Iraq Kurds head to polls with little hope for change

Israel announced that the withdrawal of its forces from southern Lebanon will continue beyond the 60-day period outlined in a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, citing the need for the Lebanese army to fully enforce the deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that the process is conditional on Hezbollah withdrawing beyond the Litani River and the deployment of the Lebanese army in the south. The fragile truce, which began in November after a war between...

Israel is poised to occupy parts of southern Lebanon after a deadline for its full military withdrawal expires, with concerns over Hezbollah's presence and doubts about the Lebanese Army's ability to control the region. Despite a truce agreement requiring Israeli troops to leave areas seized from Hezbollah, Israeli leaders are suggesting a flexible timeline for withdrawal, pending Lebanese Army control. Hezbollah warns against any breach of the deal, as the potential for renewed conflict looms...

On Friday, Israelis and Palestinians awaited the next steps in the 42-day Gaza cease-fire and hostages-for-prisoners swap, with Hamas expected to release four female hostages and Israel to free over 100 Palestinian prisoners. The truce held through its first week, with a crucial test expected over the weekend as Hamas promised to provide information on remaining hostages. The deal also included a partial Israeli withdrawal from central Gaza to allow displaced Palestinians to return home,...

The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (RAKBANK) reported a 16% increase in profit after tax (PAT) to AED 2.1 billion in 2024, with a 27% rise in profit before tax (PBT) to AED 2.3 billion. The bank achieved record profits due to its highest-ever income of AED 4.7 billion, supported by strong financial growth and a focus on digital innovation. Despite a decline in PAT and PBT in Q4 2024, the bank remains committed...

Father Bashar Basiel, a Catholic priest in the Christian village of Taybeh in the occupied West Bank, found himself restricted by newly installed gates at the village entrance following a ceasefire in Gaza. The Israeli military set up numerous checkpoints and erected iron gates throughout the West Bank, significantly impeding movement for commuters and residents alike. This sudden change has left Palestinians feeling trapped and uncertain about the future, unable to make plans or move...

American security contractors are assisting with the return of displaced Palestinians to Gaza's devastated north as part of a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, focusing on securing the Netzarim corridor to screen vehicles for weapons. Israeli troops are set to partially withdraw to allow Gazans to head north under the 42-day truce mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, with private contractors like Safe Reach Solutions conducting logistics and planning. The hope is...