GAZA -- Hamas said on Wednesday that it is conducting consultations to discuss Gaza ceasefire proposals put forward by mediators.
The Palestinian militant group said in a statement that it is "acting with a high sense of responsibility" and holding consultations on the mediators' proposals to reach an agreement that ensures an end to Israeli aggression, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the delivery of urgent humanitarian relief to the Gaza Strip. (Hamas-Israel-Negotiations)
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TEHRAN -- Iran on Wednesday announced the closure of its airspace in the country's central and western parts to international transit flights after having reopened it five days ago.
The decision was made following the approval of the Civil Aviation Organization of Iran and in view of the security and safety assessments under the country's present circumstances, spokesman of the Iranian Roads and Urban Development Ministry Majid Akhavan said in a statement. (Iran-Airspace-Security)
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BEIRUT -- Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem reaffirmed on Wednesday that the Lebanese group will not give up its weapons, citing a "real and strategic threat" from Israel.
Speaking during an Ashura Council event in Beirut's southern suburb, Qassem said, "Our weapons are for confronting Israel, and we will never give up this right." (Lebanon-Hezbollah-Israel)
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ANKARA -- Türkiye said on Wednesday it was closing all livestock markets nationwide to contain the spread of a highly contagious strain of foot-and-mouth disease, which has severely impacted the country's agricultural sector.
In a statement, the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry said it had identified a new serotype of the disease that worsened the outbreak, attributing its spread to increased animal movement following the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha in early June, which is traditionally marked by livestock slaughter. (Türkiye-Livestock-Disease) ■
