Israeli military continues to burn down homes in south Lebanon
Lebanon’s National News Agency reports that the Israeli military is burning down and destroying homes in the village of Taybeh on the eastern sector of the border. Local media outlets also reported a massive explosion in neighbouring Kfar Kila that was heard across the entire region.
The Israeli military has been carrying out daily attacks in south Lebanon in violation of the November 27 ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. The deal stipulates that Israeli forces must withdraw completely from Lebanon by Sunday.
Houthi media confirm release of Galaxy Leader crew
Yemen’s Houthi militia has confirmed it has freed the 25-member crew of the Galaxy Leader cargo ship, which it seized in November 2023.
The Houthi supreme council “has announced the freeing of the crew of the Galaxy Leader, who were arrested on November 19, 2023 during the campaign in solidarity with Gaza”, the Houthi-run Saba news agency said, adding that the release came “in support of the ceasefire” in Gaza, which began on Sunday.
The Houthis have been attacking vessels in the Red Sea area during the Gaza war in what they describe as a show of their solidarity with the Palestinians. Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire last week, suspending a 15-month war that has devastated the Gaza Strip and inflamed the Middle East.
Houthi soldiers board the cargo ship Galaxy Leader in November 2023
UN special envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg has welcomed the Houthi’s release of the Galaxy Leader crew, saying it was a “step in the right direction.”
“The release of the Galaxy Leader crew is heartwarming news that puts an end to the arbitrary detention and separation that they and their families endured for more than a year,” he wrote on X.
“This is a step in the right direction, and I urge Ansar Allah [the Houthis] to continue these positive steps on all fronts, including ending all maritime attacks.”
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