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.

The U.S. military’s mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza via a pier has faced numerous challenges and has now come to an end. Despite successfully bringing tons of supplies to starving Palestinians, the pier was plagued by rough seas, security threats, and weather-related delays. After the pier was dismantled due to bad weather, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper announced that the Israeli port at Ashdod would be utilized for aid delivery instead. Humanitarian groups had halted the distribution of supplies over security concerns, leading to a buildup of aid on Gaza’s shore. The timeline of the pier’s journey, from announcement…

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In the world of presidential elections, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump stand out for their extensive experience in foreign policy and clear stances on global issues. Trump’s allies criticize Biden for weakening America’s standing abroad and allowing conflicts to escalate. In contrast, Biden argues that he has restored U.S. credibility on the world stage. Their records on key conflicts reveal stark differences. Biden’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan after 20 years sparked chaos in 2021. Trump’s administration had negotiated a withdrawal agreement with the Taliban, leaving Biden to handle the aftermath. In the Middle East,…

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by Naharnet Newsdesk 18 July 2024, 11:13 An Israeli delegation has arrived in Egypt to continue cease-fire talks as Israel and Hamas consider the latest proposal. International mediators aim for a phased deal to halt fighting and free around 120 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli delegation, consisting of six officials, arrived in Egypt for talks, but their identities were not disclosed. Talks were disrupted when Israel targeted Hamas’ military commander in a strike, with conflicting reports on his status. Israel’s Defense Minister mentioned that the pressure on Hamas could lead to an agreement for the hostages’ return.…

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In the midst of the Syrian war, Shaheen Jarkas fled to Lebanon with hopes of safety for his family. Tragically, an Israeli strike took the lives of his two young children in the southern border village of Umm Toot. Despite the children innocently playing, they were victims of the ongoing conflict. The devastating events of that day have left families in mourning and communities in fear. The cross-border violence between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in hundreds of deaths, including innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. The UNICEF called the children’s deaths “horrific,” highlighting the impact on the most vulnerable…

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In Hamas-run Gaza, dozens of Palestinians were killed in three separate Israeli air strikes, despite renewed U.S. criticism of the high civilian toll. The strikes killed at least 44 people and wounded many more, with one strike hitting a fuel station, another targeting a UN-run school, and the third on a gathering near a roundabout. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed “serious concern” over the civilian casualties to Israeli officials, pushing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Hamas, in protest of Israeli “massacres,” temporarily pulled out of indirect talks but hinted at returning if Israel shows seriousness. Israel’s…

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast in his mission to increase pressure on Hamas in Gaza, despite international criticism over civilian casualties. Netanyahu defended Israel’s approach, stating that Hamas is feeling the heat due to the elimination of top commanders and thousands of terrorists. He emphasized the need to not relent in achieving war objectives and bringing home hostages, both living and deceased. As Israel intensifies attacks on Gaza, the death toll rises, with recent airstrikes claiming over 40 lives in one hour. Netanyahu justified a massive bombing raid, targeting Hamas leaders, including military chief Mohammad Deif. Defense Minister…

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Amidst American pressure, Israel has pledged to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, but tax-deductible donations to far-right groups have hindered these efforts. Three groups have raised over $200,000 from U.S. and Israeli donors, obstructing aid delivery to Gaza. Despite U.S. sanctions on one of the groups, donations continue, highlighting a lack of coherence in Israel’s aid policy. The far-right groups impede aid trucks at the Kerem Shalom crossing, with tacit support from some Israeli leaders. Mother’s March, in alliance with Torat Lechima, has raised significant funds on crowdfunding sites. Tzav 9, sanctioned for blocking aid and causing damage, defends its…

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by Naharnet Newsdesk 16 July 2024, 14:56 President Emmanuel Macron is set to accept the resignation of the French government on Tuesday. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal will be appointed to lead a temporary caretaker administration, as confirmed by cabinet sources to AFP. The political landscape in France has been tumultuous since the recent snap election, leading to a stalemate with parties in the National Assembly struggling to form a viable governing coalition. \ Source link

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The European Union officials are boycotting informal meetings in Hungary as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held rogue meetings with foreign leaders about Ukraine without informing his European partners. This decision to boycott the meetings during Hungary’s presidency was made in response to recent developments. Orbán’s world tour, dubbed a “peace mission,” included visits to Ukraine, Russia, China, and the United States, angering EU leaders who felt he was not representing the bloc’s interests. The European Commission’s boycott applies to informal meetings hosted by Hungary, leading to tensions between the Hungarian government and the EU. Despite Hungary’s calls for peace negotiations…

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A rare shooting near a Shiite mosque in Muscat, Oman, left four people dead and several others wounded, according to police. The attack, which occurred in the Al-Wadi Al-Kabir area, targeted a minority community in the predominantly Sunni and Ibadi country. Among the wounded were Pakistanis, prompting the Pakistani ambassador to visit the victims in the hospital and urge cooperation with Omani authorities. The U.S. embassy issued a security alert, advising citizens to remain vigilant and canceling visa appointments. The incident, which took place during the Shiite commemoration of Ashura, marks a rare act of violence in Oman, known for…

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