By Basant El-Faramawy
Iran reported that three oil tankers struck naval mines and exploded while attempting to transit an unauthorized route in the Strait of Hormuz, according to state media citing the Revolutionary Guard Corps. The tankers were abandoned off the southern coast, and no details on casualties were provided. The Associated Press could not independently confirm the report.
Israel election uncertainty
Israelis are awaiting final election results that could be announced as early as Thursday evening. Neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition parties, including Arab-led factions, appear likely to reach the 61-seat majority needed to form a government. Allegations of foreign election interference have prompted the Central Elections Committee to ask the Shin Bet intelligence service to investigate, with findings due within a week.
Houthi claim Saudi strike on Yemen paint factory
A Houthi-run human rights body said a Saudi strike hit a paint factory near the besieged city of Taiz late Wednesday, sparking a large fire that could release toxic gases and contaminate soil and groundwater. The group called the strike a war crime but did not specify casualties.
Israeli strike kills two in Gaza
An Israeli strike on a civilian vehicle in central Gaza killed two people and wounded another on Thursday, according to health officials at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Israel's military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Since the October 2025 ceasefire, Israeli strikes have killed more than 1,550 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
