Syrian activist and documentary maker Hassan Akkad has been released a few days after his detention. According to Al Jazeera, Akkad's arrest had reopened international concerns about the new Damascus authorities' approach to media and civil society.
Delegations from the United States and Iran have begun formal talks on an initial peace deal in Switzerland. According to the BBC, Vice-President JD Vance leads the US side, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi heads the Iranian delegation. Qatar and Pakistan are acting as mediators.
According to Al Jazeera, ancient monuments in southern Lebanon remain at risk of damage from Israeli strikes as ceasefire violations continue. UNESCO and local archaeologists warn that some losses could be irreversible.
Al Jazeera correspondent Ahmed Wishah was killed in Gaza in an Israeli strike. According to Al Jazeera, Wishah is the 12th journalist working for the network killed in Gaza since October 2023. Colleagues remember him as « kind and principled ».
Mona Khalil, who had run sea turtle conservation work on Lebanon's southern coast for 30 years, was killed when an Israeli air strike hit her home. The BBC reported that the strike took place during what was meant to be a ceasefire declared about two months ago. The Israeli military said it had targeted Hezbollah-linked infrastructure.
US Vice-President JD Vance and an Iranian delegation arrived in Switzerland for technical-level talks framed around post-war tensions. At the same time, Tehran said it had closed the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping. Brent crude moved above $80 a barrel.
U.S. President Donald Trump said that under the new U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding Tehran will not charge tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, but added that Washington reserves the right to impose its own tolls. The text leaves open the possibility of revisiting the toll regime after an initial 60-day transition period.
Gaza health officials said Israeli air strikes on Friday killed six people including Al Jazeera cameraman Ahmed Wishah. The Israel Defense Forces described Wishah as a 'Hamas sniper operative' without providing supporting evidence, while Al Jazeera said the strike represented a deliberate targeting of press freedom.
Iran's foreign ministry warned of "reciprocal action" if Washington fails to honour the commitments in the preliminary US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU), Al Jazeera reported. Tehran is seeking clarity from Washington on the timing and scale of sanctions relief. Sunday's technical session in Switzerland is critical.
Israeli forces and Hezbollah have continued exchanging strikes despite signing a formal ceasefire, BBC Middle East reported. Lebanon's government said 47 civilians were killed in recent strikes; Israel said four of its soldiers were killed in a Hezbollah action. UNIFIL observers are compiling violation reports.