War in the Middle East

Houthi Attacks Raise Tensions, Gaza Hostage Talks Offer Hope
Houthi Attacks Raise Tensions, Gaza Hostage Talks Offer Hope

The United States conducted new strikes in Yemen on Tuesday, according to a US official. Concurrently, the Iran-backed Houthis asserted responsibility for a missile attack on a Greek-owned cargo ship in the Red Sea. The White House expressed optimism, over discussions facilitated by Qatar which could result in a new agreement between Israel and ...

War Diary: Day 102
War Diary: Day 102

This is Beirut brings you a daily recap of the situation in Gaza. Here are the main highlights for January 16, 2024.

Shell Suspends Red Sea Trade amid Houthi Attacks
Shell Suspends Red Sea Trade amid Houthi Attacks

The British oil company has halted indefinitely all its shipments transiting the Red Sea. This decision comes following UK and US strikes on Houthi targets, sparking concerns about potential further escalation, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. The British oil company has indefinitely suspended all of its shipments passing through the Red ...

Israel’s Infiltration of the South: What Does It Imply?
Israel’s Infiltration of the South: What Does It Imply?

Amid relentless and heightening cross-border confrontations between Hezbollah and the Israeli Army over more than three months, Israel announced on Tuesday, January 16, that its special forces infiltrated southern Lebanon and removed mines in the village of Aita al-Shaab. The move was coupled with threats that came in the form of leaflets dropped ...

Escalation of Israeli Strikes in South Lebanon
Escalation of Israeli Strikes in South Lebanon

On Tuesday, the Israeli air force carried out raids on Aita al-Shaab, as well as more than 15 strikes on the outskirts of Bayad, Wadi Slouki, and Wadi el-Hajir. The bombardments also hit the olive groves on the outskirts of Al-Abbara in Kfar Kila and the areas of Mays al-Jabal and Maroun al-Ras. The locality of Rab el-Thalathin was subjected to ...

Israel Escalates Gaza Assault amid Fears of Widening War
Israel Escalates Gaza Assault amid Fears of Widening War

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 78 people in Gaza overnight, despite authorities de-escalation announcement. Simultaneously, Hamas's armed wing the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades fired 50 rockets toward Netivot in southern Israel, resulting in no casualties. Israel pummelled southern Gaza on Tuesday, killing dozens, even as authorities announced ...

EU Sanctions Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar
EU Sanctions Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar

The European Union placed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, on its terrorist sanctions blacklist on Tuesday. This decision was taken in response to the Hamas' attacks on Israel on October 7. The European Union on Tuesday added Hamas Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar to its "terrorist" sanctions blacklist over the October 7 attacks on Israel. The move means that ...

Al-Ezz Brigades: An Unknown Group in South Lebanon
Al-Ezz Brigades: An Unknown Group in South Lebanon

The Lebanese security forces have not yet determined the identity of the Al-Ezz Brigades, a group that took responsibility for two attacks against the Israeli army which resulted in the death of six of its members. According to available information, the bodies of some of the victims remained in the territories controlled by the Israeli forces ...

Why Is Iran Upholding a Precarious Calm in Lebanon?
Why Is Iran Upholding a Precarious Calm in Lebanon?

The Iranian poise and restraint prevailing on the Lebanese front may raise questions, especially given the recent escalation in the region following the Kerman attack. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard accused the groups behind the attack of having Israeli ties and undergoing training in northern Iraq, justifying the assault on Erbil. However, ...

Mikati Affirms Full Commitment to International Decisions on Lebanon
Mikati Affirms Full Commitment to International Decisions on Lebanon

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized on Tuesday his commitment to diplomatic solutions. In an interview with Al-Jazeera, Mikati stressed that he heard from the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, that there is an "opportunity to find a solution for stability in southern Lebanon, and they are working towards it;" meaning ...

Red Sea: Global Trade Hub
Red Sea: Global Trade Hub

The strikes carried out by the international coalition in the Red Sea since the beginning of the year once again illustrate the importance of this body of water for global maritime trade. Here are the key points to understand the specifics of this vital artery of major strategic importance. Since October 7, 2023, the Red Sea has gradually become ...

Southern Front: Israel Alleged 'Infiltration' Into Lebanese Territories
Southern Front: Israel Alleged 'Infiltration' Into Lebanese Territories

In the latest field development in the cross-border conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, the Israeli army announced on Tuesday morning that its "special forces infiltrated into southern Lebanon and cleared mines in the village of Aita al-Shaab." Moreover, the Israeli army dropped leaflets in the skies of Kfar Kila, urging the residents of the ...