GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said the Lebanese move to direct the army and security forces to enforce state authority and restrict weapons to official institutions marked a “significant step” toward strengthening sovereignty and stability. The decision aims to consolidate control in the capital and limit arms possession to legitimate state forces.

Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, stating that the measure could help enhance stability and safeguard citizens.

Separately, India’s foreign ministry said it was “deeply concerned” by reports of civilian casualties following heavy Israeli bombardment earlier this week, which killed more than 300 people according to reports.

New Delhi stressed that protecting civilians must remain a priority and called for adherence to international law, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The escalation comes amid ongoing conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah, which has drawn in broader regional tensions linked to the U.S.-Israel confrontation with Iran.

Israeli operations in Lebanon have added strain to a fragile two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, with both sides preparing for negotiations in Islamabad aimed at easing tensions.

”Albanese’s comments came after Trump warned that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Tehran failed to meet a U.S. deadline for a deal, language the Australian leader said would cause concern.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate to use language such as that from the president of the United States,” Albanese said, while adding that the ceasefire represented a positive step.

“What we have called for is a de-escalation, and that is what has occurred, and that’s a good thing.”Australia has been among countries urging restraint amid escalating tensions that have disrupted global energy markets and heightened economic uncertainty.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong also criticized Trump’s remarks in an interview with national broadcaster ABC, saying threats of widespread destruction were unacceptable.

“I don’t think anyone should be threatening the destruction of a civilization,” Wong said, adding that the ceasefire must hold given its implications for the global economy and energy supplies.

Wong also rejected Israeli assertions that the ceasefire does not extend to Lebanon, where ongoing strikes have caused significant casualties and displacement.

The statements reflect broader international concern over the tone and scope of rhetoric surrounding the conflict, even as diplomatic efforts seek to stabilize the region under the fragile truce.

Indonesia’s U.N. representative, Umar Hadi, made the request during an emergency Security Council meeting on Tuesday, urging an independent inquiry rather than relying on explanations provided by Israel.

The call comes after two separate incidents over the weekend in southern Lebanon that killed Indonesian troops serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).The Indonesian foreign ministry said earlier this week that ongoing Israeli military operations in the region had placed U.N. peacekeepers at significant risk.

The deaths occurred during a period of intensified violence that also saw Lebanese journalists and medical personnel killed in Israeli strikes.One of the victims, Farizal Rhomadhon, 28, died in an attack on Sunday.

Local media reported that he is survived by his wife and child. In his hometown in Yogyakarta, relatives gathered to mourn, with family members saying his body had yet to be returned to Indonesia.

Indonesia’s initial response to the deaths drew criticism domestically, particularly on social media, where users questioned the lack of clarity regarding the cause of the incident. Authorities had initially described the event as resulting from “indirect artillery fire.”

Preliminary findings cited by U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix indicated that a roadside explosion struck a convoy carrying two Indonesian peacekeepers on Monday.

The Israeli military said its internal review found no evidence that its forces had placed explosive devices in the area or conducted operations there at the time.

Indonesia is among the largest contributors to U.N. peacekeeping missions, with more than 2,700 personnel deployed as of 2024. The country has also pledged troops for a potential U.N.-mandated multinational stabilization force in Gaza.

Ivan Fedorov said Russian forces carried out two overnight strikes on the Zaporizhzhia district, destroying private homes. A 10-year-old boy and a 48-year-old man were among those injured, he said in a statement posted on Telegram.

The attack adds to a series of strikes on civilian infrastructure in southern Ukraine, where frontline regions continue to face sustained bombardment.

Local officials said residential properties were damaged in the latest assault, underscoring the ongoing risks to civilians.

No immediate comment was issued by Russia on the reported strikes.

The developments come ahead of a planned meeting between Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators in the United States on Saturday, according to Volodymyr Zelensky, as efforts continue to restart diplomatic engagement over the conflict.

Negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, supported by Washington, have faced delays in recent weeks. Ukrainian officials have said the talks were disrupted by the US-Israeli war with Iran, which has shifted international attention and diplomatic resources.

Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces remains ongoing, with periodic escalations reported across multiple regions. The latest strike highlights the continuing volatility on the ground even as diplomatic efforts seek to regain momentum.

According to the UAE state news agency WAM, the militia purposefully attacked those storehouses, located 7Kms east of Hodeidah to hide their raids, and later looted the humanitarian aid.

“The Houthis were responsible for the worsening humanitarian conditions in the country and that they sold the stolen items for profit,” said Dr. Abdulraqeeb Fath, the Yemeni Minister of Local Administration and the Chairman of the High Committee for Relief in Yemen.

The United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) also accused the Iran-backed Houthis of plundering the distribution of humanitarian support in Yemen.

David Paisley, UNWFP Executive Director said, “the disruption was tantamount to stealing food from the mouths of the hungry.”

These practices should stop, he added.