The fate of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s potential successor, Safieddine, is uncertain after an Israeli airstrike on Beirut. Hezbollah lost contact with him, and it’s unclear if he was killed. Safieddine, Nasrallah’s cousin, is a staunch critic of Israel and the West, with strong ties to Iran. He led Hezbollah’s executive council and was a likely heir to Nasrallah. Safieddine has emphasized Hezbollah’s relationship with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and was connected to Iranian general Qasem Soleimani through family ties. Penelope Kingsley 05/10/2024 3:00 pm
Nearly a year ago, four Americans were taken hostage in Gaza. Families hold onto hope despite failed efforts to secure their release. Keith Siegel, Edan Alexander, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Omer Neutra have been seen in distressing conditions. A cease-fire and hostage release deal seems unlikely as Israel’s focus shifts to Lebanon. Time is critical, especially after the killing of another American hostage, Hersh Goldberg-Polin. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with 1,200 Israelis and nearly 42,000 Palestinians killed. Penelope Kingsley 05/10/2024 3:00 pm
A Hamas leader, Saeed Attallah Ali, his wife, and two daughters were killed in an Israeli strike on the Beddawi camp in northern Lebanon. This marks the first attack in the area since the Gaza war began nearly a year ago. Israel has intensified its attacks on Lebanon, targeting Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, killing 18 senior Hamas commanders recently. Explosions were also reported in Beirut’s southern suburbs, with Israel targeting Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters. Israel has eliminated much of Hezbollah’s senior military leadership, including Hassan Nasrallah. Penelope Kingsley 05/10/2024 11:30 am
Flash floods and landslides in central Bosnia-Herzegovina have resulted in at least 16 deaths, with towns and villages cut off. The worst-hit area is around Jablanica, affecting the main route between Mostar and Sarajevo. A state of emergency is declared, with 13 deaths confirmed in Herzegovina-Neretva Canton and three in Fojnica. Ten people remain missing. Roads, bridges, and railways are damaged, and search and rescue operations continue. The local authority warns drivers to avoid dangerous roads around Jablanica. Noah Prescott 05/10/2024 11:30 am
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a deadly assault on Israel, killing over 1,200 and taking 250 hostages. Israel retaliated, resulting in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza. The region, already suffering from shortages due to Israeli restrictions, saw widespread devastation. Journalists risked their lives to document the conflict, with 116 media workers killed, mostly Palestinians. Veteran photojournalist Ziv Koren and Palestinian photographer Samar Abu Elouf captured the unfolding tragedy, highlighting the war’s impact on civilians. Noah Prescott 05/10/2024 11:30 am
Explosions rocked Beirut’s southern suburbs as Israel launched airstrikes, targeting Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters. Israel demanded evacuations amid ongoing clashes with Hezbollah. The strikes are part of a broader assault displacing over 1.2 million Lebanese. Meanwhile, at least 41,825 Palestinians have died in Gaza since October 7. Iran’s foreign minister is in Damascus for talks, following Ayatollah Khamenei’s sermon supporting Hezbollah and Hamas. The UK is evacuating citizens from Lebanon. An Israeli strike killed a Hamas commander and his family in north Lebanon. Ava Sinclair 05/10/2024 11:30 am
Former President Trump urged Israel to target Iran’s nuclear facilities, criticizing President Biden’s stance on the issue. Speaking in North Carolina, Trump mocked Biden’s response, suggesting the focus should be on nuclear sites. He emphasized nuclear proliferation as a major risk and highlighted his military investments during his presidency. Trump reiterated these views in a Fox News interview, calling Biden’s approach the “craziest thing” and stressing the importance of addressing nuclear threats. Noah Prescott 05/10/2024 11:30 am
Fatima al-Helali and her family fled Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, crossing into war-torn Syria. Despite Syria’s instability, with millions displaced and severe repression, over 374,000 people, including 90,000 Lebanese, have crossed into Syria recently. The border crossing, bombed by Israel for alleged Hezbollah weapon smuggling, serves as a risky escape route. Fatima and her husband aim to quickly transit through Syria to Jordan, highlighting the dire situation in Lebanon and the desperate measures taken to ensure safety. Noah Prescott 05/10/2024 8:00 am
Torrential rain and landslides in Bosnia and Herzegovina have caused severe flooding, resulting in at least 16 deaths and numerous missing persons, particularly in Jablanica. The region is cut off due to destroyed infrastructure. Homes have been reduced to rubble, and villages are submerged. The cantonal government has requested military assistance, and rescue operations are underway, including helicopter evacuations. This is the worst flooding since 2014. Emergency services face significant challenges accessing affected areas. Noah Prescott 05/10/2024 8:00 am
An Israeli airstrike on a West Bank cafe in Tulkarem killed a family of four and at least 18 Palestinians, marking the deadliest strike in the area since the Israel-Hamas conflict began. The military claimed the attack targeted militants, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad leaders. The Abu Zahra family, living above the cafe, were among the casualties. The strike prompted mass mourning and condemnation, including from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who urged adherence to international law protecting civilians. Ava Sinclair 05/10/2024 4:30 am