MidEast

Russia-Iran pact will not include mutual defence clause, TASS cites Iranian envoy

A strategic cooperation agreement that Russia and Iran are poised to sign will not include a mutual defence clause like pacts that Moscow has signed with Pyongyang and Minsk, the

Russia welcomes any settlement that leads to security in Gaza, Kremlin says

Russia welcomes any settlement that leads to security in Gaza after a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas was announced, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said

Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal: Why now and what next?

Three-phased deal will start with the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas since Oct. 7, 2023. If fully implemented, the agreement will see the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Palestinian enclave.

Israel gov't expected to vote on Gaza deal by Thursday, according to FM statement

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he was cutting his visit to Europe short on Wednesday so that he could take part in security cabinet and government votes on a Gaza

Biden-Trump teamwork advanced Gaza ceasefire, says outgoing US ambassador to Israel

Significant progress was made on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal once the administrations of Joe Biden and Donald Trump began

Iran says Gaza ceasefire is a 'victory' for Palestinian resistance

The ceasefire in Gaza represents a "great victory" for the Palestinian resistance, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Thursday, warning against any possible breach by Israel.

International reaction to Gaza ceasefire deal

Negotiators reached a phased ceasefire deal on Wednesday in the war in Gaza between Israel and the militant group Hamas. Here is some reaction to the deal. U.S.

Biden says Gaza deal based on his framework while Trump claims credit

U.S.

Middle East latest: Israel's Netanyahu says Gaza ceasefire deal is not complete

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the ceasefire agreement with Hamas is still not complete and the final details are being worked out

Trump and Biden both claim credit for Gaza ceasefire deal

President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump are both claiming credit for Israel and Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire deal in Gaza after the White House brought Trump’s Middle East envoy into negotiations that have dragged on for months

US says Trump administration will be obliged to continue probe of Israeli actions in Gaza

The U.S.

Gaza deal emerged after intense 96 hours, US officials say

A long-sought Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal emerged at the end of an intense 96 hours of negotiations in Doha brokered by U.S., Egyptian and Qatari diplomats

Israel hostage families on roller coaster of hope and despair as Gaza deal reached

Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza gathered on Wednesday in the Tel Aviv square where they have held rallies for more than a year, as news trickled out of

Trump State pick Rubio praised in Senate, warns against China reliance

Senator Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump's choice for secretary of state, warned on Wednesday that

Mediators herald Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal. Israel says final details are in flux

Mediators say Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal to pause the devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies

UN says it's ready to ramp up delivery of desperately needed aid to Gaza

The United Nations says it’s ready to ramp up the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza after a ceasefire agreement and urged the removal of major security and political obstacles so it can reach all those in need

UN says priority must be easing Gaza suffering, warns security poses aid challenge

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday the priority now "must be to ease the tremendous suffering" caused by the war in Gaza

Israel, Hamas reach ceasefire deal to end 15 months of war in Gaza

Hamas and Israel reached a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza that mediators said would take effect on Sunday and include

Gazans shed tears of joy, disbelief at news of ceasefire deal

Palestinians burst into celebration across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday at news of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with some shedding years of joy and

How the Biden and Trump teams worked together to get the Gaza ceasefire and hostages deal done

How the Biden and Trump teams worked together to get the Gaza ceasefire and hostages deal done

UK PM Starmer says Gaza ceasefire is 'long overdue'

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday described a ceasefire deal ending the war in Gaza as "long overdue" and said focus should turn to humanitarian aid and securing a

Biden to hand unfinished agenda to Trump for chaotic Mideast

U.S.

Investor reactions to the Gaza ceasefire deal

Negotiators reached a phased deal on Wednesday to end the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, the U.S. and Qatar said, after 15 months of bloodshed that has killed tens of

Two American hostages are on list to be released under Gaza deal, source says

Two Americans held in Gaza are on the list of hostages to be released in first six-week phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal that was announced Wednesday, a source familiar with the

Gaza truce gives Israelis and Palestinians hope but may not end their suffering

The ceasefire announced between Israel and Hamas gives hope to families of hostages and war-weary Palestinians — but their nightmare is far from over

Three Palestinians killed in West Bank's Jenin, Palestinian officials say

Three Palestinians were killed and scores more injured by an Israeli air strike in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin on Wednesday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said.

Turkey ready to support Syria in managing Islamic State camps

Turkey is ready to provide support to the new Syrian administration for the management of Islamic State camps in the country, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Wednesday.

A small minority of Israeli hostage families don’t want a Gaza deal. Here’s why

A small minority of Israeli hostage families don’t want a Gaza deal. Here’s why

Here's how to watch Biden's farewell address from the Oval Office

President Joe Biden is set to deliver a farewell address to the nation from the Oval Office

Israel inflation eases in December for 3.2% rate in 2024

Israel's inflation eased more than expected in December to end 2024 at a rate of 3.2% versus 3.0% in 2023, according to data on Wednesday from the Central Bureau of Statistics

Gaza deal includes six-week initial ceasefire phase, release of hostages, official says

A Gaza deal between Israel and Hamas, still not officially announced yet on Wednesday, outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli

Israel, Hamas reach ceasefire agreement designed to end 15-month Gaza war, official says

Israel and Hamas agreed to a deal to halt fighting in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, an official briefed on the deal told Reuters on Wednesday

Trump says he'll use Gaza deal momentum to expand Israel's regional ties

Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would use the Gaza ceasefire deal as momentum to expand the Abraham Accords, U.S.-backed agreements struck during the president-elect's first

Qatar to hold press conference in Doha amid Gaza ceasefire negotiations

Qatar's Foreign Ministry will hold a news conference on Wednesday in Doha where the country has been hosting talks towards a Gaza ceasefire deal, a senior Qatari official said.

Russia and Ukraine swap 25 POWs each in UAE-mediated exchange

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 25 prisoners of war each after negotiations mediated by the United Arab Emirates, according to statements from both sides.

UN rights chief urges reconciliation process in first Syria visit

U.N.

Dakar Rally comes down to a duel in the sand between Lategan and Al-Rajhi

Henk Lategan and Yazeed Al-Rajhi will duel in the Saudi sand for their first Dakar Rally title after swapping the lead for a second straight day

Israeli hostage families caught between hope and despair

The ceasefire deal that is close to being agreed in Gaza has left families of the 98 hostages still held in the enclave facing a mix of hope, apprehension, and, in

Libyan agency calls for halt to public sector appointments amid rising wage bill

The Libyan state agency mandated to oversee government performance has called for suspension of public sector appointments and contracts due to an excessive wage bill.

Israeli prime minister's office says Hamas has not yet responded to Gaza proposal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office denied on Wednesday that Hamas had agreed to the Gaza ceasefire proposal from Qatari mediators, after an Israeli official said

Israeli prime minister's office denies Hamas agreed to Gaza deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office denied on Wednesday that Hamas had agreed to the Gaza ceasefire proposal from Qatari mediators, after an Israeli official said

Syria detains Egyptian after videos threatening Egypt's Sisi

Syria's new authorities have detained an Egyptian Islamist militant who fought against Bashar al-Assad's rule over threats he made to the government in Cairo, a Syrian interior

Albanian premier surprises Italy's Meloni with birthday scarf and song

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama presented a gift of a scarf to his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni and serenaded her as she celebrated her 48th birthday on Wednesday.

Palestinian Authority must run Gaza after war, prime minister says

The Palestinian Authority must be the sole governing power in Gaza after the war, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa said on Wednesday, as expectations grew that a deal

Erdogan says Turkey can 'crush' all terrorists in Syria

President Tayyip Erdogan warned on Wednesday that Turkey had the power and ability to "crush" all terrorists in Syria, including Islamic State and Kurdish militants, while urging all

Germany charges Syrian with war crimes against Yazidis

A high-ranking member of the Islamic State militant group in Syria has been charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Germany, partly for alleged involvement in the

Israel supplied Iran with centrifuge platforms containing explosives, top official acknowledges

Israel supplied Iran with centrifuge platforms containing explosives for its nuclear enrichment program in an act of sabotage

US must not become complacent to a growing terrorism threat, a Counterterrorism Center official says

The outgoing acting director of the National Counterterrorism Center says the U.S. is facing an elevated threat of terrorism

Saudi PIF-backed Avilease to be 'opportunistic' about possible plane orders

The CEO of fast-growing aircraft lessor AviLease on Wednesday said he expects Boeing and Airbus to get their supply issues under control in the next four years and said he will be

Jared Kushner advises from afar as Ivanka Trump opts out of role in father's second term

Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner enjoyed largely unfettered access to Trump in his first term and were influential on a vast

Italy, Albania, UAE sign deal for Adriatic energy link

Italy, Albania and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed on Wednesday a deal worth at least 1 billion euros ($1 billion) to build a subsea interconnection to

Main points of the Gaza ceasefire proposal

Qatari mediators have sent Israel and Hamas a draft proposal for an agreement to halt the fighting in the Gaza Strip and exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners as a first step towards

Iran never plotted to kill Donald Trump, Iranian president says

Iran never plotted to kill Republican U.S.

Iran's navy unveils its first signals intelligence ship

Iran's navy received its first signals intelligence ship on Wednesday, semi-official Tasnim news organisation reported, a few days after the country's army took delivery of 1,000 new

Blinken offers most detailed picture to date of post-war Gaza plans

Blinken offers most detailed picture to date of post-war Gaza plans

Biden, Trump security advisers meet to pass ceremonial baton

Top advisers to U.S.

UN Libya mission alarmed by reported torture footage in detention facility

The U.N.

Middle East latest: Israeli strikes in Gaza kill 17, medics say, as Hamas accepts a ceasefire draft

Palestinian health officials say Israeli strikes on homes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least 17 people

A look at the terms — and tensions — in the Israel-Hamas draft ceasefire deal

If the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal goes according to the current draft, then fighting will stop in Gaza for 42 days, and dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be freed

Hamas OKs draft agreement of a Gaza ceasefire and the release of some hostages, officials say

Officials say Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages

Biden, Sisi to coordinate closely in 'coming hours' on Gaza ceasefire effort

U.S.

UN lays groundwork for Gaza aid surge under ceasefire but still sees challenges

The United Nations said on Tuesday it was busy preparing to expand humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip under a potential ceasefire but uncertainty

Six Palestinians killed in Israeli strike on West Bank's Jenin, health ministry says

At least six Palestinians were killed and several were injured on Tuesday in an Israeli strike on Jenin in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a statement by the Palestinian health ministry

Engineer could flee to Iran to avoid drone strike trial, US says

U.S. prosecutors argued on Tuesday that an engineer could flee to Iran if he was granted bail while awaiting trial on charges related to a deadly drone attack on a

Talks among Iran, European countries aimed to restart nuclear negotiations, foreign minister says

Talks held in Geneva among Iran, Britain, France and Germany aimed to find a way to resume nuclear talks, Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Tuesday in an interview with

Nearly half of people across the globe harbor antisemitic beliefs, ADL says

Nearly half of people across the globe harbor antisemitic beliefs, ADL says

Lebanon's PM designate Nawaf Salam resigns as member of International Court of Justice

Nawaf Salam, who has been designated as the new Prime Minister of Lebanon, has resigned as a member of the International Court of Justice, said the ICJ on Tuesday.

Sudan's army condemns ethnically-targeted killings of civilians in El Gezira

The Sudanese army on Tuesday condemned what it called "individual violations" in Sudan's El Gezira in recent days after rights groups blamed the army and its allies for

Gaza ceasefire 'closer than ever', Hamas says it is still awaiting Israeli maps

Negotiators were trying to clinch agreement on Tuesday on the final details of a ceasefire in Gaza after marathon

Gaza ceasefire deal hopes lift region's government bond markets

Hopes of a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza lifted the region's government bond markets and Israel's shekel on Tuesday as investors sensed relief after 15 months

Blinken lays out post-war Gaza plan to be handed to Trump team

U.S.

‘God willing, it will end’: Gazans reflect on potential Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal

Hamas is “very close to an agreement” with Israel on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange in Gaza, according to an official from the militant group. As a deal looms, people in Gaza share their hopes for what it might mean for them.

After economic meltdown and war with Israel, Lebanon's new prime minister vows to rebuild

Lebanon’s prime minister-designate has vowed to rebuild the country following years of economic meltdown and a 14-month war between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group

Blinken makes the case for post-war reconstruction, security and governance of Gaza

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has made a last-minute case for a plan for the post-war reconstruction and governance of Gaza as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas appears tantalizingly close to completion

PM-designate Salam extends hand to Hezbollah, aims to rebuild Lebanon

Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam said on Tuesday his hands were "extended to everyone", in a gesture to the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group that

Terrorist groups respond to verbal attacks and slights by governments with more violence against civilians

When governments denounce terrorist attacks, backlash follows – typically within a few days, research found.

Lebanon’s Hady Habib enjoys ‘biggest achievement’ of tennis career after making history at the Australian Open

Lebanon’s Hady Habib enjoys ‘biggest achievement’ of tennis career after making history at the Australian Open

Russia-Iran strategic pact to shape relations for next 20 years, TASS cites Iran's ambassador

A strategic partnership treaty that Russia and Iran are poised to sign will govern the two countries' relations for the next two decades, the TASS state news agency reported on

UN rights chief arrives in Syria for first ever visit

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk arrived in Syria's capital, Damascus, on Tuesday for the first ever visit of the global body's rights chief to the

Erdogan ally urges jailed militant leader to announce PKK's disbandment

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's nationalist ally on Tuesday urged jailed PKK militant group leader Abdullah Ocalan to announce the group's disbandment after his next meeting with

ICC chief prosecutor wants Israeli objections over Netanyahu warrant to be rejected

The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor has told judges that Israeli objections to the investigation into the 13-month war in Gaza should be rejected

Israeli minister Ben-Gvir threatens to quit Netanyahu cabinet over Gaza deal

Israeli far-right police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened on Tuesday to quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government if he agrees to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage

Syria's new central bank chief vows to boost bank independence post Assad

Syria's new central bank governor, Maysaa Sabreen, said she wants to boost the institution's independence over monetary policy decisions, in what would be a sea

Lebanon's Nawaf Salam to be designated PM, angering Hezbollah

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun summoned Nawaf Salam, head of the International Court of Justice, to designate him prime minister after most lawmakers

Head of hostage NGO believes US journalist Tice still in Syria

The head of an American organisation focused on hostage releases said

Hamas expected to release 33 hostages in first phase of emerging ceasefire deal, Israeli officials say

Hamas expected to release 33 hostages in first phase of emerging ceasefire deal, Israeli officials say

Middle East latest: Gaza ceasefire talks press on in Qatar

Officials say Israel and Hamas appear to be inching closer to a phased ceasefire agreement

Biden defends foreign policy record despite ongoing crises

Outgoing President Joe Biden sought to burnish his foreign policy record on Monday and said U.S. adversaries are weaker than

Some Israeli soldiers refuse to keep fighting in Gaza

A growing number of Israeli soldiers are speaking out against the Israel-Hamas war

Head of the International Court of Justice is named Lebanon's new prime minister

Lebanon’s new president has asked prominent diplomat and jurist Nawaf Salam to form the country’s new government after Salam was named prime minister by a large number of legislators

Biden says he's leaving Trump with a 'strong hand to play' in world conflicts

As President Joe Biden prepares to leave office next week, he's insistent that his one-term presidency has made strides in restoring American credibility on the world stage and has proved that the U.S. remains an indispensable partner around the globe

Turkey's intelligence chief, Hamas officials discuss Gaza ceasefire efforts, Turkish source says

Turkey's intelligence chief discussed efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza in a phone call on Monday with officials from the political wing of Palestinian militant group Hamas, a

Fresh term for Turkey's Erdogan 'on our agenda', ruling party spokesman says

Paving the way for Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to run for a fourth term in office is "on our agenda", the spokesman for the president's ruling party said on Monday, adding that

Iraq PM says he will sign security deal with Britain

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said on Monday he would sign a bilateral security deal with Britain as well as a strategic partnership accord as he headed to

Crypto firm Tether and its founders finalizing move to El Salvador

Cryptocurrency firm Tether plans to move its headquarters to El Salvador, its chief executive said, as the founders of the world's biggest stablecoin look to

Who is Nawaf Salam, Lebanon's new prime minister-designate?

President Joseph Aoun summoned jurist Nawaf Salam on Monday to designate him as Lebanon's prime minister, after a majority of Lebanese lawmakers nominated him for the post. 

Significant progress made in talks over Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release, officials say

Officials say U.S. and Arab mediators made significant progress overnight toward brokering a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and the release of scores of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, but a deal has not been reached yet

US sees possible Gaza deal this week, Sullivan tells Bloomberg News

The Biden administration sees a possible Gaza truce as soon as this week, White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan told Bloomberg News on Monday, adding that there

At UN, Israel accuses Hezbollah of trying to rebuild with Iran's help

Lebanon's Hezbollah is trying "to regain strength and rearm with the assistance of Iran," Israel's U.N. ambassador told the Security Council on Monday,

Final draft of Gaza truce deal presented to sides after 'breakthrough', official says

Mediators gave Israel and Hamas a final draft of a deal on Monday to end the war in Gaza, an official briefed on the negotiations said,

US officials say Gaza ceasefire deal is in sight, the first sign of serious optimism in months

US officials say Gaza ceasefire deal is in sight, the first sign of serious optimism in months

Moscow says Ukraine tried to attack TurkStream pipeline infrastructure in Russia

Russia said on Monday it had downed nine Ukrainian drones that tried to attack part of the infrastructure of the TurkStream gas pipeline, through which Russian gas flows to Turkey

Top ICJ judge Nawaf Salam named Lebanon’s next prime minister

Top ICJ judge Nawaf Salam named Lebanon’s next prime minister

Lebanon's Salam wins backing of enough MPs to be named PM, political sources say

The head of the International Court of Justice, Nawaf Salam, secured the support of enough lawmakers to be designated Lebanon's next prime minister on Monday, political sources said

Hamas says talks over some core issues for Gaza ceasefire made progress

Hamas said on Monday that talks over some core issues for a ceasefire deal in Gaza have made progress, an official in the Palestinian group told Reuters.

Hezbollah lawmaker says Lebanese opponents are working to exclude the group

Senior Hezbollah lawmaker Mohammed Raad said on Monday the Iran-backed group's opponents were seeking its fragmentation and exclusion from power in Lebanon.

Israel 2025 budget deficit could breach target and hit 5% of GDP, official says

Israel's budget deficit could near 5% of gross domestic product in 2025, above the government's target but below last year's 6.9% and a level that could boost its

Lebanon's Hezbollah delays meeting with president, indicating tensions over PM choice

The Iran-backed Hezbollah group postponed an appointment with President Joseph Aoun on Monday at which it was due to communicate its preference for the post of prime minister,

From Myanmar to Gaza, Ukraine to Sudan – 2024 was another grim year, according to our mass atrocity index

While overall atrocities declined last year, they came down from one of the worst years on record. Meanwhile, a number of areas actually got worse in 2024.

Six EU nations call for temporary Syria sanctions relief

Six member states of the European Union have called for the bloc to temporarily suspend sanctions on Syria in areas such as transport, energy and banking, according to a paper seen by

Russia's Putin and Iran's Pezeshkian to sign strategic partnership pact on Jan. 17, Kremlin says

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will hold talks in Russia on Jan. 17 after which they will sign a long-awaited comprehensive strategic

Angry hostage families harangue Israeli hardliner Smotrich

Angry members of some of the families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza harangued Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday over his opposition to a deal being negotiated

What are the main obstacles to a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages?

Israel and Hamas have been holding indirect talks for more than a year aimed at ending the war in Gaza and returning scores of militant-held hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel

Tanker hit by Houthis salvaged, Red Sea disaster averted

A risky operation to salvage an oil tanker attacked by Houthi militants in the Red Sea and avert what could have been one of the largest oil spills in recorded history has been

Turkey detains 2013 bombing suspect inside Syria

Turkey's intelligence agency conducted a cross-border operation inside Syria and seized a man suspected of perpetrating a 2013 bomb attack near the Syrian border that killed dozens

Israel has not received draft proposal for ceasefire deal, Israeli official says

Israel has not received a draft proposal for a deal to halt the fighting in Gaza and return its hostages, an Israeli official said on Monday.

German-Iranian women's rights activist released from Iranian prison

Nahid Taghavi, an Iranian-German women's rights activist, has been released from prison and is back in Germany after more than four years incarceration in Iran, Amnesty

Danish foreign minister says we are ready for talks on legitimate US security interests in Arctic

Denmark recognises that the United States has security interests in the Arctic and is ready to discuss these with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump,

Azerbaijan, facing criticism over human rights, jails activist for 10 years

Azerbaijani human rights activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev was sentenced by a Baku court to 10 years in prison on Monday on an array of corruption and other charges that he denied, his

A young gorilla rescued from aircraft hold recovers at Istanbul zoo

A young gorilla rescued from a plane’s cargo hold is recovering at an Istanbul zoo while wildlife officers consider returning him to his natural habitat

Trump call with Putin expected soon, Trump adviser says

U.S.

UAE to reopen embassy in Lebanon after more than three years

A high-level United Arab Emirates delegation was in Lebanon on Monday to make arrangements for the reopening of the Gulf Arab state's embassy

Iranian army takes delivery of 1,000 new drones

A thousand new drones were delivered to Iran's army on Monday, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, as the country braces for more friction with arch-enemy Israel and the

Malala Yousafzai urges Muslim leaders to back gender apartheid legal push

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai urged Muslim leaders on Sunday to back efforts to make gender apartheid a crime under international law, and

Biden speaks with relatives of Americans held by Taliban, but deal to bring them home still elusive

President Joe Biden has spoken with relatives of three Americans the U.S. government is looking to bring home from Afghanistan, but no agreement has been reached on a deal to get them back

Biden and Netanyahu discuss the latest in the effort to reach an Israel-Hamas war ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden have spoken in a phone call on the latest efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage release in the Israel-Hamas war

EU ministers will consider easing sanctions on Syria at a meeting later in January

The European Union's foreign policy chief says the bloc's foreign ministers will discuss easing sanctions imposed on Syria at a Jan. 27 meeting in Brussels

Tougher U.S. sanctions to curb Russian oil supply to China and India

Chinese and Indian refiners will source more oil from the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, boosting prices and

Biden spoke with families of Americans detained in Afghanistan, White House says

U.S.

Netanyahu and Biden discuss progress in Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal talks

Netanyahu and Biden discuss progress in Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal talks

Italy releases Iranian businessman wanted by US over drone attack that killed Americans

Italy releases Iranian businessman wanted by US over drone attack that killed Americans

Biden calls for immediate ceasefire in call with Netanyahu, White House says

U.S.

Israel to use withheld Palestinian tax income to pay electric co debt

Israel plans to use tax revenue it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority to pay the PA's nearly 2 billion shekel ($544 million) debt to state-run Israel

Iranian businessman arrested in Italy returns home

Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini, who had been detained in Italy on a U.S. warrant, on Sunday left jail and returned to Iran after Rome's justice

Italy releases Iranian citizen held on a US warrant over drone attack in Jordan

Italy has released an Iranian citizen wanted by the U.S. over a drone attack in Jordan that killed three Americans a year ago, after the Italian justice minister asked a court to revoke his arrest

Top Israeli security delegation in Doha for Gaza talks

A top level Israeli security delegation arrived in Qatar on Sunday for talks on a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister

EU foreign ministers to tackle Syria sanctions relief at end of month

European foreign ministers will meet at the end of January to discuss the lifting of sanctions on Syria, the EU foreign policy chief said on Sunday in Riyadh ahead of

Trump's Ukraine envoy says world must reinstate 'maximum pressure' on Iran

The world must return to a policy of "maximum pressure" against Iran to turn it into a more democratic country, U.S.

15 killed in an explosion and fire at a gas station in central Yemen

Health officials in central Yemen say at least 15 have been killed in an explosion and fire at a gas station

Hady Habib becomes the first man representing Lebanon to win a Grand Slam singles match

Hady Habib’s history-making run at the Australian Open will continue

‘Cautious optimism’ as Mossad chief arrives in Qatar for ceasefire-for-hostages talks

‘Cautious optimism’ as Mossad chief arrives in Qatar for ceasefire-for-hostages talks

Trump's Middle East envoy meets Netanyahu on Saturday amid ceasefire push

U.S.

Israel's Netanyahu sends Mossad director to Gaza ceasefire talks in Qatar in sign of progress

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is sending the director of the Mossad foreign intelligence agency to ceasefire negotiations in Qatar in a sign of progress in talks on the war in Gaza

Sudanese army advances to retake city of Wad Madani from RSF

Sudan's army said on Saturday it had entered the central city of Wad Madani and was pushing out its paramilitary rivals the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a step which if completed

Iran holding war games as it faces Israel tensions, Trump's return

Iran was holding air defence exercises on Saturday, state media reported, as the country braces for more friction with arch-enemy Israel and the United States under incoming U.S.

Syrian intelligence agency says it thwarted a planned Islamic State attack on a Shiite shrine

Intelligence officials in Syria’s new de facto government say they have thwarted a plan by the Islamic State group to set off a bomb at a Shiite shrine in the Damascus suburb of Sayyida Zeinab

Four Islamic State members, including two leaders, killed in eastern Iraq

Four members of the Islamic State, including two senior leaders, were killed in an airstrike carried out by Iraqi aircraft in the Hamrin Mountains in eastern Iraq, security

Syria's al-Sharaa meets Lebanese PM in bid to improve long-fraught ties

Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa met Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Damascus on Saturday in a bid to improve long-fraught ties, with the pair

Turkey's Kurdish leaders meet jailed politician as the two sides inch toward peace

A delegation from one of Turkey’s biggest pro-Kurdish political parties has met a leading figure of the Kurdish movement in prison, the latest step in a tentative process to end the country’s 40-year conflict

Syrian intelligence says it thwarted Islamic State attack on Shi'ite shrine

Syria's Intelligence Directorate foiled an attack by the Islamic State group on the Sayeda Zeinab shrine in a Damascus suburb, a site of mass pilgrimage for Shi'ites, state news agency

Lebanese president to consult on new prime minister from Monday

Newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will hold consultations with members of parliament from Jan. 13 to nominate a prime minister, the presidency said on Friday.

Watershed moment for the Middle East after Lebanon elects new president - with a Saudi push

Watershed moment for the Middle East after Lebanon elects new president - with a Saudi push

‘Everyone was surprised by his arrival’: Former Sde Teiman detainees reject claims against Palestinian doctor

‘Everyone was surprised by his arrival’: Former Sde Teiman detainees reject claims against Palestinian doctor

Sydney synagogue sprayed with antisemitic graffiti in latest attack on Australian Jews

A synagogue in Sydney was daubed in antisemitic graffiti, police said on Saturday, a day after the antisemitic vandalism of a separate synagogue in the New South Wales state capital

Israel identifies body of hostage recovered from Gaza, days after father’s remains were found

Israel identifies body of hostage recovered from Gaza, days after father’s remains were found

Iran unveils underground storage facility, claims development of ‘new special missiles’

Iran unveils underground storage facility, claims development of ‘new special missiles’

Middle East latest: Israel launches new strikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels

Israel’s military says it has carried out new airstrikes on Yemen against what it said were Houthi rebel targets

With UNRWA fate unclear, UN and Israel argue over who's responsible for Palestinians

The United Nations and Israel are arguing over who must fill the gap if U.N.

Italy foreign minister proposes setting aside EU sanctions on Syria

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Friday that he had called for a moratorium on EU sanctions on Syria for six months or one year, but that a final

France summons Iranian ambassador over hostages

France summoned Iran’s ambassador on Friday to protest over the case of three of its citizens whose detention conditions the foreign ministry said were akin to torture.

Western powers warn Syria over foreign jihadists in army, sources say

U.S., French and German envoys have warned Syria's new Islamist rulers that their appointment of foreign jihadists to senior military posts

Five killed in Israeli strike on southern Lebanon, health ministry says

Five people were killed and four wounded in an Israeli strike on the town of Tayr Debba in southern Lebanon on Friday, the Lebanese health ministry said.

Israeli military confirms hostage killed alongside father in Gaza

Israel confirmed on Friday that the remains of a hostage found killed in Gaza were of Hamza Ziyadne, the son of deceased hostage Youssef Ziyadne, whose body was

Israel bombs power station and two ports in Houthi-controlled Yemen

Israeli warplanes bombed a power station and two ports in Houthi-controlled Yemen on Friday in retaliation for Houthi drone and missile strikes

Switzerland seeks answers from Iran after traveller dies in prison

Switzerland has demanded more information from authorities in Iran after a Swiss citizen died in prison in the Islamic Republic.

Who is Joseph Aoun, a low-profile army chief who is now Lebanon's president?

Lebanon’s new president and former army commander Joseph Aoun has maintained a low profile

Salvage complete of tanker at center of oil spill scare after being hit by Houthi rebels in Red Sea

An oil tanker that burned for weeks in the Red Sea and threatened a major oil spill has been “successfully” salvaged, according private security firm Ambrey

Stampede kills four people, injures 16 in Umayyad Mosque in Damascus

Four people were killed and 16 injured in a stampede in the landmark Umayyad Mosque in Damascus on Friday, the Syrian state news agency (SANA) said.

Lebanon's Mikati to meet Syrian leader Sharaa in Damascus, Lebanese sources say

Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati will meet Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Saturday, two Lebanese sources said, becoming the first head of

US House votes to sanction International Criminal Court over Israel

The U.S.

Turkey says Syria should be given chance to address Kurdish militant presence

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Friday that the new Syrian administration should be given an opportunity to address the presence of Kurdish militants in the country,

Gaza war death toll could be 40% higher, says study

An official Palestinian tally of direct deaths in the Israel-Hamas war likely

Wives of Mallorca players say they were harassed after Spanish Super Cup game in Saudi Arabia

The wives of two Mallorca players say they were harassed by local fans after a Spanish Super Cup game played in Saudi Arabia that ended in a victory for Real Madrid

Emirati billionaire and Trump ally sees more Gulf investments into US under new president

Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani said on Friday he expects more investments from the oil-rich Gulf into the U.S. as President-elect Donald J.

Lebanon's army chief elected president, showing weakened Hezbollah

Lebanon's parliament elected army chief Joseph Aoun head of state on Thursday, filling the vacant presidency with a general who has

$1-billion Dubai skyscrapers to be linked by daring rooftop pool

$1-billion Dubai skyscrapers to be linked by daring rooftop pool

Turkey detains pro-Kurdish mayor in southern district, police and party say

Turkish police in the southern province of Mersin said they had detained a pro-Kurdish mayor on Friday, along with five other managers of the municipality, as part of a terrorism-

MSF suspends operations at key hospital in Sudan's capital

Medical aid agency MSF said on Friday it has been forced to suspend its activities at one of the few remaining hospitals in southern Khartoum due to repeated attacks, cutting

Efforts to end Kurdish militant conflict in Turkey face Syria test

Talks aimed at ending a 40-year-old militant conflict have fostered peace hopes in Turkey but the precarious situation of

Sudan changes banknotes, boosting coffers but drawing criticism

A move by the Sudanese government to introduce new banknotes and compel people to open bank accounts has boosted bank deposits and with them the army's war effort, finance

Cyprus leaders to meet on Jan 20 for talks on new checkpoint crossings

Leaders of rival communities in Cyprus will meet on Jan. 20 to discuss opening new crossing points on the ethnically-split island, diplomats and officials said on Friday.

Italy’s foreign minister heads to Syria to encourage post-Assad transition

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is heading to Syria to encourage the transition in the country following the ouster of President Bashar Assad by Islamist insurgents

Lebanon's parliament elects army commander Joseph Aoun as president, ending a 2-year deadlock

Lebanon’s parliament has voted to elect army commander Joseph Aoun as the head of state, filling a more than two-year-long presidential vacuum

Kamala Harris cancels foreign trip due to California wildfires

U.S.

The Biden administration succeeds in temporarily blocking a plea deal for accused 9/11 mastermind

The Biden administration has succeeded in temporarily blocking accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed from entering a guilty plea that would spare him the risk of execution for al-Qaida’s Sept. 11, 2001, attacks

A contentious push to wrap up the 9/11 prosecutions takes an emotional toll on victims' families

Sept. 11 survivors and victims’ relatives have mixed feelings about a planned plea deal for accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

US, Arab mediators make some progress in Gaza talks, no deal yet, sources say

U.S. and Arab mediators have made some progress in their efforts to reach a ceasefire accord between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, but not enough to seal a deal,

Gaza death toll has been significantly underreported, study finds

Gaza death toll has been significantly underreported, study finds

Bellingham leads Madrid past Mallorca to set up a Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona

Jude Bellingham has scored again to lead Real Madrid into the Spanish Super Cup final after leading a 3-0 win over Mallorca in Saudi Arabia

Guantanamo's prisoners have reached a pivotal moment. So has the 9/11 case. Here's what to know

After 23 years, the fate of the last remaining Guantanamo detainees swept up worldwide after al-Qaida’s shattering attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, is reaching a pivotal moment this month

Middle East latest: Gaza war deaths pass 46,000 and Lebanon ends presidential deadlock

Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war, with no end in sight to the 15-month conflict

CNN joins a UN peacekeeping mission near the Lebanon-Israel border

The Lebanon-Israel ceasefire agreement that ended a major war between the two countries last November is on a knife’s edge. CNN joins the United Nations’ Indian peacekeeping contingent in south Lebanon where the threat of conflict re-erupting looms large.

Cyprus hosts Israeli President, UAE foreign minister, discusses regional stability

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides held meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed on Thursday, the Cypriot presidency said,

US, French troops could secure Syria's northern border, Syrian Kurdish official says

Talks are taking place on whether U.S. and French troops could secure a border zone in

More than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war, officials say

Gaza's Health Ministry says the death toll from the Israel-Hamas war has climbed above 46,000

Swiss national accused of spying died by suicide in Iranian prison, Iran’s judiciary says

Swiss national accused of spying died by suicide in Iranian prison, Iran’s judiciary says

House passes International Criminal Court sanctions bill in response to Netanyahu warrant

House passes International Criminal Court sanctions bill in response to Netanyahu warrant

Israel rallies global support to win release of a woman believed kidnapped in Iraq

A senior Israeli official says the government is working with allies in a renewed push to win the freedom of an Israeli-Russian researcher who is believed to have been kidnapped in Iraq nearly two years ago

Security operations in Jenin put spotlight on Palestinian Authority

Palestinian Authority security forces are struggling to win the trust of residents of Jenin as they try to assert control over the city, a historic centre

Polish government says it will ensure representatives of Israel can visit Auschwitz safely

The Polish government said on Thursday it would ensure free and safe participation in the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz Nazi death camp for the highest

NATO needs to focus on southern flank to counter Russia, Italy says

NATO needs a stronger focus on the south and Africa, Italy's prime minister told a news conference on Thursday, saying Russia might boost its presence in eastern Libya after the

Swiss national takes own life in Iran prison, Iranian judge says

A Swiss national arrested in Iran and accused of spying took their own life in prison on Thursday, the chief justice of Iran's Semnan province was quoted as saying by the judiciary

Iran says Swiss national held on espionage charges kills himself in prison

A Swiss national detained in Iran on espionage charges has killed himself at a prison in rural Semnan province

Polish government adopts resolution protecting Netanyahu from arrest if he attends Auschwitz event

The Polish government has adopted a resolution vowing to ensure the free and safe participation of Israeli leaders who choose to attend commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau later this month

Who's in the frame to be Lebanon's next president?

Lebanon's parliament will attempt to elect elect a new head of state on Thursday, with officials seeing better odds of success in a political landscape shaken by Israel's assault on

Who is Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese army commander elected president?

General Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese army commander who was elected president on Thursday, kept his military on the sidelines of a recent war between Israel and armed group Hezbollah,

US-backed army chief elected Lebanon’s president, ending years-long stalemate

US-backed army chief elected Lebanon’s president, ending years-long stalemate

US settles with Johns Hopkins over alleged discrimination against Arabs, Jews

The U.S.

Saudi Aramco and Sonatrach cut LPG prices for January

Oil producer Saudi Aramco and Algeria's Sonatrach lowered January's official selling prices (OSPs) for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by between 1.6% and 6% from December because of

Ramping up criticism of Israel, Pope calls situation in Gaza 'shameful'

Pope Francis on Thursday stepped up his recent criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, calling the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave

Turkey to tell U.S. that Syria needs to be rid of terrorists, Turkish source says

Turkish officials will tell U.S.

Turkey planning to start flights to Damascus in coming days, minister says

Turkey is planning to start flights to Syria's Damascus in the coming days, Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said on Thursday.

Singapore says 3 men detained since October for seeking to join Middle East conflict

Singapore said on Thursday it had detained three men since October last year who were preparing to travel to the Middle East to fight against Israel, and one had expressed

Taliban say India is a 'significant regional partner' after meeting

The Taliban's foreign office said they saw India as a "significant regional and economic partner" after meeting with its most senior foreign ministry official, the highest level

Italy says no US extradition request for detained Iranian businessman so far

The United States has not submitted any formal request of extradition for an Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini detained in Milan, Italy's justice minister said in an interview

Unilever's Indonesia headache worsens with boycott as local brands seize the day

A boycott against Unilever and other multinationals operating in Israel has worsened the global consumer company's loss of market share

Body of an Israeli hostage is found in Gaza, possibly alongside his son's remains, army says

Israel’s military says troops have recovered the body of another hostage from Gaza

Middle East latest: Israeli hostage found dead in Gaza, military says

Israel's military said its forces have recovered the body of a hostage held in Gaza

An Italian journalist is freed from detention in Iran and returns home

An Italian journalist detained in Iran for three weeks has been freed and has returned home, after her fate had become intertwined with that of an Iranian engineer arrested in Italy and wanted by the United States

Hostages in Gaza endure another winter as their families plead for a ceasefire

As winter deepens, so does the suffering of dozens of hostages in Gaza, and their families are pressing for a ceasefire that will secure their release

Israel to conceal soldiers’ identities after Brazilian probe into war crimes allegations

Israel to conceal soldiers’ identities after Brazilian probe into war crimes allegations

Israeli military tightens media rules over war crimes prosecution concern

The Israeli military placed new restrictions on media coverage of soldiers on active combat duty amid growing concern at the risk of legal action against reservists travelling

Israeli military says hostage found dead in Gaza tunnel, ‘grave concerns’ for second captive

Israeli military says hostage found dead in Gaza tunnel, ‘grave concerns’ for second captive

Lebanese army chief edges towards presidency, Lebanese sources say

Lebanon's parliament looks set to elect army chief Joseph Aoun head of state on Thursday, three senior political sources said, ending a presidential

Three Palestinians, including two children, killed in West Bank, according to WAFA

Three Palestinians, including two children, were killed on Wednesday in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Palestinian news agency WAFA said, as Israeli strikes persisted following

US troops need to stay in Syria to counter the Islamic State group, Austin says

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told The Associated Press that the U.S. needs to keep troops deployed in Syria to prevent the Islamic State group from reconstituting as a major threat

Israeli troops recover body of Gaza hostage with signs son also killed

The body of Youssef Ziyadne, an Israeli Bedouin taken hostage by Hamas-led fighters on Oct. 7, 2023, has been found in a tunnel in Gaza, along with evidence suggesting his son

After US exemption, UN says more significant Syria sanctions work needed

A U.S. sanctions exemption for transactions with governing institutions in Syria is welcome, but "much more significant work ... will inevitably be

Italian journalist Sala freed from Iran prison, returns home

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala was freed by Iran on Wednesday and returned home, three weeks after she was detained in Tehran during a reporting trip.

Ashraf Ghani Fast Facts

Ashraf Ghani Fast Facts

Mahmoud Abbas Fast Facts

Mahmoud Abbas Fast Facts

Ayad Allawi Fast Facts

Ayad Allawi Fast Facts

Ibrahim al-Jaafari Fast Facts

Ibrahim al-Jaafari Fast Facts

US offered to swap Guantanamo prisoner to free detained Americans in Afghanistan

US offered to swap Guantanamo prisoner to free detained Americans in Afghanistan

Turkey's pro-Kurdish party to visit jailed militant leader again, party sources say

Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM Party will hold face-to-face talks with imprisoned Kurdish militant leader Abdullah Ocalan for a second time, possibly as early as next week, two DEM

EU could lift some Syria sanctions quickly, France says

European Union sanctions in Syria that obstruct the delivery of humanitarian aid and hinder the country's recovery could be lifted swiftly,

Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza amid stepped up ceasefire push

Israeli strikes killed dozens of people across Gaza on Wednesday, Palestinian medics said, as talks to halt the fighting continued in Qatar and Israeli troops

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala lands back in Rome after being freed from detention in Iran

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala lands back in Rome after being freed from detention in Iran

Egypt uncovers blocks from 18th dynasty Queen Hatshepsut temple

Archaeologists have uncovered intact portions of the foundation wall of pharaonic Queen Hatshepsut's valley temple in Luxor and the nearby tomb of Queen Teti Sheri, grandmother of

Israel’s military releases interrogation video in bid to defend assault on Gaza hospitals

Israel’s military releases interrogation video in bid to defend assault on Gaza hospitals

Libya's eastern parliament approves transitional justice law in unity move, MPs say

Libya's eastern-based parliament has approved a national reconciliation and transitional justice law, three lawmakers said, a measure aimed at reunifying the oil-

Armenia warns of escalation risk after Azeri leader calls it 'fascist'

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has accused neighbouring Armenia of posing a "fascist" threat that needs to be destroyed, in comments that Armenia's leader called a possible attempt to

US equity 'exceptionalism' to continue, State Street asset management CEO says

U.S. stocks look set to extend their outperformance this year driven by the financial firepower of big tech firms and investor friendly policies under a second

India to consider engaging in development projects in Afghanistan

India will consider engaging in development projects in Afghanistan in the near future, India's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, despite the lack of diplomatic relations.

ALS sidelined this Israeli TV journalist. AI is helping him make a comeback.

A renowned Israeli TV journalist who lost his ability to speak clearly because of ALS is returning to the air using artificial-intelligence software that recreates his widely recognized gravelly voice

‘Barça is the club of my life’: In CNN exclusive Lamine Yamal pledges long-term future to Barcelona after historic 2024

‘Barça is the club of my life’: In CNN exclusive Lamine Yamal pledges long-term future to Barcelona after historic 2024

Egypt unveils ancient rock-cut tombs and burial shafts in Luxor

Egypt has unveiled several discoveries near the famed city of Luxor including ancient rock-cut tombs and burial shafts dating back 3,600 years

Egypt inflation seen easing to 24.2% in December: Reuters poll

Egyptian inflation is expected to have eased to 24.2% in December as food prices continued to cool, according to a poll released on Wednesday.

Lebanon to extradite son of late Muslim cleric al-Qaradawi to UAE, PM's office says

Lebanon is set to extradite the son of late senior Muslim cleric Youssef al-Qaradawi to the United Arab Emirates after the country's caretaker cabinet approved the move on Tuesday,

UAE says it has discussed a potential role in postwar Gaza, but conditions remain unmet

UAE says it has discussed a potential role in postwar Gaza, but conditions remain unmet

Iran tells France to review 'unconstructive' approach ahead of meeting

Iran's foreign ministry called upon Paris to review its "unconstructive" approach, a few days before Tehran is set to hold a new round of talks about its nuclear programme with major

First international commercial flight since Assad's ouster lands at Syria's main airport

The first international commercial flight since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad has landed at Damascus airport

Biden administration asks court to block plea deal for alleged mastermind of 9/11 attacks

The Biden administration has asked a federal appeals court to block a plea agreement for accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed that would spare him the risk of the death penalty

Ireland joins genocide case against Israel at International Court of Justice

Ireland joins genocide case against Israel at International Court of Justice

Blinken calls for push to get Gaza truce deal over 'finish line'

U.S.

Middle East latest: Israeli strikes kill 17 people in Gaza, nearly all of them women or kids

Gaza's Health Ministry says Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 17 Palestinians, nearly all of them women or children

UAE, Israeli foreign ministers meet to discuss Gaza humanitarian crisis

The foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, has held talks with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar in the Gulf nation, the UAE state news agency (WAM)

Harris to travel to Singapore, Bahrain and Germany before leaving office

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Europe, the Middle East and Asia from Jan. 13 through Jan. 17, the White House said on Tuesday.

Germany pushing for EU to relax sanctions on Syria, sources say

Germany is leading European Union discussions on easing sanctions imposed on the Syrian government of toppled President Bashar al-Assad and aiding the country's

US shifts $100 million in military aid from Israel and Egypt to Lebanon to bolster ceasefire

The Biden administration in its final days is shifting more than $100 million in military aid from Israel and Egypt to Lebanon as it tries to bolster a ceasefire agreement it helped mediate between Israel and Hezbollah

Hamas stands by demand for end to Gaza war under hostage deal, as Trump deadline nears

Hamas stood by its demand on Tuesday that Israel fully end its assault on Gaza under any deal to release hostages, and said U.S.

US shifts some military aid to Lebanon from Egypt, letter says

U.S.

Trump Middle East envoy predicts 'good things' to announce on Gaza hostages before inauguration

President-elect Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said on Tuesday he hopes to have good things to report about hostages held by Hamas in Gaza by the time

Turkey says it will mount offensive against Kurdish YPG if demands not met

Turkey will carry out a cross-border offensive into northeastern Syria against the Kurdish YPG militia if the group does not meet Ankara's demands, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said

Trump announces $20B US investment by Emirati businessman

President-elect Donald Trump is expected to announce a $20 billion investment into building data centers in the United States by the Emirati company led by a billionaire who is a close business partner of the Trump family

Disney names new president of Europe, Middle East and Africa

Walt Disney has named Tony Chambers president of Disney in Europe, Middle East and Africa, as part of a restructuring of its entertainment businesses in the region, the company said

Israel says no foreign courts have warrants issued against reservists

Israel said on Tuesday pressure groups were pushing foreign courts to take action against Israelis over alleged war crimes in Gaza but described the actions as "propaganda

Syria to take time organising national dialogue, foreign minister says

Syria will take its time to organise a landmark national dialogue conference to ensure that the preparations include all segments of Syrian society, Foreign Minister Asaad al-

Harris will travel to Asia, Mideast and Europe during her final week in office

Vice President Kamala Harris plans to close out her term with an around-the-world trip

Trump warns ‘all hell will break out’ if Gaza hostages aren’t released before his inauguration

Trump warns ‘all hell will break out’ if Gaza hostages aren’t released before his inauguration

Qatar plans to help boost Syrian government salaries, sources say

Qatar is planning to help finance a massive boost in public sector wages promised by Syria's new government, a U.S. official and a senior

US, Taliban in talks to swap detainees, WSJ reports

The Biden administration is negotiating with Afghanistan to exchange Americans detained in the country for at least one high-profile prisoner held in Guantanamo Bay with alleged

GM Defense's Suburban Shield: Revolutionizing Diplomatic Security and VIP Transport

GM Defense's Suburban Shield: Revolutionizing Diplomatic Security and VIP Transport

11 Yemeni detainees at Guantanamo Bay transferred to Oman

11 Yemeni detainees at Guantanamo Bay transferred to Oman

Three Palestinian militants killed in West Bank as Israeli operations intensify

Israeli forces killed at least three Palestinian militants in stepped-up operations across the occupied West Bank on Tuesday following the killing of three Israelis near a Jewish

CNN visits river at the heart of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal

At the heart of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal stands the Litani River in Lebanon, just a few kilometers from Israel's northern border. CNN's Tamara Qiblawi visited the banks of the river to break down why this geographic landmark is so significant.

Erdogan tells Iraqi Kurdish PM that Turkey working to keep Syria secure

Turkey is working to ensure that Syria's transformation over the last month will not bring new instabilities to the region, President Tayyip Erdogan told the Iraqi Kurdish prime

Israel cyber firms raise $4 billion in 2024 on surge of cloud, AI security needs

Israeli cybersecurity firms raised $4 billion in 2024, more than double that of 2023, led by firms seeking to protect the cloud along with a surge in artificial

UN says Iran executed over 900 people in 2024, including dozens of women

The number of people executed in Iran rose to 901 last year, including 31 women, some of whom were convicted of murdering their husbands to fend off rape or after being

US transfers 11 Guantanamo detainees to Oman after more than two decades without charge

The U.S. has transferred 11 Yemeni men to Oman after holding them for more than two decades without charge at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Jordan and Syria to combat arms and drugs smuggling, Islamic State's resurgence

Jordan and Syria have agreed to form a joint security committee to secure their border, combat arms and drug smuggling and work to prevent the resurgence of Islamic State militants,

‘MSN reunion? Football is full of surprises’: Neymar hints at revival of famed trio in CNN exclusive as he targets World Cup

‘MSN reunion? Football is full of surprises’: Neymar hints at revival of famed trio in CNN exclusive as he targets World Cup

Violence surges in West Bank as three Israelis killed and reprisals reported

Violence surges in West Bank as three Israelis killed and reprisals reported

Syria to receive electricity-generating ships from Qatar and Turkey

Syria will receive two electricity-generating ships from Turkey and Qatar to boost energy supplies hit by damage to infrastructure during President Bashar al-Assad's rule, state news

UAE agrees to roll over payment of $2 billion due by Pakistan

The United Arab Emirates has agreed to roll over the payment of $2 billion due by Pakistan this month, the South Asian nation's Prime Minister Shehbaz

UAE in talks with US, Israel about provisional government for post-war Gaza

The United Arab Emirates has discussed with Israel and the United States participating in a provisional administration of post-war Gaza until a reformed

France says conditions of citizens held in Iran akin to torture

The situation of three French citizens held in Iran is worsening with some being detained in conditions similar to torture, France's foreign minister said on Tuesday,

Global crude exports dip as trade routes reshuffle again

The volume of global crude exports in 2024 declined 2%, the first fall since the COVID-19 pandemic, shipping data showed, due to weak demand growth and as

Long silenced by fear, Syrians now speak about rampant torture under Assad

The system of detention, torture and death run by Syria’s former ruler, Bashar Assad, is starting to come out into the open

Saudi Arabia presses Florida man to give up US citizenship over critical tweets, family says

The son of a Florida retiree says Saudi Arabia has forced his father to take steps to renounce his American citizenship after jailing him over social media posts critical of the kingdom’s crown prince

Gunmen targeting bus in the occupied West Bank kill 3 people

Gunmen attacked a bus carrying Israelis in the occupied West Bank, killing at least three people and wounding eight others, Israel’s rescue service said

Hamas says it has approved Israeli list of 34 hostages for possible deal

Palestinian militant group Hamas has approved a list of 34 hostages presented by Israel to be exchanged in a possible ceasefire deal, a group official told Reuters on Sunday.

What are halal mortgages?

Access to halal mortgages, which provide interest-free housing loans, has been growing in the US.

US envoy Hochstein says Israeli army withdrawals from western Lebanon to continue until military fully out

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein said on Monday that he was happy to see the Israeli army withdraw from the western sector of Lebanon back to Israel.

US dramatically shrinks Guantanamo prisoner population to 15 men

U.S.

US eases restrictions on Syria while keeping sanctions in place

The U.S. on Monday eased some restrictions on Syria’s transitional government after Islamist insurgents ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad

US says anti-ISIS operation in Iraq kills coalition soldier

The U.S. military said on Monday operations against Islamic State in Iraq over the past week led to the death of a non-U.S. coalition soldier and wounded two other non-U.S.

Hurdles remain as Israel and Hamas once again inch toward a ceasefire deal

Israel and Hamas are once again struggling to reach a ceasefire that could wind down the 15-month war in Gaza and bring home dozens of Israelis held hostage

US allows transactions with governing institutions in Syria despite sanctions

The U.S. on Monday issued a sanctions exemption for transactions with governing institutions in Syria for six months after the end

World Food Programme condemns Israeli attack on its Gaza convoy

The U.N.

Oil prices ease as weak economic data offsets higher US winter storm heating demand

Oil prices eased in volatile trade on Monday as some bearish economic news from the United States and Germany offset bullish support from a weaker U.S. dollar and

Middle East latest: 3 Israelis fatally shot in West Bank attack on a bus

Gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying Israelis in the occupied West Bank on Monday, killing at least three people and wounding seven others

Emirati, Syrian foreign ministers discuss bolstering ties on UAE visit

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed discussed bolstering "brotherly" ties with Syria during the first official visit by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani to

Israeli soldiers face growing risk of arrest abroad after Gaza service

Israeli soldiers face growing risk of arrest abroad after Gaza service

Lucid beats estimates for EV deliveries as price cuts, cheaper financing spur demand

Lucid beat expectations for quarterly deliveries, as the Saudi Arabia-backed maker of luxury electric vehicles lowered prices and offered cheaper financing to drive demand

Three Israelis killed in northern West Bank shooting

Three Israelis were killed and several injured on Monday in a shooting attack on a car and bus near the settlement of Kedumim in the Israeli-occupied West Bank,

UN envoy arrives in Yemeni capital in bid to quell tensions

The United Nations' Yemen mediator arrived in Yemen's capital on Monday as part of a bid to subdue heightened tensions in his first visit in almost two years, a spokesperson

Bank of Israel holds rates on high inflation, economic uncertainty

The Bank of Israel left interest rates unchanged for the eighth straight meeting on Monday, citing expectations of higher inflation and economic uncertainty due

Iran's nuclear programme nearing point of no return, France's Macron says

Iran's disputed uranium enrichment drive is nearing a point of no return and European partners to a moribund 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran should consider reimposing sanctions if

Why has ISIS not yet claimed the New Orleans vehicle attack?

Why has ISIS not yet claimed the New Orleans vehicle attack?

Turkey says eradication of Kurdish YPG militia in Syria 'imminent'

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Monday that eradication of the Kurdish YPG militia in Syria was "imminent", and that Ankara would not agree to any policy that allowed

Tehran says detention of Iranian in Italy amounts to 'hostage-taking'

Iran said on Monday the detention of an Iranian national in Italy at the request of the U.S. amounted to hostage-taking.

ICRC to expand Syria humanitarian efforts beyond $100 million programme

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) plans to expand its work in Syria significantly beyond an initial $100 million programme, the organisation's president said on

Israel warns Lebanon truce could collapse if Hezbollah doesn’t withdraw in south

Israel warns Lebanon truce could collapse if Hezbollah doesn’t withdraw in south

Hamas approves list of Israeli hostages for potential exchange, Reuters reports

Hamas approves list of Israeli hostages for potential exchange, Reuters reports

Afghans arrive in the Philippines to complete visa processing for resettlement in US

A group of Afghan nationals have arrived in the Philippines to process special immigrant visas for their resettlement in the United States

Hezbollah leader Nasrallah was killed last year inside the war operations room, aide says

A senior Hezbollah security official says leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike last year while inside the militant group’s war operations room

Turkey investigates opposition mayor's comments about Syrians

Turkey has launched an investigation into an opposition mayor's comments about Syrians, including his claims that he unlawfully revoked some of their business licences in his northwestern

UAE non-oil business activity growth picks up in December, PMI shows

The United Arab Emirates' non-oil private sector expanded at its fastest pace in nine months in December, driven by strong demand and increased business activity, a survey showed on

Egypt's non-oil private sector contracts in December as cost pressures rise, PMI shows

Operating conditions in Egypt's non-oil private sector deteriorated in December, with output and new orders falling at the sharpest rates in eight months amid rising cost pressures,

Two Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank, Palestinian sources say

Two Palestinians, including a 17-year-old boy, were killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank on Sunday, according to the Palestinian Fatah party and the Palestinian

Israel helps former soldier leave Brazil over investigation into alleged war crimes in Gaza

Israel has helped a former soldier leave Brazil after legal action was initiated against him by a group accusing Israelis of war crimes in the Gaza Strip

FBI looking into New Orleans attack suspect's visits to Egypt, Canada

The FBI is looking into past visits to Egypt and Canada by the suspect in the New Year's Day attack in New Orleans that killed 14 people after a truck was rammed into a

Hamas and Israel wrangle over talks as Israeli strikes in Gaza intensify

Israel and Hamas wrangled on Sunday over the details of a deal to halt fighting in the Gaza Strip and return hostages home, as Palestinian officials said

Israeli military enlists first group of ultra-Orthodox recruits into brigade

Israeli military enlists first group of ultra-Orthodox recruits into brigade

Italy's Meloni boosts ties with Trump in surprise visit to Florida

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Sunday she was ready to work with Donald Trump after making a surprise visit to Florida to meet the president-

Syrian caretaker government to hike public sector salaries by 400% next month

Syria's finance minister said on Sunday the government would hike salaries for many public sector employees by 400% next month after completing an administrative

Erdogan expects support from Syria in Turkey's battle with PKK

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Syria's new leadership is determined to root out separatists there, as Ankara said its military had "neutralised" 32 members of the

Syria's foreign minister visits Qatar as new authorities seek regional and global diplomatic ties

Syria’s new foreign minister has met with his Qatari counterpart and Qatar’s prime minister in Doha on Sunday

Syria's new Islamist rulers urge US to lift sanctions during visit to Doha

Syria's new Islamist rulers said on Sunday that U.S. sanctions on Syria were an obstacle to the war-torn country's rapid recovery

Bank of Israel to hold rates this week but cut possible in February - Reuters Poll

The Bank of Israel is expected to leave short-term interest rates unchanged for an eighth straight policy meeting this week, although analysts believe a rate cut

Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza Strip as new ceasefire talks begin

Israeli military strikes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least 70 people over the last day, Palestinian medics said on Saturday, as

Saudi Arabia's non-oil private sector keeps growing solidly in December, PMI shows

Strong demand drove growth in Saudi Arabia's non-oil business sector in December, albeit at a slightly slower pace than the previous month, a survey showed on Sunday.

Family of hostage in latest Hamas video urges Netanyahu to take ‘opportunity to bring them back’

Family of hostage in latest Hamas video urges Netanyahu to take ‘opportunity to bring them back’

US plans $8 billion arms sale to Israel, US officials say

U.S.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza kill at least 21, hospital workers say, as talks underway

Hospital staff in Gaza say the latest Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 21 people including at least two children

Congress is notified by the Biden administration of a planned $8 billion weapons sale to Israel

The State Department has informed Congress of a planned $8 billion weapons sale to Israel

Israel considering limiting humanitarian aid to Gaza after Trump’s inauguration

Israel considering limiting humanitarian aid to Gaza after Trump’s inauguration

Malaysia turns away 2 boats with nearly 300 Rohingya refugees after dozens landed on island

Malaysian authorities say they have turned away two boats carrying nearly 300 Muslim Rohingya refugees who had entered the country illegally

State Department notifies Congress of planned $8 billion arms sale to Israel

State Department notifies Congress of planned $8 billion arms sale to Israel

New Orleans attack came as officials warned of an escalating threat of international terrorism

The truck attack in New Orleans by an Army veteran inspired by the Islamic State group unfolded amid months of warnings by officials about a resurgent terrorism threat

Jimmy Carter’s foreign policy legacy is far more complex – and successful – than he gets credit for

Jimmy Carter’s foreign policy legacy is far more complex – and successful – than he gets credit for

Blinken heads to South Korea, Japan and France

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to South Korea, Japan and France from Jan. 4-9, the State Department said on Friday, amid a political crisis in Seoul.

At UN, Israel defends Gaza hospital raid, UN rights chief says its explanation is vague

Israel on Friday defended its raid on a north Gaza hospital last week while the U.N. human rights chief called the justification unsubstantiated and the

New Orleans attack puts spotlight on Islamic State comeback bid

A U.S.

Hamas wants Gaza ceasefire deal as soon as possible, senior official says

Hamas said a new round of indirect talks on a Gaza ceasefire resumed in Qatar's Doha on Friday, stressing the group's seriousness in seeking to reach a deal as soon as possible,

No date yet for landmark Syrian national dialogue, sources say

Syria's new rulers have not yet decided when to hold a landmark national dialogue conference that is meant to bring together Syrians from across society to chart a

Hamas says Gaza deal talks will resume on Friday

Hamas says Gaza deal talks will resume on Friday

Middle East latest: Germany and France seek a 'new beginning' with Syria

The top diplomats from Germany and France are in Syria to send what the German minister called a clear signal that a “political new beginning” between Europe and Syria is possible after the ouster of Bashar Assad

Israeli airstrikes push up Gaza death toll amid new truce push

Israel has carried out airstrikes on dozens of Hamas targets in Gaza over the past 24 hours, it said on Friday, in attacks that

Israeli strikes kill at least 42 in Gaza as ceasefire talks set to resume in Qatar

Hospital and emergency response workers say Israeli strikes have killed at least 42 people in Gaza

Syria restricts entry of Lebanese via joint border, sources say

Syria's new administration has imposed restrictions on Lebanese crossing their shared border into Syria, a Lebanese security official and a Syrian official said on Friday.

Three Palestinians killed in standoff with security forces in West Bank

A Palestinian man and his son were killed in Jenin, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, local medical officials said on Friday, as a month-long standoff between Palestinian

Iran summons Italian ambassador over arrest of Iranian wanted by US

Iran's foreign ministry summoned the Italian ambassador on Friday over the detention of an Iranian national wanted by the United States for his alleged role in a deadly drone strike

Turkish inflation falls more than expected to 44%

Turkish inflation was lower than expected at 44.38% annually and 1.03% on a monthly basis in December, data showed on Friday, in a month in which the central bank launched an

Kurds, women must be included in Syria's transition, European ministers say

All Syrian groups, including women and Kurds, must be involved in the country's transition if Damascus wants European support, Germany's foreign minister said

French and German foreign ministers meet Syria’s new leaders in first high-level EU visit since Assad’s toppling

French and German foreign ministers meet Syria’s new leaders in first high-level EU visit since Assad’s toppling

Syria to include all sectors in new government, foreign minister says

Syria's foreign minister has told Saudi Arabian officials that the new leadership in Damascus wants to set up a government involving all parts of Syrian society

Afghanistan shows what investing in women’s education – or divesting – can do to an economy

New research shows that Afghan women earned 13% more for every additional year of schooling they received after the Taliban fell in 2001. That progress is now in peril.

Israeli airstrike hits a Gaza humanitarian zone as Netanyahu OKs a delegation to talks in Qatar

Israeli airstrikes across Gaza have killed at least 50 people, including several children, as they struck Hamas security officers and an Israeli-declared humanitarian zone

Carter's quest for Mideast peace didn't end with Camp David

As president, Jimmy Carter brokered the peace agreement that removed Israel’s most powerful enemy from the battlefield

Middle East latest: Israeli strikes across Gaza kill at least 50, including several kids

Palestinian and hospital officials say Israeli airstrikes killed at least 50 people across the Gaza Strip, including several children and two high-ranking police officers

Investigators seek clues to New Orleans attacker's path to radicalization

As investigators learn more about the man who pledged allegiance to Islamic State and killed 14 people with a truck on New Year's Day in New

The world’s most punctual airlines for 2024

The world’s most punctual airlines for 2024

Man who formerly served in US Army indicted over attempts to support Hezbollah

A Pennsylvania man who previously served in the U.S.

Israeli airstrikes kill Gaza head of police, 67 others, Gaza authorities say

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 68 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, including at a tent camp where the head of the enclave's

Syrian ministers visit Riyadh in first trip abroad after Assad’s fall

Syria's foreign and defence ministers met with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in Riyadh on Thursday in a landmark first visit abroad by members of the new Syrian

Israeli military says commandos raided missile plant in Syria in September

Israel's military said on Thursday its special forces had raided an underground missile production site in Syria in September that it said was primed to produce hundreds of

ISIS no longer rules a territory. But its recruits still pose a global threat

ISIS no longer rules a territory. But its recruits still pose a global threat

Israeli PM Netanyahu leaves hospital after prostate surgery

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was released from hospital on Thursday after his prostate surgery ended "successfully,", his office reported on X.

The most exciting new trains coming in 2025

The most exciting new trains coming in 2025

Changes to Syria’s school curriculum spark online outrage

Changes to Syria’s school curriculum spark online outrage

Italy summons Iranian ambassador, demands release of journalist

Italy's foreign ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador on Thursday to demand the immediate release of reporter Cecilia Sala, who was seized in Tehran on Dec. 19

Zelenskiy says Ukraine preparing to resume diplomatic ties with Syria

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday he was preparing to re-establish diplomatic ties with Syria, less than a month after the overthrow of the Russia-backed

Israeli strike kills 11 people, including head of Gaza police, Palestinian officials say

Israeli strike kills 11 people, including head of Gaza police, Palestinian officials say

What is the Islamic State group and what attacks has it inspired?

The FBI says it recovered the black flag of the Islamic State group from the truck that an American man from Texas smashed into New Year’s partygoers in New Orleans’ French Quarter

Gaza's Islamic Jihad says Israeli hostage tried to take own life

An Israeli hostage held by Gaza's Islamic Jihad militant group has tried to take his own life, the spokesperson for the movement's armed wing said in a video posted

Turkish manufacturing sector nears stabilisation in December, PMI shows

Turkey's manufacturing sector contracted at the slowest rate in eight months in December, a business survey showed on Thursday, in a sign that the sector is nearing stabilisation.

Saudi Arabia says it executes 6 Iranians for drug smuggling

Saudi Arabia says it has executed six Iranian men over drug smuggling, sparking strong objections from Iran at a time when the two countries are trying to mend relations

Gaza’s population is falling, while Israel’s growth is slowing

Gaza’s population is falling, while Israel’s growth is slowing

Palestinian Authority freezes Al Jazeera operations in the West Bank

Palestinian Authority freezes Al Jazeera operations in the West Bank

Palestinian Authority suspends broadcast of Qatar's Al Jazeera TV temporarily

The Palestinian Authority temporarily halted operations of Qatar's Al Jazeera television in the territory including its broadcasts, citing the network's dissemination of "inciting

Protesters in Syria demand justice for disappeared activists and accountability from all factions

Protesters in Syria have held a sit-in demanding justice for four activists who were forcibly disappeared in 2013 and whose fate remains one of the most haunting mysteries of the country’s 13-year civil war

Israel's former defence chief Gallant quits parliament

Former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who had often taken an independent line against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right government allies, said on

Syrian foreign minister arrives in Saudi Arabia with delegation

A Syrian delegation led by newly appointed Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday in its first official visit abroad, Syrian state news agency SANA

Israeli strikes kill 12 in Gaza, including children, as war grinds into the new year

Palestinian medics say Israeli strikes have killed at least 12 people in Gaza, mostly women and children

Saudi Arabia executes Iranians for drugs smuggling, Tehran protests

Saudi Arabia executed six Iranian nationals for drug smuggling, state news agency SPA reported on Wednesday, prompting Tehran to summon the Saudi ambassador according to media

Gaza population down by 6% since start of war - Palestinian statistics bureau

The population of Gaza has fallen 6% since the war with Israel began nearly 15 months ago as about 100,000 Palestinians left the enclave while more than 55,000 are presumed dead,

Yemen will continue to defend itself, say Houthis after US strikes

Yemen's Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam said that the country would continue to defend itself after several U.S. strikes targeted facilities in the capital Sanaa on Tuesday.

Israel strikes Gaza City suburb, Palestinian medics say

The Israeli military kept up the pressure on northern Gaza on Wednesday, striking in a suburb of Gaza City, medics said, and told residents in a central part of the enclave to

At least 20 migrants missing as boat sinks off Italy, seven rescued

Seven migrants were rescued, but at least 20 are missing after their boat sank en route to Italy from Libya, the mayor of the Italian island of Lampedusa said on Wednesday.

Next nuclear talks between Iran and three European countries due on Jan 13

The next round of nuclear talks between Iran and three European countries will take place on Jan. 13 in Geneva, Iran's semi-official ISNA news agency cited the country's Deputy

Abu Dhabi's Mubadala overtakes Saudi Arabia's PIF as world's top wealth fund spender

Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Investment Company accounted for about 20% of the almost $136.1 billion spent by sovereign wealth funds worldwide last year, overtaking Saudi

‘We’re dying from the cold’: Displaced Palestinians battle winter in Gaza

‘We’re dying from the cold’: Displaced Palestinians battle winter in Gaza

Israel raid empties northern Gaza’s last functioning major hospital of all patients and detains its director

Israel raid empties northern Gaza’s last functioning major hospital of all patients and detains its director

Spike in Russian flights from Syria to Libyan desert base as Moscow eyes new Mediterranean hub

Spike in Russian flights from Syria to Libyan desert base as Moscow eyes new Mediterranean hub

Carter’s presidency holds foreign policy lessons for Trump

Carter’s presidency holds foreign policy lessons for Trump

CNN military analyst breaks down how a friendly fire incident can happen

According to US Central Command, two US Navy pilots ejected safely after their fighter jet was shot down over the Red Sea in an apparent friendly fire incident. CNN military analyst Col. Cedric Leighton breaks down how a friendly fire incident can happen.

Osprey official breaks down their investigation of downed Azerbaijani jet

Matt Borie, Chief Intelligence Officer for Osprey Flight Solutions, explains why early indications in their investigation suggest a Russian anti-aircraft system may have downed an Azerbaijan Airlines jet.

Israeli leader Netanyahu takes a break from hospital to pass divisive bill

Israeli leader Netanyahu takes a break from hospital to pass divisive bill

Khaled Meshaal Fast Facts

Khaled Meshaal Fast Facts

US military appeals court says plea deals related to 9/11 attacks may proceed

A U.S. military appeals court has ruled that plea deals related to the man accused of masterminding the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and two accomplices can proceed

U.N. body accuses Israel of destroying Gaza healthcare

Israeli attacks on hospitals in Gaza have devastated the Palestinian enclave's health system and raised serious concerns about Israel's compliance with international law, the U.N.

A new year dawns on a Middle East torn by conflict and change

The streets were buzzing with excitement in Damascus as Syrians welcomed in a new year that seemed to many to bring a promise of a brighter future after the unexpected fall of Bashar Assad’s government weeks earlier

Recovering Netanyahu gets up from hospital to rally support for Israel budget

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu got up from his hospital bed to call on unruly coalition partners to fall in line and back his government's 2025 budget

France says it carried out missile strikes against ISIS in Syria last weekend

France carried out missile strikes last weekend in Syria, targeting Islamic State sites in the country, French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Tuesday.

In Syrian military housing, former rebels take the homes of Assad's officers

Families of military officers who served under Syria's ousted Bashar al-Assad are being evicted from their subsidised housing at a compound outside Damascus to

Amid ceasefire push, Palestinians released from Israeli jails bear mental, physical scars

Once muscular and strong, Palestinian bodybuilder Moazaz Obaiyat’s nine-month spell in Israeli custody left him

Middle East latest: Dozens of patients and wounded evacuated from Gaza for treatment

Dozens of patients and the wounded have been evacuated for treatment outside the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, where the United Nations says Israel’s attacks on and around hospitals have pushed health care to the brink

US repatriates Tunisian detainee held without charge at Guantanamo Bay since the day it opened

US repatriates Tunisian detainee held without charge at Guantanamo Bay since the day it opened

Middle East latest: Israel intercepts Houthi missile fired from Yemen

Israel’s military says it intercepted a missile fired toward the country by Yemen’s Houthi rebels

Israeli strike kills five journalists in Gaza, hospital says

Israeli strike kills five journalists in Gaza, hospital says

Syria appoints some foreign Islamist fighters to its military, sources say

Syria's new rulers have installed some foreign fighters including Uyghurs, a Jordanian and a Turk in the country's armed

Turkey hikes fuel tax by 6%, aims to control inflation

Turkey imposed a 6% tax hike on fuel on Tuesday, after its finance minister said over the weekend that tax moves on fuel and tobacco would not affect the government's inflation goal

Israel, at UN, warns Houthis risk sharing same fate as Hamas, Hezbollah

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations on Monday issued what he called a final warning to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militants to halt missile

Syrian foreign minister calls for Kuwait's embassy in Damascus to reopen

Syria's new foreign minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani on Monday urged Kuwait to reopen its embassy in Damascus and resume relations with Syria following the downfall of Bashar al-

Carter announces Middle East peace agreement

One of Jimmy Carter's crowning achievements as president was the Camp David talks that would deliver Israel's first peace agreement with an Arab nation and make Nobel Peace Prize winners of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin

The Taliban say they will close all NGOs employing Afghan women

The Taliban say they will close all NGOs employing Afghan women

In Gaza's crowded tent camps, women wrestle with a life stripped of privacy

For Gaza’s women, the hardships of life in the territory’s sprawling tent camps are compounded by the daily humiliation of never having privacy

Displaced Gaza newborn freezes to death and twin fights for his life as rain floods tents

Yahya Al-Batran woke up in the early hours of Sunday morning to find his wife, Noura trying to wake their newborn twin sons Jumaa and Ali as they

Army National Guard soldier from Indiana dies in non-combat incident in Iraq

The Indiana National Guard says a 34-year-old soldier serving in Iraq has died in a non-combat incident

Syria's former opposition says it has not been invited to government's planned talks

The head of the internationally recognized Syrian opposition body during the previous administration's rule, said on Monday that the group has not received an invitation to the

Ceasefire between Turkey and US-backed SDF in northern Syria holding, Pentagon says

The Pentagon said on Monday a ceasefire between Turkey and the U.S.-backed Kurdish Syrian forces around the northern Syrian city of Manbij was holding.

Brazil to work toward Mercosur-UAE deal in coming months, Lula tells UAE president

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told his Emirati counterpart on Monday that Brazil will work to seal a deal between South American trade bloc Mercosur and the

Scores of Ukrainian and Russian POWs head back home after swap

Ukraine and Russia carried out a new exchange of prisoners of war on Monday, with the two sides bringing home a combined total of more than 300 former captives.

Syria eyes 'strategic' ties with Ukraine, Kyiv vows more food aid shipments

Syria hopes for strategic partnerships with Ukraine, its new foreign minister told his Ukrainian counterpart on Monday, as Kyiv moves to build ties with the new Islamist rulers in

Nvidia closes $700 million Run:ai acquisition after regulatory hurdles

Chipmaker Nvidia has completed its acquisition of Israeli AI firm Run:ai, the startup said on Monday, following antitrust scrutiny over the buyout.

Russia and Ukraine exchange 150 prisoners each in UAE-mediated swap, Moscow says

Russia and Ukraine conducted a prisoner swap on Monday, with each side freeing 150 prisoners of war, Russia's Defence Ministry said in a statement.

Hundreds of soldiers freed in the latest prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged prisoners of war in the latest such swap that released hundreds of captives and was brokered with the help of the United Arab Emirates

Iran confirms arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala

Iran confirmed the arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala for "violating the laws of the Islamic Republic", Iran's official IRNA news agency reported on Monday.

Germany plans $62 million boost for Syrian schools, projects

Germany said on Monday it would back 60 million euros ($62.70 million) worth of projects in Syria to boost education, women's rights and other areas in the aftermath of the

Syria's de facto leader says holding elections could take up to four years

Holding elections in Syria could take up to four years, Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said in remarks broadcast on Sunday, the first time

Gaza hospital director held at notorious Israeli military detention center, recently released detainees say

Gaza hospital director held at notorious Israeli military detention center, recently released detainees say

Iran confirms arresting Italian journalist Cecilia Sala

Iran's state media say an Italian journalist has been arrested on charges of violating the Islamic Republic's laws

Iran confirms arrest of Italian journalist, state media reports

Iran confirms arrest of Italian journalist, state media reports

Syrian elections could take up to 4 years to organize, de facto leader says

Syrian elections could take up to 4 years to organize, de facto leader says

An Iraqi couple is charged in Germany with keeping and abusing Yazidi girls as slaves

Germany’s federal prosecutor has charged an Iraqi couple with enslavement, torture and war crimes, alleging they kept two young Yazidi girls as slaves and sexually and physically abused them

WOW: How a driving school programme empowers Pakistani women

Pakistani student Laiba Rashid, 22, hopes her life will change once she learns how to drive a motorcycle after undergoing a training programme that

Turkey ready to supply power to Syria and Lebanon, energy minister says

Turkey is ready to supply electricity to Syria and Lebanon and a team of government officials is already in Syria working on how to resolve its

Turkey's fuel, tobacco tax moves will not harm inflation goal, Simsek says

Turkey's tax hikes for fuel and tobacco next year will be set in a way that will not endanger the country's 2025 inflation plans, Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said.

WHO chief calls for end to hospital attacks in Gaza after strike

The head of the World Health Organization on Monday called for an end to attacks on hospitals in Gaza after Israel struck one and raided another in the past few days.

Now Syria's long-ruling Baath party is collapsing, too

Syria's long-ruling Baath party has frozen its activities after insurgents overthrew President Bashar Assad weeks ago

Azerbaijan's president says crashed jetliner was shot down by Russia unintentionally

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev says the Azerbaijani airliner that crashed last week was shot down by Russia, albeit unintentionally

Gas explosion kills 3 police officers, Egypt interior ministry says

A gas explosion killed three police officers as maintenance work was being performed at Egypt's police academy in Cairo on Sunday night, the country's interior ministry said in a

Israeli hospital says Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery

Israeli hospital says Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery

Israel arrests hospital director and other staff in raid on last functioning facility in northern Gaza, health officials say

Israel arrests hospital director and other staff in raid on last functioning facility in northern Gaza, health officials say

Israel PM Netanyahu is in good condition, fully conscious after successful prostate surgery, his office says

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in good condition and fully conscious after his prostate surgery ended "successfully," his office said on Sunday.

Jimmy Carter's biggest challenges while president

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter died at age 100 on Sunday. Here are several key events from the Georgia Democrat's time in office from 1977 to 1981.

Israeli hospital says Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery

An Israeli hospital says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery

A fourth infant dies of the winter cold in Gaza as families share blankets in seaside tents

A fourth infant has died of hypothermia in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by nearly 15 months of war are huddled in tents along the rainy, windswept coast as winter arrives

Syria's de facto leader says it could take up to 4 years to hold elections

Syria’s de facto leader has said it could take up to four years to hold elections in Syria, and that he plans on dissolving his Islamist group that led the country’s insurgency at an anticipated national dialogue summit for the country

Azerbaijan president says crashed plane was shot at from Russia

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday that a passenger plane that crashed last week, killing 38 people, had been damaged by

Israeli forces order new evacuation of besieged northern Gaza town, residents say

Israeli forces carrying out a weeks-long offensive in northern Gaza ordered any residents remaining in Beit Hanoun to leave the town on Sunday, citing Palestinian

Turkey's imprisoned Kurdish rebel leader says he is willing to work with authorities for peace

Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of Turkey’s banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, has said that he is willing to contribute to peace between Turks and Kurds, according to the pro-Kurdish DEM party

Shark attack at Egyptian Red Sea resort kills one foreigner, injures another

Shark attack at Egyptian Red Sea resort kills one foreigner, injures another

Turkey announces $14 billion regional development plan for Kurdish southeast

Turkey announced on Sunday a $14 billion regional development plan that aims to reduce the economic gap between its mainly Kurdish southeast region

Turkey's jailed PKK leader is reported to suggest he might be ready to end insurgency

The jailed leader of Turkey's outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Abdullah Ocalan, has been quoted as indicating he may be prepared to call for militants to lay down arms,

Gaza captors tortured hostages, including minors, Israeli report says

Hostages held in Gaza were subjected to torture, including sexual and psychological abuse, starvation, burns and medical neglect, according to a new report by

A suicide bomber kills a police officer and wounds another in southern Iran

Iranian media say a suicide bomber killed a local police officer and wounded another in a southern Iranian port city, home to a large Sunni Muslim community

Israel detains the director of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals during a raid

Gaza's Health Ministry says Israel’s army has detained the director of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals

Syria's embassy in Lebanon suspends services as Lebanon hands over former Syrian army officers

Syria’s embassy in Lebanon has suspended consular services a day after two relatives of deposed Syrian President Bashar Assad were arrested at the Beirut airport with allegedly forged passports

Russia's Putin apologises to Azerbaijan over 'tragic' airliner crash

President Vladimir Putin on Saturday apologised to Azerbaijan's leader for what the Kremlin called a "tragic incident"

Putin apologizes for 'tragic incident' but stops short of saying Azerbaijani plane was shot down

Russian President Vladimir Putin has apologized to his Azerbaijani counterpart for what he called a “tragic incident” following the crash of an Azerbaijani airliner in Kazakhstan that killed 38 people

Suicide bomber kills police commander in southern Iran - media reports

A suicide bomber killed the head of police intelligence in Iran's southern port city of Bandar Lengeh on Saturday, Iranian state media reported.

Israel detains 240 Palestinians including medics after Gaza hospital raid

Israeli forces detained more than 240 Palestinians including dozens of medical staff from a north Gaza hospital they raided on Friday,

Case of Italian journalist detained in Iran "complicated", Rome says

The case of an Italian journalist being held in Iran is "complicated", but Rome hopes to bring 29-year-old Cecilia Sala home quickly, Italy's foreign minister said on Saturday.

Iran says 2025 'important year' for nuclear issue

Iran, bracing for a possible re-imposition of incoming U.S. president Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" policy, said on Saturday that 2025 would be an important year for its nuclear issue.

Turkish FM discusses with Blinken need to cooperate with new Syrian administration

Turkey's foreign minister discussed with U.S.

Lebanon returns 70 officers and soldiers to Syria, security official says

Lebanon expelled around 70 Syrian officers and soldiers on Saturday, returning them to Syria after they crossed into the country illegally via informal routes, a Lebanese

What we know about the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash

A passenger jet operated by Azerbaijan Airlines crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, after diverting from an

Iraq to resume flights to Lebanon on Monday, transport minister says

Iraq will allow the national carrier to resume flights to Lebanon on Monday following their suspension earlier this month, the transport minister was quoted as saying by state media

Thousands protest in Turkey to demand bigger hike in minimum wage

Thousands of people protested in Turkey's capital Ankara on Saturday to demand a bigger hike in the minimum wage, chanting slogans calling on the government to resign and waving the

Afghan forces target Pakistan in retaliation for deadly airstrikes

Afghanistan's Defense Ministry says its forces hit several points inside Pakistan in retaliation for deadly airstrikes

Afghan Taliban forces target 'several points' in Pakistan in retaliation for airstrikes - Afghan defence ministry

Afghan Taliban forces targeted "several points" in neighbouring Pakistan, Afghanistan's defence ministry said on Saturday, days after Pakistani aircraft

Middle East latest: Israeli soldiers burn a hospital in Gaza

Gaza's Health Ministry says Israeli soldiers stormed and burned a hospital after forcibly removing staff and patients

Israeli airstrikes hit a Yemen airport as a jet with hundreds onboard was landing, UN official says

The top U.N. humanitarian official in Yemen says Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen’s main airport as a civilian Airbus 320 with hundreds of passengers on board was landing this week

Israeli forces surround northern Gaza hospital and order evacuation, says director

Israeli forces surround northern Gaza hospital and order evacuation, says director

WHO chief describes ordeal during Israeli strike on Yemen airport

The head of the World Health Organization said on Friday he was not sure he was going to survive an air strike on Yemen's main airport carried out by Israel a day

Relatives of Bashar Assad arrested as they tried to fly out of Lebanon, officials say

Lebanese officials say the wife and daughter of one of deposed Syrian president Bashar Assad’s cousins have been arrested at the Beirut airport

Israeli troops forcibly remove staff and patients from northern Gaza hospital, officials say

Gaza's Health Ministry says Israeli troops have stormed one of the last hospitals operating in the territory's north and forced many of the staff and patients outside

Engineer pleads not guilty in US case over deadly Iran-linked drone strike

A former engineer at a semiconductor manufacturer pleaded not guilty on Friday to U.S. charges that he illegally procured technology for an Iranian firm that made a

Israel raids north Gaza hospital, ministry says staff out of contact

Israeli forces on Friday raided the Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of three medical facilities on the northern edge of Gaza, ordering

US anti-missile THAAD system in Israel used to intercept projectile from Yemen

An advanced U.S. military anti-missile system was used in Israel to try to intercept a projectile for the first time since President Joe Biden placed the system in Israel in October, a

Flydubai suspends flights to two southern Russian airports, carrier says

UAE airline flydubai has suspended flights from Dubai to the southern Russian airports of Sochi and Mineralnie Vody, the carrier said on Friday.

Bashar al-Assad's uncle Rifaat flew from Beirut to Dubai, Lebanese officials say

Rifaat al-Assad, an uncle of the ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad charged in Switzerland with war crimes over the bloody suppression of a revolt in

Turkey to allow pro-Kurdish party to visit jailed militant leader

Turkey has decided to allow parliament's pro-Kurdish DEM Party to hold face-to-face talks with militant leader Abdullah Ocalan on his island prison, the party said on Friday, setting

WHO chief and UN team caught up in Israeli strikes that killed 6 in Yemen

WHO chief and UN team caught up in Israeli strikes that killed 6 in Yemen

Israeli jets attack Syria-Lebanon border crossings to stop arms smuggling

Israeli jets struck seven crossing points along the Syria-Lebanon border on Friday, aiming to cut the flow of weapons to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group in southern Lebanon.

Italy says it is working 'tirelessly' to free journalist held in Iran

Italy said on Friday it was making every effort to bring home a journalist who has been under arrest in Iran for more than a week, as politicians of all stripes expressed their concern

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala arrested in Tehran, Italy says

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala arrested in Tehran, Italy says

Family members remember tow truck driver who died in hit-and-run

Family members remember tow truck driver who died in hit-and-run

Turkish inflation seen at 45.2% in December, down to 26.5% at end-2025: Reuters poll

Turkey's inflation rate is expected to rise by 1.61% in December from the previous month and stand at 45.2% year-on-year, with the annual rate seen falling to 26.5% by the end of

Stabbing attack on woman in Israeli city of Herzliya

A Palestinian man stabbed an 83-year-old woman to death in the Israeli city of Herzliya, Israeli media reported on Friday, in what police described as a terrorist attack.

Ukraine sends food aid to Syria, says Zelenskiy

Ukraine, a global producer and exporter of grain and oilseeds, has sent its first batch of food aid to Syria, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday.

Azerbaijan Airlines flight to Russia turns back to Baku after airspace closure, TASS says

An Azerbaijan Airlines flight to the southern Russian town of Mineralnie Vody turned back to Baku on Friday after being told a chunk of airspace in southern Russia had been closed,

Malaysian man publicly caned for Islamic crime of close proximity 

KUALA LUMPUR - A Malaysian man was caned at a mosque in the northeastern state of Terengganu on Friday for the Islamic crime of close proximity with a non-family member of the opposite sex, local

Turkey aims to provide power to Syria, collaborate on oil, gas, newspaper says

Turkey aims to provide electricity to Syria and strengthen its power infrastructure, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar was quoted on Friday as saying, adding that Ankara may

Israel strikes Houthi targets in Yemen, killing six

Israel struck multiple targets linked to the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen on Thursday, including Sanaa International Airport, and Houthi media said at least six people

Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away

A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen has targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports

An uneasy calm settles over Syrian city of Homs after outbreak of sectarian violence

Syria’s new security forces checked IDs and searched cars in the central city of Homs a day after protests by members of the Alawite minority erupted in gunfire and stirred fears that the country’s fragile peace could break down

Aviation experts say Russia's air defense fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns

Aviation experts say that Russian air defense fire was likely responsible for the Azerbaijani plane crash the day before that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured

The US says it pushed retraction of a famine warning for north Gaza. Aid groups express concern

U.S. officials say they asked for — and got — the retraction of an independent monitor's warning of imminent famine in north Gaza

At least 14 security personnel killed in ‘ambush’ by former Assad forces, new Syrian authorities say

At least 14 security personnel killed in ‘ambush’ by former Assad forces, new Syrian authorities say

Israeli attorney general orders probe into report that alleged Netanyahu's wife harassed opponents

Israel’s attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and witnesses in the Israeli leader’s corruption trial

Middle East latest: WHO chief says he was at Yemen airport as Israeli bombs fell nearby

The World Health Organization’s director-general said airstrikes on Yemen’s main airport occurred as he was about to board a flight in the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa

Israel’s attorney general orders probe into Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of witness harassment

Israel’s attorney general orders probe into Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of witness harassment

Iran's Pezeshkian to visit Moscow Jan 17, RIA reports, citing Iranian envoy to Russia

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to visit Moscow on Jan. 17 and sign a cooperation agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian state news agency RIA cited

Gaza medics say Israeli strike kills five journalists, Israel says it hit militants

Gaza authorities said an Israeli airstrike killed five Palestinian journalists in a vehicle outside a hospital on Thursday but the Israeli

Four babies die from hypothermia in Gaza, as Israel’s war pushes Palestinians into tent camps

Four babies die from hypothermia in Gaza, as Israel’s war pushes Palestinians into tent camps

Israeli military loosened rules of engagement at start of Gaza war, New York Times reports

The Israeli military loosened its rules of engagement at the start of the Gaza war to enable commanders to order attacks on targets despite a heightened risk of civilian

Lebanon hopes for neighbourly relations in first message to new Syria government

Lebanon said on Thursday it was looking forward to having the best neighbourly relations with Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad opened the way to a new era in the often

Syria's new rulers warn against incitement as tensions brew

Syria's new authorities on Thursday launched a security crackdown in a coastal region where 14 policemen were killed a day before, vowing to

UNIFIL urges timely Israeli pullout from south Lebanon under month-old truce deal

The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) called on Thursday for a timely Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon, citing what it called Israeli violations of a Nov. 27

14 Syrian police killed in ambush as unrest spreads

Fourteen members of the Syrian police were killed in an "ambush" by forces loyal to the ousted government in the Tartous countryside, the transitional administration said early on

Israeli security minister enters Al-Aqsa mosque compound 'in prayer' for Gaza hostages

Israel's ultranationalist security minister ascended to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on Thursday for what he said was a "prayer" for hostages in Gaza, freshly

Turkey to allow pro-Kurdish party to visit jailed PKK leader, newspaper says

Turkey has decided to allow parliament's pro-Kurdish party to hold talks with militant leader Abdullah Ocalan on his island prison, the pro-government Sabah newspaper reported on

Accusations of genocide. Charges of corruption. Improbably, Netanyahu had a good year

Accusations of genocide. Charges of corruption. Improbably, Netanyahu had a good year

A Syrian family recounts the horrors of the 2013 chemical attack near Damascus

A Syrian family that survived a 2013 chemical weapons attack that killed hundreds of people near the country's capital, Damascus, says the ordeal they experienced haunts them to this day

Turkish cenbank rate cut expectations rise after 30% minimum wage hike

Expectations of a Turkish central bank rate cut strengthened on Wednesday after a less-than-requested minimum wage hike, economists said, as it showed the

Israeli hostage families light first candle of Hanukkah, marking start of second holiday without loved ones

Israeli hostage families light first candle of Hanukkah, marking start of second holiday without loved ones

Clashes between Islamists now in power in Syria and Assad's supporters kill 6 fighters

A British-based war monitor said clashes between Islamists who took over Syria and supporters of ousted President Bashar Assad’s government have killed six Islamic fighters and wounded others

A baby froze to death overnight in Gaza as Israel and Hamas trade accusations of ceasefire delays

A baby girl froze to death overnight in Gaza, while Israel and Hamas accused each other of complicating ceasefire efforts that could wind down the 14-month war

Libya's eastern-based government agrees to proposal to end fuel subsidies

Libya's eastern-based government said in a statement on Wednesday that it had agreed on a proposal to end fuel subsidies and would prepare a mechanism to implement the agreement.

Minnesota National Guard soldier home for joyful Christmas with family after deployment

Minnesota National Guard soldier home for joyful Christmas with family after deployment

Global monitor says famine is weeks away in north Gaza. A US diplomat calls warning 'irresponsible'

A leading global food crisis monitor says deaths from starvation will likely pass famine levels in north Gaza as soon as next month

Russian cargo ship sinks in Mediterranean after engine room explosion, Moscow says

Russian cargo ship sinks in Mediterranean after engine room explosion, Moscow says

Russian ship that sank off Spanish coast was blown up in 'act of terrorism,' RIA cites owner

A Russian cargo ship that ran into trouble on Monday in the Mediterranean Sea and later sank was rocked by a series of three explosions in "an act of terrorism," state news agency

On Christmas Day, Pope Francis calls for talks to end Ukraine war

Pope Francis in his Christmas message on Wednesday called for talks between Ukraine and Russia to end the war that followed Moscow's full-scale invasion two

Taliban say Pakistani airstrikes killed 46 people in eastern Afghanistan, mostly women and children

A Taliban government official says Pakistan’s airstrikes on eastern Afghanistan killed 46 people, mostly women and children

Hamas and Israel blame each other for ceasefire delay

The Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel traded blame on Wednesday over their failure to conclude a

Christians protest in Syrian capital after burning of Christmas tree

Christians protest in Syrian capital after burning of Christmas tree

Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan kill 46 people, Taliban official says

Bombardment by Pakistani military aircraft in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province on Tuesday killed at least 46 people, most of whom were children and women

Kurdish militia in Syria will be buried if they do not lay down arms, Turkey's Erdogan says

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Kurdish militants in Syria will either lay down their weapons or "be buried", amid hostilities between Turkey-backed Syrian

Pope calls for ‘lasting peace’ in Ukraine in Christmas Day message

Pope calls for ‘lasting peace’ in Ukraine in Christmas Day message

Syrian ex-rebel factions agree to merge under defence ministry

Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa reached an agreement on Tuesday with former rebel faction chiefs to dissolve all groups and consolidate them under the defence ministry,

Turkish military kills 21 Kurdish militants in northern Syria and Iraq, ministry says

The Turkish military killed 21 Kurdish militants in northern Syria and Iraq, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.

Cities worldwide hold subdued Christmas Eve celebrations amid conflicts

Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza

Turkey's soaring costs are creating a 'lost generation' of kids forced to help their families get by

One-third of Turkey's children live in poverty, with many forced to work to support their struggling families

Israeli military intercepts missile launched from Yemen, army says

Israel's military intercepted a missile early on Wednesday that was launched from Yemen and crossed into Israeli territory, the army said.

At least eight Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in West Bank refugee camp

Israeli forces killed at least eight Palestinians in raids on Tuesday on a refugee camp near the city of Tulkarm in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Palestinian and Israeli

Syria's new foreign minister tells Iran not to spread chaos in Syria

Syria's newly appointed foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, told Iran on Tuesday not to spread chaos in Syria but to respect the Syrian people's will and the country's

Oil prices rise 1% in thin pre-holiday trade

Oil prices rose more than 1% on Tuesday, reversing the prior session's losses on a brightening short-term outlook tied to the prospect of

Turkey raises monthly minimum wage by 30% for 2025

Turkey's net monthly minimum wage will be 22,104 Turkish lira ($630.36) in 2025, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday, marking a 30% increase from 2024.

Syrian Christians attend Christmas mass for first time since fall of Assad

Syrian Christians attended Christmas Eve services on Tuesday for the first time since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in early December, in an early

Israeli military actions had 'influence' on Hamas' killing of six hostages, report finds

The actions of the Israeli military had a "circumstantial influence" on a decision by Hamas militants to kill six hostages in Gaza in August, according to a

Middle East latest: Israeli raid and airstrikes in West Bank kill at least 8 Palestinians

The Palestinian Health Ministry says at least eight people were killed by Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank

Looting cripples food supply in Gaza despite Israeli pledge to tackle gangs, sources say

By David Gauthier-Villars, Nidal al-Mughrabi, John Davison -Israel has failed to crack down on armed gangs attacking food convoys in Gaza, despite a pledge to do so in mid-October to help ward off

Iran lifts ban on WhatsApp and Google Play, state media says

Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on Meta's instant messaging platform WhatsApp and Google Play as a first step to scale back internet restrictions, Iranian state media reported

Morocco proposes family law reforms to improve women's rights

Morocco aims to grant women more rights over child custody and guardianship as well as a veto over polygamous marriage, in the first review of its family code in

Palestinian Authority clashes with Al Jazeera over Jenin coverage

Al Jazeera television has clashed with the Palestinian Authority over its coverage of the weeks-long standoff between Palestinian security forces and militant

Two arrested in Egypt after attempting to steal hundreds of ancient artifacts from the bottom of the sea

Two arrested in Egypt after attempting to steal hundreds of ancient artifacts from the bottom of the sea

Israeli army forces patients out of north Gaza hospital, medics say

Israeli troops forced the evacuation of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza and many patients, some of them on foot, arrived at another hospital miles away

Amsterdam court sentences 5 men over violence linked to Ajax-Maccabi soccer game

An Amsterdam District Court has issued sentences of up to six months in jail against 5 men who were involved in violent disorder after a soccer match between the Dutch club Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv in November

11 killed in blast at explosives factory in Turkey

11 killed in blast at explosives factory in Turkey

Turkey aiming for maritime agreement with Syria, transport minister says

Turkey is aiming to strike a maritime demarcation agreement with Syria after a permanent government is formed in Damascus, Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said on

Uncertainty clouds fate of Syrians in Egypt after Assad ouster

Syrian refugees and residents in Egypt face an uncertain future as new regulations may jeopardise their right to remain in the

Saudi executions rose sharply in 2024

Saudi Arabia executed 330 people this year, the highest number in decades, despite de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman's 2022 assertion that the death penalty had been

Israel asks diplomats to seek Houthis' listing as terrorists

Israel has instructed its diplomatic missions in Europe to try to get the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group in Yemen designated as a terrorist organisation.

Global hunger monitor says famine in war-torn Sudan is spreading

Famine in Sudan has expanded to five areas and will likely

Eleven people killed in explosives factory blast in Turkey, minister says

A blast ripped through an explosives factory in northwest Turkey on Tuesday, killing 11 people and injuring seven, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said, adding that an

Global hunger crisis deepens as major nations skimp on aid

It’s a simple but brutal equation: The number of people going hungry or otherwise struggling around the world is rising, while the amount of money the world’s wealthiest nations are

UN investigative team says Syria's new authorities 'very receptive' to probe of Assad war crimes

The U.N. organization assisting in investigating the most serious crimes in Syria says the country’s new authorities were “very receptive” to its request for cooperation during a just-concluded visit to Damascus — and it is preparing to deploy

US military says it conducts airstrike in Syria, killing two ISIS operatives

The U.S. military said on Monday it conducted an airstrike in Syria that killed two Islamic State operatives and wounded one.

Middle East latest: Israeli's defense minister acknowledges it killed Hamas leader

Israel’s defense minister has confirmed that Israel assassinated Hamas’ top leader last summer and is threatening to take similar action against the leadership of the Houthi rebel group in Yemen

Israeli military says intercepted projectile that was launched from Yemen

The Israel military said in a statement early on Tuesday that sirens sounded in several areas in central Israel following the launch of a projectile from Yemen.

Some gaps have narrowed in elusive Gaza ceasefire deal, sides say

Gaps between Israel and Hamas over a possible Gaza ceasefire have narrowed, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials' remarks on

Airline pilots, crews voice concerns about Middle East routes

In late September, an experienced pilot at low-cost European airline Wizz Air felt anxious after learning his plane would fly over Iraq at

Omar al-Bashir Fast Facts

Omar al-Bashir Fast Facts

Erdogan says Turkey in close dialogue with Syria's de facto leader

Turkey is in close dialogue with Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, adding visits to Syria will increase from now on.

Former Israeli spies describe attack using exploding electronic devices against Hezbollah

Two recently retired senior Israeli intelligence agents are sharing details about a deadly clandestine operation that targeted Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and Syria with exploding pagers and walkie-talkies

Israeli defense minister claims responsibility for first time for Hamas leader Haniyeh's assassination

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz admitted on Monday for the first time publicly to Israel's killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran in July, further risking tensions

Lebanon to cooperate with Interpol on arrest of Syrian official accused of war crimes

Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Monday Lebanon will cooperate with an Interpol request to arrest former Syrian intelligence officer Jamil

Number of US troops in Syria has steadily increased over time, Pentagon now says

Number of US troops in Syria has steadily increased over time, Pentagon now says

Egypt troops to join African Union Somalia mission - foreign minister says

Egypt will contribute troops to an African Union Somalia peacekeeping mission, its foreign minister said on Monday, as ties between the two countries grow closer amid tensions with

New conflict in northeast Syria could bring 'dramatic consequences', UN envoy says

Tensions in northeast Syria between Kurdish-led authorities and Turkish-backed groups should be resolved politically or risk "dramatic consequences" for all of Syria, the United

Greek lawyers call for further investigation into 2023 deadly shipwreck

Greek lawyers representing the survivors and victims of a deadly 2023 shipwreck said on Monday a naval court needed to examine more evidence after a preliminary investigation failed

Qatar and Jordan pledge support to Syria

Qatar is ready to invest in Syria's energy sector and ports, the de facto Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said after meeting a senior Qatari official in Damascus on Monday, as his

Women rally for equal rights in Syria after Assad's fall to Islamists

Thousands of women rallied in the northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli on Monday to demand the new Islamist rulers in Damascus respect women's rights and

A new front in the Middle East: Militants battle Palestinian Authority in sprawling refugee camp

A new front in the Middle East: Militants battle Palestinian Authority in sprawling refugee camp

Syria's Christians fearful of new Islamist leaders as Christmas approaches

Syrian church leaders are advising Christians to scale back Christmas celebrations this year, despite assurances from the Islamists who have just

Facts about the suspect in German Christmas market attack

Here is what we know so far about the man who was arrested as the suspected driver in a car-ramming attack on Friday at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg in which

Russian delegation invites Iran's president to visit, Iranian media reports say

A Russian delegation met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran on Monday, Iranian news agencies said, as the two countries prepared to sign a comprehensive cooperation

Retiring US Senator Cardin 'very concerned' about Trump and human rights

Days before he retires as chairman of the influential U.S.

Kremlin rejects Turkish media reports about life of Assad and his wife in Moscow

The Kremlin on Monday rejected Turkish media reports which suggested that Asma al-Assad, the British-born wife of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, wanted a divorce and to

Bethlehem plans another somber Christmas under the shadow of war in Gaza

The city of Bethlehem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, will not have the usual trappings of the city's favorite holiday: no public Christmas tree, no raucous scouts march, no decorations and no twinkling lights, in deference to the ongoing war in Gaza

Brace! Risks stack up for the global economy in 2025

No sooner had the global economy started to put the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic behind it than a whole new set of challenges opened up for 2025.

2 US Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent 'friendly fire' incident, US military says

The U.S. military says two U.S. Navy pilots have been shot down over the Red Sea in an apparent “friendly fire” incident

Two US Navy pilots eject safely over Red Sea after fighter jet shot down in apparent friendly fire incident

Two US Navy pilots eject safely over Red Sea after fighter jet shot down in apparent friendly fire incident

Turkish foreign minister says no room for Kurdish militants in Syria's future

Turkey's foreign minister said after meeting Syria's de facto leader in Damascus on Sunday that there was no room for Kurdish militants in Syria's future, calling

Winter is hitting Gaza and many Palestinians have little protection from the cold

Nearly two million displaced Palestinians in Gaza are struggling to protect themselves from the coming winter

What we know about the deadly Christmas market attack in Germany

Officials say four women and a 9-year-old boy were killed when a man drove into a Christmas market teeming with holiday shoppers in the German city of Magdeburg

Israeli order to evacuate Gaza hospital 'next to impossible' to obey, say medics

Israel ordered the closure and evacuation on Sunday of one of the last hospitals still partly functioning in a besieged area on the northern edge of the Gaza

Family killed in Israeli strike in northern Gaza, as aid reaches neighborhood cut off for 75 days

Family killed in Israeli strike in northern Gaza, as aid reaches neighborhood cut off for 75 days

Israeli strikes in Gaza kill at least 22 as Vatican envoy visits Christians for pre-Christmas Mass

Palestinian medical officials say Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip have killed at least 22 people, including five children

How a teenager’s holiday romance led to prison time in Dubai

How a teenager’s holiday romance led to prison time in Dubai

Prominent Lebanese figure meets Syrian insurgent who led Assad's ouster, seeking better relations

A prominent Lebanese politician has met with the insurgent who led the overthrow of Syrian leader Bashar Assad, and both expressed hope Sunday for a new era in relations between their countries

Netanyahu says Israel will continue to act against the Houthis

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday Israel would continue acting against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, whom he accused of threatening world shipping and the

Sudan's RSF says seizes back control of key Darfur base from army allies

Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized back control of a key logistical base in North Darfur on Sunday, the paramilitary group said, a day after it was taken by rival forces

Weakened Iran could pursue nuclear weapon, White House's Sullivan says

The Biden administration is concerned that a weakened Iran could build a nuclear weapon, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday, adding that he

US fighter shot down in 'apparent case of friendly fire' over Red Sea

The U.S. military said it mistakenly shot down one of its own fighter aircraft over the Red Sea early on Sunday, forcing both pilots to eject.

Syria's de facto ruler reassures minorities, meets Lebanese Druze leader

Syria's de facto ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa hosted Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt on Sunday in another effort to reassure minorities they will be protected after Islamist rebels led the

Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury again as highly anticipated rematch goes the distance

Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury again as highly anticipated rematch goes the distance

Four killed in helicopter crash at Turkish hospital

Four people were killed in southwest Turkey on Sunday when an ambulance helicopter collided with a hospital building and crashed into the ground.

Turkey says it believes Kurdish fighters will be forced out of all Syrian territory

Turkey believes Syria's new rulers, including the Syrian National Army (SNA) armed group which Ankara backs, will drive Kurdish YPG fighters from all territory they occupy in

Syrian Kurdish groups on the back foot as power balance shifts

With hostile Turkish-backed groups mobilising against them in Syria's north, and Damascus ruled by a group

University of California campuses resolve discrimination complaints stemming from Gaza protests

The U.S. Department of Education said Friday it has reached an agreement with the University of California system resolving complaints from Jewish and Muslim students of discrimination and harassment during protests last spring over the war in Gaza

Turkey will do 'whatever it takes' if Syria government cannot address Kurd militia issue, minister says

Turkey will do "whatever it takes" to ensure its security if the new Syrian administration cannot address Ankara's concerns about U.S.-allied Kurdish groups it views as terrorist

Ten Palestinians killed in airstrikes on houses in central Gaza, medics say

At least 10 Palestinians, including two children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on two houses in the Nuseirat refugee camp and Deir Al-Balah city in the central Gaza Strip,

US military conducts precision airstrikes against Houthi targets in Sanaa

The U.S. military said it conducted precision airstrikes on Saturday against a missile storage facility and a command-and-control facility operated by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen's

Syria's new rulers name HTS commander as defence minister

Syria's new rulers have appointed Murhaf Abu Qasra, a leading figure in the insurgency which toppled Bashar al-Assad, as defence minister in the interim government, an official

Pope calls Gaza airstrikes 'cruelty' after Israeli minister's criticism

Pope Francis on Saturday again condemned Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, a day after an Israeli government minister publicly denounced the pontiff for suggesting

A rocket from Yemen strikes Tel Aviv, injuring 16, and Palestinians mourn a dozen children in Gaza

The Israeli military said a rocket fired from Yemen hit an area of Tel Aviv injuring 16 people on Saturday, and Houthi rebels later reported airstrikes in Yemen’s rebel-held capital, Sanaa

German authorities probe motive in deadly Christmas market attack

Authorities investigated a Saudi doctor with a history of anti-Islam rhetoric as the suspected driver in a car-ramming attack on a

Syria's SDF says five fighters killed in strikes by Turkish-backed forces

The U.S.-allied Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said five of its fighters had been killed on Saturday in attacks by Turkish-backed forces on the city of Manbij in northern Syria.

In a calendar rarity, Hanukkah starts this year on Christmas Day

Hanukkah, Judaism’s eight-day Festival of Lights, begins this year on Christmas Day

Austria says it is reviewing the status of Syrian refugees

Austria is reviewing the status of Syrian refugees who arrived less than five years ago, Chancellor Karl Nehammer said on Thursday after media reports that some

Pope has a cold and will skip outdoor Sunday prayer ahead of a busy week

Pope Francis is suffering from a cold and will deliver his Sunday blessing from indoors

Tel Aviv hit by missile fired from Yemen, Israel and Houthis say

Tel Aviv hit by missile fired from Yemen, Israel and Houthis say

Indonesians mark 2 decades since the tragic tsunami that killed hundreds of thousands

Two decades after a catastrophic tsunami destroyed her village, Tria Asnani still cries when she recalls how she lost her mother while trying to escape the giant waves and her father to the sea

US judge finds Israel's NSO Group liable for hacking in WhatsApp lawsuit

A U.S. judge ruled on Friday in favor of Meta Platforms' WhatsApp in a lawsuit accusing Israel's NSO Group of exploiting a bug in the messaging app to install spy software allowing

Iran ministry protests over arrests in U.S. of its nationals

Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador in Tehran, who represents U.S. interests in the country, and a senior Italian diplomat over the arrest by the U.S. of two Iranian nationals this week

Islamist militants in northwest Pakistan kill 16 security personnel, police officer says

Sixteen security personnel were killed in northwest Pakistan in an attack by Islamist militants early on Saturday, a senior police official in the South Waziristan region said, as

Sectarian violence in Syria has been less intense than feared since Assad's ouster

The toppling of Bashar Assad has raised tentative hopes that Syrians might live peacefully and as equals after a half century of authoritarian rule

Israeli military says Yemen missile lands in Tel Aviv area, 14 lightly injured, Israeli ambulance service says

The Israeli military said it failed to intercept a missile from Yemen early on Saturday that fell in the Tel Aviv-Jaffa area, and the ambulance service said 14 people received mild

Large-scale refugee returns could overwhelm Syria, UN migration agency chief says

Large-scale returns of refugees to Syria could overwhelm the country and even stoke conflict following the toppling of President Bashar al-Assad, the head of the U.N.

A tale of two Syrians: One finally made it back, another is too fearful to return

A tale of two Syrians: One finally made it back, another is too fearful to return

US senators seek Turkey sanctions, citing military action in Syria

Two U.S. senators introduced bipartisan legislation on Friday that would impose sanctions on Turkey, citing concerns over military action by that country or groups that it backs

US, Israeli officials deny approving sale of Israeli spyware firm to US investors

Officials in the United States and Israel have denied reports their countries had signed off on the sale of Israeli spyware maker Paragon to

Middle East latest: Israeli strike in Gaza kills at least 7 people, including 4 kids

Palestinian health officials say an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in central Gaza killed at least seven Palestinians, including four children

UN extends peacekeeping mission between Syria, Israeli-occupied Golan Heights

The United Nations Security Council on Friday extended a long-running peacekeeping mission between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights for six

US held 'very productive' first meeting with Syria's al-Sharaa

Senior U.S. diplomats visiting Damascus on Friday met with Syria's de-facto new ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa and held a "good"

Israeli airstrikes kill at least 25 Palestinians in Gaza, medics say

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 25 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Friday, medics said, including at least eight in an apartment in the Nuseirat refugee camp and at least 10,

Erdogan says Turkey expects allies to pull support from Kurds in post-Assad Syria

Turkey expects foreign countries will withdraw support for Kurdish fighters in Syria following the toppling of Bashar al-Assad, President Tayyip Erdogan said, as Ankara seeks to

US removes long-standing bounty on Syrian rebel leader

US removes long-standing bounty on Syrian rebel leader

US charges Iran Guards captain in 2022 killing of American in Iraq

The U.S.

US drops $10M terrorism bounty offered for capture of Syrian rebel leader who ousted Assad

The Biden administration says it has decided not to pursue a $10 million reward it had offered for the capture of a Syrian rebel leader whose forces led the ouster of President Bashar Assad

What will Syria's future look like? The answer could lie in other Arab countries' recent pasts

Even with hopes running high, so much can go wrong when a country ousts a longtime dictator and tries to start anew

Murder and terrorism charges brought against Iranian officer in 2022 killing of American in Iraq

An Iranian officer blamed for the 2022 killing of an American in Iraq has been charged in New York with federal murder and terrorism crimes

Sudan's RSF fighters say they plan to work with a new government, raising partition fears

Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters have said they will work with a planned new government to oversee territories they control,

Russia expert says Putin’s remark about Syria reveals what he thinks about Ukraine

Former CNN Moscow bureau chief Jill Dougherty says that Vladimir Putin spinning Russia's withdrawal from Syria as a victory could be a preview of how he will frame any possible ceasefire with Ukraine.

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk stare at each other for over 11 minutes ahead of heavyweight rematch

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk stare at each other for over 11 minutes ahead of heavyweight rematch

AP PHOTOS: Glimpses of horror emerge inside Syria's Saydnaya prison, dubbed 'The Slaughterhouse'

AP PHOTOS: Glimpses of horror emerge inside Syria's Saydnaya prison, dubbed 'The Slaughterhouse'

8 dead, 18 rescued as speedboat carrying migrants capsizes near Greek island of Rhodes

Greek authorities say a speedboat carrying migrants capsized Friday morning off the eastern Greek island of Rhodes, leaving eight dead, including a child

Sweden ends funding for UN Palestinian aid agency UNRWA

Sweden will no longer fund the U.N. refugee agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) and will instead provide increased overall humanitarian assistance to Gaza via other channels, the Nordic country

Biden's daunting exit list: Gaza ceasefire, Ukraine aid, U.S. Steel

With a month left in the White House, U.S.

Two journalists killed in Syria, pro-Kurdish party in Turkey says

Two journalists working for Kurdish media outlets in Turkey were killed in northern Syria on Thursday after their vehicle was allegedly targeted by a Turkish drone, Turkish media

Pakistan province aims to collect weapons to stem clashes, tribesmen may resist

Provincial authorities in northwestern Pakistan said on Friday they planned to collect heavy weapons to stop sectarian clashes that have killed hundreds, but tribesmen

This greenhouse keeps crops cool. It could prove valuable as our planet bakes

This greenhouse keeps crops cool. It could prove valuable as our planet bakes

George Mason University student charged with plotting mass casualty attack on Israeli consulate in New York

George Mason University student charged with plotting mass casualty attack on Israeli consulate in New York

Greece recovers bodies of eight migrants after collision off Rhodes

Greece has recovered the bodies of eight migrants who fell into the sea after their speedboat collided with a coastguard boat pursuing it off the island of Rhodes on Friday, the

Two AP journalists in Ukraine and the Mideast break down the wars they covered in 2024

For the world, 2024 was riven by conflict on two fronts

Palestinians accuse Israeli settlers of West Bank mosque fire

Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian residents said on Friday, and video showed "Revenge", "Death to Arabs" and other slogans had been spray-painted

UN human rights office to send team to Syria next week

The U.N. human rights office will send a small team of human rights officers to Syria next week for the first time in years following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, U.N

For thousands of Jews, Israel still doesn't feel safe after the Oct. 7 attacks. So they're leaving

Israelis are increasingly moving out of the country since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack shattered any sense of safety

Israeli minister criticises Pope's call to study whether Gaza offensive 'genocide'

An Israeli government minister criticised Pope Francis on Friday for suggesting the international community should study whether Israel's military offensive

Israel's Netanyahu eyes Iran after triumphs over Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria

2025 will be a year of reckoning for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his country's arch foe Iran.

US concedes it has double the number of troops in Syria as Biden sends officials to Damascus

US concedes it has double the number of troops in Syria as Biden sends officials to Damascus

Turkey and Russia engage in delicate maneuvers over Syria after Assad’s downfall

The rapid downfall of Syrian leader Bashar Assad has touched off a new round of delicate geopolitical maneuvering between Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Lawsuit alleges U.S. failed to evacuate Palestinian Americans trapped in Gaza

Nine Palestinian Americans sued the U.S. government on Thursday, alleging that it had failed to rescue them or members of their families who were trapped in

Middle East latest: Israeli strike on a Gaza school kills 17 people sheltering there

A Palestinian Health Ministry official says Israeli airstrikes slammed into two schools sheltering displaced people in Gaza City

US has twice as many troops in Syria than previously declared, Pentagon says

The Pentagon on Thursday said it has 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria, more than twice the 900 it has previously said it has, and that the additional

Pentagon says it doubled the number of US troops in Syria before Assad's fall

The United States has more than doubled the number of its forces in Syria to fight the Islamic State group

Usyk vs. Fury 2: How to watch, betting odds and more about heavyweight title rematch

The rematch is days away

Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of genocide by ‘deliberately’ restricting water in Gaza

Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of genocide by ‘deliberately’ restricting water in Gaza

Blinken announces aid for Sudan and talks about AI risks at UN Security Council

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced $200 million in humanitarian aid for conflict-torn Sudan during his likely final trip to the United Nations while in office

Israel keeps up Gaza bombardment as ceasefire talks intensify

U.S. and Arab mediators are working around the clock to hammer out a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, sources close to the talks said, while in the Gaza

Israel and Hamas appear close to a ceasefire deal. These are the sticking points

Israeli and Hamas appear close to reaching a ceasefire deal to wind down the war in Gaza

Biden to report to US Congress on UAE assurance it is not supplying weapons to Sudan RSF

President Joe Biden's administration will provide U.S. lawmakers an assessment by Jan. 17 on the credibility of assurances by the United Arab Emirates that

US imposes sanctions on Iran and Houthi-related targets

The United States imposed sanctions on Thursday on Iran and Houthi-related entities, according to the Treasury Department website which listed a number of individuals, companies and

UN seeks World Court opinion on Israel's Palestinian aid obligations

The United Nations General Assembly voted on Thursday to ask the International Court of Justice for an opinion on Israel's obligations to facilitate aid

Putin boasts of gains in Ukraine at annual news conference meant to reinforce his authority

President Vladimir Putin has boasted that his military operation in Ukraine has strengthened Russia and denied that the downfall of a key ally in Syria had dented Moscow’s prestige

Former Assad security forces hand in weapons to new Syrian government

Former Assad security forces hand in weapons to new Syrian government

IMF says ready to support Syria reconstruction when conditions allow

The International Monetary Fund stands ready to assist Syria's reconstruction alongside the international community, but the situation on the ground remains

Syrian girls' right to schooling unrestricted, new education minister says

Syria will remove all references to the former ruling Baath party from its educational system as of next week but will not otherwise change

At least six Palestinians killed in West Bank

At least six Palestinians were killed in separate incidents in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, including militant fighters and an 80 year-old woman shot in the chest by

Human Rights Watch says Israel's deprivation of water in Gaza is act of genocide

By Stephanie van den Berg THE HAGUE -Human Rights Watch said on Thursday that Israel has killed thousands of Palestinians in Gaza by denying them clean water which it says legally amounts to acts of

Syrian Kurdish commander: non-Syrian Kurdish fighters to leave if total truce agreed with Turkey

Kurdish fighters who came to Syria from around the Middle East to support Syrian Kurdish forces will leave if a total ceasefire is reached in the conflict

Putin promises to ask Assad about whereabouts of American journalist Austin Tice

Putin promises to ask Assad about whereabouts of American journalist Austin Tice

Human Rights Watch says Israel's restriction of water supply in Gaza amounts to acts of genocide

Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of causing the deaths of thousands of Palestinians by systematically restricting and targeting Gaza’s water supply in a campaign that amounted to “acts of genocide.”

Syrian villagers near the Golan Heights say Israeli forces are banning them from their fields

Residents of a Syrian village near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights say Israeli forces have set up a position in an abandoned army base and are preventing local farmers from accessing their fields

Iraq sends nearly 2,000 Syrian soldiers back home

Iraq sent back nearly 2,000 Syrian soldiers on Thursday to their homeland after they had sought refuge in Iraq during the advance of rebel forces that toppled President Bashar al-

U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces say they will fight Turkey and allied groups in Kobani

U.S.-backed Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) vowed on Thursday to fight Turkey and groups it supports in the city of Kobani in northern Syria.

Putin denies Russian defeat in Syria, says Israel is the main winner

Russian President Vladimir Putin denied on Thursday that Russia's nine-year intervention in Syria had been a failure, but expressed concern about Israel's military operations there

UN chief says Israeli air strikes in Syria must stop

Israeli airstrikes on Syria are violations of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity and "must stop," United Nations Secretary-General

Libyan rivals agree to work with UN to end political deadlock

Delegations from rival Libyan legislative bodies agreed at talks in Morocco on Thursday to work together with a United Nations mission

The tiny island that sits between Europe and Asia

The tiny island that sits between Europe and Asia

No talk of ceasefire between Turkey and US-backed SDF in Syria, Turkey says

There is no talk of a ceasefire deal between Turkey and the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria, contrary to a U.S. announcement, a Turkish defence ministry

Israel strikes port and energy targets in Yemen

Israel launched strikes against ports and energy infrastructure in Houthi-held parts of Yemen on Thursday and threatened more

20 migrants die in a shipwreck off the coast of Tunisia

Tunisian authorities recovered the bodies of 20 people who appeared to have drowned after a shipwreck off the country’s Mediterranean coastline, near a popular point of departure for migrants attempting to reach Europe by boat

Israeli airstrikes hit Yemen's rebel-held capital and port city after Houthi attack targets Israel

Israel launched two waves of airstrikes on Yemen overnight, killing at least nine people, according to the Houthi-controlled satellite channel al-Masirah

Israeli military strikes Yemen hours after Houthi attack targets Israel

Israeli military strikes Yemen hours after Houthi attack targets Israel

Middle East latest: Israel orders another Gaza evacuation ahead of an offensive

The Israeli military has ordered another evacuation in central Gaza ahead of an offensive in the area, even as Israel and the militant group Hamas appear to inch closer to a ceasefire

Two traffic accidents in southeastern Afghanistan kill more than 40

Two late-night traffic accidents in southeastern Afghanistan killed at least 44 people, local authorities said on Thursday.

Separated for decades, Assad's fall spurs hope for families split by Golan Heights buffer zone

When Israel seized the strategic Golan Heights from Syria in 1967, many families were separated by a buffer zone created between the Israeli-controlled region and the rest of Syria

Israeli military says intercepted one missile that was launched from Yemen

The Israeli military said on Thursday that sirens sounded in numerous areas in central Israel after a missile was launched from Yemen.

Netanyahu tells Israeli troops to stay in area of Syria’s Mount Hermon until end of 2025, source says

Netanyahu tells Israeli troops to stay in area of Syria’s Mount Hermon until end of 2025, source says

Journalists' rights group says 104 media workers killed this year. Gaza stands out for 2nd year

The International Federation of Journalists says that 104 journalists and media workers have been killed so far in 2024, with more than half of them perishing during the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip

A diminished Hezbollah is made even weaker by the toppling of Assad in Syria

A severely hobbled Hezbollah was in no position to help defend former Syrian President Bashar Assad, a longtime ally, from the lightning-fast insurgency that toppled him

Oldest known stone tablet inscribed with the Ten Commandments sells for over $5M

The oldest known stone tablet inscribed with the Ten Commandments has been sold at an auction for more than $5 million

Gaza mediators intensify ceasefire efforts, Israeli strikes kill 20 people

The United States, joined by Arab mediators, sought to conclude an agreement between Israel and Hamas to halt the 14-month-old war in the Gaza Strip, where medics

US defense bill covers troop pay, weapons and transgender kids

The U.S.

At least 20 migrants die after boat sinks off Tunisian coast, marking second tragedy in a week

At least 20 migrants die after boat sinks off Tunisian coast, marking second tragedy in a week

France to host Syria meeting, cautious on aid, sanctions lifting

France said on Wednesday it would host an international meeting on Syria in January and that the lifting of sanctions and reconstruction aid would be conditional on

At least 20 die, five rescued as migrant boat sinks off Tunisia

Tunisia's coast guard has recovered the bodies of 20 migrants from Africa after the boat they were in sank off the coast, the national guard said on Wednesday, the second migrant

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Fast Facts

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Fast Facts

CNN says its report on a freed Syrian prisoner is not what it initially believed

A report by CNN's Clarissa Ward about a freed Syrian prisoner provided some dramatic scenes, but the network has since found that it apparently wasn't all that it appeared

UN torture expert visits Israeli scenes of Oct 7 Hamas attack

The United Nations' senior expert on torture visited the Israeli kibbutz communities attacked on Oct. 7, 2023, for the first

Exclusive: Iranian Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi says returning to prison won’t stop her fight for equality

Exclusive: Iranian Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi says returning to prison won’t stop her fight for equality

Middle East latest: Displaced people return to south Lebanon as ceasefire appears to hold

Long-displaced residents of south Lebanon have started returning to their homes after a ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group took effect early Wednesday morning

Thousands of Lebanese return to their homes as Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire takes hold

Thousands of Lebanese displaced by the war between Israel and Hezbollah returned home Wednesday as a ceasefire takes hold

Pakistan court grants bail to journalist detained after probing protest, lawyer says

A Pakistani court approved bail for a journalist arrested this week after investigating claims of casualties in a protest march, his lawyer said on

At UN, brother of Hamas hostage urges action against terror

The brother of an Israeli man held hostage in the Gaza Strip by Palestinian militants Hamas criticized the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday

Germany doubles arms exports to Ukraine, halves them to Israel in 2024

The German government has doubled its arms exports to Ukraine this year and halved them to Israel compared to 2023, data from the economy ministry showed on Wednesday.

Brooge Energy investors file fraud complaint against Ernst & Young

Some shareholders in Brooge Energy have filed a fraud complaint in the United States against Ernst & Young, alleging the auditor failed to identify fabricated revenues

The Assad regime has fallen. Why are foreign powers still targeting Syria?

The Assad regime has fallen. Why are foreign powers still targeting Syria?

What Assad's fall has revealed about Syria's trade in the stimulant drug Captagon

Syria’s nearly 14-year-old civil war fragmented the country, crumbled the economy and created fertile ground for the production of the highly addictive drug Captagon

Iran's rial hits a record low, battered by regional tensions and an energy crisis

The Iranian rial has fallen to its lowest level in history, losing more than 10% of value since Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election in November

Libyan rivals resume talks in Morocco to break political deadlock

Delegations from rival Libyan institutions resumed talks in Morocco on Wednesday to try to break a political deadlock and prevent the country from sliding back

Families of hostages endure uncertainty even as hopes rise for a ceasefire in Gaza

A released hostage in Gaza is fighting to save her boyfriend, who remains in captivity

Iran pauses the process to implement a new, stricter headscarf law for women, official says

An Iranian official says authorities have paused the process of implementing a new, stricter law on women’s mandatory headscarf, or hijab

Leader of former Syrian opposition says transitional government should not exclude any party

Hadi al-Bahra, head of the Syrian National Coalition that grouped opponents of Bashar al-Assad during the civil war, said on Wednesday Syria's transitional government should be

Israeli troops remove Israeli settler group who crossed into Lebanon

Israeli soldiers removed a small far-right group of Israeli civilians who had crossed into Lebanon, appearing to put up a tent settlement, in what the military said on Wednesday

Paul Wolfowitz Fast Facts

Paul Wolfowitz Fast Facts

Hamid Karzai Fast Facts

Hamid Karzai Fast Facts

Syrian mass graves expose "machinery of death" under Assad, top prosecutor says

(This Dec. 17 story has been corrected to fix the number of missing in Syria, provided by the International Commission on Missing Persons, to more than 150,000, in paragraph 11) By Timour Azhari and

The mysterious cities of the dead carved into the sides of cliffs

The mysterious cities of the dead carved into the sides of cliffs

Hamas expresses optimism for Gaza deal even as obstacles remain

Hamas expresses optimism for Gaza deal even as obstacles remain

Netanyahu says Israel will remain on Mt Hermon 'until another arrangement is found'

Israel will remain on the strategic Mount Hermon site on the Syrian border until another arrangement is found, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards extend control over Tehran's oil exports, sources say

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have tightened their grip on the country's oil industry and control up to half the exports that generate most of

As wars rage around them, Armenian Christians in Jerusalem's Old City feel the walls closing in

As the war in Gaza rages, Syria's government transforms, and the Israeli-occupied West Bank seethes, Armenian residents of the Old City of Jerusalem fight a different battle

Israel's borders have shifted throughout its history. Action in Syria may reshape them again

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israeli troops will remain in Syrian territory indefinitely, and that blurs the border with Israel's northern neighbor

Why does Russia want to capture strategic Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk?

Russian forces are around 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) to the south of the strategically important eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, open

Two charged over deadly Iran-linked drone strike on US troops in Jordan

U.S. prosecutors on Monday charged two men with illegally exporting sensitive technology to Iran that was used in a drone attack carried out by Iran-backed militants

Middle East latest: Israel plans an extended occupation of Syrian buffer zone

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israeli troops will occupy a buffer zone inside Syria for the foreseeable future

Netanyahu says Israeli troops will occupy a buffer zone inside Syria for the foreseeable future

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israeli forces will stay in a buffer zone on the Syrian border, and specifically on the summit of Mount Hermon, until another arrangement is found "that ensures Israel’s security.”

UN pushes for Iran nuclear deal talks, says 'time of the essence'

A top U.N. official on Tuesday pushed world powers and Iran to urgently work to restore a 2015 deal that lifted sanctions on Tehran in return for

Two Iranian citizens charged in connection to drone strike that killed 3 US soldiers in Jordan

Two Iranian citizens charged in connection to drone strike that killed 3 US soldiers in Jordan

Palestinian families sue State Department over US support for Israeli military

Palestinian families sued the U.S.

Ceasefire between Turkey and US-backed rebels extended, State Dept says

A ceasefire between Turkey and the U.S.-backed Kurdish Syrian forces (SDF) around the northern Syrian city of Manbij has been extended until the end of this week, State

Gaza ceasefire talks gain momentum as officials push for deal

An agreement to halt the 14-month-old war in Gaza and free hostages held in the Palestinian enclave could be signed in the coming days

UN chief welcomes aid commitments by new Syrian authorities

United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher met with the commander of Syria's new administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and newly appointed Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir on Monday

CNN witnesses moment rebels free man from Syrian prison

In a report from Syria, CNN's Clarissa Ward discovers a man in a cell in a Damascus jail who claimed to be an ordinary citizen imprisoned by the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. CNN's subsequent reporting suggests the man was a former intelligence officer with the deposed regime, Salama Mohammad Salama, according to local residents.

US engaging with UN to ensure Syrians get answers, accountability for mass graves

The United States is engaged with a number of United Nations bodies to ensure the Syrian people get answers and accountability when it comes

Israeli airstrikes kill families in two Gaza homes; tanks bear down on Mawasi

Huge Israeli airstrikes killed extended families in homes in two parts of the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, Gaza medics said, with Israel's military saying it

Vinícius Júnior and Aitana Bonmati win FIFA best player of the year awards

Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior has finally got his hands on a big global player award

Lawsuit accuses State Department of creating loopholes for Israel on military aid and human rights

A lawsuit by a group of Palestinians in Gaza and American relatives accuses the State Department of giving Israel a pass when it comes to a U.S. law meant to limit military aid over human rights abuses

Hundreds of thousands of bodies could be buried in Syrian mass graves, advocacy group says

Hundreds of thousands of bodies could be buried in Syrian mass graves, advocacy group says

No US government group in Syria for search of Austin Tice, State Department says

The U.S.

Palestinian security forces try to exert control in volatile West Bank

Palestinian Authority security forces have battled Islamist fighters in Jenin for days, as they wrestle to exert control of one of the

Swiss parliament votes to ban Hezbollah

Switzerland's parliament on Tuesday voted to outlaw Hezbollah, in a rare move by the neutral country that has traditionally followed a policy of promoting international dialogue and

Smooth end to Syria sanctions would help address immense needs, says UN envoy

Concrete movement on an inclusive political transition in Syria will be key in ensuring the country gets the economic support it needs, United Nations

Italy's Meloni defends choice to reopen Damascus embassy under Assad

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday rejected criticism of her decision to appoint an ambassador to Syria before the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, and she said she

US targets North Korean money laundering network with sanctions

The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on two people and one entity based in the United Arab Emirates, accusing them of being involved in a network that launders millions

At least 100,000 bodies in Syrian mass grave, US advocacy group head says

The head of a U.S.-based Syrian advocacy organization on Monday said that a mass grave outside of Damascus contained the bodies of at least 100,000 people

France returns flag to Damascus embassy as new Syria authorities build contacts with West

France raised its flag at its Damascus embassy on Tuesday for the first time in 12 years and European Union officials prepared to engage with the new Syrian leadership, a sign of

Shreveport doctor from Syria encouraged by the revolution so far

Shreveport doctor from Syria encouraged by the revolution so far

EU to engage with Syrian leaders and reopen delegation

The European Union will establish contacts with Syria's new leadership and reopen its delegation in the country, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and EU Commission

Turkey's Erdogan says 'inclusive' administration needed in Syria

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that an inclusive administration is needed in Syria and called on the European Union to support the return of Syrians who fled

Swiss court may cancel trial of Assad's uncle due to illness

Swiss judicial authorities have suggested the trial of the uncle of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad could be shelved due to the defendant's illness and has asked parties to

UN refugee agency expects 1 million Syrians to return in six months

A U.N. refugee agency official said on Tuesday that some 1 million Syrian refugees are expected to return to the country in the first six months of 2025, asking states

Jerusalem resident detained for suspected Iranian spy plot

An Israeli resident of Jerusalem has been arrested on suspicion of being in contact with Iranian intelligence agents as part of a plot to carry out an attack in Israel in return

What is the history of the Israel-Palestinian conflict?

Israel and Hamas have been waging war since gunmen from the Palestinian militant group in the Gaza Strip stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and capturing 253

Russian law paves way to recognise Taliban and potentially Syria's HTS

Russia's parliament passed a law on Tuesday that would allow courts to suspend bans on groups designated by Moscow as terrorist organisations - paving the way for it to

Israel budget passes but vote shows cracks in Netanyahu's coalition

Israeli lawmakers narrowly approved the country's 2025 state budget in an initial vote despite a rebellion by one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's

Israeli defence minister says Israel will have freedom of action in Gaza after defeating Hamas

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday Israel will have security control over Gaza with full freedom of action after defeating Hamas in the enclave.

Pope Francis reveals two attempts on his life during 2021 visit to Iraq

Pope Francis reveals two attempts on his life during 2021 visit to Iraq

UN investigative body hopes to send team to Syria to secure evidence

The head of a U.N. investigative body has written to Syria's new authorities to express a willingness to engage with them and to travel to Syria to secure evidence that could

Pope reveals he was target of suicide bomb attempt during 2021 Iraq visit

Pope Francis has revealed he was the target of an attempted suicide bombing during his visit to Iraq three years ago, the first by a Catholic pontiff to the

Germany joins U.S., UK in making diplomatic contact with Syria's HTS

Germany plans talks with representatives of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Damascus on Tuesday, the foreign ministry said, joining the United States and Britain in establishing

Iran's president to make rare visit to Egypt for D-8 summit

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will take part in a summit of big Muslim countries in Egypt on Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said, the first visit by an

Indonesia's Prabowo heads to Egypt for D-8 economic summit

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto headed to Egypt on Tuesday to attend meetings of a group of eight major Muslim developing countries, known as the D-8 Organization for Economic

Two charged in connection with Iran-backed drone strike that killed 3 US troops in the Middle East

Two men, including a dual Iranian American citizen, have been arrested on charges that they exported sensitive technology to Iran that was used in a drone attack in Jordan that killed three American troops early this year and injured dozens of other servicemembers

Death toll in Gaza from the Israel-Hamas war tops 45,000 Palestinians, health officials say

Health officials in the Gaza Strip say more than 45,000 Palestinians have now been killed in the war between Israel and Hamas militants

US airstrike hits Houthi command and control facility in Yemen

The U.S. military said it conducted an airstrike on Monday against a command and control facility operated by the Houthis in Yemen.

Russia says Syrians must decide future of their country

Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Monday it was up to Syrians to determine their own future and called for an "inclusive" government taking account of the country's diverse ethnic and

Austin Tice's mother sees hope for his release as other American freed in Syria

The mother of American journalist Austin Tice,

Israeli team in Doha talks on potential Gaza deal, official says

An Israeli technical team is in Doha for working-level talks with Qatari mediators on "remaining issues" in a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, an official with knowledge of

UN announces initiative to overcome political deadlock in Libya

The top U.N. official in Libya has announced a new initiative to overcome a three-year deadlock and move the divided oil-rich North Africa nation toward a national election

Freed prisoner who said he was a victim of the Assad regime was an intelligence officer, locals say

Freed prisoner who said he was a victim of the Assad regime was an intelligence officer, locals say

Middle East latest: Assad says he wanted to stay in Syria but Russia evacuated him

Ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad says he had no plans to leave the country after the fall of Damascus a week ago but the Russian military evacuated him after their base in western Syria came under attack

Negotiators say Israel and Hamas are inching toward a ceasefire deal. This is what it may look like

After months of deadlock, Israel and Hamas appear to be moving closer toward a ceasefire to end their 14-month war

UN envoy meets Syria's Sharaa, urges inclusive transition

The U.N.'s Syria envoy urged an inclusive Syrian transition based on a nine-year-old Security Council resolution during a meeting with the commander of Syria's

Women held as sex slaves in Sudan's South Kordofan, Human Rights Watch says

Women from Sudan's South Kordofan state have been repeatedly raped and some held as sex slaves by fighters from the warring Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias, Human

Israeli foreign minister brands Irish PM 'antisemitic'

Israel's foreign minister accused Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris on Monday of antisemitism as he defended Israel's decision to close its embassy in Dublin over Ireland's

Trump again warns Hamas to release hostages soon, or 'It's not going to be pleasant'

President-elect Donald Trump said on Monday he had a "very good talk" with Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, about the war in Gaza and reiterated his

Israeli military says missile fired from Yemen shot down, sirens sound

The Israeli military said sirens sounded across central Israel on Monday after a missile was fired from Yemen and was shot down before it crossed into Israel.

Syria retains 26 tons of gold reserves after Assad's fall - sources

The vault of Syria's central bank holds nearly 26 tons of gold, the same amount it had at the start of its bloody civil war in 2011, even after the chaotic fall

EU should ease Syria sanctions in return for 'positive steps', top diplomat Kallas says

The European Union should be ready to ease sanctions on Syria if the country's new leadership takes "positive steps" to establish an inclusive government and respect

Assad gives account of last hours before leaving Syria

Syria's Bashar al-Assad issued his first statement since being toppled from power, saying he was evacuated to Russia from the Hmeimim base on Dec. 8 as it came under drone attack,

Trump says Turkey holds the key to Syria's future

U.S.

Family of US activist killed in West Bank says Blinken offers no prospect of US inquiry

The family of a Turkish-born American human rights activist killed by Israel in the occupied West Bank pleaded with Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday

Palestinians mourn dead after Israeli strike on Gaza's Khan Younis

Relatives of Palestinians killed by Israel in Khan Younis gathered around their white-shrouded bodies on Monday before carrying them to

Russian military has begun large-scale withdrawal from Syria, US and Western officials say

Russian military has begun large-scale withdrawal from Syria, US and Western officials say

What is the significance of the Golan Heights?

The Israeli government decided on Sunday to double its population on the occupied Golan Heights while saying threats from Syria remained despite the moderate tone of rebel leaders who

Oil sags on soft Chinese spending, investor pause before US Fed rate move

Oil futures slipped from the highest levels in several weeks on Monday on weakness in consumer spending in China, the world's largest oil importer, and as

Facing terror designations and sanctions, Syria’s new rulers push for international legitimacy

Facing terror designations and sanctions, Syria’s new rulers push for international legitimacy

Russian presence in Syria remains. But it's unclear for how long

Russia’s intervention on behalf of former Syrian leader Bashar Assad once turned the tide of Syria's civil war

Palestinian security forces launch a rare crackdown on militants in the West Bank

Palestinian security forces have launched a rare crackdown against local militant groups in the northern West Bank

Family of American woman killed in West Bank expresses frustration after Blinken meeting

Family of American woman killed in West Bank expresses frustration after Blinken meeting

Syria's ousted leader Assad says he wanted to keep fighting but Russian allies evacuated him

Ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad said Monday he wanted to stay in the country after rebels captured the capital, but Russia's military evacuated him from their base in western Syria after it came under attack

Assad says he didn’t plan to flee Syria, according to presidency Telegram account

Assad says he didn’t plan to flee Syria, according to presidency Telegram account

Virginia man convicted of funneling money to Islamic State group

A northern Virginia man targeted by an FBI sting operation has been convicted on terrorism charges for collecting funds on behalf of the Islamic State group

Palestinian grandfather whose tribute to slain granddaughter went viral is killed by Israeli fire in Gaza

Palestinian grandfather whose tribute to slain granddaughter went viral is killed by Israeli fire in Gaza

EU seeks assurances from Syria's new leaders in exchange for dropping sanctions

European Union nations have set out conditions for lifting sanctions on Syria

Syrian rebel force deploys to a village near Damascus to stop looters

A rebel force has deployed to a village in southeastern Damascus to stop looters who swarmed a residential complex in the area and set some apartments on fire

US private schools group apologizes after criticism of antisemitic remarks during conference

US private schools group apologizes after criticism of antisemitic remarks during conference

For the families of Syria’s disappeared, hope fades but the demand for justice grows

For the families of Syria’s disappeared, hope fades but the demand for justice grows

Israeli strike kills Al Jazeera photojournalist on one year anniversary of colleague’s death

Israeli strike kills Al Jazeera photojournalist on one year anniversary of colleague’s death

BP, ADNOC's XRG agree Egypt gas JV Arcius Energy

BP and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's international investments arm XRG said on Monday they have closed a deal for a new natural gas joint venture in Egypt, as ADNOC

Leader of Russia's Chechnya says he is ready to ensure wheat supplies to Syria if necessary

Chechnya's Kremlin-backed leader Ramzan Kadyrov has said he is ready to step in if necessary and ensure that Syria gets the wheat it needs in what he said was the unlikely event

UN launches fresh attempt to resolve Libya's election impasse

The United Nations will convene a technical committee of Libyan experts in an attempt to resolve contentious issues and put the country on the path to long-awaited national elections, the

Israeli forces carry out air, ground attacks in Gaza; dozens dead

Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 53 Palestinians, including a journalist and rescue workers, medics said, and the Israeli military said its air and ground

Netanyahu says he spoke with Trump about need for ‘victory,’ as Israeli government approves plan for Golan expansion

Netanyahu says he spoke with Trump about need for ‘victory,’ as Israeli government approves plan for Golan expansion

Israel plans to double population on occupied Golan, citing threats from Syria

Israel agreed on Sunday to double its population on the occupied Golan Heights while saying threats from Syria remained despite the moderate tone of rebel leaders

New Syria's 1st week: Rebels try to bring normalcy while Syrians vow to speak up

A transformation has started to take place in the week since the unexpected overthrow of Syria’s President Bashar Assad

Trump and Netanyahu discuss Gaza hostages and Syria, Israeli PM says

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with U.S.

Syrian Christians attend services, schools reopen a week after Assad's overthrow

Syrian Christians attended regular Sunday services for the first time since the dramatic overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad a

Israel will close its Ireland embassy over Gaza tensions as Palestinian death toll nears 45,000

Israel says it will close its embassy in Ireland as relations deteriorate over the war in Gaza, where Palestinian medical officials say new Israeli airstrikes have killed over 46 people including children

Qatar to reopen its embassy in Syria on Tuesday

Qatar will reopen its embassy in Syria on Tuesday after it was closed for more than 13 years, the Gulf country's foreign ministry said on Sunday, a week after Bashar al-Assad was removed

Christians in Syria mark country's transformation with tears as UN envoy urges an end to sanctions

In churches across long-stifled Syria, Christians have marked the first Sunday services since Bashar Assad’s ouster in an air of transformation

Defence minister orders Israeli troops to prepare to spend winter on Mount Hermon

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered Israeli troops to prepare to stay over the winter on Mount Hermon, a strategic location overlooking Damascus, adding to signs

Israel closes embassy in Ireland, blaming ‘extreme anti-Israel policies’

Israel closes embassy in Ireland, blaming ‘extreme anti-Israel policies’

Britain has had 'diplomatic contact' with Syria's HTS group

Britain has had diplomatic contact with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that swept Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power last week, British foreign minister David Lammy

Israel's inflation slips to 4-month low of 3.4% in November

Israel's inflation dipped in November, data from the Central Bureau of Statistics showed on Sunday, but staying above target and likely not enough to push

One week into a new Syria, rebels aim for normalcy and Syrians vow not to be silent again

A transformation has started to take place in the week since the unexpected overthrow of Syria’s President Bashar Assad

Israel to shut embassy in Ireland over 'extreme anti-Israel policies'

Israel said on Sunday it would close its Dublin embassy due to the Irish government's "extreme anti-Israel policies" including recognition of a Palestinian state and support for

Syria sanctions relief premature for now, top EU official says

The EU will not lift sanctions on Syria before its new rulers ensure minorities are not persecuted and women's rights are protected within a unified government

At least 22 killed in Israeli Gaza strikes, Palestinian medics say

At least 22 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday, medics said, while the Israeli military said it targeted gunmen operating from

Hoping for religious harmony, Christians in a Syrian town attend Mass

In Syria's northwestern port town of Latakia, Christian worshippers attending Mass on Sunday at St.

France to send diplomats to Syria on Tuesday

France will send a team of diplomats to Syria on Tuesday to assess the political and security situation, the foreign ministry said, without specifying whom they would meet.

Syrian refugees across Europe celebrated Assad’s collapse. But an angry migration debate is brewing

Syrian refugees across Europe celebrated Assad’s collapse. But an angry migration debate is brewing

Israel Aerospace ready for IPO, awaits government approval, CEO says

State-run Israel Aerospace Industries is ready for an initial public offering in Tel Aviv but awaits the go-ahead from the government, IAI chief executive Boaz

Syria's de facto leader not interested in new conflicts despite Israeli attacks

Syria's de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa said on Saturday Israel is using false pretexts to justify its attacks on Syria, but that he is not interested in engaging in new

Before his ouster, Syria's Assad told Iran that Turkey was aiding rebels to unseat him

In the final days leading to his ouster, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad complained to Iran's foreign minister that Turkey was actively supporting Sunni rebels in

Gunmen clash in a Libyan city and fires erupt at a nearby oil refinery

Libyan officials say clashes have broken out between armed groups in a western city, trapping residents in their homes and causing fires in the country’s second largest oil refinery

Turkey ready to offer military training to Syria if new administration requests, minister says

The new administration in Syria should be given a chance to govern following their constructive messages, and Turkey stands ready to provide military training

Saudi Arabia's inflation reaches 2% in November

Saudi Arabia's annual inflation rate continued to slowly accelerate, hitting 2% in November compared to 1.9% in October, according to government data released on Sunday, again

University of Michigan DEI administrator fired over alleged antisemitic comments plans to take legal action, attorney says

University of Michigan DEI administrator fired over alleged antisemitic comments plans to take legal action, attorney says

PEN America condemns the arrest of Iranian activist Reza Khandan

PEN America has condemned the arrest of Reza Khandan, Iranian activist and husband of leading human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh

Russia pulling back but not out of Syria, sources say

Russia is pulling back its military from the front lines in northern Syria and from posts in the Alawite

Ukraine to set up mechanism to supply food to Syria, Zelenskiy says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday he had instructed his government to set up supply mechanisms to deliver together with international organisations and partners

Why Israel captured Syria’s tallest mountain just hours after Assad fell

Why Israel captured Syria’s tallest mountain just hours after Assad fell

Here's what to know about the US push for stability in post-Assad Syria

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has wrapped up perhaps his last Middle East mission as America’s top diplomat

Middle East latest: Top diplomats from US, Arab League and Turkey discuss Syria's transition

Top diplomats from the United States, the Arab League and Turkey have met in Jordan to discuss Syria’s transition after the fall of Bashar Assad's government last weekend

Hezbollah chief says group lost its supply route through Syria

Hezbollah head Naim Qassem said on Saturday that the Lebanese armed group had lost its supply route through Syria, in his first comments since the toppling of President Bashar al-

US officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group that ousted Assad, Blinken says

Secretary of State Antony Blinken says American officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group that led the overthrow of Bashar Assad’s government but is designated a foreign terrorist organization by the United States and others

UN talks fail to reach agreement on dealing with rising risk of global drought

Despite two weeks of U.N.-sponsored talks in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, the participating 197 nations failed to agree on a plan to deal with global droughts, made longer and more severe by a warming climate

US, regional diplomats urge respect for minorities in Syria after Assad, Blinken says

Top diplomats from the United States, Turkey, the European Union and Arab nations have agreed that a new government in Syria should

Iran currency slips to new lows amid U.S., Europe tensions

The Iranian currency extended its fall on Saturday, hitting a new all-time low against the U.S. dollar amid uncertainties about Donald Trump's imminent arrival in the White House and

YouTube singer arrested in Iran after performing an online concert while not wearing a hijab

Iranian authorities have arrested a female singer who performed a virtual concert on YouTube, a lawyer said

Iranian court jails Iranian-American journalist for 10 years, lawyer says

An Iranian court has sentenced Iranian-American journalist Reza Valizadeh to 10 years in prison for working at a U.S.-funded radio outlet, his lawyer Mohammad Hossein Aghasi said on

US has had direct contact with Syrian rebel group, Blinken says

US has had direct contact with Syrian rebel group, Blinken says

Palestinian security forces clash with militants in West Bank

At least one person was killed as Palestinian security forces clashed with Palestinian militants and set up checkpoints on Saturday in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin

Five die after migrant boat capsizes off Greek island, many feared missing

At least five migrants drowned after their wooden boat capsized off Greece's southern island of Gavdos, the coastguard said on Saturday, and witnesses said many were still missing as

'I was shocked': CNN speaks to neighbor of alleged Iranian spy arrested by Israeli police

Israel has arrested more than two dozen suspected Iranian spies over the last several months. CNN's Jeremy Diamond reports.

The Detroit area's many Syrians are celebrating Assad's overthrow and planning long-delayed visits

Like millions of Syrians around the world, the thousands who have settled in the Detroit area are excited about the prospect of visiting now that rebels have overthrown the government of ousted President Bashar Assad

Russian cargo plane departs Syria for Libya, more flights expected, official says

A Russian cargo plane departed from Russia's air base in the Syrian port city of Latakia for Libya on Saturday, a Syrian security official stationed outside

Blinken makes unannounced Iraq visit as part of Syria diplomacy push

U.S.

Iran will not impede IAEA access, head of its atomic organisation says

Iran will not impede U.N. nuclear watchdog's access and inspection of its sites, the head of the country’s Atomic Energy Organization said on Saturday.

At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers

A hip bone in a blown-out building, part of a spine amid some debris, a few foot bones in a worn-out sock.

‘The donkey is gone’: Syrians hit the streets to mark a momentous week

‘The donkey is gone’: Syrians hit the streets to mark a momentous week

US general discusses Syria, other regional issues in Israel visit

A top U.S. military officer visited Israel from Wednesday to Friday, meeting with Israeli defense officials and discussing the situation in Syria, among other

CNN speaks to Syrians at first Friday prayer since fall of Assad regime

CNN's Clarissa Ward reports from Damascus, Syria, on the first Friday after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

Middle East latest: Syrians celebrate Assad's fall as US seeks a peaceful political transition

Thousands of Syrians gathered in Damascus’ historic main mosque for the first Muslim Friday prayers since former President Bashar Assad was overthrown

Saudi Arabia's plans to host the men's World Cup 2034 will be harmful for the climate, experts say

Saudi Arabia says that to host the 2034 World Cup in men’s soccer, it will build or renovate 15 stadiums, create a futuristic city and expand airports and public transport in a massive buildout to accommodate millions of athletes, coaches and spectators

Who was in ousted Syrian President Assad's inner circle and where are they now?

After insurgents toppled Syrian President Bashar Assad this month, many senior officials and members of his dreaded intelligence and security services appear to have melted away

US military flies American released from Syrian prison to Jordan, officials say

The U.S. military has brought an American who was imprisoned in Syria for seven months out of the country

RSF attacks main hospital in Sudan's al-Fashir, says health official

The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces attacked the main still-functioning hospital in al-Fashir, in Sudan's North Darfur state on Friday, killing nine people and injuring 20,

Saudi Arabia banned film for 35 years. The Red Sea festival is just one sign of the industry's rise

“My Driver and I” was supposed to be made in 2016, but was scuttled amid Saudi Arabia’s decades-long cinema ban

Blinken makes unannounced trip to Iraq as international community grapples with Syrian regime collapse

Blinken makes unannounced trip to Iraq as international community grapples with Syrian regime collapse

Video shows man believed to be missing American found in Syria

CNN's Salma Abdelaziz reports on US citizen Travis Timmerman who told journalists that he has been in a Syrian prison for several months after crossing from Lebanon into Syria.

Syrian clerics in former Assad stronghold call for national unity, democracy

Thousands gathered in northwestern Syria on Friday for weekly prayers and a rally where clerics in the port city of Latakia, a former

Blinken, in Turkey, discusses Islamic State in Syria, Gaza ceasefire

U.S.

Russia packing up military equipment at base in Syria, satellite images show

Russia appears to be packing up military equipment at a military air base in Syria, according to satellite images released by Maxar following rebels' overthrow of President Bashar

Syrians cheer end of 50 years of Assad rule at first Friday prayers since government fell

Exuberant Syrians observed the first Friday prayers since the ouster of President Bashar Assad, gathering in the capital’s historic main mosque, its largest square and around the country to celebrate the end of half a century of authoritarian rule

Syrians explore Assad family's massive summer resort for first time

Syrian cyclist Bassel Soufi rode his bike 40 km (25 miles) from the northwestern city of Latakia on Friday to visit the Assad family's

Qatar delegation to meet Syria's interim government on Sunday, Qatari official says

Qatar will send its first official delegation to Damascus on Sunday to meet Syria's interim government and discuss reopening the Qatari embassy and enhancing

US flies freed American Travis Timmerman out of Syria, official says

American citizen Travis Timmerman has been flown out of Syria, where he was imprisoned before being released by rebels this week, U.S. officials said on Friday.

UK's Starmer says Syria needs 'non-sectarian' governance

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Friday caution was needed regarding Syria's prospects after the end of Bashar al-Assad's rule and that the country required "credible,

Israeli strike in Gaza kills 25 people as US makes new push for a ceasefire

Palestinian medics said an Israeli airstrike hit a refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, killing at least 25 Palestinians and wounding dozens more

Could UN sanctions on Syrian rebels HTS be removed?

The rebel group that led the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad - Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) - has long been under United Nations sanctions,

Discovery of vast Syrian drug lab reveals secrets of illicit captagon trade

The industrial-scale drug lab sat just up a hill from a main road on the western edge of Damascus, the city that was the seat of power for the Assad family

Far too early to lift US sanctions on Syria, lawmakers say

Republican and Democratic U.S. senators say it is too soon to consider lifting sanctions on Syria following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad, an

Crucial dam at risk as Kurds and Turkish-backed groups battle in northern Syria

Crucial dam at risk as Kurds and Turkish-backed groups battle in northern Syria

Trump has threatened the visas of international student protesters. A post-grad at risk shares his fears

Trump has threatened the visas of international student protesters. A post-grad at risk shares his fears

Austria offers Syrian refugees 1,000 euros to return home

Austria's conservative-led government said on Friday it is offering Syrian refugees a "return bonus" of 1,000 euros ($1,050) to move back to their home country

Kyiv ready to supply food to Syria as Russia supplies suspended

Ukraine, a global producer and exporter of grain and oilseeds, is ready to supply food to Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Ukrainian Agriculture Minister

‘The Bibi Files,’ with leaked Netanyahu footage, can't be seen in Israel. Israelis are finding ways

“The Bibi Files” started with a sudden leak that turned into a deluge

‘Catastrophic’ Israeli barrage hits hospital in northern Gaza, doctor says

‘Catastrophic’ Israeli barrage hits hospital in northern Gaza, doctor says

Russian grain exports to Syria suspended due to uncertainty

Russian wheat supplies to Syria have been suspended because of uncertainty about the new government and payment delays,

Can Syria’s Islamist rebels govern the country? Their rule in Idlib offers clues

Can Syria’s Islamist rebels govern the country? Their rule in Idlib offers clues

Turkey fines Google $75 million for violating competition law

Turkey's competition authority has fined Alphabet Inc's Google 2.61 billion lira ($75 million), for taking advantage of its dominant position in ad server services market, the

Turkey can step in to resolve Sudan-UAE disputes, Erdogan tells Burhan

Turkey can step in to resolve disputes between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates, President Tayyip Erdogan told the head of Sudan's sovereign council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in a

Syrian Shi'ites and other minorities flee to Lebanon, fearing Islamist rule

Tens of thousands of Syrians, mostly Shi'ite Muslims, have fled to Lebanon since Sunni Muslim

Rome's Jews express anger at union strike over Israeli 'genocide'

Rome's Jewish community expressed dismay on Friday after two unions called a nationwide strike to protest against Italy's "support for the genocidal Israeli

Red Cross opens hotlines to try to reunite Syrian families

The Red Cross said on Friday it had opened two new telephone hotlines to try to reunite Syrians who have been missing for years with their families, but warned that many cases will

The dead, the missing and the reunited: Three tales of Syria’s tortured prisoners

The dead, the missing and the reunited: Three tales of Syria’s tortured prisoners

Dutch court rejects bid to stop arms exports to Israel

THE HAGUE - A Dutch court on Friday rejected a bid by 10 pro-Palestinian NGOs to stop the Netherlands exporting weapons to Israel and trading with Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian

Assad's final hours in Syria: Deception, despair and flight

Bashar al-Assad confided in almost no one about his plans to flee Syria as his reign collapsed.

Blinken says he discussed Gaza ceasefire agreement with Turkish top officials

U.S.

US role in Syria is unclear in wake of Assad’s fall from power

The US has been involved in Syria in several important ways, including sanctioning Bashar al-Assad’s government for more than a decade.

Israel accuses an ‘unprecedented’ number of Israelis of spying for Iran

Israel accuses an ‘unprecedented’ number of Israelis of spying for Iran

China and Egypt agree on need to promote peace in Middle East

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing agreed with Egypt that both nations should promote peace and negotiations to achieve stability in the Middle East, amid several crises

Freed Syrian prisoners return to their 'death dormitory'

Basim Faiz Mawat stood in the Damascus cell that his fellow prisoners used to call the "death dormitory", struggling to believe that the system that abused him

Battered corpses show the horrors of life and death under Syria’s Assad

Battered corpses show the horrors of life and death under Syria’s Assad

Blinken says US working to bring Travis Timmerman home from Syria

The United States is working to bring home an American citizen found on Thursday in Syria, U.S.

Six dead, five critically injured in fire at Jordanian elderly care centre

A fire broke out early on Friday at a private elderly care centre in the Jordanian capital Amman, killing six residents and critically injuring five more, Social

Their labour in demand, Germany's Syrians are in no rush to leave

It took only a few hours after the fall of Bashar al-Assad for some German politicians to begin suggesting it was time for Germany's million

Russia in contact with Syrian rebels, hopes to keep military bases, Interfax reports

Russia has

US grand jury charges former Syrian prison official with torture

A federal grand jury in Los Angeles charged a former Syrian government official who headed the Damascus Central Prison from 2005 to 2008 with torture, the U.S.

White House releases strategy to counter anti-Muslim, anti-Arab hate

U.S.

American pilgrim imprisoned in Assad's Syria calls his release from prison a 'blessing'

An American who disappeared seven months ago into former Syrian President Bashar Assad’s notorious prison system says he was released by the “liberators” who arrived in Damascus a day after the longtime ruler fled the capital

Missing US man found in Syria says he was kept in prison after entering country as a pilgrim

Missing US man found in Syria says he was kept in prison after entering country as a pilgrim

Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture

A former Syrian military official who oversaw a prison where alleged human rights abuses took place has been charged with several counts of torture

UCLA police chief who was criticized over Gaza protest violence is out

The police chief for the University of California at Los Angeles, who was criticized for the handling of a violent mob attack in May on pro-Palestinian

White House releases national strategy to combat Islamophobia

The White House has announced what it called the first-ever national strategy to counter Islamophobia

Middle East latest: Israeli strikes in Gaza kill more than 50 people, including kids

Palestinian medical officials say an Israeli airstrike flattened a multistory building in central Gaza, killing at least 25 people and wounding dozens more

Syria faces crisis and Gaza heads toward famine, World Food Program official says

The deputy executive director of the U.N. World Food Program has been on whirlwind visits to hotspots in the Middle East and Sudan to assess dire humanitarian situations and escalating demands for food from millions of people trapped or fleeing conflicts

Blinken meets Erdogan as forces backed by US, Turkey clash in Syria