Gaza war in its 12th month with truce hopes slim

Hezbollah staged a grand funeral for its slain leader, Hassan Nasrallah, drawing tens of thousands of supporters to Beirut, aiming to revive its image after the recent conflict with Israel. The event featured speeches by current leader Naim Qassem, indicating Hezbollah's enduring strength despite recent losses. The funeral reflected a power struggle in Lebanon, with Hezbollah using the event to assert its political influence amid growing opposition and a changing political landscape. Full Article

Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun expressed to an Iranian delegation that Lebanon is tired of external conflicts taking place on its soil, emphasizing the importance of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs. Aoun, a former army chief close to the West, highlighted the desire for strong relations with Tehran, following Hezbollah's losses in the war with Israel and the fall of ally Bashar al-Assad. The Iranian delegation, including parliament speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister...

Artemis Ghasemzadeh, a 27-year-old Iranian woman, converted from Islam to Christianity, facing the risk of death in Iran due to blasphemy laws. After being detained in a migrant camp in Panama with other Iranian Christian converts, she expressed a desire for asylum in the United States. Despite facing deportation and challenges in the asylum process, she remains hopeful for help and a chance to live freely without fear of persecution for her religious beliefs. Full...

A massive turnout is expected for the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, following his death in an Israeli strike, with tens of thousands of mourners gathering in Beirut. The ceremony, delayed for security reasons, will honor Nasrallah and his successor, Hashem Safieddine, both killed in Israeli attacks. Hezbollah is organizing the event with tight security measures, including deploying thousands of stewards and security personnel, as well as inviting top officials and representatives from Iran...

Hamas released six hostages on Saturday as part of a cease-fire deal with Israel in Gaza, fulfilling their commitment to free at least 33 captives. Among those released were Omer Wenkert and Eliya Cohen, who were kidnapped during the Oct. 7 attacks, and Hisham al-Sayed, an Israeli Bedouin minority member held by Hamas for years. Avera Mengistu, the longest-held living Israeli hostage in Gaza, remains in captivity as negotiations for an extended truce continue. Full...

The family of Israeli hostage Tal Shoham, among six captives released by Hamas in Gaza, watched tearfully as he walked free in a hostage-prisoner swap. Avera Mengistu, held captive for over a decade, was also released, sparking celebrations in Israel. Three more Israeli hostages were paraded by Hamas before being handed over to the Red Cross, marking a significant moment in the ongoing truce between Israel and Palestinian militants. Full Article