War in the Middle East

Geagea: I No Longer Expect Anything from France
Geagea: I No Longer Expect Anything from France

The leader of the Lebanese Forces (LF), Samir Geagea, has declared that he "no longer expects anything from France" and that he is "now a target for Hezbollah." In an interview with the French weekly “Valeurs actuelles,” Geagea denounced the French government's stance on Lebanon. According to him, "France only listens to the balance of power. ...

Israel Determined for War without Global Support
Israel Determined for War without Global Support

Israel has expressed its determination to pursue the war in the Gaza Strip "regardless of international support," following a decisive UN General Assembly vote in favor of a ceasefire. Israel has vowed to press ahead with its war in the Gaza Strip "with or without international support" after the UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly for a ...

War Diary: Day 68
War Diary: Day 68

This is Beirut brings you a daily recap of the situation in Gaza. Here are the main highlights for December 13, 2023.

US and UK Impose New Sanctions on Hamas
US and UK Impose New Sanctions on Hamas

The United States and the United Kingdom jointly announced on Wednesday a new set of sanctions imposed on Hamas in response to its attack on Israel on October 7th. The United States and the United Kingdom announced on Wednesday the imposition of sanctions on Hamas over the October 7 attack on Israel. The measure "targets key officials who ...

Saudis Still Committed to Normalization with Israel
Saudis Still Committed to Normalization with Israel

Thomas Friedman of The New York Times reported on Wednesday that when the war in Gaza ends, Saudi Arabia would still be interested in resuming negotiations for a potential normalization of relations with Israel. According to the report, the negotiators discussed a deal in which the United States would sign a security treaty with the Kingdom. The ...

Moawad: The Timing of the Council of Ministers Is Suspicious
Moawad: The Timing of the Council of Ministers Is Suspicious

Following a meeting of the 'Renewal' parliamentary bloc, Michel Moawad, MP for Zgharta, asserted that "the timing of the Council of Ministers scheduled for Friday is suspicious," stressing the need to follow "the legislative process to guarantee the extension of the mandate" of Army Commander-in-Chief Joseph Aoun. As a reminder, the Caretaker ...

Geagea: We Insist on Extending Commander Aoun’s Term
Geagea: We Insist on Extending Commander Aoun’s Term

The head of the Lebanese Forces (LF) party, Samir Geagea, stated on Wednesday that his party “insists on extending Commander Aoun’s term.” During a press conference in Maarab, Geagea highlighted the crucial role of the Army, considering that security is compromised because of the economic crisis and the Hamas attack that occurred on October ...

UNICEF Report: Children Bearing the Brunt of Insecurity, Economic Crisis
UNICEF Report: Children Bearing the Brunt of Insecurity, Economic Crisis

A UNICEF rapid assessment, conducted in November 2023, reveals further deterioration in almost every aspect of children’s lives in Lebanon, as the four-year-long crisis shows no sign of abating. The assessment explains that “the persistent and compounding crises” plaguing the country are “exacting a steadily devastating toll on children ...

Rain, Disease, and Starvation in Gaza
Rain, Disease, and Starvation in Gaza

Thousands of displaced Palestinians, fleeing homes and shelters, seek refuge in Rafah's makeshift camp, facing dire conditions worsened by rain, while the Israeli army continues to target the area. After fleeing their homes in the north and then their shelters in the major city of Khan Younes, tens of thousands of Palestinians are now seeking ...

South Lebanon: One Dead Several Wounded in Kfar Kila
South Lebanon: One Dead Several Wounded in Kfar Kila

The border confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel are constantly escalating and reaching deeper targets, inflicting more damage and casualties. One person was killed and several others injured overnight on Tuesday in an Israeli air raid on a three-story building in the town of Kfar Kila. The building was completely destroyed, and extensive ...

Implementing 1701: Lebanon Trapped Between Israel and Iran's Aspirations
Implementing 1701: Lebanon Trapped Between Israel and Iran's Aspirations

In the aftermath of the Gaza war and the eruption of confrontations on Lebanon’s southern border, two distinct scenarios linked to Resolution 1701 may unfold. One scenario revolves around the “measures” that Israel would take to reinforce security on its northern border, as residents of northern Israel are reluctant to return to an insecure ...

UN General Assembly Passes Gaza Ceasefire Resolution
UN General Assembly Passes Gaza Ceasefire Resolution

The UN General Assembly on Tuesday, overwhelmingly approved a non-binding resolution urging an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, increasing pressure on Israel and Washington. The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a non-binding resolution Tuesday, demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza — a call the paralyzed ...