Even With Gaza Under Siege, Some Are Imagining Its Reconstruction

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, formerly known as jihadist Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has dramatically transformed from a wanted militant to a statesman in just six months after ousting Bashar al-Assad. Born in 1982 and previously associated with the Al-Nusra Front, Sharaa has embraced a new image, engaging with world leaders and navigating a five-year transitional period under a temporary constitution that centralizes power. His pragmatic approach has earned him recognition among Arab and Western nations,...

Israeli farmers Aviel Leitner and Eran Braverman have resumed work on their blue agave fields along the Gaza border after the devastation caused by Hamas's October 7 attack. Despite the ongoing violence, they are hopeful about producing Israel's first tequila by early winter 2025, inspired by a family trip to Mexico. The community, supported by the NGO Volcani International Partnerships, is determined to recover and innovate in agriculture, although they face mental strain and lingering...

Pilgrims are set to undertake the final major ritual of the hajj, the "stoning of the devil," on Friday, coinciding with the start of Eid al-Adha. Over 1.6 million Muslims will throw stones at three concrete walls in Mina valley, symbolizing the devil, commemorating Abraham's rejection of Satan's temptation. This year's hajj featured increased security and heat mitigation measures after last year's tragedy, aiming to prevent fatalities among pilgrims, especially those who illegally entered Mecca,...

SummaryIsrael conducted air strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, targeting Hezbollah's drone production, despite a six-month ceasefire. Lebanese leaders, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, condemned the attacks as systematic violations of national security, particularly on the eve of Eid Al Adha. The Israeli military justified the strikes by citing Hezbollah's drone use against Israel and evacuation warnings were issued to residents in the targeted neighborhoods, causing significant panic and traffic disruption. Full Article

Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the suspect in a Molotov cocktail attack on a Jewish protest in Boulder, Colorado, appeared in court facing over 100 charges, including 28 counts of attempted murder, after injuring 15 people, three of whom are hospitalized. Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian allegedly in the country illegally, could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted, with the Boulder County District Attorney stating potential consecutive sentences could total 672 years. Additionally, Soliman's family has been...

Hamas's lead negotiator Khalil al-Hayya announced the group's readiness to engage in new talks for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, coinciding with Israeli airstrikes that killed at least 37 people. Amid dire humanitarian conditions exacerbated by a blockade, international pressure for a ceasefire has intensified, with leaders like Brazilian President Lula da Silva and French President Macron calling for action. Despite efforts to ease aid restrictions, the situation remains critical, with Gazans struggling for basic...