‘Syria freed!’: thousands cheer at famed Damascus mosque

Israel conducted over 20 air strikes in Syria, marking its heaviest assault this year, following an attack near the presidential palace in Damascus, which Syria condemned as a "dangerous escalation." The strikes targeted military sites, anti-aircraft cannons, and missile infrastructure, amid Israeli warnings to protect the Druze minority after sectarian clashes resulted in over 100 deaths. Syrian officials criticized the strikes as destabilizing, while the UN condemned them as violations of sovereignty, as regional tensions...

Israeli airstrikes targeted areas near Damascus and Hama late Friday, with the IDF confirming hits on military sites, anti-aircraft cannons, and missile infrastructure, amid concerns over new Islamist authorities in Syria. Earlier, Israel struck near the Syrian presidential palace, signaling a readiness to increase military action, particularly in support of the Druze minority. Israel has regularly targeted Syrian military infrastructure since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, aiming to counter threats from Iran-aligned forces during...

SummaryLebanese President Joseph Aoun warned against any attempts to involve Lebanon in regional conflicts during a Supreme Defence Council meeting, emphasizing that the country will not tolerate its territory being used for hostile actions, particularly by Hamas. The council recommended issuing a formal warning to Hamas regarding national security threats and discussed increasing border control to prevent rocket launches toward Israel amidst rising tensions. A fragile ceasefire with Israel remains in place, but violations and...

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has warned that the humanitarian response in Gaza is on the brink of collapse due to six weeks of intense conflict and a two-month blockade preventing essential aid. Civilians are facing extreme hardships, including a lack of food, water, and medical supplies, with hospitals struggling to maintain lifesaving care amid ongoing violence that has claimed the lives of healthcare workers. The ICRC emphasizes the urgent need for...

SummaryPalestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas accused Hamas of being responsible for aid lootings in the Gaza Strip, calling out "Hamas-affiliated gangs" in a PA statement, and vowed to hold them accountable. In a separate televised speech, he labeled Hamas "sons of dogs," urged the group to hand over hostages and weapons, and suggested transitioning into a political party. Abbas emphasized the PA's goals to end the Israel-Hamas War, which include returning hostages, lifting the Israeli...

Syria has signed a 30-year deal with French shipping group CMA CGM, which includes a €230 million investment for modernizing Latakia Port, Syria's main maritime gateway. The agreement, finalized after talks with new authorities following the ousting of Bashar Al-Assad, involves building a new 1.5-kilometer long and 17-meter deep berth to enhance port activities. CMA CGM, which has managed Latakia's container terminal since 2009, aims to strengthen regional supply chains under this renewed contract. Full...