Tensions escalated between Israel and Hezbollah as both sides launched cross-border attacks, prompting urgent calls from the UN to de-escalate. Israel reported approximately 150 projectiles fired from Lebanon, damaging homes near Haifa. In retaliation, Israel targeted Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated, "We will take whatever action is necessary to restore security," while Hezbollah's deputy leader declared, “Threats will not stop us.” UN officials warned that the region "teeters on the brink of catastrophe," emphasizing there is no military solution to ensure safety for either side.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the People's Liberation Front, has been elected Sri Lanka's new president, securing 42.31% of the votes in Saturday's election. His victory represents a significant political shift, as he capitalized on public dissatisfaction with the previous administration, which faced backlash over austerity measures during the ongoing economic crisis. Dissanayake, expected to be sworn in on Monday, pledged to renegotiate the IMF deal to alleviate financial burdens on citizens. Voter turnout was 76%, with outgoing President Ranil Wickremesinghe finishing third. A curfew was imposed post-election as a precaution.

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has fired 115 rockets at northern Israel, targeting civilian areas, according to the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). The early morning attack, which hit near Haifa, resulted in at least three injuries and significant damage to buildings and vehicles. This escalation follows an Israeli airstrike in Beirut that killed at least 37 people, including key Hezbollah commanders. The IDF confirmed it had targeted over 100 Hezbollah sites in Lebanon and stated that its operations would intensify against the group, which has been active since the Gaza conflict began nearly a year ago.

The Israeli military launched airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon as Hezbollah escalated its deepest rocket attacks since the Gaza war began. Hundreds of missiles were fired into Israel, hitting the northern city of Haifa and injuring at least four people. Israel’s civil defense ordered schools in the region closed. Lebanon reported three deaths, with more than 45 casualties from recent strikes. UN officials warned of an "imminent catastrophe" in the Middle East, calling for urgent de-escalation. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah blamed Israel for recent attacks, intensifying tensions further.

Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel escalated as Hezbollah held a funeral for senior commander Ibrahim Aqil, killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Aqil, a veteran military leader, led Hezbollah’s Radwan Force, which conducts cross-border attacks on Israel. His death comes amid increasing violence, with Hezbollah launching 150 rockets into Israel in retaliation. Israeli airstrikes targeted southern Lebanon, destroying thousands of Hezbollah's rocket launchers. The UN warns of a looming catastrophe as fears of an all-out war grow. Aqil's death marks a significant blow to Hezbollah, further intensifying the conflict in the region.

Israeli forces raided Al Jazeera's West Bank office in Ramallah, ordering it shut for 45 days, accusing the network of "incitement to and support of terrorism." The early morning raid drew condemnation from the Foreign Press Association, warning it "threatens press freedom." Al Jazeera broadcasted footage of the raid and vowed legal action, calling it "a criminal act." The raid also involved the removal of a banner honoring slain journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi defended the closure, accusing Al Jazeera of serving as the "mouthpiece" of Hamas.

For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, the presidential election has moved to a second round after no candidate secured over 50% of the vote. Anura Kumara Dissanayake leads with 42.31%, while Sajith Premadasa follows with 32.76%. The election commission will now count second and third preference votes. This election is critical as the country recovers from its worst economic crisis and political turmoil. Police enforced a curfew for public safety, lifted midday Sunday. Seventeen million voters participated in this peaceful election.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Hezbollah, stating that Israel had struck the group “in ways it could not imagine” during recent bombardments in southern Lebanon. Israel's military hit 290 Hezbollah targets, including rocket launchers, following escalating tensions. Israeli airstrikes in Beirut killed 37, including senior Hezbollah leaders. Hezbollah retaliated with rocket attacks on Israel's northern military sites. Netanyahu emphasized that if Hezbollah hasn't yet understood the message, it soon will. Tensions continue to rise following earlier explosions linked to Hezbollah, with casualties climbing to 39 and over 3,000 injured.

A mass shooting in Birmingham, Alabama, left 4 people dead and 18 others injured late Saturday night, according to police. The shooting occurred in the Five Points South area, known for its nightlife. Birmingham police officer Truman Fitzgerald reported that "multiple shooters fired multiple shots" at a group of people, leaving two men and one woman dead at the scene, with a fourth victim dying in the hospital. No arrests have been made, and authorities believe the attack was targeted. Detectives are working to identify the intended target(s). Over 400 mass shootings have occurred in the U.S. this year.

An Israeli airstrike on a school compound in Gaza City killed seven people, including a Hamas official, Majed Saleh, on Sunday. The Kafr Qasem School, located in the Beach camp, was sheltering displaced families when it was struck. Israel's military stated the attack targeted Hamas fighters operating from the site, aiming to minimize civilian casualties through aerial surveillance. Gaza health officials reported 16 deaths in Israeli strikes on Sunday. The ongoing conflict, which started in October 2023, has caused significant casualties and displacement, with over 41,300 Palestinians killed to date.