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.

In a recent turn of events, Israel’s suspected assassination of Hamas’ political leader in Tehran showcases a growing divide between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Biden administration’s diplomatic efforts to calm the region. The attack on Ismail Haniyeh, who played a key role in mediation efforts for a cease-fire in the Gaza war, has thrown a wrench in U.S.-led negotiations. Despite U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s efforts to focus on achieving a cease-fire in Gaza, the killing of Haniyeh has complicated matters, potentially hindering progress towards peace. With Israel’s continued military actions in Gaza and the killing…

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The aftermath of a far-right protest turned violent in a town in northwest England, following the tragic deaths of three young girls. Residents were left to clean up debris and damage caused by the clashes with riot police, as the community came together to restore peace. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the protesters for exploiting the town’s grief, while local residents like Norman Wallis from Southport Pleasureland joined forces to clear the mess left behind by the “hooligans.” The violent crowd, identified as supporters of the far-right English Defence League, acted on false rumors and misinformation circulating online. The suspect…

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Israel’s recent assassinations of Hezbollah’s top military leader Fouad Shukur in Beirut and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran have sparked fears of a regional war. The Israeli government’s bold moves show a willingness to risk escalation, despite conflicting messages from defense chiefs about readiness for full-scale conflict after months of Gaza confrontation. As tensions rise, the stakes are high for all involved. The assassinations signal a dangerous game of tit-for-tat, raising concerns about potential retaliation and the possibility of a wider conflict involving the United States. Israel’s actions have pushed boundaries, testing the limits of engagement with adversaries…

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British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defense Secretary John Healey recently visited Beirut after a trip to Qatar. They held meetings with key Lebanese officials, including caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, emphasizing the need for a political solution and the implementation of international resolutions to address the escalating conflict in the region. The British delegation stressed the importance of respecting Resolution 1701 and called for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon to prevent further violence and casualties. They highlighted the crucial role of diplomatic efforts and dialogue in resolving conflicts and urged all parties to prioritize de-escalation. Tensions have risen…

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by Naharnet Newsdesk 01 August 2024, 14:03 Moldova recently expelled a Russian diplomat following the detention of two Moldovan officials on suspicion of treason and conspiracy against the country. The officials were accused of collaborating with a foreign embassy in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, in activities detrimental to the country’s interests. This incident is the latest in a series of diplomatic tensions between Russia and Moldova, as the pro-Western government of Moldova has been at odds with Russia over various issues, including the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine. Moldova had previously expelled another Russian diplomat for interfering in its…

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Tragedy struck in Gaza as two Al-Jazeera journalists, Ismail al-Ghoul and cameraman Rami al-Rifi, were killed in an Israeli strike. The incident also claimed the life of an unidentified child. This marks the latest in a string of journalists working with the Qatari network to lose their lives in the embattled region. Both journalists had been reporting from the Shati Refugee Camp, where they were caught in a fatal blast. The deaths bring the total number of journalists killed in Gaza since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began to 111, with the Committee to Protect Journalists keeping track of…

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The “axis of resistance” against Israel and its allies suffered significant losses with the deaths of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur in southern Beirut. Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, Iraqi ‘resistance’ groups, and Yemen’s Houthis are key members of this alliance. Iran, committed to the destruction of Israel, supports armed groups attacking Israel. Hezbollah, Lebanon’s powerful group, engages in cross-border fire with Israel. Hamas, ruling Gaza since 2007, has improved relations with Iran and become a key “axis of resistance” member. Iraqi Shiite groups aligned with Iran and hostile to the US target American troops.…

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for a crisis meeting with police chiefs following a tragic stabbing attack that resulted in the deaths of three young girls. The 17-year-old suspect appeared in court facing charges of three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder, causing shock and outrage in the country. The incident, which occurred at a Taylor Swift-themed summer dance class, highlighted the ongoing issue of knife crime in the UK. Despite the suspect being British-born, far-right activists have used the tragedy to incite hatred towards immigrants and Muslims, spreading misinformation in the process. The suspect, whose…

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Amidst global turmoil and uncertainty, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarked on a diplomatic mission to Asia, aiming to convey a sense of stability despite internal political upheaval in the U.S. As he journeyed through Laos, Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Mongolia, Blinken faced questions about America’s leadership and the ongoing presidential race. While addressing concerns from allies and partners, Blinken emphasized the enduring nature of American engagement abroad, regardless of political transitions. Despite the unease surrounding the U.S. election, he highlighted the importance of U.S. involvement in global affairs and the desire for international cooperation. At various…

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Ismail Haniyeh, the prominent leader of Hamas, was recently assassinated in an airstrike during a visit to Iran. As the head of Hamas’s political bureau, Haniyeh played a crucial role in the group’s foreign policy and diplomacy. Despite being less involved in military affairs, Israel targeted him after the deadly Oct. 7 attacks. Born in a refugee camp in Gaza, Haniyeh joined Hamas during the Intifada and rose through the ranks to become a key figure in the organization. He experienced detention by Israeli troops and deportation, eventually returning to Gaza to lead the region as prime minister. Haniyeh’s exile…

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