War in the Middle East

Israel Contemplates Trading Hamas Leaders' Lives for Hostages

This Is Beirut 2023-12-25 16:31 - Reading : less than a minute

Israel is reportedly exploring an unconventional approach in dealing with Hamas leaders, Yahya Sinwar and Muhammad Deif, by considering not killing them but rather granting immunity and relocating them to Qatar or another country. Such an agreement would only be entertained within the context of a broader solution, securing the release of all ...

Pope Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza in Christmas Message

This Is Beirut 2023-12-25 15:25 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Catholic church christmas CONFLICT Gaza Israel

Pope Francis on Monday deplored the desperate humanitarian situation of Palestinians in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire and the freeing of hostages in his Christmas message. "My heart grieves for the victims of the abominable attack on 7 October, and I reiterate my urgent appeal for the liberation of those still being held hostage," ...

Silent Streets, Somber Christmas in the Holy Land

This Is Beirut 2023-12-25 10:43 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Bethlehem christmas Gaza

The usually vibrant and festive atmosphere in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, was overshadowed by the ongoing war in Gaza, subduing the holiday cheer. The streets, typically adorned with festive decorations, stood quiet on this special evening, with a noticeable absence of worshipers and tourists in the historic town, recognized as the birthplace of ...

War Diary: Day 79

Rayan Chami 2023-12-24 22:11 - Reading : less than a minute

Gaza

This Is Beirut brings you a daily recap of the situation in Gaza. Here are the main highlights for December 24, 2023.

Israeli Army Pushes Toward South of Gaza

This Is Beirut 2023-12-24 21:20 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Hamas Israel

Israel has said the Gaza war against Hamas militants was taking its toll on troops, as the focus of combat shifted to the south where most displaced Palestinians are trapped. Hamas launched a shock attack against Israel from Gaza on October 7, killing about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli ...

Jumblatt Signs Worldwide Petition to Halt Hostilities in Gaza

This Is Beirut 2023-12-24 20:31 - Reading : less than a minute

Gaza

Former MP and leader of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) Walid Jumblatt signed a global petition on Sunday in which signatories denounce "the genocide perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinians," as the Hebrew state ignores international calls for a permanent ceasefire. The signatories call on the parties concerned to "condemn the ...

Despite Christmas Eve, No Respite on the Southern Front

This Is Beirut 2023-12-24 20:01 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

christmas Hezbollah Israel

Despite Christmas Eve, the exchange of artillery fire between Hezbollah and Israel continued intermittently throughout Sunday. In the afternoon, the Israeli army bombed the Hobeish school in the village of Taybeh and raided the area between Taybeh and Rab al-Thalatheen, damaging a house. Bombs also fell on the outskirts of Tayr Harfa and the ...

Spain Refuses to Join Red Sea Coalition

This Is Beirut 2023-12-24 19:26 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Houthi

On Sunday, December 24, the Spanish Defense Minister announced that his country would not be taking part in the coalition to protect maritime traffic from Houthi attacks. This coalition, led by the United States, is intended in particular to restore commercial lines that have been considerably disrupted since October 7. Spain will not take part ...

Al-Rai Reiterated His Call for the 'Neutrality' of Lebanon

This Is Beirut 2023-12-24 14:32 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Bechara al-Rai Gaza

The Maronite patriarch, Bechara al-Rai, once again reiterated his call for Lebanon's neutrality, asserting that the Land of the Cedars is “a land of dialogue and peace.” Stigmatizing the “genocidal and brutal” war in Gaza, which has been going on since October 7, and its consequences for Lebanon, Archbishop al-Rai denounced the Hebrew ...

Despite the War, Israel Awarded Maritime Drilling Stations Near Lebanon and Egypt

Bassam Abou Zeid 2023-12-24 14:27 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Egypt ENI Israel

Lebanon is expected to soon approve the awarding of blocks 8 and 10 in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to the consortium comprising TotalEnergies, Eni, and Qatar Energy for offshore oil and gas exploration. However, the Lebanese Petroleum Authority is seeking to introduce an amendment to the set timeframe for seismic studies in block 8, which ...

Hezb Resumes Attacks in South, Alert in Upper Galilee

This Is Beirut 2023-12-24 14:10 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Dishon Galilee Hezbollah Israel

Following a day of violent exchanges of artillery fire between Israel and Hezbollah, the latter resumed its attacks against Israel early on Sunday morning. It announced that it had targeted army positions in Dishon. In this respect, Sheikh Nabil Kaouk, a member of Hezbollah's executive council, said on Sunday that the party would continue its ...

Israel Continues to Bomb Gaza on Christmas Eve

This Is Beirut 2023-12-24 10:47 - Reading : 5 minute(s)