A man gets a haircut in old market, amid a temporary ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, in Tyre, southern Lebanon [Marko Djurica/Reuters]By Elizabeth MelimopoulosPublished On 29 Apr 202629 Apr 2026
US President Donald Trump says Iran is in a “state of collapse” and has urged a swift lifting of the US blockade, as Gulf leaders meeting in Saudi Arabia call on Tehran to rebuild trust after “treacherous” regional attacks.
Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have killed three emergency workers, in what Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described as a “war crime”.
In Israel
- Ultra-Orthodox protesters storm police chief’s home: Anti-conscription demonstrators broke into the home of Yuval Yamin in Ashkelon, barricading themselves in his garden after a court ruling targeting draft evasion.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the “violent attack” and called for firm action.
In Lebanon
- Israeli ‘double-tap’ strike kills five in south Lebanon: Heidi Pett, reporting from Tyre, said five people, including three medics, were killed in a strike on rescue workers, with two soldiers wounded. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called it a “war crime”.
- Israeli forces have continued air strikes, shelling and demolitions, while Hezbollah has stepped up drone attacks and rocket fire, highlighting fragile ceasefire conditions.
Global economy
- Oil jumps, stocks slide: Crude prices surged after Trump signalled he may reject Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Qatar warned the crisis could turn into a prolonged “frozen conflict,” weighing on equities. Brent crude for June delivery climbed about 2.8 percent, reaching $111.26 per barrel.
