Tragic news out of Beirut, Lebanon, where explosions linked to Hezbollah paging devices have sadly left 12 people dead and thousands injured. This disaster comes amid the expansion of Israel's conflict in Gaza, targeting Hezbollah strongholds, leaving nearly 300 in critical condition and prompting international aid from neighboring countries.

In response to the Beirut explosions, Iran has condemned the attacks and blamed the Zionist regime. The detonation of hand-held radios used by Hezbollah has resulted in several fatalities and injuries, further escalating tensions with Israel.

Meanwhile, in Amman, Jordan, King Abdullah II hosted an extraordinary summit with a Saudi delegation to address the Gaza conflict. The focus was on achieving a ceasefire, increasing humanitarian aid, and discussing the impacts of the ongoing war on regional stability, emphasizing a collective call for peace and a two-state solution.

Over in Europe, Germany has decided to freeze new war weapon exports to Israel amidst legal and humanitarian controversies. This decision follows significant exports last year and has ignited internal government debates over the legality and ethical implications of aiding Israel's actions in Gaza.

On a related note in the United States, Senator Bernie Sanders is set to challenge over $20 billion in arms sales to Israel, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Although it's unlikely to pass in the divided Senate, Sanders' move reflects growing international concern and decreasing bipartisan support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict.

Lastly, US Senator John Kennedy faced backlash for making anti-Arab remarks during a Senate hearing on hate crimes, accusing an Arab American civil rights leader of supporting Hamas and Hezbollah. This hearing, led by Senator Dick Durbin, also highlighted the tragic rise in hate crimes, including the recent fatal stabbing of a young Palestinian American boy.