Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned Sunday that "painful concessions" would be needed to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza and that military action alone will not achieve the country's war aims. "Not all objectives can be achieved through military operations alone... to realise our moral duty to bring our hostages home, we will have to make painful concessions," Gallant said, in a speech marking the Hebrew calendar anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7 last year.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Defence minister urges Israel make concessions to free Gaza hostages
War casts shadow over Lebanon's ancient Baalbek
Since war erupted between Israel and Hezbollah, the famed Palmyra Hotel in east Lebanon's Baalbek has been without visitors, but long-time employee Rabih Salika refuses to leave -- even as bombs drop nearby.The hotel, which was built in 1874, once welcomed renowned guests including former French President Charles de Gaulle and American singer Nina Simone.Overlooking a large archaeological complex encompassing the ruins of an ancient Roman town, the Palmyra has kept its doors open through several conflicts and years of economic collapse.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: War casts shadow over Lebanon's ancient Baalbek
Lebanon says 8 killed in Israel strike near coastal city of Sidon
Lebanon's health ministry said at least eight people were killed and 25 others wounded Sunday in an Israeli strike near the southern city of Sidon, where an AFP correspondent said a building was targeted.The strike hit a densely-populated area in a Sidon suburb that saw an influx of families displaced from areas further south.It was the first strike there since the Israel-Hezbollah war erupted last month."The Israeli enemy's raid on Haret Saida resulted in a... toll of eight killed," the health ministry said, revising an earlier toll of two dead.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Lebanon says 8 killed in Israel strike near coastal city of Sidon
Syria Kurd force denies links to Ankara attack as Turkey strikes
The commander of a Kurdish-led force in Syria denied links to a deadly attack near Ankara claimed by Kurdish PKK militants, after Turkish strikes on Kurd-held Syria killed more than a dozen people in retaliation.Turkey carried out air strikes against targets linked to Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria after Wednesday's shooting and suicide attack that killed five people at a defence firm near the Turkish capital.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Syria Kurd force denies links to Ankara attack as Turkey strikes
Netanyahu declares Iran strike a success as Israel pounds Lebanon, Gaza
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Sunday that what he called Israel's "precise and powerful" strikes on Iran had been a success, as his country's forces pounded targets in Gaza and Lebanon.The previous day's strikes by Israeli planes on military targets in Iran had fed fears that the Middle East was spiralling towards an ever wider conflict and triggered global calls for restraint.An emergency UN Security Council meeting will take place on Monday at Iran's request, with Tehran calling for it to condemn the strikes.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Netanyahu declares Iran strike a success as Israel pounds Lebanon, Gaza
Tikva forum demands Netanyahu meeting, calls for no negotiation with Hamas
The resistance of the Tikva forum to a deal and to negotiation with Hamas is at odds with the opinions of many hostage families and with the stance of the Hostage Family Forum.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Tikva forum demands Netanyahu meeting, calls for no negotiation with Hamas
Egypt proposes initial two-day truce in Gaza with limited hostage-prisoner exchange
Sisi also said that talks should resume within ten days of implementing the temporary ceasefire in an effort to reach a permanent one.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Egypt proposes initial two-day truce in Gaza with limited hostage-prisoner exchange
Liran Gerassi: The Israeli head of the Lux Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies in Milwaukee
“I am the first-ever Israeli director of the center and first-ever Israeli employee of the Sacred Heart seminary.”
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Liran Gerassi: The Israeli head of the Lux Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies in Milwaukee
Israel under massive international pressure not to shut down UNRWA
Israel moves to shut down the UN Palestinian refugee agency despite warnings from allies and threats of UN repercussions, with a key vote set for Monday.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Israel under massive international pressure not to shut down UNRWA
The country’s wild ride from euphoria to depression, heartbreak to hope
Over a year later, this extended Remembrance Day-like feeling shows no sign of letting up.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: The country’s wild ride from euphoria to depression, heartbreak to hope