US-funded Arabic news outlet Alhurra shuts down TV broadcasts after funding freeze

Hamas announced that Israel proposed a 45-day ceasefire contingent on the release of half of the remaining hostages in Gaza, amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis described by the UN. The proposal also includes demands for Hamas to disarm, which the group deems a "red line." As negotiations continue, Hamas expressed willingness for a permanent ceasefire and aid entry but insists on retaining its weapons, while French President Macron and Palestinian President Abbas called for an...

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and plans for Gaza in a phone call, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid and Abbas's rejection of relocating Gazans. They explored the Palestinian Authority potentially assuming full responsibility in Gaza to achieve international legitimacy and a unified governance system. Macron indicated that France might recognize a Palestinian state by June, which could encourage some Middle Eastern countries to recognize...

The United Nations reported that Gaza is experiencing its worst humanitarian crisis since the war began, with no aid entering the territory for weeks following the collapse of a ceasefire. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas and French President Emmanuel Macron have called for an urgent ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid, while Hamas indicated a willingness to release hostages in exchange for guarantees from Israel. Macron also expressed hopes for international recognition of a Palestinian state, which...

A Western intelligence source revealed to The Jerusalem Post that Iran is attempting to smuggle weapons to Hezbollah via the Port of Beirut due to reduced land routes following Bashar al-Assad’s downfall and fewer cargo flights to Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport. Despite the port's partial restoration after the devastating August 2020 explosion, Hezbollah is reportedly using it for arms transfer, with operations managed by units of the Quds Force. Israel continues to intervene to...

Saudi Arabia is planning to pay off Syria's debts to the World Bank, which would enable the approval of millions in grants for the country's reconstruction and to support its struggling public sector, according to sources. This initiative marks the first known instance of Saudi financing for Syria since the fall of former leader Bashar Al-Assad last year, suggesting a potential shift in Gulf Arab support for the nation. Additionally, Qatar recently proposed a plan...

Pressure is increasing on the UAE regarding its involvement in a London conference focused on ending the Sudan war, following a leaked UN report questioning its role in the conflict. The report indicates that the UAE may have been clandestinely supplying weapons to Sudanese paramilitaries via Chad, although it denies these accusations. Despite evidence of regular cargo flights from the UAE to Chad, the UN experts could not confirm the contents of these flights as...