This Week’s Top Stories — Lebanon and Israel sign peace framework, Venezuela earthquakes kill over 900 and more | Friday, June 26, 2026 | 10 Muharram, 1448 AH
Lebanon and Israel sign US-brokered peace framework in Washington
Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors signed a framework peace agreement in front of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Friday.
Nada Hamadeh Moawed, Lebanon’s ambassador, called it “a first step on the road to restoring Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Yechiel Leitet, Israel’s ambassador, said Israel would withdraw from Lebanon upon the disarmament of Hezbollah.
Why it matters: After months of war that killed more than 4,000 people in Lebanon and four rounds of U.S.-brokered talks, Lebanon and Israel have agreed to another deal for peace. Whether it will prevail is unclear, as Israeli forces still occupy southern Lebanon and show no signs of withdrawal.
Two powerful earthquakes strike Venezuela, killing at least 920, officials say
Two back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, killing at least 920 people and injuring more than 3,300, with hundreds still trapped under rubble in the capital, Caracas, and La Guardia, causing Acting President Delcy Rodríguez to declare a state of emergency.
A magnitude 7.2 foreshock hit west of the capital at 6:04 p.m., followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 mainshock — the largest quake to hit Venezuela since 1900.
Why it matters: U.S. meteorologists fear that the death toll may be in the thousands, as the La Guardia region — the hardest hit — has been declared a disaster zone. Up to 250 buildings have been either damaged or completely leveled, marking one of the deadliest natural disasters in the Western Hemisphere in years.
Palestinian American endorsed by Mamdani wins New York Democratic primary
Palestinian American Aber Kawas won the Democratic primary for New York’s 12th State Senate District on Thursday with 60 percent of the vote over her main opponent, Assemblyman Steven Rafa.
Endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Kawas ran on a democratic socialist, progressive and anti-war platform. A self-described “Muslim civil rights advocate,” she has been a community leader since 2010 and worked with CAIR on numerous issues.
Why it matters: If she wins the general election in November, Kawas will become the first Palestinian in the New York State Senate. Moreover, her victory was one of several wins by Mamdani-endorsed candidates — all of whom are pro-Palestine. As a result, outlets have labeled the NYC mayor as a “kingmaker” who is changing the Democratic Party from within.
Bosnia and Morocco qualify for World Cup Round of 32
Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified for the World Cup Round of 32 after beating Qatar 3-1 at Seattle Stadium on Wednesday, earning their first World Cup win in 12 years. Kerim Alajbegovic, 18, became Bosnia’s youngest-ever World Cup scorer when he struck from 25 yards in the 29th minute. Ermin Mahmic sealed the win with a close-range finish in the 82nd.
Morocco beat Haiti 4-2 at Atlanta Stadium the same day to become the first Arab nation so far to advance. The match was level at 2-2 at halftime before Soufiane Rahimi put Morocco ahead in the 78th minute and Gessime Yassine sealed it in the 89th.
Why it matters: The 2026 World Cup began with 13 Muslim-majority countries competing in soccer’s biggest tournament — the most in history. Two Muslim-majority nations have made it through so far. For Bosnia, it carries the weight of a nation rebuilding its identity, still reeling from its independence war nearly 30 years ago. For Morocco, it marks another opportunity to bring home a historic achievement for the Arab world.
Mamdani marks Ashura with call for justice and service
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Shia Muslim, marked Ashura on Friday with a social media post reflecting on the martyrdom of Hussain, Prophet Muhammad’s grandson.
“His timeless legacy reminds us of the enduring values of faith, service to one another, and the belief that justice is always worth fighting for,” Mamdani wrote.
Why it matters: Ashura falls on the 10th of Muharram and is observed by both Sunni and Shia Muslims. It marks the day Prophet Moses and the Israelites were granted safe passage from Egypt and the day Imam Hussain, Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, was martyred roughly 1,400 years ago. The post by Mamdani, NYC’s first Muslim mayor, is another example of how he refuses to hide his Islamic faith. Instead, he embraces it, framing the faith in a way that is easy for Americans to understand.
Quran verse and Hadith of the week: On martyrdom and love for Hussain
Quran: وَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّ الَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَمْوَاتًا ۚ بَلْ أَحْيَاءٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ يُرْزَقُونَ فَرِحِينَ بِمَا آتَاهُمُ اللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِ
“Do not think of those killed in the cause of God as dead. They are alive with their Lord, well provided for — rejoicing in what God has granted them of His bounty.” — Surah Al ‘Imran, 3:169-170
Hadith: The Prophet ﷺ said: “Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain. God loves whoever loves Hussain.” — Sunan Ibn Majah 144