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

During a memorial service in Kerman for a general killed in a 2020 U.S. drone strike, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi joined the grieving families of the 89 people who perished in two explosions, which the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for. These bombings occurred amidst the heightened tensions in the Middle East due to Israel’s conflict with Hamas in the …

Tunisian officials have detained a reporter from Al Jazeera, as stated by the network’s bureau chief in Tunis, Lotfi Hajji, on Thursday. This incident raises concerns about the increasing number of journalists imprisoned in Tunisia. Samir Sassi, an Al Jazeera journalist, was arrested following a raid on his home by security forces late Wednesday. Hajji disclosed that the authorities did …

Following reports that North Korea had launched an artillery barrage near two South Korean islands, China has appealed for restraint from all concerned parties on Friday. Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for China’s foreign ministry, urged relevant parties to remain calm and avoid actions that could heighten tensions or escalate the situation. Wang emphasized the importance of creating an environment conducive …

Nearly three months into the conflict following Hamas’ unexpected attack across the border and Israel’s subsequent declaration of war, Israel is yet to achieve its objectives of subduing Hamas and rescuing approximately 129 hostages in Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reports that despite heavy bombardments turning entire neighborhoods in northern Gaza to ruins, several thousand Hamas militants remain active …

In western Japan, following devastating earthquakes that left at least 62 people dead, rescue teams, including dog squads, are frantically searching through debris. This urgent effort comes ahead of expected harsh weather conditions, with cold temperatures and heavy rain looming, as described by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. An aftershock with a magnitude of 4.9 hit Ishikawa prefecture early Wednesday, following …

The United States’ gross national debt has exceeded $34 trillion, setting a new record and highlighting the upcoming fiscal and political challenges the country faces in improving its financial position. The U.S. Treasury Department’s recent report highlights the tension in Washington, D.C., over finances, which could lead to parts of the government shutting down without an annual budget in place. …

A United Nations humanitarian worker reported on the dire situation in Gaza, emphasizing the widespread suffering and lack of safety for civilians. Gemma Connell, the Gaza team leader for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), spoke to CNN’s Christiane Amanpour about the extreme levels of destruction she has observed in the region over the past month. …

The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration reports that over three months of near-daily hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border have led to the displacement of more than 76,000 people in Lebanon. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in early October, the border region has experienced an upsurge in violence. The latest reports indicate continuous fire exchanges between Israeli forces …