The directors at the Ministry of Finance suspended their strike this evening and issued a statement calling for rising above the wounds temporarily and returning to work starting Monday morning to complete the salary payment process.

On the ground, Israel continues its war on southern Lebanon, but so far, the conflict remains under control. In response, Hezbollah targeted Israeli soldiers, sites, and gatherings, causing direct and accurate injuries.

Amidst no significant progress on the presidential front, Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi stated in a sermon during Sunday Mass at Our Lady's Church in the Patriarchal Headquarters in Bkerke that reconciliation and peace, inherently noble, are the only way out of the presidential election crisis. He praised and thanked all efforts towards electing a president through reconciliation and peace, singling out the Five Ambassadors Committee and the Moderates Gathering.

Metropolitan Elias Audi, head of the Beirut and its surroundings for the Greek Orthodox Church, presided over Mass at Saint George's Cathedral, attended by a crowd of believers.

He emphasized the importance of unity among officials, leaders, and all citizens for Lebanon's sake. Lebanon needs collective efforts to save it, with the primary responsibility being the election of a president to lead the rescue operation.

Regionally, the war in Gaza continues into its 149th day, with over 30,000 casualties thus far. International mediators rush to broker a ceasefire before Ramadan, as negotiations begin in Cairo involving delegations from Hamas, Qatar, and the United States.

Today, 14 people, mostly children, were killed and others injured due to an Israeli army attack on the Abu Anza family home in the Al-Salam neighborhood of Rafah. Civil defense teams managed to rescue survivors from the rubble of the four-story building.

According to Hamas sources, a ceasefire agreement in Gaza could be reached within "24 to 48 hours" if Israel agrees to Palestinian demands. A high-level Egyptian source confirmed Egypt's intensive efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza before Ramadan. Similarly, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that concerted efforts are being made to reach a ceasefire in Gaza before Ramadan.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office instructed the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, not to assist in Defense Minister Benny Gantz's visit to Washington, claiming it contradicts government regulations.

In this context, Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasim Mohammed Al-Bedaiwi urged the international community to take a firm stance to resolve the Gaza crisis. He emphasized GCC countries' solidarity with the Palestinian people and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, aid delivery, and halting crimes against them. Meanwhile, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stated that the only solution to the ongoing conflict is the establishment of a Palestinian state, noting the serious regional ramifications of the Gaza crisis.

In an exclusive interview with Russian outlet "Soloviev Live," Syrian President Bashar al-Assad affirmed Syria's clear stance on Russian presidential candidates, supporting those who fought terrorism on Syrian soil. He also expressed belief that former US President Donald Trump will win the upcoming US presidential election.

On another note, Sudanese National Security Advisor Ahmed Hassan Mohamed told "WSJ" that Iran requested permission from the Sudanese army to build a base on the Red Sea, which Sudan rejected.

Regarding developments in the Red Sea, the Italian Ministry of Defense announced that one of its destroyers shot down a drone targeting it in the Red Sea, as the Houthis intensify attacks on ships associated with Israel in support of Gaza. Additionally, the British Foreign Office stressed the right to respond to Houthi attacks on ships.

Internationally, Pope Francis called for ensuring "safe access" to humanitarian aid for Gaza residents amid Israel's ongoing devastating airstrikes and the looming threat of famine, according to the United Nations. Following the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, the Pope expressed his daily concern and pain for the suffering of Palestinians and Israelis due to the ongoing conflict, urging an end to it.

According to a survey conducted by The Wall Street Journal, a majority of Americans believe that Israel has gone too far in its war against Hamas in response to the October 7, 2023 attack.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office stated that a planned event with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Canada was canceled due to protests in support of Palestine.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stated that Venezuelan citizens took to the streets to condemn the "aggression and genocide" committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.

Economically,the Beirut Stock Exchange recorded the following:

Solidere A:

74.00 -3.70 (-4.76%)

Solidere B:

74.00 -0.75 (-1.00%)

Economically ,this is what the global markets recorded:

Americas

INDU:IND
DOW JONES INDUS. AVG 39,131.53 +62.42
SPX:IND
S&P 500 INDEX 5,088.80 +1.77
CCMP:IND
NASDAQ COMPOSITE 15,996.82 -44.80
NYA:IND
NYSE COMPOSITE INDEX 17,616.02 +50.95
SPTSX:IND
S&P/TSX COMPOSITE INDEX 21,413.15 +95.07

Europe, Middle East & Africa

SX5E:IND
Euro Stoxx 50 Pr 4,872.57 +17.21
UKX:IND
FTSE 100 INDEX 7,706.28 +21.79
DAX:IND
DAX INDEX 17,419.33 +48.88
CAC:IND
CAC 40 INDEX 7,966.68 +55.08
IBEX:IND
IBEX 35 INDEX 10,130.60 -8.30
Asia Pacific

NKY:IND
NIKKEI 225 39,098.68 +836.52
TPX:IND
TOPIX INDEX (TOKYO) 2,660.71 +33.41
HSI:IND
HANG SENG INDEX 16,725.86 -17.09
SHSZ300:IND
CSI 300 INDEX 3,489.74 +3.07
AS51:IND
S&P/ASX 200 INDEX 7,643.59 +32.34
MXAP:IND
MSCI AC ASIA PACIFIC 173.01 +0.13

Bank Audi SAL

Latest Trade
2.35 USD
Today's Range
2.35 - 2.35

52 Week Range
1.50 - 2.40

Previous Close
2.35
Open
2.35
Volume
1,350.00
3 Month Average Trading Volume
0.02

Oil Prices:

WTI CRUDE
79.97 +2.19%

BRENT CRUDE
83.55 +2.00%

MURBAN CRUDE
83.56 +1.63%

NATURAL GAS
1.835 -1.34%