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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that the United States is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve the ongoing border tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Blinken, during his visit to Israel, emphasized the goal of reducing tensions along Israel’s northern border, aiming to ensure that residents of northern Israel and southern Lebanon can return to their …

The economic toll on southern Lebanon has soared to approximately $1.2 billion due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which began on October 8, according to a recent analysis. Reported by the Asharq al-Awsat newspaper and sourced from independent non-governmental analyses, the substantial financial impact stems largely from extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads and buildings, as well …

Iraq has criticized a U.S. airstrike that resulted in the death of a high-ranking member of Kataeb Hezbollah, a group aligned with Iran and accused of attacking American forces. This strike, occurring in a Baghdad residential area, is part of a series of U.S. actions targeting Iran-affiliated groups following the death of three American troops in Jordan on January 28. …

On Thursday, law enforcement used tear gas to scatter a group of several hundred demonstrators, predominantly ex-military personnel, who attempted to breach the barrier leading to the Grand Serail in central Beirut. These former service members convened at Riad al-Solh Square in Beirut to voice their grievances over inadequate pensions and obstructed the routes to the Grand Serail, coinciding with …

Lebanese officials have communicated to visiting Western diplomats in recent weeks that Lebanon is committed to the mutual execution of Resolution 1701, as per Lebanese insiders involved in the discussions. They described the suggestions reported by U.S. media outlet Axios as favoring Israel, with which Lebanon has no interest. In conversations with the Asharq al-Awsat newspaper, the officials emphasized that …

In a recent meeting on Thursday, Lebanon’s acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati engaged with a French team, including senior officials from France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense, alongside the French Ambassador to Lebanon. Following the meeting, French Ambassador to Lebanon, Herve Magro, mentioned that the gathering was an extension of French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné’s recent visit. …

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed military forces to gear up for a potential entry into the densely populated city of Rafah in Gaza. This directive comes amidst plans for a new phase of talks in Cairo on Thursday, aiming for a ceasefire with Hamas. Netanyahu’s decision followed the rejection of Hamas’s response to a ceasefire proposal, a central …

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken remains optimistic about reaching a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, despite ongoing challenges. This optimism was shared late Wednesday following discussions with Israeli officials regarding Hamas’ reaction to a truce proposition put forward by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. Blinken acknowledged that although Hamas’ response included some unacceptable terms, it nevertheless opened …