Following the Israeli air raid on a building in Beirut that killed six people including Hezbollah military leader Fouad Chokr on Tuesday, Iran’s representation is expecting a response from the Lebanese Islamist movement. “We expect Hezbollah to choose more targets and [frappera dans la] depth [d’Israël]”Iranian representatives to the United Nations said Saturday, August 3. In a speech given Thursday, the head of the Lebanese party, Hassan Nasrallah, had promised to respond to this “assault” against the Hezbollah stronghold in the Lebanese capital, raising fears of further escalation. Follow our live feed.
The United States is strengthening its military presence with the deployment of warships and combat aircraft in the Middle East. The Minister of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered “a change in the American military posture intended (…) to boost support for the defense of Israel and ensure that the United States is prepared for various eventualities” tthey that “the possibility of regional escalation by Iran and its partners”a Pentagon spokeswoman said in a statement.
Hamas’ health ministry announces new death toll of 39,550. At least 70 people have been killed in the past 48 hours, the ministry said in a statement, adding that 91,280 people have been injured in the Gaza Strip since October 7.
Air France and Transavia suspend their flights to Beirut. “Due to the security situation”the two airlines have decided to extend the suspension until at least August 6 inclusive, announced their parent company, Air France-KLM. Service to the Lebanese capital has been suspended since July 29.
Sweden closes its embassy in Lebanon. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked staff to leave Beirut and travel to Cyprus, and (…) is planning a temporary transfer of its embassy”Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom told Swedish radio. The decision was made for August, but “could be extended”added the minister depending on the security situation on site.