Author: Naharnet Newsdesk

Naharnet Newsdesk is a team of multilingual journalists from Naharnet, an English and Arabic digital news media outlet from Lebanon, covering both local Lebanon news, regional news from Middle East and international news stories making headlines from around the world. Naharnet was founded in 1998, but launched online in 2000.

Turkish police detained 67 people following a violent outbreak in Kayseri, where a Syrian man was accused of harassing a child. President Erdogan called the violence against Syrian refugees “unacceptable”, emphasizing the importance of maintaining law and order. The Interior Minister confirmed the arrest of the Syrian national and condemned the attacks on Syrian-owned businesses and homes. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions towards the 3.2 million Syrian refugees in Turkey. Xenophobic violence, fueled by social media rumors, has erupted multiple times in recent years. The Turkish government’s stance on the issue remains a hot topic in the political landscape,…

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by Naharnet Newsdesk 01 July 2024, 11:31 Jebran Bassil, leader of the Free Patriotic Movement, expressed concerns about the threat posed by Israel, emphasizing the importance of preventing war in Lebanon. Despite working towards peace, Bassil asserted that Lebanon would emerge victorious in any conflict. He declared solidarity against foreign threats, stating that unity is crucial in times of crisis. In addition, Bassil stressed the need for dialogue among individuals with differing political views, promoting communication and understanding. \ Source link

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In the war-torn Donetsk region of Ukraine, drone footage released by the military revealed bodies in a civilian area in Toretsk, a town under heavy Russian bombardment. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported over 800 glide bombs dropped by Russia in the past week, urging the need to counter Russian aircraft carrying these bombs. Ukrainian rescue services are conducting a large-scale evacuation as attacks continue to strain front-line units. With the recent focus on towns like Toretsk and Chasiv Yar, the need for military assistance remains critical. Zelensky called on countries to lift restrictions on using Western weapons to target Russian military…

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by Naharnet Newsdesk 01 July 2024, 11:01. Thousands of Jewish ultra-Orthodox men clashed with Israeli police in central Jerusalem on Sunday during a protest against a Supreme Court order for them to begin enlisting for military service. This decision could potentially lead to the collapse of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition amidst the ongoing war in Gaza. The protesters threw rocks, attacked a Cabinet minister’s car, and refused to disperse, prompting police to use water cannons and mounted horses for control. The issue stems from exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men to skip military service and study in religious seminaries instead,…

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French voters are facing a critical decision in the upcoming runoff of snap parliamentary elections on July 7. The outcome could potentially lead to the country’s first far-right government since World War II, or a situation where no majority emerges at all. The far-right National Rally is currently in the lead, with a strong chance of winning a majority in the lower house of parliament. However, the complex voting system makes the final result uncertain. In the event of a far-right victory, President Emmanuel Macron may be forced into a situation of “cohabitation,” where he would have to appoint a…

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Amid escalating cross-border attacks between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, global mediators are working to prevent a wider Middle East war. Recent threats exchanged between Iran and Israel have raised concerns of an “obliterating” conflict. With hopes fading for a cease-fire in Gaza and tensions rising, American and European officials are cautioning Hezbollah against underestimating Israel’s military power. Despite a slight decrease in hostilities this week, ongoing strikes on both sides indicate a precarious situation. The U.S. has deployed additional military support to deter further escalation. The potential for a catastrophic regional conflict looms large, as Hezbollah continues to vow retaliation…

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Iran is set to hold a runoff presidential election to replace the late hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi, with reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian facing off against hard-line former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. The initial vote did not see a clear winner, prompting a runoff this Friday. Of the 24.5 million votes cast, Pezeshkian received 10.4 million, while Jalili got 9.4 million. Iranian law requires a winner to secure more than 50% of all votes, leading to a runoff in cases where this threshold is not met. Criticism has arisen over the limited candidate options and lack of international oversight in the…

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The conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, with explosions, airstrikes, and gunfire rattling the region. The Israeli military operation has led to the displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinians and worsened living conditions, described as “unbearable” by the U.N. Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants are engaged in ongoing fighting with Israeli forces, as reported by the armed wings of these groups. Israel’s military has confirmed casualties among militants and soldiers, with a resurgence of violence in the area despite previous declarations of progress. The humanitarian impact is severe, with thousands displaced from the Shujaiya area and significant damage…

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by Naharnet Newsdesk 29 June 2024, 10:58 Israel’s military reported that approximately 25 rockets were launched from Lebanon towards northern Israel, causing damage and starting fires. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah are escalating, with Israeli artillery retaliating and Israeli warplanes targeting Hezbollah air defense infrastructure. The Israeli air defense system failed to intercept three drones flying into Israeli airspace from Lebanon. Israel’s defense minister expressed readiness for war but emphasized a preference for diplomatic resolution. Jordan advised its citizens against traveling to Lebanon, and the U.S. deployed a naval ship to prevent further escalation. Cross-border exchanges between Hezbollah and Israel…

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Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that Israel is not seeking war with Hezbollah, preferring a diplomatic solution. However, preparations are being made for a potential conflict, with Hezbollah being urged to make the next move. This follows tension within the government, with the Otzma Yehudit party threatening to leave if Israel does not take military action against Hezbollah. During a cabinet meeting, Gallant outlined two alternatives being developed for Lebanon, highlighting the importance of being ready for war while striving for peace. He stressed that the situation is more challenging for Hezbollah and Lebanon, despite the difficulties faced by…

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