War in the Middle East

Norway Summons Israeli Envoy over Diplomatic Row
Norway Summons Israeli Envoy over Diplomatic Row

Norway said Thursday it had summoned an Israeli embassy official to protest Israel's decision to revoke the diplomatic status of Norwegian envoys to the Palestinian Authority. "A short while ago, I summoned Israel's representative to Norway and met her at the foreign ministry to protest against this decision. The Norwegian government is now ...

Israel Vows to Eliminate Yahya Sinwar
Israel Vows to Eliminate Yahya Sinwar

Israel vowed to eliminate new Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, the alleged mastermind of the October 7 attack, with regional tensions threatening to boil over as the Gaza war entered its 11th month on Wednesday. The naming of Sinwar to lead the Palestinian militant group came as Israel braced for potential Iranian retaliation over the killing of his ...

War Diary: Day 306
War Diary: Day 306

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 7th, 2024.

US Claims Gaza Ceasefire Still 'Close' Despite Tensions
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
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," ...

Turkey Joins South Africa's Israel 'Genocide' Case at ICJ
Turkey Joins South Africa's Israel 'Genocide' Case at ICJ

Turkey on Wednesday joined South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. A Turkish parliamentary delegation accompanied by the Turkish ambassador to the Netherlands filed a "declaration of intervention" at the ICJ's headquarters in The Hague, according to state television TRT which covered it live. Turkish ...

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

Two Killed, Several Injured in Drone Strike in Jwaya
Two Killed, Several Injured in Drone Strike in Jwaya

A drone strike targeted a motorcycle in the town of Jwaya in the Tyre district. The Public Health Emergency Operations Center of the Ministry of Public Health issued a statement announcing that the strike led, in an initial toll, to the death of two people and the injury of four others. Israeli warplanes shattered tranquility over several areas ...

Iran and Israel Should Not “Escalate This Conflict”: Blinken
Iran and Israel Should Not “Escalate This Conflict”: Blinken

Both Iran and Israel should avoid escalating conflict, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday, in his most direct wording toward US ally Israel on the Middle East's spiraling tensions. "No one should escalate this conflict. We've been engaged in intense diplomacy with allies and partners, communicating that message directly to Iran. We ...

Yahya Sinwar: Hamas' Militant Hawk
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 ...

Yahya Sinwar Chosen as Hamas' New Leader
Yahya Sinwar Chosen as Hamas' New Leader

Hamas announced on Tuesday that it has chosen Yahya Sinwar as its new leader, following the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week. Hamas said in a statement that it has named Sinwar as the new head of its political bureau. "The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas announces the selection of leader Yahya Sinwar as the head of the political ...