Israel has launched a wave of intense airstrikes on Hezbollah-controlled towns in Lebanon, amid growing fears of a wider regional conflict. The Israeli military has intensified its attacks against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, with officials not ruling out the possibility of a ground incursion to safeguard Israeli territory. The strikes come amid heightened tensions following recent cross-border attacks, raising concerns about a potential escalation in the ongoing conflict. Israel's military operations are aimed at countering Hezbollah's threat, with no immediate sign of de-escalation as the region braces for further violence.

The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has warned civilians in Lebanon to leave areas where Hezbollah stores weapons, signaling the potential escalation of Israel's 11-month conflict with the Iran-backed militant group. This warning followed extensive Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon, intensifying after a week of heightened tensions. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, IDF spokesperson, urged civilians in Hezbollah-controlled villages to evacuate for their safety. The IDF's warning comes as Israel appears to be preparing for further military actions, raising concerns that the ongoing conflict could spiral into a broader war. Hezbollah has yet to officially respond to the latest developments.

Sri Lanka has elected Anura Kumara Dissanayake as its new president after a historic second round of counting. Dissanayake secured 42.31% of votes in the first round, followed by Sajith Premadasa with 32.76%. With no candidate reaching the 50% threshold, the second round tallying voters' second and third choices sealed Dissanayake's victory. He will succeed Ranil Wickremesinghe as the country's 9th president. Dissanayake's campaign focused on good governance and anti-corruption measures. This election marks the first since Gotabaya Rajapaksa's ousting in 2022 amidst Sri Lanka's worst economic crisis.

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.