Day: August 2, 2024

30,000 worshipers performed Friday prayers at the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, amid restrictive measures that prevented young men from reaching it. The head of the Supreme Islamic Council, Sheikh Akram Sabri, mourned the martyr Ismail Haniyeh in his Friday sermon, and said: 'The people of Jerusalem and those on the pulpit of Al-Aqsa consider the martyr Ismail Haniyeh as a martyr with God, and we ask for Paradise for him.' The worshipers in Al-Aqsa chanted 'Allahu Akbar.' Meanwhile, the occupation authorities set up checkpoints at the gates of Al-Aqsa and the Old City, and on the roads leading to Al-Aqsa, and prevented worshippers, especially young men and boys, from entering Al-Aqsa. They assaulted and pushed a number of worshippers, and forcibly removed them from the vicinity of Al-Aqsa and the Old City. Those deported and banned from entering Al-Aqsa performed the prayer at the nearest point they could reach Source: Maan News Agency

The Iraqi National Security Service announced the release of hostages and the arrest of the most dangerous organized crime gangs involved in the killing of the martyred security officer (Ghasag Fadel) while performing his duty in Wasit after an armed confrontation that lasted for hours./ Source: National Iraqi News Agency

An Israeli enemy drone on Friday was spotted flying at a low altitude over the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, our reporter said. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

An Israeli enemy drone on Friday was spotted flying at a low altitude over the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, our reporter said. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Friday underscored Lebanon's right to defend its land, sovereignty, and dignity amid recent violent escalations by Israel. 'In the face of the systematic and dangerous Israeli escalation, which has resulted in bloody events over the past few hours, we affirm our right to defend our land, sovereignty, and dignity by all available means, without hesitation, regardless of the sacrifices,' Mikati stated. He emphasized Lebanon's commitment to peace, highlighting that the country seeks lasting stability through the recovery of its occupied southern territories and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 by Israel. Mikati made these remarks during his visit to the Army Command in Yarzeh, marking Army Day. The PM was received by Army Commander General, Joseph Aoun, who praised Mikati's unwavering support for the military institution. During his address, Mikati lamented the absence of the traditional August 1st celebration, noting the compounded chal lenges of the presidential vacancy, ongoing security threats, and severe economic conditions. The Premiere also stressed the importance of electing a president to unify Lebanon and uphold its constitution and independence. Mikati then reiterated Lebanon's right to defend itself against Israeli aggressions, stating that the country had informed its allies of its stance as a peace-seeking nation. He also called for increased unity among Lebanese citizens and political leaders to overcome the nation's current crises and ensure the stability and prosperity of Lebanon. Mikati concluded by reaffirming the government's commitment to ensuring the army's rights and welfare, praising the army's dedication to the nation's security and sovereignty. In turn, General Aoun expressed gratitude to Mikati for his support, acknowledging the Prime Minister's vital role in maintaining the army's strength and effectiveness. "Your Excellency, I welcome you and thank you for your confidence and faith in this institution, which i s the backbone of Lebanon and the guarantor of civil peace and stability," Aoun stated. He assured that the army would remain steadfast for several reasons, chief among them being Mikati's leadership as Prime Minister and his essential support for the military. Aoun highlighted that since Mikati's appointment as Prime Minister, he has consistently been the primary and crucial supporter of the army. "From the moment you were appointed as Prime Minister until now, you have been the foremost supporter of this institution. Every time we requested something for the army, you responded, ensuring that this institution remains resilient and continues to fulfill its duties," Aoun said. On behalf of every member and officer of the military, Aoun expressed heartfelt thanks to Mikati for his love, support, and confidence in the army. "Welcome to the institution of honor, sacrifice, and loyalty," Aoun concluded. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

Middle East Airlines - Air Liban announces that its flights for 4 and 5 August 2024, will remain as scheduled, except for some modified flights. The delay is due to technical reasons related to the distribution of insurance risks for aircraft between Lebanon and other destinations. - Sunday 4 August 2024: The delayed incoming flights to Beirut are: FLIGHT NO FROM TO ORIGINAL DEPARTURE REVISED DEPARTURE ME204 London Beirut 22:00 09:55 AM 5 AUGUST ME435 Doha Beirut 02:50 AM 5 AUGUST 05:00 AM 5 AUGUST ME443 Dammam Beirut 20:55 05:25 AM 5 AUGUST ME431 Dubai Beirut 02:15 AM 5 AUGUST 06:10 AM 5 AUGUST ME403 Kuwait Beirut 21:15 05:40 AM 5 AUGUST ME369 Jeddah Beirut 21:15 05:45 AM 5 AUGUST ME226 Copenhagen Beirut 22:30 03:30 AM 5 AUGUST ME427 Dubai Beirut 12:45 13:55 ME266 Istanbul Beirut 11:20 12:15 ME405 Kuwait Beirut 11:55 12:55 *All flights are according to the local time of each city. - Sunday 4 August 2024: The delayed outgoing flights from Beirut are: FLIGHT NO FROM TO ORIGINAL DEPARTURE REVISED DEPARTURE ME225 Beirut Copenhagen 18:20 20:20 ME426 Beirut Dubai 07:30 08:40 ME265 Beirut Istanbul 08:25 09:20 ME404 Beirut Kuwait 08:40 09:40 - Monday 5 August 2024: The delayed incoming flights to Beirut are: FLIGHT NO FROM TO ORIGINAL DEPARTURE REVISED DEPARTURE ME204 London Beirut 22:00 11:00 AM 6 AUGUST ME431 Dubai Beirut 02:15 AM 6 AUGUST 06:10 AM 6 AUGUST ME369 Jeddah Beirut 21:15 05:35 AM 6 AUGUST ME403 Kuwait Beirut 21:15 06:20 AM 6 AUGUST ME437 Doha Beirut 19:00 05:00 AM 6 AUGUST ME305 Cairo Beirut 09:50 13:05 ME226 Copenhagen Beirut 11:25 13:25 *All flights are according to the local time of each city. -Monday 5 August 2024: The delayed outgoing flights from Beirut are: FLIGHT NO FROM TO ORIGINAL DEPARTURE REVISED DEPARTURE ME304 Beirut Cairo 07:30 10:45 ME225 Beirut Copenhagen 07:20 09:20 Passengers booked exclusively on the above flights are allowed to change their book ing once free of charge. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

The occupation forces arrested, a short while ago, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri - head of the Supreme Islamic Council and imam and preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque - 85 years old, after storming his home in the Al-Sawana neighborhood in Jerusalem. Sheikh Khaled Zabarqa's lawyer told Ma'an that the forces and intelligence services stormed the sheikh's house and transferred him for investigation. The police said in a statement that they were "examining the Friday sermon that the Sheikh delivered at Al-Aqsa" for the possibility that it contained incitement material. Less than an hour later, the Public Prosecution agreed to open an investigation with Sheikh Sabri. The Minister of Interior demanded that his residency be revoked, while settlers incited against the Sheikh through their various platforms during the past two hours Source: Maan News Agency

Israeli occupation forces arrested three young men from the Bethlehem governorate on Friday. A security source reported that the occupation forces arrested citizens Anas Adnan Yahya Malsh (32 years old) and Nader Issa Saleh Al-Khatib (35 years old) from the town of Doha to the west, and citizen Ibrahim Muhammad Ahmad Asakreh from the village of Asakreh to the east, noting that he is a released prisoner Source: Maan News Agency

Minister of Interior, Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, arrived today, Friday, in Al-Waleed district on the Iraqi-Syrian border. The ministry stated in a statement: "Al-Shammari, accompanied by the Undersecretary of the Ministry for Federal Security Affairs and the Commander of the Border Forces, arrived in Al-Waleed district on the Iraqi-Syrian border, to inaugurate the headquarters of the Second Region Border Guard Forces Command. Source: National Iraqi News Agency

Our diplomatic missions in Ankara, New Delhi and Jeddah commemorated the tenth anniversary of the Yazidi genocide at the hands of ISIS terrorist gangs. A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "On this occasion, speeches were delivered recalling the atrocities committed by this terrorist organization against the Yazidis and the authentic Iraqi components." The Iraqi Ambassador to Ankara, Majid Al-Lajmawi, referred to these cowardly acts as one of the most heinous crimes witnessed by the world, explaining the government's measures to redress the Yazidi citizens, including activating the Yazidi survivors law." For his part, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Iraqi Embassy in New Delhi, Nizar Marjan, referred to the sacrifices made by the Iraqi army and our security forces of all kinds to save our country from ISIS terrorism, while recalling the crimes committed by the terrorist organization against our Iraqi people. In the same context, the Consul General in Jeddah, Mohammed Samir, stressed that thes e crimes will remain a witness for future generations and the world to the despicable acts of terrorist groups. Source: National Iraqi News Agency