Overview
- The UN Security Council on Wednesday strongly condemned a drone strike that hit an external generator at the Barakah nuclear plant and reaffirmed support for UAE sovereignty while warning such attacks threaten civilian safety and nuclear security.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the military to step up strikes on Hezbollah, a move that follows a reported senior U.S. official telling Axios that President Trump’s administration would back a broader Israeli operation.
- Israeli defense minister Yisrael Katz announced plans to implement a so‑called 'voluntary migration' from Gaza, saying the measure will be carried out at a time and in a way Israel deems appropriate.
- The UAE has continued humanitarian relief to Gaza, sending four convoys of about 60 trucks carrying more than 930 tonnes of aid under 'Operation Al‑Faris Al‑Shaham 3', while Gulf states rolled out domestic measures such as Abu Dhabi’s 1.54 billion‑dirham housing package and mosque preparations for Eid prayers.
- Regional public life continued alongside tensions: Saudi authorities reported more than 1.7 million pilgrims at Hajj, Lebanese health officials recorded thousands of civilian casualties from recent fighting, and Gulf governments emphasized stability and services for citizens during the holiday period.