Iran and Israel on Monday said hostilities between them had halted after exchanging strikes that briefly threatened to reignite wider Middle East tensions, even as fighting continued in Lebanon and diplomatic uncertainty persisted.
Israeli Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu said “the fire on that front is contained” after Tehran announced it had stopped its military action against Israel. Iran had launched missiles at Israel over the ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah in Lebanon, prompting retaliatory Israeli strikes before another round of Iranian fire.
Iran later said it would cease attacks but warned it could respond again if Israel continued operations in Lebanon. Netanyahu, however, cautioned that Israel would respond with “full force” if Iran resumed attacks. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon would continue, including strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs in response to attacks on northern Israel.
Despite the escalation, both sides signalled partial de-escalation, with Israel announcing the reopening of schools and Iran reopening its airspace. However, sporadic violence continued, including Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon that killed several people, while rockets fired from Lebanon were intercepted by Israeli forces.
US President Donald Trump urged both sides to stop “shooting” as diplomatic efforts continued, even as oil prices surged amid fears of renewed conflict and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
Massive earthquake in Philippines kills 32, triggers widespread destruction
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, at least 32 people were killed and dozens injured after a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Sarangani province on Monday morning, according to authorities.
The quake caused widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings, damaged infrastructure, and disruption of transport and education services. A two-storey school building in General Santos collapsed with students inside, while several commercial structures also suffered severe damage. Authorities said more than 130 people were injured and some remain missing, while tsunami warnings issued across the region were later lifted.
Dubai accident: Minibus rams truck on Emirates Road, several Indians among dead
In Dubai, several Indian workers were killed when a minibus collided with a stationary truck on Emirates Road, according to authorities.
Dubai Police said the truck had stopped due to a technical fault when the bus, allegedly failing to maintain distance, rammed into it from behind. Seven people were killed and nine injured in the crash, including several Indian nationals. The Indian Consulate in Dubai said it is coordinating with local authorities and extending assistance to the affected families.
(With AFP and IANS inputs)
Global roundup: Israel–Iran halt hostilities; Philippines quake leaves 32 dead
