Crowds in Beirut get ready for funeral of Hezbollah's Nasrallah

Israel holds off on prisoner release, demands Hamas meet conditions

Israel has delayed the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners until Hamas meets its conditions, highlighting tensions over the fragile Gaza ceasefire.

After decades in exile, Syria’s Jews return to Damascus with cautious hope

Hamas Returns Hostage Bodies as Israel Mourns Bibas Family

Hamas has handed over the bodies of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Ariel and Kfir, deepening national mourning in Israel. Their fate had remained uncertain for months after their abduction during the October 7, 2023 attack.

No obligations to International Criminal Court, Taliban says

Afghanistan’s Taliban leaders dismissed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) jurisdiction over the country, labeling their predecessors' 2003 decision to join the Hague-based court’s founding treaty as "unlawful."

Israel Says Hamas Violated Ceasefire as One Returned Body Was Not a Hostage

Israel has accused Hamas of violating a ceasefire agreement after discovering that one of the bodies handed over during Thursday’s exchange did not belong to any known hostage. The military is demanding the return of the missing remains.

Explosions Hit Empty Buses Near Tel Aviv; Two Devices Disabled

Three bombs exploded on empty buses near Tel Aviv in a major attempted attack, while two other devices were disabled. Israeli authorities are investigating, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation against Hamas.

Netanyahu Vows Revenge After Hamas Returns Hostage Bodies

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed revenge after Hamas returned the bodies of four hostages, including infants, in a highly publicised handover. The move comes amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations and a deadly 16-month-long war.

Hezbollah to hold funeral for Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah amid heightened tensions

Hezbollah is set to hold a funeral for Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah as regional tensions escalate. The event comes amid rising hostilities, with concerns over potential repercussions in Lebanon and beyond.

Lebanon calls for international pressure as Israel retains positions in south

As Israel maintains control over key positions in southern Lebanon, the government in Beirut is calling for international pressure to ensure the full implementation of the November 27 ceasefire and increased support for Lebanese security institutions.

Iran's leader urged Qatar to transfer frozen oil funds

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei urged the Emir of Qatar to release Iranian oil revenues that had been frozen in Doha regardless of any U.S. pressure.

Israel to Receive Hostages' Bodies Under Ceasefire Deal

Israel prepared on Thursday to receive the bodies of Kfir Bibas, a nine-month-old baby, and his four-year-old brother, Ariel, who were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Their deaths have become a tragic symbol of the suffering caused by the attack.

Yemen Calls for Arrest of Houthi Leaders Attending Nasrallah’s Funeral

Yemen’s Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani has called for the arrest of Houthi officials reportedly attending the funeral of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut. He urged the Lebanese government to hand them over to Yemen’s internationally recognized government.

Qatar's Amir visits Iran to boost bilateral cooperation

Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, has arrived in Tehran on Wednesday for talks with President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior Iranian officials.

Iran charges British couple with espionage

Iranian authorities have filed espionage charges against a British couple detained in January, as reported by local media citing Iran's Judiciary spokesperson, Asghar Jahangir.

Afghanistan’s trade deficit surges amid economic uncertainty

Afghanistan’s economy showed growth in 2023-2024, but high poverty, unemployment, and weak demand persist. Inflation rose in December, while the trade deficit surged by 54% to $9 billion. Despite improved food exports, declines in textiles and coal exports signal ongoing economic challenges.

Hamas confirms a release of the last living hostages

A senior Hamas official has said the group will release on Saturday the six remaining hostages who are alive within the first phase of the Gaza hostage deal. In addition, four bodies will be handed over on Thursday.

Hamas to release 6 living Israeli hostages on Saturday under Gaza deal

Palestinian businesses in Gaza struggle to recover

Palestinian business-owners in the Jabalia refugee camp struggle to revive their daily activities despite harsh conditions. In the face of these challenges, all the business owners share a common hope: peace and stability.

Israel to begin negotiations on second phase of Gaza ceasefire deal

Israel is set to begin negotiations on the second phase of its Gaza ceasefire deal, which is expected to include an exchange of the remaining Israeli hostages with Palestinian detainees, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced on Tuesday.