Israeli forces remain in five points in Lebanon for what the IDF says is security purposes but Lebanese presidency says truce deal demands a full withdrawalBack to news coming out of Lebanon. The country’s new government will negotiate with the International Monetary Fund for a new programme and will work to deal with the country’s financial default and public debt, according a policy statement – seen by Reuters – that has been approved by the cabinet. It also said the government would work towards an economic recovery achieved primarily through the reform of the banking sector.Lebanon is still grappling with a crippling economic crisis, now in its sixth year, which destroyed its state electricity sector and left many in poverty unable to access their savings. The local currency lost much of its value and commercial banks severely restricted foreign currency withdrawals. Continue reading...
Hamas has announced that it will return the bodies of four Israelis on Thursday and release six living hostages, including Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who have been held for over a decade, on Saturday. This is part of the first phase of a three-stage ceasefire deal, with 19 hostages already released and eight confirmed dead. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire will begin this week. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Israeli troops remain in five locations after a withdrawal deadline, prompting Lebanon to declare any remaining presence as an occupation. Additionally, aid shortages in Gaza, particularly in Rafah, have been highlighted as a critical concern.
