US Central Command Chief Visits USS Lincoln
The top US military commander for the Middle East, Adm. Brad Cooper, visited the USS Lincoln during a regional tour. The aircraft carrier, located in the Arabian Sea, has seen more than 240 days of uninterrupted deployment. This longest-ever deployment comes amid reports of mental health and supply issues for the crew. The USS Lincoln has played a significant role in the ongoing conflict against Iran, engaging in activities like blockading Iranian ports.
Adm. Cooper also met with leaders in Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The US Navy’s blockade is a response to Iran’s efforts to control the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for oil and natural gas.
Hamas Delegation in Cairo for Ceasefire Talks
A Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya arrived in Cairo for discussions on a Gaza ceasefire. Egyptian media reported that al-Hayya met with Maj. Gen. Hassan Rashad of Egypt’s intelligence service. The talks focus on implementing a peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. The plan aims to alleviate the plight of Gaza residents and initiate reconstruction efforts.
Part of the road map includes disarming Hamas and other militant groups, withdrawing Israeli forces, and transferring control to Palestinian technocrats. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains firm against the plan, stating no withdrawal will occur until Hamas is disarmed.
Kushner Meets with Egyptian President
US negotiator Jared Kushner met Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi for ceasefire discussions. The president’s office called for both Israel and Hamas to comply with the current ceasefire terms.
Israel Targets Hezbollah Commanders
Israel executed strikes in southern Lebanon, targeting and killing two Hezbollah commanders. These strikes are the deadliest since a truce began in June between Israel and Iranian-aligned Hezbollah. Reports indicate that at least 11 people lost their lives in the attacks.
Israel announced a framework agreement to withdraw from southern Lebanon in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament. However, Hezbollah has refused direct talks and did not partake in the US-mediated agreement.
Iran Accuses Qatar of Holding Pilots
Iran claimed that Qatar is detaining three Iranian pilots who went missing in March. Qatar denies the allegation. Iran’s Armed Forces called for a field investigation by Iranian experts.
Israeli Strike Injures Several in Gaza
An Israeli military operation in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis wounded five individuals, including a severely injured child. The strike targeted a member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
While a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has lessened conflicts since October, ongoing Israeli airstrikes have claimed over 1,262 Palestinian lives. These numbers are verified by the Gaza Health Ministry and observed by UN agencies and experts, though details on whether the casualties were civilians or militants are not specified.