BEIRUT: At least two people were wounded by Israeli fire in southern Lebanon on Thursday, according to state media. The Israeli military said it had fired at people trying to return to certain areas on the second day of a ceasefire with Hezbollah.
The agreement, brokered by the United States and France, includes an initial two-month ceasefire in which Hezbollah militants are to withdraw north of the Litani River and Israeli forces are to return to their side of the border. The buffer zone would be patrolled by Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said two people were wounded by Israeli fire in Markaba, close to the border, without providing further details. It said Israel fired artillery in three other locations near the border. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
An Associated Press reporter in northern Israel near the border heard Israeli drones buzzing overhead and the sound of artillery strikes from the Lebanese side.
The Israeli military said in a statement that “several suspects were identified arriving with vehicles to a number of areas in southern Lebanon, breaching the conditions of the ceasefire.” It said troops “opened fire toward them” and would “actively enforce violations of the ceasefire agreement.”
Israeli officials have said forces will be withdrawn gradually as it ensures that the agreement is being enforced. Israel has warned people not to return to areas where troops are deployed, and says it reserves the right to strike Hezbollah if it violates the terms of the truce.
A Lebanese military official said Lebanese troops would gradually deploy in the south as Israeli troops withdraw. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief media.
The ceasefire agreement announced late Tuesday ended 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that began a day after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack out of Gaza, when the Lebanese militant group began firing rockets, drones and missiles in solidarity.
Israel retaliated with airstrikes, and the conflict steadily intensified for nearly a year before boiling over into all-out war in mid-September. The war in Gaza is still raging with no end in sight.
More than 3,760 people were killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon during the conflict, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The fighting killed more than 70 people in Israel — over half of them civilians — as well as dozens of Israeli soldiers fighting in southern Lebanon.
Some 1.2 million people were displaced in Lebanon, and thousands began streaming back to their homes on Wednesday despite warnings from the Lebanese military and the Israeli army to stay out of certain areas. Some 50,000 people were displaced on the Israeli side, but few have returned and the communities near the northern border are still largely deserted.
In Menara, an Israeli community on the border with views into Lebanon, around three quarters of homes are damaged, some with collapsed roofs and burnt-out interiors. A few residents could be seen gathering their belongings on Thursday before leaving again.
Lebanon says 2 hurt as Israeli troops fire on people returning south after truce with Hezbollah
https://arab.news/8njp5
Lebanon says 2 hurt as Israeli troops fire on people returning south after truce with Hezbollah
- Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said two people were wounded by Israeli fire in Markaba, close to the border, without providing further details
- It said Israel fired artillery in three other locations near the border
Turkiye says it will closely monitor a Syrian government deal with a Kurdish armed group
- Turkish FM says deal integrating the Kurdish-led SDF into Syria's armed forces looks fine
- But Ankara will watch for potential future provocations that could threaten Turkiye's stability
ISTANBUL: Turkiye’s foreign minister said Friday that Ankara is closely monitoring an agreement between the Syrian government and a US-backed Kurdish-led armed group, expressing concern over potential future provocations and plots that could threaten Turkiye’s security.
Hakan Fidan, speaking in an interview with the Turkish TV100 channel, said Turkiye had relayed its concerns to Syrian officials in a sudden visit to Syria on Thursday.
“If there is an agreement signed with good intentions, let it be done, but there may be some problems or mines planted for the future,” he said. “We as Turkiye are monitoring these very closely.”
The agreement to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, into the Syrian government followed fierce clashes that erupted last week between government security forces and gunmen loyal to ousted leader Bashar Assad.
Fidan said Turkiye does not see the deal as granting autonomy to the SDF. “No one should feel like a minority but should feel like they are a special part of a greater prosperity by benefiting from equal opportunities,” he said.
The SDF is a US-backed Kurdish military alliance in northeastern Syria that has a presence in most of the territory in that part of the country.
Turkiye designates the SDF and its military arm, the People’s Protection Units, or YPG, as terrorist organizations because of their links to the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party.
Addressing a question on whether the YPG and SDF could be integrated into the Syrian army without laying down arms, Fidan said the issue had been discussed with the new Syrian leaders, including interim leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa. He said Turkiye’s top intelligence officials were also present and that Turkiye would remain vigilant in assessing any progress on the issue.
Fidan said Al-Sharaa assured him that the articles in the deal would call for the YPG to be fully integrated into the Syrian army.
Al-Sharaa “actually said that the current articles (are aligned with Turkish interests).” ... The agreement made will completely include the YPG in the army.”
“Essentially, what we have been saying from the very beginning is this: The new Syrian administration must take the initiative to end the YPG occupation and piracy,” Fidan said, referring to the continued presence of the group in the area.
Fidan added that Turkiye would keep a close watch on developments, stressing that “life should return to normal” for all communities in Syria, including Kurds, Arabs, Turkmens, Christians and Alawites.
G7 calls for resumption of ‘unhindered’ aid for Gaza
- “Hamas was told in no uncertain terms that this ‘bridge’ would have to be implemented soon — and that dual US Israeli citizen Edan Alexander would have to be released immediately,” the statement said
CHARLEVOIX, Canada: The G7 on Friday called for the resumption of “unhindered” humanitarian aid for Gaza.
In a final statement from their foreign ministers in Canada, the group of powerful democracies “reaffirmed their support for the resumption of unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza and for a permanent ceasefire.”
The White House, meanwhile, accused Hamas on Friday of making “entirely impractical” demands and stalling on a deal to release a US Israeli hostage in exchange for an extension of the Gaza ceasefire.
FASTFACT
The White House accused Hamas on Friday of making ‘entirely impractical’ demands and stalling on a deal to release a US Israeli hostage in exchange for an extension of the Gaza ceasefire.
“Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not,” a statement from the office of President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and the US National Security Council said.
“Hamas is well aware of the deadline, and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes,” it said, adding that Trump had already vowed Hamas would “pay a severe price” for not freeing hostages.
Witkoff presented a “bridge” proposal in Qatar on Wednesday to extend the first phase of the truce to mid-April if Hamas releases living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
“Hamas was told in no uncertain terms that this ‘bridge’ would have to be implemented soon — and that dual US Israeli citizen Edan Alexander would have to be released immediately,” the statement said.
“Unfortunately, Hamas has chosen to respond by publicly claiming flexibility while privately making demands that are entirely impractical without a permanent ceasefire,” it added.
Bahrain set to launch first locally developed satellite
- Project spearheaded by National Space Science Agency
MANAMA: Bahrain is set to launch Al-Munther on Saturday, its first domestically designed and developed satellite.
The project is spearheaded by the National Space Science Agency and marks a milestone for Bahrain’s space ambitions.
The craft, a 3U CubeSat, is the first satellite in the region to integrate artificial intelligence for onboard image processing, setting a new benchmark for technological innovation.
Equipped with advanced payloads, it features an Earth observation camera, a cybersecurity system, and a unique broadcast function that will transmit Bahrain’s national anthem and a message from King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa from space.
The satellite will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 550 km and is expected to have a two-year lifespan.
It is scheduled for launch onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex in California.
Al-Munther, which means herald or messenger, symbolizes Bahrain’s forward-looking vision and commitment to innovation, and highlights its dedication to building a sustainable space infrastructure, fostering research and development, and inspiring future generations to pursue advancements in science and technology.
Lebanon pushes social safety net plan
- Protecting the poor is essential for civic stability, prime minister tells major dialogue
BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Friday the government’s top priority is to restore confidence in the country by prioritizing social policies and economic reforms.
The remarks came at an expanded meeting at the Grand Serail, Salam’s official residence, on social safety nets in Lebanon, under the theme “The Next Phase of Reform.”
The event, organized by Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed, drew numerous diplomats and officials from UN-affiliated agencies.
FASTFACT
Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine introduced the ‘Aqwa’ program in collaboration with UNICEF. It provide support for children who were injured during the recent war in southern Lebanon.
Salam underscored Lebanon’s profound ongoing social crisis, saying stability could not be maintained without addressing social issues.
He said poverty rates were already high before the recent war between Israel and Hezbollah, reaching a nationwide 44 percent.
Young children are the most vulnerable, with their poverty rates surging to unprecedented levels.
The prime minister added that food insecurity and limited access to healthcare remain significant risks.
In a statement, his government committed to establishing a comprehensive social protection system and to increase social spending.
According to the proposals, the government — through the Ministry of Social Affairs — will implement the National Social Protection Strategy. This involves strengthening social safety nets, including for those in poverty and needing disability support programs.
The government said it aims to ensure adequate healthcare coverage for the most vulnerable through primary healthcare centers, secure the minimum educational requirements for children and adolescents in public schools and vocational institutions, and support the poor in integrating into the labor market through economic inclusion programs.
Salam, who previously pledged that his government was committed to implementing reforms, reiterated on Friday his desire first to enact change in the National Social Security Fund.
“We are committed to ensuring the highest levels of transparency and accountability in our programs,” he said.
Currently, social assistance covers only 55 percent of Lebanon’s poor.
Approximately 800,000 Lebanese, or 166,000 families, receive support through the Aman program.
Around 20,000 people with disabilities benefit from a cash allowance program, and approximately 170,000 people receive emergency cash assistance.
Social Affairs Minister Sayed stated that her ministry aims to “expand direct cash support, strengthen ties with social services, build institutional capacity and infrastructure, and enhance coordination and system alignment.”
She added: “Due to the rising poverty rates following the recent war, the poor are facing severe food insecurity, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare.
“Children under the age of 5 are at the greatest risk, suffering from alarmingly high poverty rates and receiving the least coverage through social safety nets.”
Under the slogan “The government’s commitment to increasing social protection spending from the state budget,” Sayyed announced the launch of the reform workshop in collaboration with the prime minister’s office.
Her ministry will also activate the Social Safety Net Task Force to enhance collaboration among ministries and partners, improve internal systems, and upgrade development service centers.
It will also propose a Social Safety Nets Law to ensure the long-term viability of the reform efforts.
In a related move, Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine introduced the “Aqwa” program (Arabic for “stronger”) in collaboration with UNICEF.
This program aims to provide support and care for children who were injured during the recent war in southern Lebanon.
It will be implemented in partnership with the International Network for Aid Relief and Assistance and the Ghassan Abu Sittah Children’s Fund.
According to the Health Ministry, around 1,500 children have sustained severe and moderate injuries, many of whom require reconstructive surgeries and ongoing mental healthcare.
Nasreddine emphasized the immense suffering of these children, highlighting both the number and the severity of their injuries.
He underscored that the launch of the program is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding everything that the war has destroyed, both in terms of infrastructure and human lives.
“The program goes beyond traditional surgical interventions to encompass mental health services, physical therapy, and reconstructive surgeries, among other critical care for children under 18,” he added.
At the end of last February, UNICEF released a report revealing the devastating impact of the recent war on children, which affected almost every aspect of their lives. Many urgently require support to heal, rebuild their lives, and cope with the lasting effects of this conflict, the UN body said.
White House says Hamas making ‘very bad bet’ in Gaza talks
- “Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not,” a statement said
- “Hamas is well aware of the deadline, and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes“
WASHINGTON: The White House accused Hamas on Friday of making “entirely impractical” demands and stalling on a deal to release a US-Israeli hostage in exchange for an extension of the Gaza ceasefire.
“Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not,” a statement from the office of President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and the US National Security Council said.
“Hamas is well aware of the deadline, and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes,” it said, adding that Trump had already vowed Hamas would “pay a severe price” for not freeing hostages.
Hamas said earlier on Friday it was ready to free an Israeli-American hostage and the remains of four others, after the Palestinian militants and Israel resumed indirect Gaza ceasefire negotiations.
Witkoff presented a “bridge” proposal in Qatar on Wednesday to extend the first phase of the truce to mid-April if Hamas releases living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
“Hamas was told in no uncertain terms that this ‘bridge’ would have to be implemented soon — and that dual US-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander would have to be released immediately,” the statement said.
“Unfortunately, Hamas has chosen to respond by publicly claiming flexibility while privately making demands that are entirely impractical without a permanent ceasefire,” it added.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asked if the United States was prioritizing the release of the American hostage, said: “We care about all the hostages.”
“We’re acting like this is a normal exchange, this is a normal thing that happens. This is an outrage. So they should all be released,” Rubio told reporters after Group of Seven talks in Canada.
“I’m not going to comment on what we’re going to accept and not accept, other than that all of us — the whole world — should continue to say that what Hamas has done is outrageous, it’s ridiculous, it’s sick, it’s disgusting,” he said.
