The Lebanese government has outlawed the armed activities of the pro-Iranian party. A rift has emerged in the relationship between Hezbollah and the Shia Amal movement, which endorses the government's resolution. The Jewish state is hitting Lebanese territory hard again, putting pressure on the “buffer zone”. US mediation has "saved" the airport, which remains open. Hundreds of thousands of displaced people crowd the streets.
Two Palestinian brothers were shot dead in a raid in Qaryut, south of Nablus. New attacks and assaults also in the Christian village of Taybeh. Fr Bashar: not isolated incidents, but a ‘growing pattern of violence’ that raises “concerns”. Barriers and isolation, the West Bank increasingly similar to the Strip, victim of ‘state violence’.
From the Emirates, Bishop Martinelli reports a situation that "seems largely under control," although "apprehension" remains over the escalation between Israel and the United States against Iran. The Abrahamic Family House is temporarily but necessarily closed, but hopefully it “can be reopened soon.” Prayers are offered for the victims in the migrant population.
There have already been several victims among the many expatriate communities. The first death in the Jewish state from an Iranian missile was that of a Filipino caregiver. The conflict has also spread to the seas, with a seafarer killed on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. A Pakistani, a Nepalese and a Bangladeshi citizen are the three people killed in the United Arab Emirates.
The latest victim is a 47-year-old teacher and mother of three, shot to the head in the Wadi al-Nasara region. Activists and NGOs warn of targeted attacks and disturbing disappearances under the influence of Islamic extremism. With the start of Ramadan, shops and restaurants have been attacked for selling alcohol. In Homs, at least 10 Alawites have been killed.
Tensions have been triggered by the new map presented to the UN by Baghdad, which redefines sovereignty in a disputed area. Two strategic areas (Fasht Al Qaid and Fasht Al A'aij) over which Kuwait exercises sovereignty are in the spotlight. At stake are economic, historical and social issues, as well as the definition of strategic trade corridors.