Israeli Overflights Stir Fear in Beirut
Recent low-altitude flights and sonic booms from Israeli jet fighters over Beirut have instilled fear among the city's inhabitants, serving as stark reminders of the fragile nature of the current ceasefire. These flights have not been confined to the capital; they have extended to the Matn district in Mount Lebanon and segments of the Bekaa region near the Syrian border, as reported by Lebanon's state news agency, NNA.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of Withdrawal Deadline
Local citizens are holding onto hope that Israeli forces will withdraw from southern Lebanon as the American-backed ceasefire deal, brokered on November 27, 2024, approaches its deadline. The official date for the complete removal of Israeli soldiers is set for February 18, 2025.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly declared his country's intention to maintain troops at five border points, aiming to establish a buffer zone to deter any resurgence of Hezbollah's presence. Reports indicate that Netanyahu is seeking endorsement from American
President Donald Trump for this extension
Lebanese officials have categorically denied any acceptance of Israel's request to allow soldiers to remain in the south. President Joseph Aoun stated on Wednesday that there is "no truth" to reports suggesting the government agreed to this demand. As part of the arrangement that ended hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, thousands of Lebanese army soldiers were to be deployed to the south, and Hezbollah was expected to decrease its presence in the area.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has affirmed his government's commitment to implementing all international obligations, including United Nations Resolution 1701, which mandates that the Lebanese armed forces be the sole defenders of the nation.
Hezbollah’s Post-Ceasefire Challenges
Currently, Hezbollah is confronting significant challenges following the loss of numerous young fighters and its prominent leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27, 2024. A Hezbollah delegation, led by MP Mohammad Raad, on Thursday extended an invitation to President Joseph Aoun to attend the funerals of the slain leader and his successor, Sayyed Hashem Safieddine. The funeral is scheduled for February 23, 2025.
The country is now placing its faith in Lebanon's national army to protect them if the situation with Israel deteriorates. The recent offensive resulted in approximately 4,000 deaths in Lebanon, including many civilians, and led to the displacement of more than 1.2 million residents, according to Lebanese authorities. It also caused billions of dollars in destruction and damage.
Many Lebanese blame Hezbollah for the devastation inflicted upon them after months of heavy bombing by Israeli planes, although the Shia community, which suffered the most, still largely supports the militant political movement.
The ceasefire has been a defining moment in Hezbollah's militant activities. The group can no longer act with impunity against Israel, irrespective of the official Lebanese government's position.
The party is now preparing for a new phase in its political history and is experiencing a crisis of purpose. Historically, it emphasized the slogan, "Army, People, Resistance." However, this equation appears to be finished, at least for now.
2 others injured in attack on Baalbek district from Israeli forces
UAE to reopen its embassy in Beirut, strengthening ties with Lebanon after a directive from President Mohammed bin Zayed and President Joseph Aoun.
The Cook Islands has signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Prime Minister Mark Brown’s office confirmed on Saturday. The deal, finalised during Brown’s visit to Beijing, is expected to raise concerns in New Zealand, which has constitutional ties with the island nation.
North Korea has urged the United States to abandon military threats if it is concerned about its mainland security, state media KCNA reported on Saturday. The statement follows U.S. assessments of North Korea’s ICBM capability to reach American territory.
Cyclone Zelia is weakening as it moves south, but not before battering Western Australia’s Pilbara coast with wind gusts of up to 290 kph (180 mph) and heavy rain. Authorities are now assessing the damage, reopening roads and ports, and warning of ongoing flood risks.
The Trump administration’s early approach to ending the Ukraine war has left allies and analysts uncertain, as conflicting statements from top officials raise questions about its negotiation strategy with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine has little chance of surviving Russia’s assault without U.S. support. His remarks come after phone calls between U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week.
The iconic Dubai Fountain will close for five months starting in May for a major upgrade, enhancing its technology, choreography, and sound system. Visitors can expect a more spectacular show when it returns in October.
Apple is reportedly working on a version of AirPods Pro with integrated cameras, set to launch as early as 2027, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. While the cameras won’t be featured in the upcoming AirPods Pro 3, the new tech aims to enhance AI-driven features and spatial audio integration.
Public sector strikes are causing major disruptions across Germany, including halted public transport in Frankfurt, as workers demand higher pay and better conditions.
Elon Musk has called for the shutdown of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Voice of America (VOA), arguing that the U.S.-funded media outlets serve as government propaganda tools and waste taxpayer money.
Russian President has invited his U.S. counterpart, along with leaders from many other countries to Moscow in May to attend the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which Russians refer to as the "Great Patriotic War."
Hezbollah fighters gather in the streets of Beirut to express their discontent to the Israeli occupation of the south of the country
Arab countries are working on a proposal to rebuild Gaza without displacing its population, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Friday, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion of relocating Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, along with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, will be travelling to Uzbekistan for the first-ever EU-Central Asia summit in April.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed diplomacy in resolving the Ukraine conflict as U.S.-Russia talks progress, while Kazakhstan grapples with sanctions-related economic challenges.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan, met with Qatar's Prime Minister to discuss Afghanistan’s challenges. The Qatari leader reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to supporting the country's stability and humanitarian needs.
The Cook Islands has signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Prime Minister Mark Brown’s office confirmed on Saturday. The deal, finalised during Brown’s visit to Beijing, is expected to raise concerns in New Zealand, which has constitutional ties with the island nation.
North Korea has urged the United States to abandon military threats if it is concerned about its mainland security, state media KCNA reported on Saturday. The statement follows U.S. assessments of North Korea’s ICBM capability to reach American territory.
Cyclone Zelia is weakening as it moves south, but not before battering Western Australia’s Pilbara coast with wind gusts of up to 290 kph (180 mph) and heavy rain. Authorities are now assessing the damage, reopening roads and ports, and warning of ongoing flood risks.
The Trump administration’s early approach to ending the Ukraine war has left allies and analysts uncertain, as conflicting statements from top officials raise questions about its negotiation strategy with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine has little chance of surviving Russia’s assault without U.S. support. His remarks come after phone calls between U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week.
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