"Mays Al-Jabal, Hula, Tallet Hamamseh, Ash-Shandeibah, Ad-Dahaira, and the outskirts of the town of Tyre Harfa, the surroundings of Tal Al-Roueissah, and Wadi Al-Jamal, the outskirts of the town of Marwahin... Southern regions continue to witness the scene of Israeli artillery shelling. In response, Hezbollah delivered a resolute reply by striking strategic locations and causing direct casualties, such as Malikia, Hanita, and Al-Aasi, targeting Israeli troops around the Haddb Al-Bustan and Al-Manara sites.

In a regular cabinet session, Prime Minister Najib Mikati affirmed that "Lebanon is under international legitimacy," urging those who criticize the government's role to expedite presidential elections. He also pointed out the financial incentives for the public sector in the upcoming session.

On his part, the Minister of Information announced the rejection of three laws related to rents and schools, without discussing the appointment of a Chief of Staff. He clarified that Mikati is awaiting a response from the Defense Minister regarding the appointment of a new Chief of Staff, emphasizing that the matter is not complicated at this point.

Regionally, the devastating war in Gaza entered its 98th day, with Israel continuing its airstrikes and indiscriminate artillery shelling in various areas. Large numbers of displaced people are accumulating in the northern part of the sector amid deteriorating conditions.

In a "global military development," the United States and Britain launched strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen in the early hours of Friday, responding to their attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea over weeks in solidarity with Gaza, which is facing a war with Israel.

In a joint statement, the US, Britain, and eight allied nations emphasized that the strikes aim to "de-escalate tensions and restore stability to the Red Sea." President Biden warned the Houthis of additional measures, stating, "I will not hesitate to issue directives for further direct actions to protect our people and ensure freedom of movement for international trade when needed."

Following the strikes, the Deputy Foreign Minister in the Houthi government, Hussein Al-Azzi, vowed retaliation, stating, "Our country has been subjected to a widespread aggressive attack by American and British ships, submarines, and warplanes... America and Britain must be prepared to pay a hefty price."

Meanwhile, Oman criticized the resort to "friendly countries" for military action against Yemen. In a series of reactions to the recent military action, Iran condemned the strikes as arbitrary and a clear violation of Yemen's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international laws and norms.

On Telegram, Hamas strongly condemned the overt American and British aggression on Yemen, holding them responsible for its repercussions on regional security. Saudi Arabia expressed "grave concern," calling for restraint and emphasizing the importance of stability in the region.

Simultaneously, the UAE's foreign ministry emphasized that attacks on maritime navigation represent an unacceptable threat to global trade, regional security, and international interests.

Turkish President Erdogan stated, "All these actions constitute a disproportionate use of force," accusing the West of desiring to "create a bloodbath in the Red Sea." France considered the Houthi rebels in Yemen responsible for regional escalation.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all involved parties to "refrain from escalating the situation further for peace and stability in the Red Sea and the region."

In a related context, the head of the Suez Canal Authority denied the suspension of navigation in the canal due to developments in the Red Sea, confirming that navigation is regular in both directions."

While some see the United States' move at this time as a demonstration of its primary guarantor role and a commitment to maintaining regional security and stability, positioning itself as a key player in the military initiative after a series of setbacks from Afghanistan to Syria and Iraq, others believe that this limited and targeted intervention won't deter the Houthis from further strikes. The evidence lies in their targeting of a new ship less than 24 hours after the U.S. strikes. However, these circles attribute these strikes to the Biden administration's need to improve its domestic position, preparing for the official start of the presidential election season.

A third perspective suggests that the U.S.-British intervention is appeasement to Israel, serving as an indirect alternative to direct field involvement alongside the Israeli army in the ongoing battle in Gaza, sending a distant message of support.

With the death toll rising to 23,708 due to Israel's "intense" military operation in Gaza, Israel informed the International Court of Justice that it does not seek to destroy the Palestinian people but rather defends itself from charges of committing "genocidal acts" deemed "malicious" and a "distortion of facts."

Tal Becker, the lead attorney defending Israel in court, stated that South Africa "unfortunately presented deeply distorted facts and a narrative that is deeply distorted legally." He emphasized that Israel's response falls within the framework of self-defense and does not target civilians.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu's office announced reaching an agreement through Qatari mediation to deliver medicines to the hostages still held in Gaza in the coming days.

Internationally, Washington imposed new sanctions on two companies in Hong Kong and the UAE, aiming to undermine financial support for the Houthis.

The Chinese military pledged to "crush" any pro-independence efforts in Taiwan ahead of crucial presidential elections on the island. The Defense Ministry spokesperson stated that the People's Liberation Army maintains a high level of readiness at all times.

In Ecuador, the government continues its campaign against criminal gangs linked to drug trafficking, terrorizing the country for four days, and will receive support from Washington "to work together."