Deir el-Balah Holds First Municipal Elections Since 2006

Residents in Deir el-Balah, Gaza, will participate in municipal elections this weekend, marking the first such vote since 2006. The city is one of the few in Gaza not currently occupied by Israeli ground forces. Hamas is not participating and has not endorsed candidates, though some pro-Hamas contenders are on the ballot.

Adham al-Bardini, a 34-year-old resident, stated that this is the first election in 20 years and expressed eagerness to participate to change the current reality. Abdul-Rahman al-Shaaf, 25, noted strong interest among young people, especially after two years of war and destruction.

In Gaza, a 23-year-old Palestinian was killed by a drone in Khan Younis, according to Al Jazeera correspondent Hind Khoudary reporting from Gaza City. Five others, including three children, were killed in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, and another person died in Khan Younis.

Khoudary reported that breaches of the ceasefire occur nearly daily, with continued attacks and restrictions affecting Palestinians. In Lebanon, the Health Ministry condemned the killing of journalist Amal Khalil in Al-Tayri by Israeli forces, who pursued her to a house where she sought shelter.

The ministry described the circumstances as shaming human conscience and offered condolences to her family and the media community. Separately, Israeli forces intercepted a drone launched from southern Lebanon targeting a military position. Israeli air attacks in southern Lebanon killed at least five people, including Amal Khalil, a correspondent for Al Akhbar newspaper, and wounded freelance journalist Zeinab Faraj.

The attacks occurred despite an ongoing ceasefire.

than 50 Indian string theorists issued a statement expressing solidarity with academics in Iran, Palestine, and Lebanon affected by recent conflicts. The statement mentioned attacks on universities and educational institutes, including the Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab, Iran, and noted the destruction of schools and universities in Gaza.

Signatories include Ashoke Sen and Spenta Wadia. In Iran, parliament speaker stated that the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen while the US naval blockade remains, describing it as a violation of the ceasefire. Iran's IRGC reported capturing two foreign vessels in the Strait and firing on a third for violating restrictions.

The US Central Command stated it turned back 31 vessels, mostly oil tankers, as part of a blockade involving 10,000 soldiers, 17 warships, and over 100 aircraft. President Trump has not set a deadline for Iran to submit a peace proposal, according to the White House.

Al Jazeera's Elizabeth Melimopoulos reported on day 55 of the conflict, highlighting these events.

leaders are meeting in Cyprus to discuss the energy crisis, with fuel price spikes affecting motorists, households, and aviation across the continent. Several smaller airlines have announced cuts to flight schedules. Cyprus has seen a drop in tourist numbers due to the situation, as reported by Al Jazeera's Dominic Kane from Berlin.

The ceasefire has been extended, though its duration is uncertain. Discussions include the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and potential tariffs on ships.