Xinhua Middle East news summary at 2200 GMT, May 4-Xinhua

Xinhua Middle East news summary at 2200 GMT, May 4

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

2025-05-05 05:54:15

SANAA/JERUSALEM -- Yemen's Houthi group said Sunday that it will continue launching missile attacks at airports in Israel, especially at Ben Gurion Airport, as part of its "comprehensive air blockade" against the country.

"We announce a comprehensive air blockade on the Israeli enemy in response to its decision to expand its aggression against Gaza," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement aired by the group's al-Masirah TV. (Yemen-Israel-Air Blockade)

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TEHRAN -- Iran on Sunday revised the death toll from a major explosion at its main commercial port late last month down to 57 from 70, while state television reported two arrests in connection with the blast.

The semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted Hormozgan province's Chief Justice Mojtaba Qahremani as saying the updated figure for the April 26 blast at Shahid Rajaee Port includes 46 recovered and identified bodies and 11 people still missing. (Iran-Port Explosion-Casualties)

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JERUSALEM -- Israel's military has begun issuing "tens of thousands" of call-up orders for reservists to intensify its offensive in the Gaza Strip, a senior defense official said on Sunday, vowing to increase pressure on Hamas to free hostages.

Eyal Zamir, Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, announced the move during a visit to a naval commando base. (Israel-Gaza-Conflict)

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BEIRUT -- Lebanon's municipal and local elections began on Sunday in the Mount Lebanon Governorate, marking the first such elections in nine years after several postponements.

Voting took place under tight security enforced by the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces, with polling stations open from 7 a.m. (0400 GMT) until 7 p.m. local time. (Lebanon-Elections-Presidential Oversight)