Gaza Anarchy Hinders Aid Efforts, Despite Daily Combat Pause

SummaryIn an unprecedented meeting since the Syrian war began in 2011, Syrian Defense Minister Gen. Marhaf Abu Qasra met with a British delegation led by Charles Smith to discuss support for the reconstruction of the Syrian Army and regional stability. They explored technical and military cooperation, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue to address mutual threats like terrorism. This visit may signal a shift in UK policy towards engagement with the Syrian government, aimed at...

American journalist Eric Maddox was detained by the Israeli army after being assaulted by illegal settlers while documenting their actions in Hebron, according to Issa Amro, founder of Youth Against Settlements. Maddox was filming a provocative march by settlers when he was attacked and subsequently arrested, with videos showing soldiers detaining him. The situation in the occupied West Bank has escalated, with increased settler violence and military raids since the onset of the Gaza war,...

The Israeli army announced extensive ground operations in the Gaza Strip amid intensified air strikes resulting in numerous casualties, including at least 50 reported deaths on Sunday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated a willingness to negotiate with Hamas for a ceasefire, but talks in Doha face challenges, with both sides unwilling to concede on key demands. Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza are worsening due to a blockade, with critical shortages of food and medical...

SummarySyrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra announced the merger of all military units under the Ministry of Defense to create a unified military structure, urging remaining small military groups to join within 10 days. He warned that any delay would lead to appropriate legal actions. This announcement follows an agreement on December 24 to dissolve factions under President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who assumed office following Bashar Assad's departure to Russia, ending the Baath Party's long-standing regime....

Israel is open to negotiating a deal with Hamas to end the fighting in Gaza, where casualties have risen sharply due to intensified military operations aimed at defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages. Prime Minister Netanyahu's office indicated that negotiations in Qatar are ongoing, focusing on conditions including disarmament and the exile of Hamas members, amid a backdrop of humanitarian concerns and protests in Israel for a resolution. The conflict has resulted in...

The Syrian Ministry of Interior reported a successful security operation in Aleppo's eastern neighborhoods, targeting an ISIS cell, resulting in one terrorist dead, another arrested, and the seizure of weapons and official uniforms. The operation, which involved direct clashes, took place in the al-Haidariya neighborhood, a historically significant site during the Syrian Civil War. While the government promotes such actions as part of its anti-terrorism efforts, there are concerns about their use to suppress political...