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

In August 2020, the catastrophic explosion at Beirut’s port compounded Lebanon’s public health crisis by halting virus monitoring efforts amid a deadly second wave of COVID-19. The blast, one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history, caused widespread devastation, killing over 200 people, injuring thousands, and leaving around 300,000 homeless. The destruction overwhelmed Beirut’s already struggling healthcare system, which was …

In response to the devastating explosion at Beirut’s port on August 4, 2020, the Lebanese government declared a two-week state of emergency in the capital. The explosion, caused by the detonation of approximately 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely at the port, resulted in over 135 deaths, injured more than 5,000 people, and left approximately 300,000 residents homeless. The …

In September 2020, a significant trial opened in France, marking a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for the Rwandan genocide. The trial centers around Félicien Kabuga, an alleged financier and mastermind of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus over a span of 100 days. Background on Félicien …

In 2019, prominent Lebanese journalist Dima Sadek resigned from the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International (LBCI), citing political pressures that prevented her from being on air. Sadek revealed that LBCI’s management, led by CEO Pierre Daher, had sidelined her due to her active political commentary and criticism on social media during Lebanon’s anti-government protests. Known for her outspoken views and activism, …

BEIRUT — Saleem Abomjahed, a victim of the recent wildfire in Aley, has been laid to rest. The community gathered to mourn and honor the life of Abomjahed, who tragically lost his life while trying to protect his home from the encroaching flames. The wildfire that swept through the Aley region has caused significant devastation, with numerous homes and properties …

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s firefighting helicopters have been grounded due to a combination of technical issues and financial constraints, leaving the country vulnerable to rampant wildfires. Three of Lebanon’s Sikorsky firefighting helicopters have been out of commission for several years. The primary reason for this grounding is the lack of maintenance and the inability to secure necessary replacement parts. These helicopters, …

BEIRUT — In a decisive move to tackle Lebanon’s ongoing waste crisis, the Cabinet has approved a comprehensive plan to establish 25 sanitary landfills and three waste incinerators, one of which will be located in Beirut. The plan, aimed at addressing the country’s waste management issues in the medium to long term, was announced by Environment Minister Fadi Jreissati following …

BEIRUT — Lebanon is facing the resurgence of its waste crisis as the Costa Brava landfill, one of the country’s primary waste disposal sites, has been effectively blocked. This development threatens to plunge Beirut and Mount Lebanon back into the chaotic scenes of uncollected garbage that marked previous crises. The Costa Brava landfill, located near Rafik Hariri International Airport, was …