Military confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel continue on the southern Lebanese border, with escalation possible at any moment as the region and Lebanon face critical and decisive moments. Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi presided over a thanksgiving mass in Dimane on the occasion of the beatification of Patriarch Stephen Douaihi, calling for an international investigation into the Beirut port explosion.
The Metropolitan of Beirut for the Greek Orthodox, Bishop Elias Audi, questioned on the memory of August 4th when the judiciary would rise against politics and politicians to prevent any interference with its work and image.
Deputy Michel Elias El-Murr reiterated the demand for justice on the memory of August 4th to bring peace to the souls of the martyrs and their families, urging everyone to awaken their conscience to prevent the nation from becoming just a memory.
Regionally, on the 303rd day of the Israeli war on Gaza, dozens of casualties resulted from Israeli shelling targeting the Al-Nasr and Hassan Salama schools in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that their reach extends to Gaza, Yemen, Beirut, and wherever necessary. Additionally, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned Hezbollah and Iran that they would pay a heavy price if they decided to attack.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf asserted that their response would make Israel and its American supporter regret their actions, delighting the hearts of the people and the resistance forces.
Jordanian King Abdullah II, in a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, called for intensified international efforts to achieve a comprehensive truce. Meanwhile, the Yemeni Armed Forces announced the downing of an American "MQ-9" drone and targeting a ship in the Gulf of Aden.
Internationally, the White House stated that it is preparing for any scenario in the Middle East by warning its citizens to leave Lebanon. Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton warned of an expanded conflict between Israel and Iran, with Iran's retaliation for Ismail Haniyeh's assassination expected to be significant and impactful. Bolton noted that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's prayers over Haniyeh's coffin and his pledge of severe retaliation indicate a major response.
The Élysée Palace announced that France is ready to help de-escalate tensions along the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon. Additionally, the G7 foreign ministers held a video meeting to discuss the Middle East situation, expressing "deep concern" about potential escalation, as stated by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Tajani's statement emphasized the group's concern over recent events threatening to give the crisis a regional dimension, starting with Lebanon.
Economically, as of last June, Russia recorded the lowest unemployment rate among the G20 economies at 2.4%, ahead of Japan and South Korea, which ranked second and third respectively.