Headlines- "In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organization of the Islamic [Republic] of Iran," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on the X social media platform..
- The declaration of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was applauded by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which described it as "a critical and long-overdue reprieve for civilians who have endured weeks of unrelenting violence."
- The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been welcomed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who expressed optimism that it will lay the groundwork for long-term stability in the Middle East.
- As part of an earlier two-week ceasefire deal between Tehran and the United States to pause the conflict in the Middle East, Iran's Foreign Ministry praised the ceasefire reached by Israel and Lebanon.
- At midnight local time on Friday, gunfire broke out in the southern suburbs of Beirut as a ceasefire with Israel came into effect.
- The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health estimates that since March 2, Israeli forces have killed at least 2,196 civilians and injured another 7,185.
- The Lebanese government urges people not return back to their homes in southern Lebanon, despite Israel and Lebanon have reached a 10-day ceasefire.
- The United States is "very close" to a deal with Iran, President Donald Trump told reporters outside the White House.
Tag: Hamas
The Consequences of Gaza War
The UN says it is alarmed by the historically high death toll, with nearly 80 media workers killed since October, as two more journalists are killed while reporting the conflict in Gaza.
Gaza War: New Studies on Oxygen...
Hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy is a novel way of treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in hundreds of Israeli soldiers and civilians who suffered trauma from the October 7 Hamas attack and the ensuing war in Gaza. According to doctors, it actually helps the brain heal from trauma.
Settlers from Israel Saying They Are...
Over the past month, the United States and Britain have introduced travel bans on extremist Israeli settlers who have been linked to attacks on Palestinians. VOA traveled the West Bank to speak with some of the settlers, who claim they have been the targets of biased media coverage.
Middle East Hit by War Last...
From the massive protests against the judicial reform to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and the Gaza War, the past year has been among the most momentous years in Israel’s history. Life will never be the same for many Israelis and Palestinians.
Nazareth Christians Scaled Back Christmas Celebrations...
Christmas celebrations have been scaled back in Nazareth, the town where Christians believe Jesus lived much of his life, in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. Business owners say trade has plummeted as tourists and pilgrims have stopped coming because of the war, while Christian leaders told VOA that it is impossible to feel celebratory right now.
Conflicts Exact a Heavy Toll on...
For war correspondents, loss and risk are part of the job. As the toll from the wars in Gaza and Ukraine rises, VOA’s Cristina Caicedo Smit talks with two veterans about their experiences and the why they continue to report despite the risks.
Filipino Former Hamas Hostage Reunites With...
A Filipino caregiver and ex-hostage, who had been held captive for nearly seven weeks by Hamas militants in Gaza, arrived home to the Philippines on Monday to a tearful reunion with his family.
West Bank’s Economy, Israeli Construction Industry...
The West Bank’s economy is struggling as a result of the war between Israel and Hamas. Just two of the issues are that work licenses for Palestinians employed in Israel have been revoked and Palestinian Authority employees have not received the payment properly in weeks.
Red Cross Access to Israeli-Held Detainees...
In response to allegations that Israel is holding prisoners inhumanely and without charge, Palestinian prisoners’ rights organizations are urging that the Red Cross be granted access to over 4,000 Palestinians who have been arrested since the Israel-Hamas war started on October 7.
Israeli Volunteers Help in Crop Salvage...
The Israeli-Hamas conflict has claimed lives and caused devastation. However, livelihoods and agricultural heartlands are also being impacted. Due to Israel’s policy of blocking Palestinian laborers from entering the country since the start of the war and the fleeing of foreign laborers from Israel, some farmers now rely on volunteers to harvest and salvage their crops.