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

In 2021, ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing heart medication during a domestic competition spanning late 2020 to early 2021, according to The New York Times. Despite these findings, these athletes, who comprised nearly half of China’s swimming delegation to Tokyo and included several medalists, were permitted to compete. The decision followed …

On Saturday, April 20th, the US House of Representatives voted decisively, 311-112, in favor of a substantial $60.8 billion military aid package for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia, which has now spanned two years. This funding is critical as Ukraine faces a significant ammunition shortage. Additionally, the House approved $26.4 billion in support for Israel during its conflict …

French President Emmanuel Macron assured Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati that France is committed to doing “everything in its power” to prevent further escalation of violence between Lebanon and Israel, according to statements from Macron’s office. During their meeting in Paris, Macron emphasized France’s ongoing support for Lebanon’s stability amidst increasing tensions in the Middle East, triggered by a …

Several individuals were injured in a bombing attack at the Calso military base in Babylon province, south of Baghdad, which hosts Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashed al-Shaabi), according to two security sources early Saturday. An interior ministry official reported one death and eight injuries, while a military official noted three Iraqi soldiers were injured. Hashed al-Shaabi stated the explosion caused …

Following a series of retaliatory actions between Israel and Iran, world leaders are urging calm as tensions escalate in the region. This comes after Iran’s state media reported explosions in a central province, and an Iranian minister dismissed an Israeli micro-drone operation as inconsequential. The increase in hostilities has led to fluctuations in global market prices for oil, gold, and …

As tensions rise in the Middle East, Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, is set to meet with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This meeting comes at a time when regional conflicts intensify, notably after Israel’s alleged attack on Iran and amid preparations for a new offensive in Gaza. Erdogan, who has previously attempted to mediate in the Palestinian conflict, …

Diplomatic efforts are actively underway to dissuade Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from initiating a widespread conflict in Lebanon, according to a diplomatic source. In discussions with leaders from prominent global powers including the U.S., Russia, and France, Netanyahu expressed his intent to “discipline Hezbollah,” as reported by the Nidaa al-Watan newspaper. The source highlighted a caution from Russian President …

A man from the Netherlands succumbed to an underlying illness after battling coronavirus for a record 613 days, during which the virus mutated repeatedly, evolving into a new variant, according to a report from Time magazine based on research from the University of Amsterdam. This 72-year-old patient experienced the longest known infection with the virus, highlighting a rare medical case. …