Al Jazeera journalist Mohammad Waishah was killed in an Israeli drone strike in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. He was a Gaza-based correspondent for Al Jazeera Mubasher. The attack targeted his car on Al-Rashid coastal road west of Gaza City, causing the vehicle to catch fire immediately and resulting in his death at the scene.

Al Jazeera condemned the killing in a statement, calling it a heinous crime and a clear violation of international law and norms. The network said the incident reflects a continuing policy of targeting journalists to silence the truth. Gaza’s government media office reported that since Israeli attacks began on October 7, 2023, at least 262 journalists have been killed.

The incident adds to the growing toll on media workers in Gaza, highlighting the dangers faced by journalists covering the ongoing conflict.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that they carried out overnight attacks on multiple Hezbollah installations and infrastructure across Lebanon. According to the IDF, two bridges over the Litani River were destroyed, further isolating southern Lebanon. The strikes followed a series of heavy attacks earlier in the week, including one on Wednesday that targeted 100 sites within ten minutes.

The Litani River region has become a central focus of Israeli operations in recent weeks. In late March, Israel announced plans to establish a buffer zone extending up to the river, approximately 30 kilometers from its border, to maintain control of the area. The IDF also claimed responsibility for killing Ali Yusuf Harshi, nephew and secretary of Hezbollah’s secretary-general, though Hezbollah has not commented on this claim.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that Wednesday’s attacks killed at least 182 people. The latest overnight strikes add to the escalating tension and humanitarian toll in southern Lebanon.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump following the Iran-US ceasefire, according to a statement from Turkey’s Communications Directorate on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed the ceasefire and broader regional developments. Erdogan expressed satisfaction with the truce, describing the two-week pause after forty days of conflict as an important opportunity toward a lasting peace agreement.

Erdogan emphasized the need to use this period effectively and warned against any actions that could disrupt the process. He reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic efforts with friendly and brotherly nations, particularly Pakistan, to reach a resolution. The call came after Trump announced the two-week ceasefire with Iran, noting that Tehran had offered a ten-point proposal for negotiations.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council stated that the proposal, mediated by Pakistan, includes key issues such as halting aggression, maintaining Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, accepting uranium enrichment, and lifting all sanctions.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem has reopened after being closed for 40 days under an Israeli-imposed ban. The Jerusalem Islamic Waqf Department announced on Wednesday evening that the mosque would reopen for worshippers starting with the dawn prayer on Thursday, without any numerical restrictions. Large numbers of worshippers attended the first prayer following the reopening.

According to the Waqf Department, Israeli authorities had kept the mosque closed under the pretext of emergency and security measures. During the closure, Israeli forces imposed strict military control around the mosque and sealed the gates of Jerusalem’s Old City. The ban coincided with the Jewish Passover festival, which ran from April 2 to April 9.

During the restriction period, groups supporting the so-called ‘Temple’ movement reportedly used the festival as an opportunity to incite attacks on the mosque and called for ritual sacrifices inside the compound, according to the report.

Israel launched extensive airstrikes in Lebanon less than 24 hours after a conditional two-week ceasefire was announced between Iran and the United States. The attacks killed at least 182 people, prompting Lebanon-based armed group Hezbollah to fire rockets into northern Israel in retaliation. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned that continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon would provoke a severe response.

The ceasefire, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump and confirmed by Israel, Iran, and mediator Pakistan, has quickly come under strain. Disputes have emerged over whether Lebanon is covered by the agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the assault as the largest strike on Hezbollah since the war began, while Iranian officials accused Israel of violating three clauses of the ceasefire proposal.

Talks between Iran and the United States are scheduled to begin on April 10 in Islamabad, focusing on the ten-point ceasefire plan and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. Conflicting reports continue over whether the vital waterway remains open or closed.

Thirteen Western countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany, have jointly urged Bangladeshi citizens to strictly follow official procedures when applying for visas and other consular services. The embassies of these countries in Dhaka issued a joint statement on Wednesday, which was also published on their official Facebook pages. The statement emphasized that applicants must use designated government channels and avoid using fake documents, unlicensed agents, or unauthorized intermediaries.

According to the statement, irregularities in the application process can lead to delays, financial losses, denial of entry at borders, and serious legal complications. It clarified that no embassy or mission is affiliated with any agent and warned applicants not to rely on intermediaries claiming to offer special advantages in visa processing.

The embassies advised applicants to complete all procedures using verified information and official channels to ensure a safe, transparent, and fair application process for all.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that U.S. President Donald Trump appeared clearly frustrated with many of the alliance’s partner countries. Following a closed-door meeting at the White House, Trump sharply criticized NATO, claiming that the alliance was not supportive when the United States needed it and would not be in the future either.

In an interview with CNN after the meeting, Rutte declined to confirm whether Trump had mentioned leaving NATO but acknowledged that Trump’s frustration with several allies was evident and partly understandable. Rutte emphasized that most European countries were contributing in various ways, including providing bases, logistical support, and airspace access, and were fulfilling their commitments. He also noted that weakening Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities was crucial and that, at present, only the United States had the capacity to do so effectively.

Rutte described his discussion with Trump as very open and straightforward, suggesting a candid exchange between the two leaders.

Iran has declared that advancing permanent peace talks with the United States is unjustified following Israel’s large-scale airstrikes across Lebanon that killed hundreds of people. Iranian parliament speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said both Israel and the US violated the ceasefire terms announced by US President Donald Trump. Tehran accused Washington of endangering the agreement by pressing to halt Iran’s nuclear program and supporting Israeli attacks on Hezbollah.

The US and Israel have stated that the two-week ceasefire does not apply to Lebanon, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue operations there. US Vice President JD Vance said Iran misunderstood the ceasefire’s scope. Ghalibaf rejected Trump’s claim that Iran agreed to stop uranium enrichment, insisting Tehran retains that right. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the Israeli strikes and urged inclusion of Lebanon in the truce.

The conflict has shaken global markets, with oil prices dropping 14 percent to 95 dollars per barrel. Despite five weeks of war and thousands of deaths, key issues remain unresolved, casting doubt on the peace talks scheduled for Saturday.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed deep anger over the heavy loss of life and destruction caused by recent intensified military operations in Lebanon, according to Anadolu Agency. In a statement on Wednesday, the organization said it was appalled by the deadly attacks in densely populated areas, including Beirut, where heavy explosive weapons were used without adequate warning. The ICRC reported that hundreds were killed and many more injured.

Agnes Dhur, head of the ICRC in Lebanon, said civilians had been hoping for a ceasefire when a new wave of deadly strikes plunged the country into fear and chaos. Many people who had begun thinking of returning home are now searching for missing loved ones or fleeing in search of safety. The ICRC called on all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure during military operations.

The organization emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian assistance after more than five weeks of conflict and urged that any regional agreement prioritize the safety, protection, and dignity of Lebanese civilians.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described Israel’s one-day assault on Lebanon on Wednesday, April 8, as 'atrocious', citing reports of at least 254 deaths and widespread destruction. His statement, reported by Al Jazeera, came just hours after Israel had reportedly agreed to a ceasefire with Iran.

Türk said the killings and devastation were 'nothing short of horrific' and warned that such violence placed immense strain on a fragile peace that was vital for civilians. He emphasized that all attacks must comply with the core principles of international humanitarian law—distinction, proportionality, and precaution—to ensure civilian protection.

The UN official reiterated that these principles are non-negotiable and must be upheld in all armed conflicts under any circumstances.

The Gaza Government Media Office reported that at least 262 journalists have been killed in Israeli attacks since the start of the ongoing war in Gaza. The office stated that the death toll rose following the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Mohammad Wishah. The information was cited in a report by Al Jazeera on April 9, 2026.

In its statement, the Gaza Media Office accused Israeli occupation forces of systematically targeting, killing, and assassinating Palestinian journalists. It strongly condemned these actions and described them as deliberate and brutal crimes. The office also held Israel, along with the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, fully responsible for what it called crimes of genocide.

The statement reflects continued tension and international concern over the safety of journalists covering the conflict in Gaza, as well as broader accusations of accountability directed at Israel and its allies.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that his government firmly believes the ceasefire reached between the United States, Israel, and Iran should also apply to Lebanon. Speaking to reporters in Brisbane, Albanese described the ceasefire as an important step forward but cautioned that it remains a fragile peace. He expressed hope that the agreement would help lead to a broader understanding among the involved parties.

Albanese added that many Australians are deeply concerned about the ongoing situation in Lebanon, noting that the conflict’s impact extends beyond the region and affects the entire world. His remarks came as reports indicated continuing violence in Lebanon, including Israeli attacks that have caused significant casualties.

The Australian leader’s comments highlight his government’s position in favor of expanding the ceasefire’s scope to stabilize the broader Middle East region.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that Israel’s deadly attacks in Lebanon pose a serious threat to the recently agreed US-Iran ceasefire. In a statement issued Wednesday, his spokesperson said the ongoing military operations in Lebanon endanger both the ceasefire and broader efforts to achieve lasting and coordinated peace in the region. Guterres urged all parties to immediately halt hostilities.

According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, Israeli strikes on Wednesday killed 182 people and injured 890, marking the heaviest bombardment of Beirut since the conflict began. The escalation followed Israel’s declaration that Lebanon was not part of the two-week ceasefire agreed between the United States and Iran on Tuesday night. In response, Hezbollah claimed to have fired rockets into Israel, while Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a warning regarding the truce.

The UN chief condemned civilian casualties and emphasized that the conflict has no military solution, calling for diplomatic efforts. UN human rights chief Volker Türk, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and French President Emmanuel Macron also voiced deep concern and urged inclusion of Lebanon in the ceasefire framework.

US President Donald Trump announced that American warships, aircraft, and military personnel will remain positioned around Iran. In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday night, he warned that if Iran fails to fully comply with its agreement with the United States, the country could face a devastating attack. Trump reiterated that the US military presence will continue until the signed agreement is completely observed.

Trump stated that if Iran does not adhere to the deal, severe military action would follow, describing it as more powerful than any previous response. He also said both sides agreed that Iran would not develop nuclear weapons and that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open and safe for commercial shipping. According to him, the US military is currently in a state of readiness and awaiting its next mission.

The statement underscores Trump’s emphasis on enforcing compliance with the Iran agreement and maintaining security in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global trade route.

Iran carried out attacks on Saudi Arabia’s crucial east-west oil pipeline, according to a Reuters report citing relevant sources on Wednesday. The same sources said several other Saudi installations were also targeted. The assault may disrupt oil supply through the pipeline, and authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage.

In a statement, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that it used drones and missiles to strike multiple targets in the region. Among the targets were oil facilities operated by American companies located in Yanbu. Experts warned that the incident could further intensify what is already one of the world’s most severe energy crises.

The full scale of the damage and the potential impact on global oil markets are still being evaluated, with no immediate details on restoration efforts.