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The LeadIsrael has launched another series of air strikes on southern Lebanon, a day after the two countries agreed to extend a ceasefire deal for a further 45 days following talks in Washington. Despite the diplomatic progress, the ceasefire has never been observed in practice, with continued military actions and forced displacements reported in the region.Continued Military Actions Despite Diplomatic ProgressLebanon's state-run National News Agency reported strikes on at least five villages in the south on Saturday, while the Israeli army issued new forced displacement orders for nine villages in southern Lebanon near Sidon and Nabatieh, including Qaaqaaiyet, al-Snoubar, Kaouthariyet al-Saiyad, al-Marwaniyah, al-Ghassaniyah and more.On Saturday morning, Israeli warplanes also launched air attacks on the town of Yohmor al-Shaqif in southern Lebanon. The towns of Kfar Tebnit, Arnoun, as well as the Arnoun-Kfar Tebnit road, have also come under heavy artillery bombardment, as the Israeli military claimed to have struck "Hezbollah infrastructure sites in several areas in southern Lebanon".Human Cost of the ConflictIsraeli attacks have killed more than 2,900 people in Lebanon since the start of the war, including more than 500 since the truce took effect, according to Lebanese authorities. The continued military actions have created a humanitarian crisis in southern Lebanon, with thousands of displaced civilians facing uncertain conditions.Regional Implications of the Fragile TruceThis situation occurs after envoys from Israel and Lebanon held negotiations in Washington following the first direct talks in decades between the two countries, which do not have diplomatic relations. Hezbollah opposes the negotiations, especially as Israeli forces continue to bomb southern Lebanon and occupy parts of it since the ceasefire, in theory, took effect on April 17.Lebanon's negotiating delegation in Washington welcomed the 45-day extension of the truce with Israel, as the Lebanese presidency stated: "The extension of the ceasefire and the establishment of a US-facilitated security track provide critical breathing space for our citizens, reinforce state institutions, and advance a political pathway toward lasting stability."Future Outlook for the ConflictAl Jazeera's Obaida Hitto, reporting from Tyre, southern Lebanon, noted: "Today, there have been artillery strikes in the eastern part of the country, in Yohmor and Kherbet Qanafar. This is an indication that the ceasefire is a ceasefire in name only." He added that people in southern Lebanon remain concerned about further escalation, particularly given that Israel used the previous phase of the ceasefire to escalate and increase its attacks.The disconnect between diplomatic agreements and on-the-ground realities suggests that the path to lasting peace remains uncertain, with potential for further violence despite diplomatic efforts.

The Lebanon Ceasefire Extension Lebanon has welcomed an agreement with Israel to extend a fragile ceasefire by 45 days beyond Sunday's deadline following talks in the United States. The ceasefire extension comes as Israeli forces continued attacks on towns and villages in southern Lebanon, resulting in at least 12 people killed on Friday, including three paramedics. Iran's Openness to US Talks Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said during a BRICS meeting that Tehran had received communication from the administration of US President Donald Trump indicating openness to new negotiations aimed at ending the war. However, Araghchi noted a 'deadlock' remained over the issue of Iran's enriched nuclear material. The US Proposal Trump suggested he could be open to Iran placing its civilian nuclear programme on hold for two decades, provided Tehran demonstrates a genuine commitment to a broader agreement. Key Developments Iran open to China's help: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US had sent messages indicating it was willing to continue talks, and that he was open to any support – including from China. Tehran details toll of attacks on Iranian capital: The municipal government said US-Israeli attacks during the war caused at least 650 impact incidents across the capital, killing more than 1,260 people and wounding at least 2,800. More ships pass through Hormuz: Iran is allowing more ships to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, state television has reported, because 'many countries have accepted the new legal protocols' it has put in place. War Diplomacy China signals likely veto on Hormuz resolution: China's UN envoy Fu Cong criticised a proposed US-backed Security Council resolution on the Strait of Hormuz as 'not right' in both timing and content, signalling Beijing would likely oppose the measure alongside Russia. Israel, Lebanon extend ceasefire: Lebanon and Israel on Friday extended a ceasefire for 45 days, despite a new flare-up in violence, the US State Department said after mediating talks. Lebanon sees path to 'lasting stability': Lebanon's delegation at the talks in Washington said on Friday that the truce extension and the establishment of a US-facilitated security track pave the way for 'lasting stability'. The Impact on the Region The ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts have significant implications for the region, with Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health reporting Israeli attacks have killed at least 2,951 people and wounded 8,988 others since renewed air raids and the ground invasion began on March 2. The Future Outlook The extension of the ceasefire and the signals of openness to talks between Iran and the US may pave the way for a de-escalation of tensions in the region. However, the situation remains fragile, and the impact of the conflict on civilians continues to be a major concern.

The Announcement and Its Immediate ContextPresident Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that a joint U.S. and Nigerian operation had killed Abu‑Bilal al‑Minuki, described as ISIL’s global second‑in‑command. The statement, released on May 16, 2026, frames the strike as a decisive blow against the “most active terrorist in the world.”Joint US‑Nigeria Operation Targets ISIL’s Global DeputyThe mission, described as “meticulously planned and very complex,” combined American special‑operations assets with Nigerian armed forces. While operational details remain classified, the collaboration follows months of heightened U.S. engagement in the Sahel, including troop deployments and intelligence sharing.Sanctions, Funding, and the Financial Footprint of al‑MinukiAl‑Minuki has been on the U.S. sanctions list since 2023, restricting his ability to move money internationally. The State Department previously identified him as a senior leader in ISIL’s General Directorate of Provinces, a unit that channels “operational guidance and funding around the world.” Removing him may disrupt cash flows that sustain affiliate networks in Africa.Strategic Ripple Effects for ISIL’s Sahel NetworkAnalysts note that the Sahel remains ISIL’s most fertile recruiting ground. The loss of a high‑level coordinator could hamper command‑and‑control links between the core organization and regional cells, potentially reducing the frequency of cross‑border attacks. However, the group’s decentralized structure may allow other lieutenants to fill the gap.What the Killing Means for Future US‑Africa Counter‑TerrorismThe strike underscores a deepening U.S. security partnership with Nigeria, which has hosted hundreds of American advisors since early 2026. Expect continued joint training, intelligence exchanges, and targeted operations aimed at dismantling remaining ISIL leadership in the region.

The Deadly Air Strikes on Gaza At least seven Palestinians have been killed and dozens injured in two Israeli air strikes on a residential building and a civilian vehicle in Gaza City, according to medical sources. Targeting a Hamas Member Israel said it carried out a strike on Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the head of the armed wing of Hamas in Gaza, claiming he was one of the architects of the October 7 attacks. The Casualties and Damage Medical sources reported that three victims were killed in a strike on a civilian vehicle, and four others died in an attack on a building in the Rimal neighbourhood. Three women and a child were among the dead, with at least 45 others injured, several in critical condition. The Context of Nakba Day The deaths occurred on the 78th anniversary of the Nakba, a day of remembrance for the estimated 750,000 Palestinians expelled from their homes during the 1948 war due to the creation of Israel. The Ongoing Conflict Despite a ceasefire established last October, close to 850 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks, according to Gaza's health ministry. The Future Outlook The continued violence raises concerns about the prospects for peace in the region, with many Palestinians feeling that the ceasefire has brought little relief.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed a response on May 15, 2026 after a Russian missile flattened a nine‑storey apartment block in Kyiv’s Darnytskyi district, killing at least 24 people, including three children. He said the attacks on Russia’s oil and military facilities were “entirely justified” and warned that Moscow’s strikes would not go unpunished. The Deadly Strike on Kyiv’s Darnytskyi District The strike, described by Ukraine’s air force as the largest aerial assault since the war began, hit a residential building in the capital, prompting a day of mourning and a solemn ceremony in Kyiv. Casualties and Immediate Military Response 24 civilians killed in Kyiv, including 3 children. Ukrainian forces reported a retaliatory long‑range drone attack on Russian energy and military sites on the same day. In Russia’s Ryazan region, a drone strike killed 4 people, including a child, and damaged one of the country’s largest oil refineries. Escalation of Ukraine’s Long‑Range Counter‑Strikes Zelenskyy said he had discussed “long‑range strikes” with senior military, security and intelligence officials, targeting more than 20 decision‑making centres across Ukraine, as well as his own office and state residence. Implications for Peace Talks and Regional Stability The attack comes after a recent three‑day ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, during which 205 prisoners of war were exchanged. Both sides had pledged to release up to 1,000 prisoners each, but the new violence threatens to stall further negotiations. Outlook: Continued Conflict Amid Diplomatic Efforts While Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested the war was nearing its end, Zelenskyy dismissed the claim, indicating that Ukraine will continue to target Russian infrastructure. The cycle of retaliation suggests that any near‑term peace settlement remains uncertain.

Second Day of U.S.-Facilitated Israel‑Lebanon TalksDelegations from Israel and Lebanon reconvened at the State Department on Friday, marking the third round of direct talks this year. Both sides arrived with senior envoys—Lebanon’s Presidential Special Envoy Simon Karam and Israel’s Deputy National Security Adviser Yossi Draznin—and are expected to continue the eight‑hour dialogue that began Thursday.Casualty Toll and Recent Military Actions7 civilians killed in southern Lebanon on Friday, including two victims of a drone strike in Nabatieh.3 additional deaths in Harouf and 2 in Tabeen.Injuries: 37 people wounded in Tyre district.Since the March 2 resurgence, Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reports 2,951 Lebanese deaths.Israeli losses: 20 troops killed, including one soldier on Friday.Core Points of Contention in the NegotiationsLebanon insists on a full halt to Israeli strikes and an end to what it calls occupation, while Israel emphasizes the disarmament of Iran‑backed Hezbollah and explores a possible normalization framework. The United States, under President Donald Trump, is urging progress before the U.S.-brokered cease‑fire, set to expire on Sunday, lapses.Regional Implications of the Ongoing ConflictThe continuation of hostilities despite the cease‑fire threatens to destabilize southern Lebanon and could draw neighboring states into a broader confrontation. Persistent drone attacks and forced evacuations heighten humanitarian concerns and complicate diplomatic efforts.Outlook: What the Next Steps May HoldAnalysts expect the talks to focus on immediate humanitarian corridors and a mechanism to monitor cease‑fire violations. A failure to reach a provisional agreement before the cease‑fire deadline could reignite full‑scale operations, while a breakthrough could pave the way for a longer‑term framework addressing Hezbollah’s armament and cross‑border security.

The Historical Reckoning: US and the Nakba Washington, DC – It is a question that reaches a fever pitch this time of year for Palestinian survivors and rights advocates: Can the United States government create just policy in the Middle East without a full accounting — or recognition — of Palestinian history? Thursday marks the annual day of remembrance for the Nakba, a period that began in 1948 with the mass expulsion of Palestinians and the creation of the state of Israel. Since then, Palestinians have endured decades of displacement and ethnic cleansing. But the US government does not recognise the Nakba, which translates to the "catastrophe" in Arabic, even as it continues to assert gargantuan influence over the region and maintains ironclad support for the Israeli government. The Nakba: A Historical Overview Under the second administration of President Donald Trump, the US has taken a further active role in Palestinian affairs, establishing the controversial "Board of Peace" to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza, even as it continues to take a permissive approach towards Israel's actions in the region. When faced with the question of whether the US can responsibly address Palestinian issues without acknowledging the Nakba, Khaled Elgindy, a senior fellow at the Quincy Institute, believes the answer is simple: No. "If you only acknowledge the humanity and suffering of one side, that forces you also to ignore historical realities that are still with us today," he told Al Jazeera. Elgindy said "political amnesia" has long defined the US government's approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Human Cost: Numbers and Impact For decades, the US has supported Israel with billions in foreign assistance and military aid, despite the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory and a system of segregation that rights groups say constitutes apartheid. Since October 7, 2023, Israel's war in Gaza has killed at least 75,000 Palestinians. Elgindy told Al Jazeera that the US has played a key role in underwriting the conflict. "For better or worse, mostly for worse, the United States is inextricably tied to the Palestinian issue," Elgindy said. A fundamental – if long delayed – corrective step would be recognition of the Nakba, he said. "It is a historical reality that Palestinians have a collective trauma that is part of their identity and part of their political psychology." The Legislative Push: Tlaib's Resolution On Thursday, US Representative Rashida Tlaib introduced a resolution to officially recognise "the ongoing Nakba and Palestinian refugees' rights". It was the fifth consecutive time she has put forward the bill, with the latest version carrying 12 co-sponsors, up from six when it was first introduced in 2022. In a video conference this week, she explained that it was necessary to draw attention to the Nakba, given that the human rights abuses against Palestinians continue. "Too many of my colleagues in Congress like to act like … the state violence against the Palestinian people began with [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu," Tlaib said. "We know that Palestinian history has been one of the ongoing Nakba and the ethnic cleansing campaign since the creation [of Israel] in 1948." All told, about 750,000 Palestinians were violently expelled during the Nakba, displaced to refugee camps across the West Bank, Gaza and neighbouring Arab countries. About 400 cities and villages were depopulated, with massacres committed in Balad al-Sheikh, Saasaa, Deir Yassin, Saliha and Lydda, among others. Shifting Attitudes in American Politics Like in past years, Tlaib's latest legislative effort is largely symbolic, with little chance of progressing in Congress, which remains predominantly pro-Israel. Still, the latest resolution comes amid signs of shifting public awareness, with polls showing increasing sympathy for Palestinians and a rise in negative views towards Israel's government. Polls have shown tanking support for Israel, particularly among Democrats, amid the war in Gaza. Attitudes in Congress have also shown significant, if more incremental, signs of change. Though support for Israel was once considered sacrosanct, legislation to block arms sales to the country has garnered growing support. In April, 40 Democrats in the 100-member Senate voted to block the sale of military bulldozers to Israel, a tool in the ongoing occupation of the Palestinian territories. While legislation to prevent the sale did not pass, advocates hailed the tally as "historic". Thirty members of Congress also challenged the longstanding US policy of "official ambiguity" towards Israel's alleged nuclear programme, a subject that had been seen as off limits for decades. The Historical Context: From Truman to Today Even acknowledging the Nakba on the May 15 anniversary remains controversial. The United Nations held its first-ever commemoration of the Nakba in 2023, marking the 75th anniversary. The US, the United Kingdom, Germany and 30 other countries had voted against a UN resolution recognising the event, though. The US subsequently did not attend the proceedings, with a spokesperson pointing to "longstanding concerns over anti-Israel bias within the UN system". Elgindy pointed out that, in the 1940s and 50s, President Harry Truman "spoke out about the terrorism and terror inflicted by Jewish militias and underground groups", even as his government was the first to recognise the state of Israel. Truman's administration, for instance, supported UN General Assembly Resolution 194, which established a so-called "right to return" for displaced Palestinian refugees – approximately six million are registered with UNRWA today. But Elgindy explained that, broadly speaking, the US acknowledgement of the Nakba declined in parallel with an increasingly full-bore embrace of Israel, beginning most forcefully under President Lyndon B Johnson in the 1960s. The Future Outlook: Recognition and Beyond Supporters of Tlaib's resolution have argued that its significance is as much practical as symbolic. "If policymakers don't factor in the Nakba and remedying it to the extent that it can be remedied today, they're simply going to be perpetuating an unjust status quo," Ruebner said. "Without understanding the crux of the matter, it's almost like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole." The Arab Center's Munayyer agreed that recognition "sets an example for things that we should be doing, not just in terms of recognising the past but also recognising the moment". "It shouldn't take us 80 years to recognise the Nakba in Palestine, and it shouldn't take us another 80 years to recognise the genocide that's taking place in Gaza," he said.

A vehicle laden with explosives rammed the gate of a Pakistani security compound in Bajaur district on Thursday, killing eight to nine paramilitary officers and wounding dozens. The attack, claimed by the Afghan‑based Pakistan Taliban (TTP), revives fears that the fragile ceasefire between Islamabad and Kabul could collapse.The Suicide Vehicle Bomb at Bajaur OutpostSecurity sources said an armed group drove an explosive‑filled vehicle into the gate of the outpost, detonated a "huge explosion," and then opened indiscriminate fire on the compound. The blast was felt in markets more than 20 kilometres (12 miles) away, and most of the outpost’s structures were destroyed or charred.Casualties and Material Damage: Numbers from the Blast8‑9 Pakistani paramilitary officers killed.~35 security personnel wounded.At least 10 attackers killed.Roads around the compound were shut down and the area was surrounded by Pakistani troops.Escalating Tensions Between Islamabad and KabulThe attack adds to a string of recent cross‑border incidents that have already claimed more than 20 lives in the region. Since February, friction has escalated into open clashes, a temporary Eid‑al‑Fitr pause in March, and renewed violence despite China‑brokered talks in April. The United Nations reports that the conflict has killed at least 372 Afghan civilians and injured nearly 400 in the first three months of 2026, underscoring the humanitarian toll.What the Next Weeks Could Hold for the CeasefireBoth governments have reiterated a desire to avoid further escalation, but the lack of a formal ceasefire agreement leaves the border volatile. If diplomatic channels fail to produce a binding pact, the region could see a resurgence of larger‑scale attacks, prompting heightened military deployments and potentially drawing regional powers into mediation efforts.

Finland Standdown Follows Drone Scare Amid Regional TensionsFinland has stood down its defence forces after sounding an alarm over suspected drone activities in its airspace. The authorities said on Friday that suspected drone activity above the Helsinki region no longer posed a threat and that the situation was returning to normal hours after launching an emergency response, including the launch of fighter jets and closure of the capital's airport.Emergency Response Measures in HelsinkiThe Helsinki City Rescue Department had warned the nearly 2 million inhabitants of Finland's Uusimaa region to stay indoors starting about 4am local time (1:00 GMT), as fighter jets were scrambled. Helsinki's airport was also closed for about three hours. Later, President Alexander Stubb wrote on X that authorities had "demonstrated their readiness and capacity to react", adding that the country was now facing "no direct military threat".Kimmo Kohvakka, director general for rescue services at the Ministry of the Interior, called the response a "precautionary measure" and said "daily life can continue."Rising Regional Security ConcernsThe alarm illustrates the tension stalking the region as Finland and the Baltic states eye Russian aggression and daily missile and drone attacks amid Moscow's continued war on Ukraine.The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have reported a series of suspected Ukrainian drones headed for Russia entering their airspace, prompting domestic criticism over their ability to respond to military threats.In March, two drones crossed into Finnish territory and crashed after flying low over the sea and southeastern Finland. Finnish authorities did not indicate the source of Friday's drone activity. However, defence forces operations chief Kari Nisula suggested that Finland had received information from Ukraine about drones potentially straying into the country.Political Fallout in LatviaThe situation has led to a full-blown government crisis in Latvia. Prime Minister Evika Silina resigned on Thursday after a coalition partner pulled support. The move followed the ousting of the defence minister after a drone crashed at a fuel storage facility.Escalating Drone WarfareThe incident in Finnish airspace unfolded as Ukraine maintained its drone attacks on Russian oil and energy infrastructure, and Kyiv continued counting the costs of a huge strike that killed two dozen people.Russia's Ministry of Defence said on Friday that its air defence systems shot down 355 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow overnight, as well as the border regions of Belgorod, Bryansk and Kursk.Among the targets was an oil refinery in the central city of Ryazan, about 200km (125 miles) southeast of Moscow, according to the commander of Ukraine's drone forces. The attack killed three people and wounded 12, regional Governor Pavel Malkov wrote on Telegram. Two high-rise apartment buildings were struck, he said, while debris fell on the grounds of an industrial enterprise.Civilian Casualties MountMeanwhile in Kyiv, the death toll from a Russian barrage on an apartment building on Thursday rose to at least 24 people, including three children, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Forty-eight people were wounded.Diplomatic Developments Amid ConflictAmid the ongoing violence, Russia and Ukraine have moved ahead with a prisoner swap that saw 205 POWs repatriated on each side on Friday. It was the first step of a swap that is planned to ultimately see 1,000 people on each side return home.The two sides also conducted an exchange of those killed in the fighting, with Russia handing 526 bodies to Ukraine and receiving 41 in return. Both Kyiv and Moscow thanked the United Arab Emirates for mediating the swap.Zelenskyy wrote on social media that most of the prisoners returned to Ukraine had been in Russian captivity since 2022. "We will continue to fight for every single person who remains in captivity," he said.