International News
Gaza Sees First Signs Of Peace As Civilians Return Amid Israeli Pullback
For the first time in two years, scenes of war in Gaza gave way to cautious signs of peace on Friday, as thousands of displaced Palestinians began the long journey back to their homes following Israel’s announcement of a ceasefire and partial troop withdrawal.
The Gaza Civil Defence Agency confirmed that Israeli forces had started retreating from key areas, particularly Gaza City and Khan Yunis, paving the way for civilians to return to what remains of their neighbourhoods.
Along the damaged coastal and main roads, including Al-Rashid Street and Salah Al-Din Road, families could be seen walking in long columns — men carrying sacks, women holding children, and others pushing carts of salvaged belongings.
“We’re happy. Even if we return to ruins with no life, at least it’s our land,” said Ameer Abu Iyadeh, one of the returnees in Khan Yunis. “We’re going back full of wounds and sorrow, but we thank God for this moment.”
Another displaced resident, Ibrahim al-Helou, 40, from Gaza City, said he hesitated at first due to sporadic gunfire.
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“The situation was dangerous, so I waited,” he said. “But now that the road has been opened, we’re all on our way home to check on our houses.”
Similarly, Ahmad Azzam, 35, who had been sheltering with his family in central Gaza, said he moved quickly after hearing about the Israeli pullback.
“When we heard the road would be opened, my family and I immediately headed for Gaza,” he told AFP.
The Israeli military said its troops had begun “positioning along updated deployment lines” as part of the ceasefire agreement and preparations for the release of hostages. In a separate Arabic statement, the army confirmed reopening the main north-south axis but warned civilians not to approach soldiers still stationed in parts of Gaza.
Government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian explained that the military would redeploy to the “Yellow Line” part of a phased withdrawal plan backed by U.S. President Donald Trump. During the initial phase, Israel is expected to maintain control of about 53 percent of the Gaza Strip.
In Khan Yunis, residents picked their way through heaps of rubble, stepping over shattered concrete and twisted metal to reach their homes. Despite the devastation, there was a sense of relief and defiance.
“We’ve been displaced for two years, sleeping on sidewalks with no shelter,” said Areej Abu Saadeh, a mother who lost two of her children in the conflict. “Now, I just want to reach my house, no matter what’s left of it.”
As the crowds moved through the wreckage, voices of men, women, and children rose in unison — “God is great” — echoing through the ruins of Gaza’s battered streets.
Though the ceasefire remains fragile, it has given hope to thousands who have known nothing but war and displacement. For many Gazans, the journey home even to destruction is a journey toward dignity, memory, and the faint promise of peace.
Portugal officially inaugurated its new president, Antonio Jose Seguro, on Monday, pledging to bring stability to a nation shaken by political uncertainty and natural disasters.
Seguro, the centre-left candidate, won last month’s presidential run-off against far-right rival Andre Ventura, following weeks of catastrophic storms that killed at least seven people and caused approximately €4 billion ($4.6 billion) in damage.
Speaking at his swearing-in ceremony in Lisbon’s parliament, Seguro emphasized cooperation with the minority right-wing government and vowed to end the country’s “electoral frenzy.”
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“I will do everything I can to put an end to this electoral frenzy,” he said, pointing to the inability of previous governments to complete their terms.
Amid global crises, including conflicts in the Middle East and a more isolationist US approach under President Donald Trump, Seguro stressed the importance of multilateralism.
“The force of law has been replaced by the power of the strongest,” he remarked.
Seguro succeeds Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a conservative who leaves office at 77 after serving two five-year terms.
While the Portuguese presidency is largely ceremonial, Seguro’s leadership signals a commitment to political stability and international engagement.
The war involving the United States, Israel and Iran intensified on its fourth day Tuesday, with fresh explosions reported in Tehran, missile interceptions over Jerusalem, and rising tensions spreading across Lebanon and Gulf states.
AFP journalists in Tehran reported loud blasts across several parts of the Iranian capital, though officials did not immediately confirm the exact targets.
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The conflict began over the weekend after coordinated US and Israeli strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, triggering retaliatory attacks across the region.
Iran Appeals to UN
Iran called on the United Nations Security Council to intervene and halt the war. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the council had a responsibility to act, insisting there were no legal obstacles preventing immediate action.
Oil Surges as Hormuz Disrupted
Global oil prices spiked amid fears of supply disruption, particularly as the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a crucial oil shipping route — was effectively closed.
Brent crude rose more than eight percent to $85.12 per barrel, its highest level since mid-2024. Meanwhile, precious metals fell sharply, with gold dropping over four percent and silver plunging more than 12 percent as investors shifted toward energy and the US dollar.
Iran Issues Fresh Threats
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned of intensified attacks on US forces and Israeli targets.
A spokesman vowed that “continuous punitive attacks” would follow, declaring that the “gates of hell” would open against both nations.
Israeli Troops Advance in Lebanon
Israeli ground forces reportedly advanced into areas near Kfar Kila and the Khiam plains along the Lebanon border.
Israel said the move was aimed at creating a buffer zone to protect its northern communities.
The escalation has displaced at least 30,000 people in Lebanon, according to the UN refugee agency.
Nuclear Site Damaged
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that Iran’s Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant sustained recent damage to entrance buildings at its underground facility. However, the agency said no radiological consequences were expected.
Gulf Capitals, US Embassy Hit
Explosions were also reported in Manama and Doha as Iranian strikes continued into a fourth day.
In the UAE, drone debris sparked a fire in an oil zone in Fujairah, though authorities said the blaze was contained.
Two drones reportedly struck the US embassy in Riyadh, causing a fire. Saudi officials condemned the attack as unjustified.
Tech Infrastructure Targeted
US tech giant Amazon confirmed that two of its data centres in the UAE were directly hit by drones, disrupting cloud services in parts of the Middle East. A nearby facility in Bahrain was also damaged.
Global Reactions
US President Donald Trump criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over disagreements on the use of British military bases, saying relations were “not like they used to be.”
France deployed Rafale fighter jets to protect its bases in the UAE, while China urged all sides to ensure safety in the Strait of Hormuz and called for an immediate ceasefire.
Iran has called on the United Nations Security Council to urgently intervene and halt the ongoing war involving the Islamic Republic, Israel and the United States.
Speaking during a weekly foreign ministry briefing on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the global body has both the authority and responsibility to act in order to prevent further escalation of hostilities.
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“The United Nations Security Council has a duty… if it wishes, it can certainly act, because there is no obstacle to its action except its own will,” Baqaei stated.
His remarks come amid rising tensions and continued military exchanges that have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict.
Iran maintains that international institutions must step in decisively to prevent further loss of life and instability across the Middle East.
Tehran’s appeal places renewed pressure on the Security Council’s five permanent members, whose divisions have often stalled unified action in past conflicts involving major global powers.
Analyst say any meaningful intervention would require consensus among key stakeholders, including Washington and its allies.
The war has drawn global concern, with several countries calling for restraint and diplomatic engagement to avoid further deterioration of security in the region.
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