In the Middle East, 2 assassinations and 1 claim of responsibility
Supporters of the Lebanese Islamic group and the Islamist Hamas movement chant slogans in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, July 31, 2024 during a protest to condemn the death of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh.
The Israeli army claimed responsibility for a missile strike that killed a Hezbollah commander in his Beirut apartment. At least three people were killed in that strike and some 70 wounded. Hours later, Hamas’ leader-in-exile Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard were killed as they slept in Tehran. Following the assassination of Hamas and Hezbollah figures, there are fears about a wider conflict engulfing the Middle East. Also, some Brazilians along the southern coast of the country are celebrating the “day of the right whale.” This is an endangered species of whale that has made a comeback in the region due to conservation efforts by the Brazilian government. And, efforts to make the Seine “swimmable” for this year’s Olympics draw on lessons from successful restoration projects in other parts of the world.