling for basic...

Israeli air strikes targeted Beirut's southern suburbs on Thursday night, aiming at underground Hezbollah drone factories, resulting in plumes of smoke and mass civilian evacuations. The Israeli military warned residents to leave the area, citing strikes on "terror targets" associated with Hezbollah and highlighting concerns over UAV production near civilians. In response, Lebanese officials condemned the strikes as violations of a ceasefire and Lebanese sovereignty, while the UN called for de-escalation and adherence to diplomatic...

The United States has imposed sanctions on four female judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in response to an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, increasing pressure on the court. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that these actions are necessary to protect U.S. and Israeli sovereignty, while the ICC condemned the sanctions as an attempt to undermine its independence. The judges participated in proceedings related to war crimes allegations against Netanyahu...