‘Living in a cage’: West Bank checkpoints proliferate after Gaza truce

Lebanon's Finance Minister Yassine Jaber announced preliminary approval to increase a World Bank reconstruction loan from $250 million to $400 million during a meeting in Washington. The expanded financial package will include allocations for electricity, water, agriculture, and social affairs, with loans offered on concessional terms over a repayment period of up to 50 years. Amid ongoing economic crises and calls for reforms, Jaber emphasized the Lebanese government's commitment to necessary changes for the nation's...

Jordan has imposed a blanket ban on the Muslim Brotherhood, accusing the group of planning attacks, which may threaten the Islamic Action Front, its political arm. This decision follows the arrest of 16 individuals allegedly linked to the Brotherhood who were accused of plotting against national security. The ban reflects both internal and external pressures, including concerns over domestic unrest related to the Gaza conflict and a growing rift within the Brotherhood between moderate and...

The Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, recently addressed an inter-parliamentary forum in Istanbul, emphasizing Indonesia's steadfast support for Palestine amid the escalating crisis in Gaza. Her impassioned speech condemned Israel's military actions, highlighted the humanitarian catastrophe, and called for stronger international action, urging parliaments to advocate for enforceable ceasefire agreements and increased humanitarian aid. While her words reflect Indonesia's long-standing commitment to Palestinian rights, there is a growing call for actionable...

During an annual Holocaust commemoration, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran poses an existential threat to humanity by potentially acquiring nuclear weapons, stating, "the fate of all humanity" is at stake. He emphasized that if Iran obtains nuclear arms, the West would be next, asserting Israel’s determination not to surrender. Additionally, Netanyahu drew parallels between Hamas and the Nazis, condemning their intent to destroy Israel, while the country prepares to observe a moment...

SummaryIn a recent address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected any possibility of a prisoner exchange with Hamas, insisting on continuing military operations until Hamas is eliminated to prevent future attacks like those on October 7, 2023. He claimed Hamas is obstructing negotiations by demanding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, which he refuses to consider. Netanyahu's stance reflects a broader goal of disarming resistance groups across the region while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics,...

The Cannes Film Festival announced that the documentary "Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk," featuring Gaza photojournalist Fatima Hassouna, will screen at the ACID section from May 13-24, honoring her after she was killed in an Israeli air strike last week. Directed by Sepideh Farsi, the film includes conversations with Hassouna as she highlights the effects of war on Palestinians. The festival expressed deep sorrow over her tragic death, emphasizing that the film's...