Gaza

Iran's IRGC Tries to Claim Back 'Al-Aqsa Flood,' Hamas Denies It

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesman said on Wednesday, December 27 that the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7 were carried out in revenge for the US drone strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani, former head of the al-Quds Force, the IRGC's foreign operations arm, on January 3, 2020. "Al-Aqsa Flood was one of the acts ...

USA and Israel Discuss 'Different Phase' of War

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met on Tuesday with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer to discuss shifting “to a different phase” of the Israel-Hamas war, a White House official said. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss steps to improve the humanitarian situation in war-torn Gaza and minimize harm to ...

Will Post-Gaza Peace Talks Speed Presidential Election?

The grace period granted by the Biden administration to Benjamin Netanyahu and his government to conclude their military mission in Gaza is beginning to narrow down. Nonetheless, Israel’s military announced that the war in Gaza will continue until its objectives are met, including the elimination of Hamas leadership and the dismantling of the ...

War Diary: Day 81

This is Beirut brings you a daily recap of the situation in Gaza. Here are the main highlights for December 26, 2023.

Between Reconciliation and Accountability

In the calculations of the Lebanese people, the Taif Agreement appears to be irreplaceable despite the plethora of options and proposals on the table. However, a collective understanding prevails that, without comprehensive international consensus and an appropriate regional context, the exploration of an alternative arrangement would be ...

UN Expresses Concern over Israeli Strikes

The United Nations on Tuesday, expressed deep concern over Israel's ongoing bombardment of the central Gaza Strip, emphasizing the urgent need for Israeli forces to implement all possible measures to safeguard civilians. The United Nations said Tuesday it was "gravely concerned" by Israel's continued bombardment of the central Gaza Strip and ...

Netanyahu: No Peace Until Hamas Destroyed

Israel made it clear that the war against Hamas will not end soon, while intensifying its attacks on the southern part of Gaza. New bombardments targeted the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, while Israel announced that it was stepping up its offensive against Hamas, despite international calls for a cease fire. On Tuesday, thick clouds of smoke rose into ...

War Diary: Day 80

This Is Beirut brings you a daily recap of the situation in Gaza. Here are the main highlights for December 25, 2023.

Israeli Strike Kills IRGC Commander in Syria

A high-ranking officer from Iran's Revolutionary Guards succumbed to an Israeli airstrike in Syria on Monday, as confirmed by the military force, which pledged to retaliate against "this act of aggression." A senior general with Iran's Revolutionary Guards was killed on Monday by an Israeli strike in Syria, the military force said, vowing to ...

Israel Contemplates Trading Hamas Leaders' Lives for Hostages

Israel is reportedly exploring an unconventional approach in dealing with Hamas leaders, Yahya Sinwar and Muhammad Deif, by considering not killing them but rather granting immunity and relocating them to Qatar or another country. Such an agreement would only be entertained within the context of a broader solution, securing the release of all ...

Pope Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza in Christmas Message

Pope Francis on Monday deplored the desperate humanitarian situation of Palestinians in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire and the freeing of hostages in his Christmas message. "My heart grieves for the victims of the abominable attack on 7 October, and I reiterate my urgent appeal for the liberation of those still being held hostage," ...

Silent Streets, Somber Christmas in the Holy Land

The usually vibrant and festive atmosphere in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, was overshadowed by the ongoing war in Gaza, subduing the holiday cheer. The streets, typically adorned with festive decorations, stood quiet on this special evening, with a noticeable absence of worshipers and tourists in the historic town, recognized as the birthplace of ...