The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is under significant strain after deadly airstrikes and mortar exchanges raised fears of renewed conflict.

On Monday night, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed ten people, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The strikes targeted Hezbollah fighters, weapon launchers, and infrastructure, marking the most extensive Israeli action since the ceasefire was brokered last week. Israel called on Lebanese authorities to curb Hezbollah’s “hostile activity.”

Earlier in the day, Hezbollah launched two mortar rounds at an Israeli military base near the disputed border, citing what it described as “repeated violations” by Israel. The attack caused no casualties but heightened tensions.

The ceasefire, mediated by the United States and France, officially began last week to end 14 months of hostilities. The U.S. State Department acknowledged the violations but stated that the truce is “largely holding.”

The agreement includes:

• A 60-day window for Hezbollah to withdraw its armed presence from the area between the Blue Line—the unofficial Israel-Lebanon border—and the Litani River.
• A corresponding withdrawal of Israeli forces from the same region.
• Deployment of Lebanese army units and UN peacekeepers to secure the area.

The conflict erupted on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel following a Hamas-led attack in southern Israel. Israel responded with a robust military campaign against Hezbollah, citing security concerns for its displaced northern residents.

Lebanese officials report over 3,960 fatalities, predominantly civilians, and one million displaced individuals during the hostilities. These figures underscore the human toll of the violence, particularly in Hezbollah-dominated regions.

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on Tuesday night for the first time in over five decades, citing threats to national security and alleged “anti-state forces.” However, the dramatic move was swiftly struck down by parliament and met with widespread protests.

In a televised address at 23:00 local time, President Yoon announced his decision, framing it as necessary to “crush anti-state forces wreaking havoc” in the country. While referencing tensions with North Korea, the declaration appeared to be driven by escalating political pressures and a series of setbacks for Yoon’s administration.

The martial law decree placed the military in control, leading to the rapid deployment of troops, helicopters, and police around the National Assembly. It included orders to suspend parliamentary activity, restrict media freedom, and ban public gatherings.

The opposition, led by Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, condemned the declaration as unconstitutional. Even members of Yoon’s own conservative People’s Power Party criticized the move, calling it a grave misstep.

Lee urged citizens to protest and called on lawmakers to convene immediately. “Tanks, armoured vehicles, and soldiers cannot silence democracy,” he said, rallying MPs and the public to resist.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the National Assembly, chanting “No martial law!” Despite the heavy military presence, protests remained largely peaceful. Lawmakers navigated through barricades and military personnel to reach the chamber.

Shortly after 01:00 Wednesday, parliament convened with 190 of its 300 members present. In a decisive vote, the martial law declaration was invalidated.

The failed attempt to impose martial law has significantly damaged Yoon’s political standing. Opposition leaders have labeled the move a “desperate power grab,” and even within his party, dissent is growing.

Observers note that this episode reflects deepening political divisions in South Korea, with the military’s brief involvement further complicating the situation. The swift parliamentary rejection highlights the resilience of democratic institutions in the country despite the crisis.

Georgia continues to be engulfed in political turmoil as thousands protest nightly against the ruling party’s decision to suspend European Union membership talks, a move that has led to high-profile resignations and mounting unrest.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has dismissed accusations that the government has halted its EU accession push, calling such claims opposition-driven “lies.” This follows Georgian Dream’s earlier declaration accusing the EU of “blackmail” and stating the issue would not be revisited until at least 2028.

David Zalkaliani, Georgia’s ambassador to the United States, is among the latest to resign, citing “considerable pressure.” His departure follows similar resignations by other officials amid the escalating crisis.

Demonstrations in the capital, Tbilisi, and other cities entered their fourth consecutive night on Sunday. Tensions flared when fireworks were launched at parliament and riot police, prompting a forceful response with water cannons. By early Monday, authorities had dispersed the crowds on Rustaveli Avenue, detaining multiple protesters, including opposition leader Zurab Japaridze.

The Georgian Interior Ministry reported that 21 officers were injured in the clashes, while President Salome Zourabichvili, a vocal critic of the ruling party, accused authorities of subjecting arrested protesters to beatings, with many reportedly sustaining serious injuries.

The protests highlight growing frustration with Georgian Dream’s perceived retreat from EU integration and accusations of increasing authoritarianism. The demonstrators demand early elections and the reinstatement of a pro-EU agenda.

With no signs of the protests abating and calls for government accountability mounting, Georgia faces a crucial test of its democratic resilience