Author: Naharnet Newsdesk

The United Nations court is set to deliver a nonbinding advisory opinion on the legality of Israel’s 57-year occupation of Palestinian lands, with potential implications for international opinion. The backdrop of Israel’s military assault on Gaza and South Africa’s genocide claim adds complexity to the situation. Israel captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip in 1967, with the Palestinians seeking independence in these areas. The international community considers all three as occupied territories, while Israel views the West Bank as disputed and has annexed east Jerusalem. The court hearings in February saw Palestinian accusations of apartheid and calls…

In a startling turn of events, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was convicted of espionage and sentenced to 16 years in a trial that both his employer and the U.S. have denounced as fabricated. Gershkovich, detained in March 2023 while on assignment in Yekaterinburg, Russia, has been imprisoned since without evidence to support the charges against him. The closed-door trial’s conclusion raises prospects for a potential prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington, with Gershkovich becoming a bargaining chip in geopolitical tensions. Despite consistent denials of guilt and calls for his release, Gershkovich now faces a long imprisonment in a…

Tragedy struck when gunmen attacked a Shiite mosque in Oman, resulting in the deaths of four Pakistanis. The bodies were repatriated and handed to their grieving families in a heartfelt ceremony at Islamabad and Lahore airports. The victims were honored with funerals attended by hundreds of mourners in their hometowns. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Shari, condemned the attack during a meeting with Oman’s ambassador. The assailants, claimed by the Islamic State group, were killed in a subsequent gunfight. Many inside the mosque were Pakistani migrants, caught in the crossfire while trying to save others. In a show of…

In the West Bank Bedouin village of Umm al-Khair, Israeli military bulldozers destroyed homes and settlers launched attacks, leaving many homeless with limited access to basic necessities. Bedouin communities face escalating settler violence and demolitions, threatening their land and the possibility of an independent Palestinian state. The conflict intensified during the war in Gaza, with settlers increasing attacks across the West Bank despite international pressure. Umm Al-Khair residents, descendants of traditionally nomadic Bedouin people, have faced settler aggression since the establishment of unauthorized outposts nearby. With a surge in settler violence, displacements, and land seizures, the future for Bedouin communities…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a surprise visit to troops in southern Gaza, emphasizing the importance of Israel maintaining control of a border territory with Egypt. This visit came ahead of his upcoming speech to the U.S. Congress. During his visit to Rafah, Netanyahu expressed confidence in the campaign against Hamas but highlighted the differences that persist in efforts to achieve a cease-fire. The visit coincided with an appearance by Israel’s national security minister at a sensitive holy site in Jerusalem, potentially impacting the cease-fire negotiations. As tensions remained high, Israeli forces continued their operation in Rafah, a once…

In a bold and ambitious promise, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump vows to end international crises and restore America’s global influence, claiming he can stop wars with a simple phone call. Speaking at the Republican National Convention, Trump painted a grim picture of the world under his successor Joe Biden, warning of the looming threat of World War III. Without providing specifics, Trump pledged to bring peace, stability, and respect back to the United States. He blamed Biden for ongoing conflicts worldwide and vowed to resolve each one if elected for a second term. Trump also demanded the release of…

by Naharnet Newsdesk 18 July 2024, 11:05 Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has voiced concerns about potential escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Lavrov stated that Hezbollah, Iran, and Lebanon’s government are not seeking a full-blown war, contrary to suspicions that some sectors in Israel may be provoking such a scenario. The ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have escalated since the Gaza conflict last year. Lavrov emphasized the importance of diplomacy in preventing a wider war in the Middle East, as a conflict with Lebanon would pose a greater challenge for Israel due to Hezbollah’s military capabilities.…

Israel’s far-right national security minister stirred tensions by visiting Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, threatening to disrupt Gaza cease-fire talks. Itamar Ben-Gvir, known for his extreme nationalist views, prayed for the return of hostages while urging against a “reckless deal.” The visit comes as Israeli negotiators are in Cairo for ongoing talks and just before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to the U.S. Ben-Gvir, a controversial figure with a history of convictions, is determined to push Netanyahu to continue the military campaign in Gaza despite international pressure. The escalation in Jerusalem comes amidst increased violence in central Gaza, where Israeli strikes have…

In the recent parliamentary elections in Syria, President Bashar Assad’s Baath Party emerged victorious, securing a majority of seats. The elections, held in government-controlled areas, saw 1,516 candidates vying for 250 seats. However, only 65 seats were considered competitive, as the Baath Party and its allies presented a list of 185 candidates, all of whom won seats. Despite irregularities in some districts, including voters casting ballots twice, the results showed a turnout of 38% among the eligible 19.3 million voters. Unlike presidential elections, Syrians in the diaspora were not eligible to vote. The next parliament is anticipated to attempt passing…

Leaders from across Europe gathered at an English country mansion for a summit overshadowed by concerns about the reliability of the United States under a potential second term for Donald Trump. Newly elected U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed 45 heads of government to discuss migration, energy security, and the threat from Russia as he aims to rebuild relations with the European Union. Starmer emphasized the UK’s commitment to playing a more active role on the world stage, focusing on European security and partnerships. The summit at Blenheim Palace featured key European leaders, excluding Ursula von der Leyen and Recep…