01
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian forces claimed to have intercepted drones fired by Houthi rebels, but the military spokesperson denies responsibility
Yesterday, three Iranian oil tankers struck mines through the Strait of Hormuz after attempting to carry on through an unauthorized route. Today, Saudi Arabian military forces claimed to have intercepted a drone launched by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels near Mecca. According to the Associated Press, Mecca is considered to be one of Islam’s “holiest cities, and a destination for millions of Muslim pilgrims each year.” However, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree denied carrying out any operations towards Mecca, according to the AP.
02
Israel
A record number of voters gives two Arab-led parties their largest number of seats in Israel’s parliament
Israel’s prime minister election has been anything but smooth. According to the Associated Press, in terms of Palestinian citizens of Israel, “it was a rare moment of political triumph.” Thousands of citizens—the most in history—voted to give two Arab-led parties their largest share of seats in Israel’s parliament, according to the Associated Press.
03
Ukraine
Russian air strike on Kharkiv killed five people, including children
Earlier this week, Russian and Ukrainian forces agreed to a localized ceasefire in a struggling city in Southern Ukraine. However, despite the truce, both countries remain locked in a four-and-a-half-year war. Last night, a Russian drone strike hit the city of Kharkiv, causing a large fire and killing five people, including a four-year-old child, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Services.
