This is Beirut

UNRWA to Pursue Operations in Palestinian Territories Despite New Israeli Legislation

This is Beirut, 30/01 20:55 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

The United Nations said Thursday its humanitarian relief agency UNRWA would continue working in all Palestinian territories, including east Jerusalem, despite Israeli legislation coming into force that cuts ties with the organization. Israel decided to ban the UN agency for Palestinian refugees following accusations some of its staff belong to ...

Eight Hostages Freed in Gaza as Israel Releases 110 Palestinian Prisoners

This is Beirut, 30/01 20:15 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Hostages Israel Hamas Gaza

Three Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals were released on Thursday in Gaza in exchange for 110 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a process marked by scenes of chaos during the release of captives in the Palestinian territory. This exchange is the third under the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, brokered by international ...

Two Israeli Strikes Target Taybeh in Southern Lebanon

This is Beirut, 30/01 19:20 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Hezbollah Israel South Lebanon United Nations

Two Israeli airstrikes targeted the locality of Taybeh in southern Lebanon’s Marjayoun caza late Thursday afternoon, heightening tensions in the region. The first strike hit bulldozers working near a Husseiniya (a Shiite place of worship), with the drivers narrowly escaping harm. The second strike targeted the town square near a police station, ...

Ten Palestinians Killed in Israeli Raid on West Bank

This is Beirut, 30/01 17:25 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

West Bank Israel Hamas Shin Bet

Israel's military confirmed Thursday that it had killed 10 Palestinians in a strike on a village in the occupied West Bank the day before, saying it had targeted militants. During a joint "counterterrorism" operation by the military and domestic security agency, an air force "aircraft struck a gathering of armed terrorists in the area of Tamun" ...

Gaza Militants Hand Over Eight Israeli Hostages

This is Beirut, 30/01 14:50 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Hamas Israel Palestine

Palestinian militants on Thursday freed three Israeli hostages and five foreigners captured in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel as the third hostage-prisoner exchange of the Gaza ceasefire got under way. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced what he called "shocking scenes" during the hostage releases which came under a ...

Israeli Army Claims to Have Intercepted a Hezbollah Surveillance Drone from Lebanon

This is Beirut, 30/01 11:35 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Hezbollah Israel

The Israeli army claimed to have intercepted a Hezbollah surveillance drone launched from Lebanon towards Israel on Thursday. No sirens sounded during the incident, “in accordance with protocol”, said the army. The Israeli army's Arabic-speaking spokesman, Avichay Adraee, declared that the Israeli army “will not allow ...

The Messiah Wars: How Israel and Iran's Visions Shape Middle Eastern Politics

Salam El Zaatari, 30/01 09:00 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Israel Iran USA Middle East

In the high-stakes chess game of Middle Eastern politics, a hidden force drives both Israel and Iran toward an eerily similar endgame, an unshakable belief that history is hurtling toward a divinely orchestrated climax. On one side, Israel’s religious circles whisper about the long-awaited Messiah, a figure destined to restore their ancient ...

All Hope Lost?

Marc Saikali, 30/01 08:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Lebanon Hezbollah Israel

On January 9, at last, after more than two years of deadlock, a “real” President was elected. A man of integrity and independence, committed to Lebanon and its people. Hopes of reconstruction, development and justice began to take shape. Then came the end of the 60-day truce—without the government having prepared a Plan B. As a result, ...

Israeli Violations Persist in Southern Lebanon Amid Extended Withdrawal Deadline

This is Beirut, 29/01 22:45 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Lebanon Israel Hezbollah

Despite the extended deadline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, Israeli military operations and violations continue in the region. In an interview with the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, an Israeli military official revealed that Israel plans to “eliminate numerous Hezbollah weapon sites in the eastern sector ...

Israel: 11 Gaza Hostages to Be Released This Week

This is Beirut, 29/01 20:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Israel Palestine Benjamin Netanyahu Hamas

Israel said on Wednesday that 11 more hostages held in Gaza, including five Thais, would be freed over two days this week as part of a fragile Gaza ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said it had received a list from Hamas of eight hostages to be freed on Thursday, including the Thais, and another three, all men, to be released ...

Hamas: Israel's Delaying of Aid Delivery to Gaza May Affect Hostage Release

This is Beirut, 29/01 15:36 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Hamas Israel Palestine ceasefire agreement

Two Hamas officials on Wednesday accused Israel of delaying the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to Gaza, as agreed in the ceasefire deal, and warned that it could impact the release of hostages. "We warn that continued delays and failure to address these points (delivery of key aid) will affect the natural progression of the agreement, ...

Syria Demands Israel Pullout from Buffer Golan Zone

This is Beirut, 29/01 14:25 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Israel Benjamin Netanyahu United Nations Golan Syria

Syria's new authorities on Wednesday urged Israel's withdrawal from Syrian territory it occupied in the Golan Heights after president Bashar al-Assad's ousting, during talks with UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix, state media reported. During Lacroix's meeting with Syria's foreign and defense ministers, "it was confirmed that Syria is ...

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