Gaza Police Chief Killed as Qusra Siege Draws UN Condemnation and Iran Reasserts Hormuz Control (Aug 13, 1604 UTC, 1904 Israel) (Evening Edition)

• Hormuz Control Dispute — Iran's IRGC Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters denied US claims of normal vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz, stating no ship can safely pass without Iranian authorization and supervision Al Jazeera. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Washington made a major miscalculation regarding the strait, while a senior aide to President Masoud Pezeshkian said war and negotiations are complementary and Iran will achieve its objectives in the strait and region Iran International. Basij chief Hossein Taeb declared the strait firmly under Iran's management and control Al-Manar TV.
• Oil Spill — Iran demanded compensation for environmental damage after an oil slick reached Qeshm Island and spread to Oman's coast. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei blamed foreign aggressors and consumers for trillions in damages, though TankerTrackers identified the cargo vessel Minoan Pioneer as the likely source of the slick, apparently caused by an Iranian attack Times of Israel IranWire.
• Domestic — Iranian authorities sealed at least 42 businesses in a renewed hijab crackdown over the past three weeks Iran International. The Intelligence Ministry announced dismantling two operational cells of a Takfiri terrorist group in Sistan and Baluchestan, arresting four and killing two IRNA. Canada revoked visas of 239 individuals linked to the Iranian government IranWire.

South Lebanon Operations — The IDF's 91st Division continued counterterrorism operations in the Security Zone, with soldiers of the 55th Brigade locating and dismantling a booby-trapped Hezbollah structure in Mrah el Aaqbe and finding RPG rockets and additional weapons IDF Official. Israeli warplanes launched two airstrikes on Mansouri and raided Deir Siryan, while artillery shelled the outskirts of Kfarshouba Al-Manar TV. An Israeli blast was reported in the Aita al-Jabal forest Bint Jbeil News. Lebanese Prime Minister Salam said his X account was hacked and his statement condemning Israeli explosions in the south was deleted; he reposted the statement Bint Jbeil News. The Lebanese Presidency denied media reports about the content of President Aoun's meeting with President Trump Al-Manar TV.

• Airstrikes Resume — The IDF confirmed a strike in Khan Younis that killed a Hamas company commander planning attacks on Israeli forces, the second strike this week after a weeklong pause Times of Israel IDF Official. A subsequent strike in Gaza City killed Gaza police chief Jamal Abu Kamil, according to the Hamas-run Interior Ministry Times of Israel. Palestinian media reported one dead in an Israeli strike on a motorcycle in Khan Younis Manniefabian. A Palestinian terror operative who crossed the Yellow Line and approached troops was shot by Paratroopers Brigade soldiers IDF Official.
• Ceasefire Strain — The Board of Peace's high representative for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, said Israel is at the 'yellow line' regarding troop positions, while 72% of Palestinians reject Hamas disarmament before full withdrawal Iran SITREP FDD. The EU extended its Gaza border mission to mid-2027 Iran SITREP.

• Qusra Siege — The settler siege of three Palestinian families in Qusra entered its fourth day, with the UN human rights office OHCHR appealing to Israeli authorities to help families trapped in their homes, calling the situation a new low UN News. A US diplomat described the siege as an 'act of terror' Al Jazeera. The IDF deployed soldiers to Qusra to protect residents, instructing that residents remain in their homes and that soldiers not operate inside the Palestinian family's home near the dismantled tent IDF Official. Overnight, security forces dismantled two illegal outposts in Area B on the outskirts of Qusra and Jalud, confiscating equipment and detaining one Israeli IDF Official. Haaretz reported that Israeli troops evicted several Palestinian families from their homes during the operation, despite their refusal to leave Haaretz.
• Other Incidents — Three wanted Palestinians planning an imminent terror attack were captured by Yamam unit forces in Jenin overnight Manniefabian. A 9-year-old girl was lightly wounded by glass shards in a stone-throwing attack near Huwara News 0404 IL. Israeli settlers razed Palestinian lands east of Deir Ammar Quds News Network. Israeli forces released a visually impaired Palestinian detainee after eight months Quds News Network.

• US-Iran Talks — US-Iran talks remain in deadlock as mediators try to coax negotiations, with Iran asserting full control over the Strait of Hormuz Al Jazeera. The US administration criticized Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz after he said the military would remain in southern Lebanon within security zones Al-Manar TV.
• UN & International — The UN OHCHR appealed to Israeli authorities over the Qusra siege UN News. The EU extended its Gaza border mission to mid-2027 Iran SITREP.

Zambia Elections — President Hakainde Hichilema cast his vote in Lusaka as he seeks a second term Al Jazeera.

• Ukraine-Russia — Ukraine damaged Russia's grain export terminals in an attack on the Novorossiysk port Al Jazeera.
• Spain — A total solar eclipse darkened Tarragona, Spain, in the middle of the day Behold Israel.

Canada — Canada revoked visas of 239 individuals linked to the Iranian government IranWire.

• Yemen — Clashes between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and government forces raged overnight, feeding fears the civil war could reignite and create a new front in the Middle East war Associated Press. Saudi Arabia is strengthening its position with regional allies as Houthi attacks increase Al Jazeera.
• Syria — Israeli forces detained civilians and opened fire during an incursion in the Yarmouk Basin area of Daraa, and a patrol advanced into Zubaydah village in Quneitra countryside [Syrian Observatory for Human Rights]. A man from Deir Ezzor was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Daraa countryside SOHR. The National Guard in Suwayda accused Damascus' Ministry of Defence after finding a phone in one of two seized car bombs SOHR.
• Oman Oil Spill — A salvage team boarded the stricken tanker Caroline Bezengi as an oil slick hit Oman's coast The National. The spill has reached 2,000 sq km Iran SITREP.