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Benjamin Hassan achieved a significant milestone on Friday, becoming the first Lebanese tennis player in the Open era to qualify for the main draw of the French Open. The 30-year-old secured his spot at Roland-Garros by defeating Japan’s James Trotter 6-2, 7-6(5) in the final round of the qualifying tournament. Hassan’s path to the main draw involved three consecutive victories …

The United States has formally lifted longstanding economic sanctions on Syria, marking a significant shift in policy following the December 2024 ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. This move aims to support Syria’s reconstruction efforts and alleviate humanitarian challenges after more than a decade of civil conflict. Policy Shift and Conditions On May 23, 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department issued …

President Joseph Aoun cast his vote on Saturday in his hometown of al-Aishiyeh, located in the southern Jezzine district, marking the conclusion of Lebanon’s four-phase municipal and mayoral elections. His visit to the polling station followed inspections of electoral operations in the nearby areas of Sidon and Nabatieh, where he emphasized the nation’s resolve to uphold democratic processes despite ongoing …

With local elections scheduled for Saturday in southern Lebanon, differing accounts have surfaced regarding the scope of U.S. assurances to Beirut concerning Israel’s potential military actions during the vote. While some sources suggest that full security guarantees have been secured, others indicate that such assurances may be more limited in scope. On Thursday evening, Lebanon-based LBCI television reported that Lebanese …

A Lebanese government official confirmed on Friday that an agreement has been reached with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to begin the phased disarmament of Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. The initiative is set to commence in mid-June, starting with camps located in the capital, Beirut, before expanding to other areas across the country. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity …

As Lebanon prepares for municipal and mayoral elections on Saturday, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri has issued a strong call for voter participation, particularly in southern border towns. In a public address on Thursday, Berri emphasized the symbolic importance of casting ballots in areas close to Israel, framing the act of voting as a statement of national sovereignty and resilience. …

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held a series of meetings in Lebanon on Thursday as part of his first visit to the country in seven years. His visit, which began Wednesday and spans three days, comes at a time of renewed regional instability and ongoing concerns over the security situation in Palestinian refugee camps across Lebanon. Abbas met with Lebanese Parliament …

Two Israeli diplomatic staff members were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday evening, in what authorities have identified as a hate-motivated attack. The assailant, who reportedly shouted slogans referencing Palestine during the incident, was taken into custody shortly afterward. The shooting has prompted widespread condemnation from U.S. officials, Israeli leaders, and international figures. The …