News headlines for “Middle East”, page 5
Syria has real opportunity to ‘move from the darkness to the light’
- UN News
Syrians have high expectations for their country, and a strong desire for people from across the social spectrum to come together and forge a new constitution, which must begin with an inclusive “national dialogue”.
‘Children are now freezing to death’: harrowing updates from Gaza
- UN News
The horrors in Gaza show no signs of abating, the UN said on Thursday, noting that the Ministry of Health reports that over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed there since October 2023, most of them women and children.
UN Commission notes new sense of optimism in Syria during first-ever visit
- UN News
A team from the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria concluded a first visit to the country on Thursday, taking crucial steps to promote dialogue and engagement with the new caretaker government.
Lebanon: Election of new president a long-awaited first step, senior UN official says
- UN News
The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, congratulated Joseph Aoun who was on Thursday elected the country’s President.
More than 125,000 refugees return to Syria in desperate conditions
- UN News
A month since the fall of the Assad regime, more than 125,000 refugees have returned to Syria “full of hope after years of exile”, only to find themselves confronted by desperate conditions, UN humanitarians warned on Thursday.
‘A Syrian-led future’: Security Council highlights priorities ahead
- UN News
The Security Council met on Wednesday to discuss political and humanitarian developments exactly a month on from the collapse of the Assad regime. The transitional authorities also outlined their vision for the country’s future for the first time in a major international forum.
MIDDLE EAST LIVE: Security Council meets on Syria, plus Gaza and Lebanon updates
- UN News
While the war in Gaza grinds on with dozens of civilians already reportedly killed and injured so far this year - and as the fragile ceasefire in Lebanon largely holds - hopes are still high for a successful transition of power in Damascus following the overthrow of the Assad regime, although needs and challenges are immense. On Wednesday, ambassadors held their first meeting of the year on Syria, with all eyes on a potential lifting of sanctions. App users can follow live here.
Genocidal President, Genocidal Politics
- Inter Press Service
SAN FRANCISCO, USA, Jan 07 (IPS) - When news broke over the weekend that President Biden just approved an $8 billion deal for shipping weapons to Israel, a nameless official vowed that “we will continue to provide the capabilities necessary for Israel's defense.” Following the reports last month from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch concluding that Israeli actions in Gaza are genocide, Biden’s decision was a new low for his presidency.
Gaza: Humanitarians assist families impacted by recent airstrike in Deir Al-Balah
- UN News
UN teams in Gaza have carried out a rapid needs assessment in two makeshift sites in Deir Al-Balah following a recent airstrike, Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Lebanon: Appeal for $371.4 million to boost life-saving support
- UN News
The UN and the Government of Lebanon unveiled a $371.4 million extension of the Lebanon Flash Appeal on Tuesday aiming to provide life-saving assistance to civilians affected by the recent conflict and ongoing humanitarian crisis.