Some defiant south Lebanese stay put in face of Israeli fire

Dozens of Syrian Druze clerics crossed the armistice line on the Golan Heights into Israel for a pilgrimage to a revered shrine, meeting with Israel's Druze spiritual leader before visiting the tomb of Nabi Shuaib in the Galilee. The delegation faced opposition from Syrian Druze, with the group being mainly divided between Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israel has shown support for Syria's Druze community, sending aid packages and vowing to protect...

The Israel-Hamas negotiations for extending the Gaza cease-fire were stalled as the Trump administration shifted focus to talks with Russia over the Ukraine war. Indirect talks in Doha failed to progress due to disagreements on future steps, with Israel pushing for Gaza demilitarization and Hamas resisting. Meanwhile, concerns persist over the remaining hostages in Gaza and fears of a humanitarian crisis following Israeli restrictions on aid, despite earlier progress in the truce. Full Article

In a report released by the U.N. Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Israel was accused of targeting hospitals and health facilities in Gaza, including an I.V.F. clinic, in an effort to prevent Palestinian births, leading to the destruction of thousands of embryos. The commission labeled these actions as "genocidal acts" and accused Israel of collectively punishing Palestinians for a Hamas-led attack in 2023. Israeli officials rejected the report, claiming bias and political...

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan traveled to Damascus to discuss the expulsion of foreign fighters from Syria following an agreement to disband armed groups. The visit comes after Syria's new authorities reached a deal with the Syrian Democratic Forces to integrate the Kurdish administration into the national government, aiming to establish government control over the country after years of civil war. Turkey, which views the Kurdish YPG as a terrorist group, is closely monitoring the...

Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa signed a constitutional declaration marking the start of a transitional period after rebels toppled Bashar al-Assad's government, aiming for an inclusive new Syria with rights for women and freedom of expression. The declaration prohibits glorification of the Assad regime, ensures women's rights, and establishes a transitional justice commission. The declaration also outlines restrictions on executive power, guarantees freedom of opinion and press, and sets the stage for drafting a new permanent...

Lubna Labaad returns to her neighborhood in Qaboun, Damascus, after the Syrian civil war, finding her home stripped of essentials by squatters. Many displaced Syrians are attempting to come back, facing destroyed or damaged homes and a lack of government support. Despite the challenges, some like Samir Jaloot are determined to rebuild and return to their homes, while others remain hesitant to permanently resettle amidst ongoing unrest and uncertainty. Full Article