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.

by Naharnet Newsdesk 25 July 2024, 13:57 Israeli army’s readiness for a ground maneuver in Lebanon has been announced by Israeli state media on Thursday. The army has completed preparations for the maneuver, which would be preceded by intense airstrikes, as reported by the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed to the U.S. Congress that while Israel favors diplomacy, it is prepared to take necessary actions to secure its northern border, currently facing frequent clashes with Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is committed to restoring security to the northern border and ensuring the safe return of…

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by Naharnet Newsdesk 26 July 2024, 15:24 As Venezuela’s official presidential campaign season came to a close, rival demonstrations in the capital highlighted the stark differences between President Nicolás Maduro and opposition leaders. Maduro, seeking a third term, rallied tens of thousands of supporters with dynamic speeches and music, while opposition figures Edmundo González Urrutia and Maria Corina Machado struggled to gather a smaller following due to funding issues and government interference. Maduro portrayed himself as a man of peace despite previous warnings of post-election violence, while the opposition focused on unity around candidate González amidst party divisions. State media…

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This week, China made diplomatic strides by brokering a deal between Palestinian factions and hosting Ukraine’s foreign minister amidst escalating global tensions. While the outcomes of the Hamas-Fatah agreement and peace negotiations in Ukraine remain uncertain, China’s role as a diplomatic force is undeniable. As Beijing competes with Washington for global influence, it is positioning itself as a key player in international diplomacy. The Palestinian deal, although met with skepticism, showcases China’s growing influence in the Middle East. Similarly, the visit of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba underscores China’s strategic importance in resolving conflicts beyond its borders. As China seeks…

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A series of rocket attacks targeted bases housing troops from the U.S.-led anti-jihadist coalition in Iraq and Syria, security officials and a war monitor reported. Rockets hit Ain al-Assad base in Iraq and a coalition base in Syria, with no immediate reports of casualties. Attacks have been attributed to pro-Iranian militia groups, although no official claim of responsibility has been made. These incidents follow recent security meetings between Iraqi and U.S. officials regarding the future of the coalition in Iraq. Amidst regional tensions, U.S. troops have been targeted over 175 times in the Middle East, mainly in Iraq and Syria,…

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by Naharnet Newsdesk 26 July 2024, 10:22 The French national rail company SNCF reported multiple “malicious acts” that disrupted high-speed train lines on the day of the Olympics opening ceremony. Investigations revealed that the arson attacks on the TGV network were deliberate acts of sabotage, coordinated to paralyze the train services across western, northern, and eastern France. As the incidents occurred just hours before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, government officials condemned the attacks, although there was no immediate connection to the Games. Amidst the chaos, many French families were also preparing for summer vacations on the same day, further…

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Vice President Kamala Harris urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a cease-fire deal soon with Hamas to bring back dozens of hostages held in Gaza since Oct. 7. In a “frank and constructive” conversation, Harris expressed concern about the high death toll in Gaza and the dire humanitarian situation. With a forceful tone, Harris emphasized the urgency of finding an endgame to the brutal war in Gaza, echoing President Joe Biden’s message. Following meetings with both leaders, the White House emphasized the need to close remaining gaps, push for a deal, and improve aid flow into Gaza. Harris…

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Russian President Vladimir Putin recently met with President Bashar Assad of Syria in the Kremlin, discussing the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Since 2015, Russia has been involved in a military campaign in Syria, supporting Assad’s government in its fight against armed opposition groups. Despite shifting focus to Ukraine, Russia maintains a military presence in Syria. During their meeting, Putin expressed concern about the increasing tensions in the region and sought Assad’s perspective on the situation. The Kremlin did not divulge specific details of their talks, but it is speculated that the restoration of diplomatic relations between Russia and…

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President Joe Biden made a historic Oval Office address, revealing his decision to step aside for the next generation and emphasizing the importance of unity and democracy. Without mentioning Trump directly, Biden warned about the dangers of moving backward and highlighted the urgent choice facing voters in the upcoming election. Biden outlined a robust agenda for his final months in office, including efforts to end the war in Gaza, lower family costs, and address gun violence. He acknowledged the need for fresh voices in politics and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his natural successor. The tone of the address…

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by Naharnet Newsdesk25 July 2024, 13:57 The Israeli army is prepared for a potential ground maneuver in Lebanon according to Israeli state media. Preparations for this maneuver, to be preceded by airstrikes, have been finalized as reported by the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s commitment to securing its northern border, engaged in frequent clashes with Hezbollah, during a speech to the U.S. Congress. Netanyahu stated, “Israel will do whatever it must to restore security to our northern border and return our people safely to their homes,” addressing the displaced individuals affected by the conflict. \…

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by Naharnet Newsdesk 25 July 2024, 15:24 Iran condemns the U.S. government and Congress for welcoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst the ongoing deadly war in Gaza. Despite Palestinian children being killed daily, the U.S. continues to support Netanyahu, causing outrage in Iran. Netanyahu, during his address to U.S. lawmakers, called for a security alliance against what he termed as an Iranian “axis of terror” responsible for sectarian violence in the Middle East. The Gaza war that began in October has resulted in over 39,100 Palestinian casualties, with Hamas-run Gaza’s health ministry reporting the highest number of deaths. Iran,…

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