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Lebanon says 3 killed, UN peacekeepers wounded in Israel strikes

The Lebanese army said an Israeli strike on a vehicle near a checkpoint in the southern city of Sidon on Thursday killed three people and wounded troops and UN peacekeepers."The Israeli enemy targeted a car while it was passing through the Awali checkpoint," the main northern entrance to Sidon, the army said.With the exception of a few limited strikes, Sidon, a Sunni Muslim-majority city, has been relatively spared the deadly air raids targeting south Lebanon in Israel's war against the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Lebanon says 3 killed, UN peacekeepers wounded in Israel strikes

Iran downplays Trump victory but wary of US policy change

After Donald Trump's re-election, Iran has projected indifference, officially stating it expects no fundamental shift in US policy, especially on sanctions or the Middle East's wars.However, Trump is set to return to the White House in January -- after defeating US Vice President Kamala Harris in Tuesday's election -- at a delicate time for Tehran whose allies in the region have suffered severe blows in conflicts with Israel.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Iran downplays Trump victory but wary of US policy change

Lebanon MPs demand UN protection of heritage sites from Israel attacks

More than 100 Lebanese lawmakers appealed to the United Nations on Thursday to ensure the preservation of heritage sites in areas heavily bombed by Israel during its war with Hezbollah.The appeal to the head of the UN cultural agency, UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, followed Israeli strikes near ancient ruins in the southern city of Tyre and the eastern city of Baalbek in recent weeks."During the devastating war on Lebanon, Israel has caused grave human rights violations and atrocities," the lawmakers said more than a month into the Israel-Hezbollah war.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Lebanon MPs demand UN protection of heritage sites from Israel attacks

Ireland to join S.Africa ICJ 'genocide' case against Israel

Ireland intends to join South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice before the end of the year, its foreign minister said on Thursday.Micheal Martin's comments came as the Irish parliament passed a non-binding motion agreeing that "genocide is being perpetrated before our eyes by Israel in Gaza".South Africa in December brought a case before the ICJ, arguing that the war in Gaza breached the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention, an accusation Israel has strongly denied.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Ireland to join S.Africa ICJ 'genocide' case against Israel

Iraq inaugurates docks for major new Gulf port

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani inaugurated five docks on Thursday at a major new port the country is building on its narrow Gulf coast.Grand Faw Port on Al-Faw Peninsula is intended to provide a new freight link between Asia and Europe via upgraded rail and road infrastructure through Iraq and Turkey.Dubbed the Iraq Development Road, the mega project is expected to cost some $17 billion.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Iraq inaugurates docks for major new Gulf port