Netanyahu vows to achieve ‘victory’ in Gaza as Israel honours its dead

The United Nations, anticipating significant cuts to U.S. contributions under President Trump, has instructed its departments to propose budget cuts and staff relocations by May 15. This directive, part of an initiative called UN80 aimed at improving efficiency, comes amid financial challenges exacerbated by reduced contributions from major donors and a cash-flow crisis. U.N. officials expect a 20% budget reduction for 2026, translating to billions in losses, prompting agencies like UNICEF to consider relocating staff...

Unconfirmed reports indicate that unidentified individuals broke into the mausoleum of former Syrian president Hafez Assad in Qardaha and removed his remains, leaving the site heavily damaged and burnt. The current location of Assad's remains is unknown, coinciding with increased violence against the Alawite sect amid the rise of a Sunni-led government. In December 2024, following the overthrow of the Assad regime, rebels set fire to the mausoleum, symbolizing the decline of the Assad dynasty...

The Revolutionary Guard has distanced itself from a recent blast amid accusations that the cargo involved contained military-grade materials associated with Iran's missile program. This distancing comes as criticism grows over conflicting official accounts and the government's response following the disaster. The situation highlights tensions surrounding accountability and transparency in the aftermath of the incident. Full Article

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani is scheduled to meet with senior US State Department officials in New York to seek a definitive roadmap for permanent sanctions relief amid ongoing economic distress due to years of war and sanctions. This meeting marks the first time US officials will engage with Shibani on US soil, following Syria's response to US conditions for partial sanctions relief, which include disarming chemical weapons and excluding foreigners from governance. Damascus aims...

In an interview with The Media Line, Gen. Amir Avivi indicated a possible Israeli role in a chemical strike on Iranian rocket fuel, emphasizing it was a planned attack. He cautioned against trusting Iran in upcoming US-Iran negotiations, urging President Trump to decisively confront Iran's nuclear ambitions and proposing a significant airstrike to cripple its military response. Regarding the Gaza conflict, Avivi reaffirmed Israel's goals to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of hostages, stressing...

Fourteen people, including seven Druze fighters, were killed in sectarian clashes near Damascus, triggered by a controversial audio recording deemed blasphemous. The Syrian interior ministry condemned the violence and pledged to hold accountable those responsible, claiming the authorities bear "full responsibility" for the incident. Amid escalating tensions, local Druze leaders criticized the government's handling of the situation and expressed fears of further conflict in Jaramana, where security forces have previously clashed with local armed groups....