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

On Monday, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressed urgency in finding a diplomatic resolution to the escalating tensions in southern Lebanon, characterized by ongoing cross-border exchanges of fire. Katz conveyed to his French counterpart, Stephane Sejourne, that if a peaceful solution is not achieved promptly, Israel will resort to military action to facilitate the return of its citizens who have …

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri revealed in an interview with al-Jadeed TV on Sunday that ambassadors from the Quintet, a five-nation group including the U.S., France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, have assured him that they don’t endorse any specific candidate for the Lebanese presidency. They also confirmed that they don’t intend to block any candidates, preferring instead to support Lebanon …

Israeli Army spokesperson Daniel Hagari reported that since the onset of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza in October, Israel has targeted Hezbollah in Syria and Lebanon with numerous strikes. Hagari revealed that over 50 Hezbollah positions in Syria have been hit by Israeli forces from both ground and air. Additionally, in southern Lebanon, there have been more than 3,400 …

On Monday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported that an Israeli naval attack had targeted a food convoy off the coast of Gaza. Thomas White, the head of UNRWA in Gaza, stated on X, a platform previously known as Twitter, that the convoy, which was poised to enter northern Gaza, came under fire from …

Amos Hochstein, a senior White House adviser, engaged in talks with Israeli government officials overnight as part of American efforts to de-escalate tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border. Israel’s Channel 12 reported positive signs toward a diplomatic resolution that aims to prevent further conflict. Hochstein’s visit to Israel brought indications of potential room for a diplomatic settlement, which, according to the …

Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, is embarking on another urgent diplomatic mission to the Middle East, aiming to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This trip, starting on Monday, marks his fifth visit to the region since the outbreak of hostilities triggered by a Hamas attack on October 7. Blinken’s itinerary includes stops …

Amos Hochstein, the Middle East envoy for U.S. President Joe Biden, presented a detailed plan aimed at reducing the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah during his recent visit to Israel, as reported by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth. The proposed settlement is divided into two stages. Initially, Hezbollah would halt its hostile activities near the Israel-Lebanon border and withdraw …

On Monday, Hezbollah reported the loss of three of its members following Israeli artillery bombardments targeting areas in southern Lebanon, including Dhaira, Tayr Harfa, al-Jebbayn, and Zibqine. Subsequently, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching two attacks against Israeli positions in the disputed Shebaa Farms area. In retaliation, Israel conducted airstrikes on several Lebanese border towns such as Mays al-Jabal, Rashaya al-Fokhar, …