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

President Emmanuel Macron emphasized on Friday that France is open to the idea of recognizing a Palestinian state, marking his first statement on the subject since the Gaza conflict began. During a press conference in Paris alongside King Abdullah II of Jordan, Macron made it clear that the notion of recognizing Palestine is not off-limits for France. This statement followed …

Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, issued a stern warning on Friday, stating Israel would face severe repercussions for its actions in south Lebanon, specifically referring to the casualties among civilians. This statement came in retaliation to threats from Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant about intensifying military strikes within Lebanon. During a speech broadcasted on television to commemorate Hezbollah’s ‘Martyr Leaders …

Russia has extended an invitation to Hamas, Fatah, and various other Palestinian factions for discussions in Moscow, focusing on the conflict between Israel and Hamas and other Middle Eastern concerns. This move comes as Russia, historically a mediator in the region, shows increasing disapproval of Israel and its allies amidst the conflict in Gaza. Scheduled for February 29, the meeting …

In a recent statement, Lebanese Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to all United Nations resolutions and called on Israel to comply with these resolutions, cease its aggressive actions in southern Lebanon, respect Lebanese sovereignty, and withdraw from all occupied Lebanese territories. During his address at the 60th Munich Security Conference, Mikati criticized Israel’s ongoing aggression and questioned …

Egypt is accelerating its border security enhancements adjacent to the Gaza Strip, initiating construction projects like a significant wall and flattening terrain in anticipation of an Israeli military action aimed at Rafah. Despite Egypt’s silence on these developments, their actions hint at preparations for a potential influx of Palestinian refugees from Rafah, amidst Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas. Satellite imagery …

In a tragic incident on Friday, a shooter attacked a busy bus stop close to Kiryat Malakhi, a town in the southern part of Israel, resulting in two fatalities and leaving four others injured. Officials from the Kaplan Medical Center confirmed the deaths of two individuals who were transported to their facility, as reported to AFP by a spokesperson. The …

A survey conducted by the right-leaning Israeli publication Maariv revealed that a significant majority, 71% of Israeli citizens, support the idea of carrying out a major military operation against Lebanon. Additionally, the poll found that 12% of respondents favor maintaining the current status quo at the Lebanon-Israel border, while 17% did not express an opinion on the issue. Tensions have …

On Friday, Israeli forces conducted artillery strikes on several areas near the Lebanon border, including al-Labbouneh, Rashaya al-Fokhar, al-Fardees, and al-Hebbariyeh. Additionally, Israeli aircraft targeted five villages in the southern part of Lebanon the previous night, such as al-Qantara, al-Taybeh, and Blida. These attacks resulted in the deaths of five members of Hezbollah and the allied Amal movement. Hezbollah disclosed …