Israel

In the Wake of War: How Conflict Is Shaping Consumer Choices in Lebanon

Many Lebanese have begun purchasing fruits and vegetables individually, a practice rarely seen in a culture that traditionally favors buying by the kilo. Grocery baskets have shrunk in both quantity and variety. Testimonies from mothers gathered by This is Beirut reveal a shift toward prioritizing legumes, which are more affordable than meat, ...

Three Arrested After Flares Land Near Netanyahu’s Home

Israeli police said on Sunday three suspects were arrested after two flares landed near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in the central town of Caesarea. "Three suspects were arrested overnight for their involvement in the incident" on Saturday evening, the police said in a statement, adding that the suspects would be interrogated ...

Israeli President Cancels Visit to Azerbaijan after Being Banned from Flying over Turkey

Israeli President Isaac Herzog canceled his visit to Azerbaijan due to Turkey's ban on overflying its airspace, according to Azerbaijani media outlet Caliber. Herzog was scheduled to attend COP29 alongside other global leaders. Israeli media had initially reported that the cancellation of the trip was due to security concerns. In May, Herzog ...

Pope Calls for Gaza 'Genocide' Investigation

Pope Francis for the first time tackled claims of Israel's ongoing "genocide" of Palestinians in Gaza in a forthcoming book, urging further investigation into whether Israel's actions meet the definition. Titled "Hope Never Disappoints. Pilgrims Towards a Better World", the book includes his latest and most forthright ...

Israeli Airstrike Targets Ras al-Nabeh

An Israeli airstrike targeted Ras al-Nabeh, reportedly hitting the Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party's office. Preliminary reports suggest that the attack also targeted Mohammad Afif, Hezbollah's media relations chief. Additionally, Reuters, citing two security sources, reported that the strike killed Afif. The Ministry of Public Health's current ...

Who Was Mohammad Afif, Hezb’s Head of Media Relations?

The head of Hezbollah's media department, Mohammad Afif, was killed on Sunday in the offices of the Lebanese branch of the Syrian Baath Party, located in the Ras al-Nabeh district in the heart of Beirut. A prominent figure in Hezbollah, he was the son of Sheikh Afif Naboulsi, an important religious figure in the Lebanese Shiite community. Afif ...

300 Experts Urge UNESCO to Protect Lebanon's Heritage

In a petition addressed to UNESCO, 300 cultural professionals, including archaeologists and academics, called on Sunday for the protection of Lebanon's heritage, particularly Baalbeck. Since September 23, Israel has been engaged in open warfare against Hezbollah, with strikes targeting the cities of Baalbeck (east) and Tyre (south), both of which ...

Beirut's Businesses Struggle to Stay Afloat under Bombardment

Lina al-Khalil has fled her south Beirut home to escape escalating Israeli attacks on Hezbollah, but she still returns daily to the bombarded area to keep the family business running. "It's more important than my house," said the pharmacist, in her 50s, of the business she inherited from her father in Haret Hreik, a southern suburb ...

MP Abou el-Hosn: Larijani's Visit Was an Intervention, Not a Mediation

MP Hadi Abou el-Hosn, member of the Democratic Gathering bloc, expressed sharp criticism of Iranian involvement in Lebanon, stating that Ali Larijani's recent visit was not as a mediator but as an interventionist. Speaking to LBCI, Abou el-Hosn said, “Enough interference in our affairs and exploiting the Lebanese people.” He emphasized that ...

Brazil's G20 Summit will be a Diplomatic Test for President Lula

The G20 summit will be a diplomatic test for veteran President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva who has boosted Brazil's global standing since returning to power but drawn fire for his positions on Ukraine and Gaza. "Brazil is back!" Lula announced triumphantly two years ago after he unseated far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro, who had turned his ...

Beirut and South Lebanon Endure Relentless Airstrikes

In a wave of intense airstrikes early on Sunday, Israel targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs, South Lebanon and the Bekaa region, causing significant damage to residential areas, churches and infrastructure. Early Morning Attacks on Beirut’s Southern Suburbs For the second time on Sunday morning, the Israeli army issued evacuation calls for ...