Palestine

Hamas Relays 'Positive' Response in Hostage Talks

Qatar announced on Tuesday that Hamas has issued a "positive" response to a proposal aimed at releasing hostages in exchange for temporarily halting the Gaza conflict, but Israel slammed the proposal for including unacceptable conditions set by Hamas. Qatar said Tuesday that Hamas has delivered a "positive" response to a proposal to free hostages ...

Blinken in Egypt, Israel Kills Hundred in Gaza

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Egypt on Tuesday as part of his latest Middle East crisis tour, seeking a new ceasefire and "an enduring end" to the Israel-Hamas war. Heavy strikes and fighting in Gaza killed at least 107 people in the past 24 hours, said the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory that has been under almost ...

Séjourné's Visit Highlights: Implementation of 1701, Support for Army

French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné held talks with several Lebanese officials Tuesday, during which he affirmed France’s support to the Lebanese Army and reiterated calls for restraint in South Lebanon, the theater of persisting violence between Hezbollah and Israel for almost four months now. Séjourné arrived in Beirut Tuesday ...

War Diary: Day 123

This is Beirut brings you a daily recap of the situation in southern Lebanon and Gaza. Here are the main highlights for February 6th, 2024.

S. Gemayel: We Refuse to Be Under Hezbollah's Authority

Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel has denounced the media campaign orchestrated against him by Hezbollah, which he was subjected to last week, as well as the direct threats made against him following an interview with BFMTV. Gemayel retorted, "We're used to dealing with this type of attack, but when it becomes a topic of discussion on Manar and Akhbar's ...

Blinken Seeks Truce as Gaza Assault Persists

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken kicked off a tour of the Middle East on Monday, aiming to secure a new truce and lasting resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict amidst ongoing fighting in Gaza. As humanitarian conditions worsen in the strip, UNRWA faces controversy over allegations involving Hamas. Blinken is set to discuss a framework not ...

War Diary: Day 122

This is Beirut brings you a daily recap of the situation in southern Lebanon and Gaza. Here are the main highlights for February 5th, 2024.

Guterres Announces Independent Panel to Assess UNRWA

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres announced the establishment of an independent panel to evaluate UNRWA, which has been facing challenges amidst an Israeli assault on Gaza. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres announced on Monday the creation of an independent panel to assess UNRWA, its embattled agency tasked with helping Palestinian ...

Saydet el-Jabal Calls on MPs to Act: “Lebanon’s Future Depends on It”

The Saydet el-Jabal gathering warned on Monday "against deals being made in and to the detriment of the region" in the run-up to the end of the war in Gaza. It pointed out that "Hezbollah is involved because of its links with Iran," while the presidential vacuum has lasted since October 2022. During their weekly meeting, the Saydet el-Jabal ...

Spain to Boost UNRWA Funding After Mass Aid Suspension

Spain announced increasing its aid to the UNRWA on Monday. The agency is experiencing financial strain following the suspension of funding from several nations. Spain said on Monday that it would give an additional 3.5 million euros ($3.8 million) in aid to the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, which is facing a cash crunch after several ...

Lebanon-Israel Maritime Borders Agreement: Myths and Realities

Since the surprise Al-Aqsa Flood operation carried out by Hamas against Israel on October 7, triggering a destructive war by Tel Aviv against Gaza, southern Lebanon has been under high tensions and increasing risk of escalation. This prompted a flurry of diplomatic efforts with a dual objective: restoring calm to the southern border and seeking, ...

Blinken in Middle East to Secure New Truce

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday as part of his ongoing tour of the Middle East, aiming to negotiate a new ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict amidst continued fighting in Gaza. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday for another Middle East crisis tour, hoping to secure a ...