Gaza Disarmament Deal Faces Israeli Political Friction as Iran Hormuz Closure Continues (Jul 31, 2123 UTC, 0023 Israel) (Morning Edition)

Strait of Hormuz Closure The Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced that transit through the Strait of Hormuz remains suspended, citing continuing 'aggressive actions' by US military forces in the region IRNA. This follows the IRGC seizure of two US-escorted tankers earlier in the day. An Iran SITREP report noted that Hormuz traffic has collapsed to 10% of pre-war levels, with only two tankers per day transiting, forcing deeper convoy dependency TLDR Iran SITREP.

Iranian Statements Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a call with his Indian counterpart, stated that maritime blockade and attacks on Iranian shipping are sources of regional insecurity IRNA. Araghchi also discussed bilateral ties and regional developments with British Foreign Secretary Edward Miliband IRNA.

US Sanctions and Internal Repression The US Treasury issued back-to-back sanctions targeting Iran's Hormuz-related activities, though analysis suggests foreign financial enablers remain untouched FDD. Domestically, the Tehran Prosecutor's Office opened legal cases against critics of protest-related executions, while a Kurdish citizen was killed in a checkpoint shootout in Bukan IranWire. The IRGC also attacked Iranian Kurdish party offices in Iraqi Kurdistan IranWire.

Trump Remarks President Trump stated that Iran has 'some missiles but far fewer than 4-5 months ago' and that their production capability is 'almost entirely gone' Israel Hayom. He added that the US is 'striking Iran with intensity' and will continue until a result is achieved News 0404 IL.

Hezbollah Statements Hezbollah issued multiple statements condemning Israeli actions in southern Lebanon, asserting that the Israeli enemy continues to destroy villages and burn homes in full view of Lebanese authorities and the international community Al-Manar TV. The group called on Lebanese authorities to fulfill their national and constitutional responsibilities and act immediately to stop the ongoing destruction Al-Manar TV. Hezbollah also condemned the US attack on Iraq, calling it a flagrant violation of international law and warning of grave regional consequences Al-Manar TV.

Lebanese Army General Haikal participated in a prayer for army martyrs at a monastery in Zawtar El Gharbiya, which was subjected to an Israeli targeting Bint Jbeil News.

Arrest of Former Central Bank Governor Central Criminal Investigation forces arrested former Banque du Liban Governor Riad Salameh at Bhannes Hospital Bint Jbeil News.

Hamas Commander Eliminated The IDF and Shin Bet announced the elimination of Abd al-Rahim Abd al-Hay Youssef Kardi, a Hamas deputy cell commander who infiltrated Israel on October 7 and held hostages Romi Gonen and Cpl. Noa Marciano. Kardi also worked as a doctor at Al-Shifa Hospital. The strike occurred on Thursday in Gaza City IDF Official Manniefabian Israel Hayom.

Disarmament Agreement Political Fallout Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated that Qatar has 'taken command in Gaza' and that Prime Minister Netanyahu is 'bowing his head and folding,' insisting that Hamas must fully disarm and weapons be removed from Gaza N12 Chat. US Secretary of State Rubio called the agreement a 'big step' that many thought would not happen N12 Chat. Saudi channel Al-Hadath reported that the US promised Hamas it would compel Netanyahu to withdraw from Gaza and implement the ceasefire, and that Washington guaranteed the agreement's implementation Israel Hayom.

Ceasefire Violations The IDF reported 32 Gaza ceasefire violations between July 10 and 31 FDD.

Airstrikes Israeli airstrikes were reported on a house in Al-Nuseirat camp, injuring ten Palestinians, and on a house in Deir Al-Balah city Quds News Network.

Settler Violence Extremist Israeli settlers terrorized Palestinian families while storming the area surrounding the Abu Faza’a community east of Ramallah Quds News Network. Hezbollah condemned the storming of several villages in the Nablus area by Israeli settler gangs and the establishment of new settlement outposts Al-Manar TV.

Board of Peace Gaza Initiative The US-led Board of Peace announced a phased disarmament agreement for Hamas, with a 14-day political window considered critical. Analysis suggests the initiative is bold but faces significant implementation challenges FDD.

US-Israel ICC Campaign No new developments reported in this window.

Maritime Security Operation Aspides reported a major spike in escort requests since the conflict began in February, with Red Sea shipping now a permanent escorted model due to the effective Houthi blockade TLDR Iran SITREP.

Poland-Russia Missile Incident Poland protested to the Russian ambassador over a missile incursion, asserting that the missile was recently made, illustrating Russia's nightly barrage against Ukraine is draining its arsenal Al Jazeera English.

Cambridge Graduation Protest Several Cambridge students protested during their graduation ceremonies Al Jazeera English.

Peru-US Ties Peru's newly inaugurated President Fujimori indicated her government will join Trump's Shield of the Americas coalition Al Jazeera English.

Venezuela Talks Venezuela's government and opposition will hold talks aimed at a path to elections, led by former lawmaker Dinorah Figuera Al Jazeera English.

Algeria Bus Crash At least 25 people were killed and dozens injured in a bus crash outside Algiers Al Jazeera English.

Anti-Taliban Operations Anti-Taliban resistance groups increased attacks in northeast Afghanistan's Badakhshan province, briefly taking a district center FDD.