Sidon: The Israeli army claimed it killed Hassan Farhat, the commander of Hamas’ Western Sector in Lebanon, in an airstrike on the southern Lebanese city of Sidon.
According to Anadolu Agency, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated that the attack Thursday night targeted Farhat, who was accused of orchestrating several attacks against Israeli forces. Farhat was allegedly responsible for launching rocket attacks towards the Israeli city of Safed on February 14, 2024, which resulted in the death of a soldier and injuries to several others, Adraee added.
US Not Interested in ‘Negotiations About Negotiations’ on Ukraine, Wants to See Progress ‘In Weeks’
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed that significant developments need to occur in the coming weeks to achieve a cease-fire in Ukraine. He emphasized that negotiations will not continue indefinitely. Rubio mentioned at a news conference in Brussels that while talks with both sides are ongoing, a peace deal has not yet been reached. He indicated that progress is expected in the coming weeks.
Germany Criticizes Israel’s Airstrikes on Syrian Territory
Germany has voiced criticism over Israel’s airstrikes on Syrian soil, urging Israel to cease actions that violate international law. At a Berlin news conference, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Amelie Tittel stressed the importance of not compromising Syria’s political stability. Tittel highlighted that military actions on foreign territory should only be taken in self-defense and called for Israel to justify its military measures under international law.
NEWS IN BRIEF
The Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen announced targeting an Israeli military site in Tel Aviv with a drone. A federal judge ruled against the Trump administration’s attempt to dismiss or transfer Turkish student Rumeysa Ozturk’s case to Louisiana, deciding instead to transfer it to Vermont. A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off Papua New Guinea, reported the US Geological Survey. Ukrainian authorities claimed a Russian ballistic missile strike on Kryvyi Rih killed at least 12 and injured over 50. Myanmar identified 180,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh as eligible for repatriation. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated no date has been set for his US visit. NATO’s chief affirmed US tariffs do not violate alliance treaties. Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have killed at least 86 more Palestinians, raising the death toll since October 2023 to 50,609, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Moscow expelled three Moldovan diplomats as a retaliatory measure. US President Donald Trump claimed China “pan
icked” in response to his tariff actions.
BUSINESS and ECONOMY
US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that tariffs announced by President Donald Trump are “larger than expected” and will lead to higher inflation and slower growth. Powell noted the uncertainty of economic effects until more details are clarified. China retaliated with a 34% tariff on US imports in response to Trump’s tariffs, labeling the US move as “bullying” that violates international trade rules.