The Daily Star Lebanon Breaking News, Lebanon News, Middle East News & World News

Hamas is reviewing the latest counterproposal from Israel regarding a potential ceasefire in Gaza, following the arrival of an Egyptian mediation team in Israel to help restart the stalled peace talks. This development comes amid Israeli military preparations for a potential incursion into Rafah, Gaza’s southern city, and continued regional conflicts linked to the war. Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas …

Next week, the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) will introduce a proposal aimed at addressing the Syrian refugee crisis to other Lebanese political groups, according to the National News Agency (NNA). This initiative contains practical solutions intended to alleviate the situation. The NNA reported that Walid Jumblat, the former leader of the PSP, discussed the proposal during a meeting in Clemenceau …

Hezbollah has refuted an Israeli assertion that it had killed half of the group’s commanders in southern Lebanon, stating that only a few of its leaders were killed. The Lebanese militia has been in almost daily conflict with Israeli forces since October 8, a day after Hamas launched a major assault on Israel. Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, claimed on …

On Friday, the European Union announced that Shein, the online fast-fashion retailer, will be subject to the bloc’s most rigorous digital regulations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The EU’s Executive Commission has now designated Shein as a “very large online platform,” placing it alongside other major platforms that require closer monitoring to ensure user safety online. Originating in China …

As 2024 begins, the U.S. economy appears to have maintained its robust growth from late 2023, with consumers continuing to spend vigorously despite the burden of high interest rates. This Thursday, the Commerce Department is anticipated to announce that the gross domestic product (GDP)—the broadest measure of economic output—increased at a modest yet solid 2.2% annual rate from January through …

Armed with a championship pedigree and a seasoned core, the Denver Nuggets continue to pose a significant challenge for any NBA team, particularly the Los Angeles Lakers. Denver extended its dominant streak over the Lakers to 11 consecutive victories after securing a 112-105 win in Game 3 of their first-round series, pushing the Lakers to the brink of an early …

FIFA recently solidified its relationship with Saudi Arabia by announcing a sponsorship deal with the kingdom’s state-owned oil company Aramco, which reported profits of $121 billion last year. The partnership became expected after Saudi Arabia was nearly confirmed in October as the host for the 2034 Men’s World Cup. The agreement, which runs until 2027, covers the 2026 Men’s World …

Doctors have initiated trials on hundreds of melanoma patients using the world’s first personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, a development that experts believe could dramatically change cancer treatment by potentially offering a lasting cure. Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, affects around 132,000 individuals worldwide each year. While surgery is typically the main form of treatment, other methods like …