Hamas

US Claims Gaza Ceasefire Still 'Close' Despite Tensions

Israel and Hamas are still close to a ceasefire deal, the White House insisted Wednesday, despite growing fears of a regional war following the assassination of a key Hamas leader. Washington is still engaged in "intense diplomacy" to prevent further escalation after Iran threatened revenge for the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh ...

Gazans Voice Concern over 'Stubborn' New Hamas Leader Sinwar

War-weary Gazans voiced concern on Wednesday after Hamas appointed Yahya Sinwar as its new supremo, fearing his past as the movement's military commander might hamper efforts for the ceasefire they yearn for. "We don't know how Hamas is thinking or what led them to choose Yahya Sinwar as their chief, especially when his whereabouts are unknown," ...

Who Is Yahya Sinwar, New Political Leader of Hamas?

On Tuesday evening, Yahya Sinwar was appointed new political leader of Hamas, a week after the assassination of his predecessor Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. One of Hamas's most influential leaders, he has made his career in the shadows and is known for his alleged role in the events of October 7, of which he is said to have been the architect. A ...

Sinwar as Hamas Chief: Reactions, Impact on Cease-Fire Talks

Yahya Sinwar’s appointment on Tuesday to replace Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated by Israel in Tehran last week, has sparked a wide range of reactions.  Iran’s military chief, Abdolrahim Mousavi has praised the appointment by saying that it means that there is “no hope for Israel in the future”  Hezbollah also ...

Increased Departures at Beirut International Airport

The escalating situation in the region and fears that the conflict between Hamas and Israel might spread to Lebanon are causing vacationers to cut their trips short. With various embassies urging their citizens to leave and travel companies continuously rescheduling flights, the departure hall at Beirut International Airport is now crowded.

Yahya Sinwar: Hamas' Militant Hawk

After the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Yahya Sinwar, one of Hamas' most influential leaders, was designated on Tuesday as the new head of the Palestinian group. Sinwar, also known as Abu Ibrahim, was born on October 29, 1962, in Khan Younis. Long unknown to the general public, he became known for his presumed role in the events of ...

State Department: 'Escalation in the Middle East Serves No-one's Interest'

Amid heavy and rising tensions in the Middle East following the assassination of Hamas’ Political Bureau Chairman, Ismail Haniyeh, and Hezbollah cadre, Fouad Shokr, the US State Department drew a road map to the upcoming events in the region, carrying overt and hidden messages. After deliberating with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Ben Abdul ...

France's Macron Calls for 'Restraint' in Middle East

France's President Emmanuel Macron said Monday he had spoken to the leaders of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia and all three had urged "restraint" to avoid an escalation in the Middle East. "I have spoken to President Mohamed bin Zayed and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the situation in the Middle East. We call on all actors to be ...

Scenarios for Iran’s Retaliation: Will Hezbollah Attack a Settlement?

Military sources are exploring numerous scenarios regarding Iran’s retaliation as well as its proxies’ in the region in response to Israel's assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh and senior Hezbollah military commander Fouad Shukr. According to these sources, this time around, these players are not seeking a merely ...

War Diary: Day 303

From Gaza to Lebanon, This is Beirut brings you a daily recap of the war between Hamas and Israel and its repercussions on the region. Here are the main highlights for August 4th, 2024.

War Diary: Day 302

From Gaza to Lebanon, This is Beirut brings you a daily recap of the war between Hamas and Israel and its repercussions on the region. Here are the main highlights for August 3, 2024.