An Indonesian UN Peacekeeper with the UNIFIL contingent in Lebanon was killed by shelling in the town of Adshit al-Qusayr. This is the first UNIFIL casualty in the ongoing war in Lebanon as Israel targets civilians, journalists and other non-belligerent targets. As of now, the source of the shelling has not been confirmed and an investigation by the UN has been opened.
Up to one million people in Lebanon have been displaced in Lebanon as Israel keeps ramping up strikes against Hezbollah and southern Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that he intends to expand the military operation in Lebanon and ordered to “expand the existing security zone” into Lebanon.
The Lebanese government is requesting up to $300 million in urgent aid to meet the needs of displaced people and up to $90 million has already been raised.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has announced that it will host US and Iranian officials in its capital, Islamabad, for talks to potentially end the war. Iran is also allowing Pakistani-flagged vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. A small contingent of US ground troops is ready to be deployed in Iran for potential missions if talks fail. President Trump said that negotiations with Iran are going very well.
Oil prices spiked this morning with WTI above $100 and Brent Crude at $108.
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