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Yemen’s Legitimacy Demands an End to Hezbollah’s Intervention in Yemeni Affairs

A Yemeni government fighter fires a vehicle-mounted weapon at a frontline position during fighting against Houthi fighters in Marib (Reuters)
A Yemeni government fighter fires a vehicle-mounted weapon at a frontline position during fighting against Houthi fighters in Marib (Reuters)
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Yemen’s Legitimacy Demands an End to Hezbollah’s Intervention in Yemeni Affairs

A Yemeni government fighter fires a vehicle-mounted weapon at a frontline position during fighting against Houthi fighters in Marib (Reuters)
A Yemeni government fighter fires a vehicle-mounted weapon at a frontline position during fighting against Houthi fighters in Marib (Reuters)

The Yemeni legitimate government called on the Lebanese government, the Arab League, and the international community to pressure the Lebanese Hezbollah to stop its interference in Yemeni affairs.

Yemeni Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Muammar al-Eryani said that the statements of the Secretary-General of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah reveal the involvement of the Tehran regime in Marib battle, as a battle of fate for its expansionist sectarian project, and its significance as a starting point for changing the region and the world.

Eryani confirmed that the Marib battle is Iran’s battle, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah are involved in “planning and managing military operations, arming and fighting on the ground.

The Houthi political and military decision depends on Iranian destructive and expansionist agenda.”

The Yemeni minister emphasized that "Marib people, army, resistance, and tribes, with support and backing of the coalition led by brothers in KSA, are fighting the battle of all Yemenis, Arabs, and the world in the face of Iranian terrorism, which poses a threat not only to Yemen and region but to all human relations."

“We affirm that Marib Governorate […] refused to accept this project and is the first wall of defense 7 years ago, is able to defeat and bury this project in deserts, valleys, and mountains of Marib.”

He called on the Lebanese government and people to pressure and stop Hezbollah’s interference in Yemeni affairs, which led to the outbreak of war, bloodshed, and exacerbation of human suffering.

“We urge the Arab League to assume its role in this battle that Yemenis are waging on behalf of the Arab nation, and extend our appreciation and gratitude for sincere and unlimited fraternal support provided by brothers in the [Saudi] Kingdom to their Yemeni brothers as they wage this historical war.”

Eryani indicated that the international community and UN Security Council permanent members are required to assume their legal mandate according to UN Charter, to intensify pressure on Hezbollah to stop its blatant interference in Yemeni affairs and designate Houthi militia as a terrorist organization.

Meanwhile, the Yemeni National Army and the Popular Resistance continue their battles against the Houthi militias in Marib, which incurred human and material losses, according to military sources.

Iranian-backed militias and their arms in the region have been desperate for months to control the oil-rich province, which is the most important stronghold of the legitimate government.

The Yemeni army media center announced that the forces, backed by the popular resistance, are waging continuous violent battles to defeat the militias in the south of Marib.

The sources stated that five vehicles of the Iranian Houthi militia were destroyed in separate locations in the south of the province.

The media center quoted field sources as saying that the army and the popular resistance carried out a sudden attack, during which they defeated the Houthi militia from several locations on the Harb front.

The army forces launched intense shelling targeting the militia’s sites and gatherings in separate locations on the Bayhan front, inflicting heavy losses.

According to the same sources, the army's artillery launched a concentrated bombardment targeting fixed and mobile militia sites in separate areas of the Juba front, which resulted in the death and injury of dozens of militants.

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Arab World

Iraqi PM-Designate Offers Baghdad’s Mediation Between Iran, US

A photo released by the Iraqi presidency on April 27, 2026, shows President Nizar Amedi, center, shaking hands with Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi, right, in Baghdad
A photo released by the Iraqi presidency on April 27, 2026, shows President Nizar Amedi, center, shaking hands with Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi, right, in Baghdad
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Iraqi PM-Designate Offers Baghdad’s Mediation Between Iran, US

A photo released by the Iraqi presidency on April 27, 2026, shows President Nizar Amedi, center, shaking hands with Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi, right, in Baghdad
A photo released by the Iraqi presidency on April 27, 2026, shows President Nizar Amedi, center, shaking hands with Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi, right, in Baghdad

Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi has affirmed Baghdad’s readiness to mediate between Iran and the United States during contacts with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as conflicting messages from both sides reach Iraq’s new government.

Al-Zaidi’s media office said in a statement issued on Tuesday that he had received a phone call from Pezeshkian, who congratulated him on being tasked with forming the government. The two discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations.

The statement said al-Zaidi stressed Iraq’s support for diplomacy and dialogue to resolve disputes, affirming Baghdad’s ability to contribute to mediation between Tehran and Washington.

Al-Zaidi’s offer builds on Iraq’s previous role in hosting indirect channels of communication between Iran and the United States, as well as regional talks hosted by Baghdad in recent years, in an effort to ease tensions and promote stability, drawing on its ties with both sides and its geographic and political position.

Observers say Tehran has chosen to wage a diplomatic battle with Washington through Baghdad, sending “loaded” messages to al-Zaidi parallel to similarly “loaded” messages he received from Washington, beginning with Trump’s post, followed by his phone call of congratulations and remarks about al-Zaidi’s rise with American “help.”

The exchanges point to early signs of friction between the two sides over the new government in Baghdad.

By contrast, the Iranian president's comments on X took a more hardline tone. He called for the “removal of the military threat from the region,” saying “Muslims cannot be subjugated.”

This highlights a divergence in rhetoric between an Iraqi approach focused on de-escalation and diplomacy and an Iranian position emphasizing deterrence amid pressure.

The development comes as al-Zaidi’s government has yet to win parliament’s confidence, making any potential mediation role tied to the domestic political process and to Iraq’s balance in its relations with both Tehran and Washington.

“Iran’s strength”

In Tehran, the Fars News Agency, citing a statement from the Iranian presidency, reported that al-Zaidi said during the call that “Iran’s strength today is not exclusive to Iran, but represents support for all Muslims and Shiites.” He added that Iraq “will never accept that this strength be taken away from Iran.”

According to the statement, al-Zaidi linked that strength to the support Iraq received in confronting ISIS, saying, “This strength is what helped us in the war against terrorism.”

He added, according to the agency, that Iraq “needs Iran’s support,” saying “Iran’s strength is Iraq’s strength, and Iran’s weakness is Iraq’s weakness as well.” The remarks reflect the level of convergence in the two sides’ security outlook, especially on shared regional challenges.

The agency also reported that Pezeshkian affirmed Iran’s readiness to develop relations with Iraq, describing the two countries as “more than neighbors.” He stressed Tehran’s support for Baghdad in various fields, while also expressing readiness to settle disputes with countries in the region.

According to the agency, al-Zaidi expressed his desire to raise bilateral relations to advanced levels in the economic, political, and security spheres. He also affirmed Iraq’s readiness to host talks between Iran and the US, describing this as a “humanitarian and political duty.”

Arab World

Senior Hezbollah Commander Reportedly Killed by Israel in Beirut Suburbs Strike

The scene following an Israeli airstrike on Dahieh, Beirut, Lebanon, 06 May 2026. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
The scene following an Israeli airstrike on Dahieh, Beirut, Lebanon, 06 May 2026. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
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Senior Hezbollah Commander Reportedly Killed by Israel in Beirut Suburbs Strike

The scene following an Israeli airstrike on Dahieh, Beirut, Lebanon, 06 May 2026. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH
The scene following an Israeli airstrike on Dahieh, Beirut, Lebanon, 06 May 2026. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH

A senior commander from Hezbollah's elite force was killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs on Wednesday, the first on the area in nearly a month, a source close to the group said.

At least 11 other people were killed in strikes across the south and east, according to the Lebanese health ministry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his military had targeted "the commander of Hezbollah's Radwan force.”

The source close to Hezbollah told AFP on condition of anonymity that "Malek Ballout, the operations commander in the Radwan force" was killed.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency had reported that "Israeli warplanes launched an attack, targeting Ghobeiri" in the southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold.

An AFP correspondent saw a building covered in rubble following the strike, as people left the area with their belongings.

Many of the southern suburbs' residents had already left after Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the Middle East war in March, and have not returned despite the truce in force since April 17.

A Lebanese security source told AFP on condition of anonymity that the strike hit an apartment in which Radwan leaders were holding a meeting.

Beirut and its southern suburbs had been spared Israeli attacks since April 8, when massive Israeli strikes across the country killed more than 350 people.

Wednesday's attack came as US President Donald Trump said there was "a very good chance" of sealing a peace deal with Iran.

First responders gather at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburbs on May 6, 2026. (Photo by AFP)

Israel has repeatedly bombed Lebanon, particularly the south, since the truce, with Hezbollah retaliating by launching attacks on Israeli troops.

The Israeli military said in a statement Thursday that an "explosive drone impact" wounded four soldiers -- one severely -- in southern Lebanon the previous day.

At least 11 people were killed in earlier Israeli strikes on southern and eastern Lebanon, the Lebanese health ministry said.

In Saksakiyeh, four people were killed and 33 wounded, including six children and four women.

The NNA also reported strikes across the south, including several on the town of Yater.

Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed more than 2,700 people and displaced more than a million, particularly from southern and eastern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs, since March 2.

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday it had "verified 152 attacks on healthcare that resulted in 103 deaths and 241 injuries.”

"These attacks have resulted in the closure of three hospitals and 41 primary health centers and caused damage to a further 16 hospitals."

The terms of the ceasefire allow Israel to act against "planned, imminent or ongoing attacks" by Hezbollah.

Visiting troops in southern Lebanon, where Israel has established a "yellow line,” Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir said they will "seize every opportunity to deepen the dismantling of Hezbollah and continue weakening it.”

Arab World

Israeli Court Rejects Flotilla Activists’ Appeal Challenging Detention

Brazilian Activist Thiago Avila, who was detained aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, appears at a court in Beersheba, southern Israel May 6, 2026. (Reuters)
Brazilian Activist Thiago Avila, who was detained aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, appears at a court in Beersheba, southern Israel May 6, 2026. (Reuters)
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Israeli Court Rejects Flotilla Activists’ Appeal Challenging Detention

Brazilian Activist Thiago Avila, who was detained aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, appears at a court in Beersheba, southern Israel May 6, 2026. (Reuters)
Brazilian Activist Thiago Avila, who was detained aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, appears at a court in Beersheba, southern Israel May 6, 2026. (Reuters)

An Israeli court on Wednesday rejected an appeal contesting the detention of two foreign activists seized by Israeli forces from a Gaza-bound flotilla, with the rights group representing them denouncing the ruling as "unlawful."

Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national of Palestinian origin, and Brazilian Thiago Avila were among dozens of activists aboard a flotilla intercepted in international waters off the coast of Greece on Thursday.

The two were seized by Israeli forces and brought to Israel for questioning, while the others were taken to the Greek island of Crete and released.

On Tuesday, an Israeli court extended their detention until Sunday to allow police more time to interrogate them, according to their lawyers.

The lawyers then filed an appeal at the Beersheva district court against the detention, but it was rejected.

"Today, the district court of Beersheva denied our appeal and basically accepted all of the arguments that the state or the police have represented before the court and kept the previous decision," lawyer Hadeel Abu Salih said.

The two activists, who are on a hunger strike, had appeared in the district court with their feet shackled, an AFP journalist saw.

Abu Keshek looked exhausted and sat with his hands clasped in his lap, while Avila appeared calm.

Abu Salih said her clients had been subjected to "an illegal arrest that took place in international waters where the activists were kidnapped by the Israeli navy without any authority".

She went on to accuse the courts of "giving a free hand for the Israeli forces... to do it again and again".

- 'Unlawful and unreasonable' -

Israeli rights group Adalah, which is representing the pair, called Wednesday's court decision "unlawful and unreasonable".

"This is especially egregious given that the activists were abducted from an Italian-flagged vessel, placing them under Italian jurisdiction," it said.

Adalah has also accused the authorities of subjecting the men to continuous abuse in detention, including keeping Avila in a cold cell.

Abu Salih said Abu Keshek reported giving up water, as well as food, and that the two men said authorities "keep interrogating them for most of the time, most of the day" about the flotilla, she added.

Israeli authorities have rejected the allegations of abuse but have filed no charges against the men.

Adalah said authorities have accused the pair of "assisting the enemy during wartime" and "membership in and providing services to a terrorist organization".

Israel says both men were affiliated with the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad (PCPA), a group accused by Washington of "clandestinely acting on behalf of" Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Spain, Brazil and the United Nations have called for their swift release.

"It is not a crime to show solidarity and attempt to bring humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population in Gaza, who are in dire need of it," UN rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan said in a statement.

The flotilla had set sail from France, Spain and Italy with the aim of breaking Israel's blockade of Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.

Israel controls all entry points into Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007.