Mena Today

In the wake of a missile barrage from Iran and a devastating attack in Tel Aviv, Israelis find themselves in a state of shock. Yet, there is a resolute determination to continue the fight against terrorism. The atmosphere is tense as Israel prepares to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, a holiday deeply rooted in reflection, renewal, and hope.

At Tehran's central Valiasr Square, a towering billboard with a yellow-and-green portrait of slain Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah looms over passing pedestrians. A Quranic verse proclaims: "God’s victory is close at hand."

Four Iraqi soldiers were killed and three injured on Wednesday in an ambush by Islamic State militants on an army convoy near the northern oil city of Kirkuk, a military statement said.

As the conflict in Gaza continues to cause devastation and instability, the international community is increasingly recognizing the need for new governance in the region.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will host a call of Group of Seven (G7) leaders later on Wednesday to discuss the crisis in the Middle East, her office said.

In a significant diplomatic move, Israel has declared United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres persona non grata, effectively banning him from entering the country.

Saudi Arabia is hoping for de-escalation and dialogue, Economy Minister Faisal al-Ibrahim said on Wednesday, when asked at a conference in Berlin about the situation in the Middle East following Iran's missile attack against Israel.

Rising tensions in the Middle East have created air travel chaos, with global airlines diverting or cancelling flights on Wednesday and regional airports, including Lebanon, Israel and Kuwait, showing long delays, according to FlightRadar24 data.

The death toll from Tuesday’s attack at a tram station in Tel Aviv/Jaffa rose to seven overnight, following the death of one of the individuals injured by the two assailants, both Palestinians from the West Bank, according to Israeli police. 

Cyprus has fully activated a mechanism to allow third-country nationals evacuating the Middle East safe passage through the island as the crisis in the region worsens, its government spokesperson said.

Several airlines operating in the Gulf have adjusted their flight routes to ensure passenger safety following Iran's attack on Israel.

The Israeli military said on Wednesday that regular infantry and armoured units were joining ground operations in southern Lebanon against Iran-backed Hezbollah, as Israel prepared to retaliate against a barrage of Iranian missile strikes.