Israel Destroys Hezbollah Beaufort Tunnel Network as Trump Announces Gaza Disarmament Deal (Jul 31, 0604 UTC, 0904 Israel) (Morning Edition)

Funerals for IRGC Members Killed in US Strikes

Residents gathered in northwestern Iran for the funeral of IRGC members killed in what Iran says was a US strike Al Jazeera. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned the United States 'will pay the price' for killing civilians on Qeshm Island, describing the strike as compensation for battlefield defeats IRNA. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei likened the US attack on a residential home in Qeshm to ISIS terrorist acts, stating it killed the parents of a five-member family IRNA.

Iranian Officials Threaten Retaliation

The top commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters declared that 'coffins are now part of US equipment in the region,' reiterating that the era of hit-and-run aggression is over IRNA. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned against Israeli false-flag operations in the region, referring to Egypt as a friend and important partner IRNA.

IRGC Claims Strikes on US Bases

The IRGC claimed to have struck US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain as part of 'punishment of the aggressor,' destroying drone hangars and a fuel storage facility at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait Al-Manar TV. IRNA reported the 26th phase of Operation Thunder, a drone strike against Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain IRNA. These claims remain unverified by independent sources.

Diplomatic Outreach

Iran's accredited ambassador to Montenegro presented credentials, emphasizing Iran's determination to develop relations based on mutual respect and shared interests IRNA.

IDF Demolishes Beaufort Ridge Tunnel Network

The IDF dismantled several key underground tunnels beneath Beaufort Ridge in southern Lebanon, using approximately 700 tons of explosives IDF Official. The tunnel network served as a central command center for Hezbollah, consisting of multiple underground levels built over years to manage combat and direct fire toward IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians IDF Official. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz announced the operation, stating the tunnels were central to Hezbollah's invasion plans for the Galilee Manniefabian. The IDF had previously demolished one tunnel in the area on July 13; with this latest demolition, most of the network has been destroyed Manniefabian. The military is still monitoring a major Hezbollah tunnel system beneath the Ali Taher ridge Manniefabian.

Residents Warned of Blasts

Residents of the Upper Galilee were notified by local authorities that a large blast would be heard overnight due to IDF activity in Lebanon, and were advised to leave windows open to prevent shattering Manniefabian Israel Hayom News 0404 IL. Explosions were reportedly heard as far as Sidon and Iqlim al-Kharroub Bint Jbeil News.

Hezbollah Drone Attack on Ali Taher Ridge

Israel accused Hezbollah of launching an explosive-laden drone at IDF positions on the Ali Al Taher Ridge on July 29, despite the ceasefire in effect since June 19 Long War Journal. Hezbollah has not claimed or denied the attack Long War Journal.

Trump Announces Gaza Disarmament Deal

President Trump announced that the Peace Council reached an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas Israel Hayom. A senior Peace Council official told N12 that the proposal is based on 'zero trust' and ensures verification of every step; for the first time, Hamas and Palestinian factions agreed to disarm Gaza and transfer responsibility to a technocratic government N12 Chat. The official stated that implementation will take time, and at its conclusion, the technocratic government will hold a monopoly on weapons in the Gaza Strip, with Hamas relinquishing all civil and security involvement in governance N12 Chat.

Implementation Challenges

A senior US official emphasized that Israel is only being asked to implement its commitments under the 20-point plan, warning that President Trump would be 'very disappointed' if they do not, and that Israel would not want an escalation with the US on this issue now N12 Chat. The Israeli withdrawal will be gradual, based on a timeline still under discussion N12 Chat. However, Hamas stated it will not disarm before Israel withdraws, while Israel says it will not withdraw before Hamas disarms Behold Israel. Trump thanked Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey for mediating the agreement Behold Israel.

Israeli Artillery Shells Khan Younis

Israeli artillery shelled the eastern areas of Khan Younis city in the southern Gaza Strip Quds News Network.

Israeli Forces Abduct Former Detainee in Bethlehem

Israeli occupation forces abducted former Palestinian detainee Hussein Abayat after storming his house in the Wadi Shahin area of Bethlehem Quds News Network.

Village Sealed Off

Israeli blockades sealed off the village of Sinjil in the occupied West Bank, with road closures blocking all main entrances Al Jazeera.

Car-Ramming Attempt in Samaria

A terrorist accelerated his vehicle toward Israeli forces in Samaria and was neutralized; no Israeli casualties were reported News 0404 IL.

Turkey Offers to Contribute to Regional Peace

Turkish President Erdoğan stated Turkey is closely monitoring diplomatic efforts to end Israeli attacks and occupation, expressing readiness to contribute to regional peace initiatives. Speaking alongside Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Ankara, Erdoğan reaffirmed support for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and willingness to help strengthen ties between Lebanon and Syria Quds News Network.

Former Israeli PM Accuses Qatar of Funding IRGC

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett vowed to declare Qatar an 'enemy state' if reelected, citing Qatar's alleged funding of Iran's IRGC Long War Journal.

Saudi-US Strikes on Iraq Signal Impatience

American and Saudi forces launched joint airstrikes on Iranian-backed militia logistics in eastern Iraq, killing eight PMF members, in a first for the ongoing war with Iran. The strikes signal impatience with Baghdad's inability to control armed factions FDD. One PMF faction gave Baghdad a one-week ultimatum for 'clarification' TLDR Iran SITREP.

Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab Chokepoints

The Strait of Hormuz remains at 11% baseline throughput (11 vessels/day, 3.4 tankers/day) with closure persisting. Bab al-Mandab is at 83% baseline, but a drone strike on Egypt's Damietta port extends the threat to Mediterranean LNG terminals TLDR Iran SITREP.

Japan Earthquake Death Toll Rises

The death toll from the magnitude 7.1 earthquake in southwestern Japan has climbed to 34, with six more seriously injured. Residents have resorted to sleeping in cars for shelter Al Jazeera.

Nepali Mountaineers Missing in Pakistan Avalanche

Ten climbers led by renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja are missing after an avalanche hit Broad Peak in Pakistan Al Jazeera.