Displaying items by tag: Middle East

Israel has launched a ‘limited ground operation’ to retake the Netzarim corridor in Gaza, escalating the conflict after the ceasefire agreement with Hamas collapsed. The corridor, previously used by Israeli forces, had been vacated as part of the truce. Meanwhile, a Bulgarian UN worker has been killed, and five others, including a British man, were wounded in a strike on a UN guesthouse in Gaza. Israel denies responsibility, saying that an initial investigation found ‘no connection’ between the strike and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). The UN has condemned the attack on its personnel. The Gaza health ministry says that at least 436 people have been killed since Israel launched the fresh wave of airstrikes, though Israel disputes the accuracy of those figures, maintaining that it targets militants, not civilians.

Open Doors has warned that false online reports about a Christian massacre in Syria could put Syrian believers at greater risk. While recent violence in Latakia and Tartus has killed over 1,500 people, including four Christians, there is no evidence that believers were specifically targeted for their faith. An Open Doors representative cautioned that misinformation could have serious consequences. He noted that governments and armed groups monitor online discussions, and false claims could lead to further persecution of Christians who had no involvement in spreading such reports. Though this latest wave of violence has not directly targeted Christians, Syrian believers - especially those who have converted from Islam - already face persecution. Many are fearful and some are considering fleeing the country. Churches in some regions have even cancelled services due to security concerns.

The UN human rights office reports that at least 111 civilians, including entire families, were killed in recent violence in Syria’s coastal region, though the true toll is probably much higher. Predominantly Alawite towns (most Alawites were supporters of the overthrown president Bashar al-Assad) were targeted in apparent sectarian attacks, following an ambush on 7 March which killed thirteen security personnel. Alawite gunmen retaliated by storming villages, executing civilians, looting, and even attacking hospitals. The UN verified the deaths of 90 men, 18 women, and three children: however, one monitoring group has said that 1,225 civilians, most of them Alawites, have been killed.This marks the worst violence since Assad was ousted in December, ending a 13-year civil war which claimed 600,000 lives. The UN has urged thorough investigations, while Syria’s new government has pledged accountability. An independent committee is gathering evidence to bring perpetrators to justice.

On 26 February, the bodies of four Israeli hostages were handed over by Hamas, without ceremony, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. This marks the final exchange under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, leaving 59 hostages still in captivity with no clear timeline for their release. The truce’s future remains uncertain, as Hamas signals readiness for talks on the second phase, aiming for an end to the war and further prisoner exchanges. Benjamin Netanyahu faces political pressure to resume military operations. Meanwhile, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens, with severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter. As negotiations stall, families of hostages demand immediate action, urging leaders to secure their return. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has released a bizarre video of his vision for the golden future of the Gaza strip: see

Hamas has returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages under the Gaza ceasefire deal: Shiri Bibas and her two children, Ariel (4) and Kfir (9 months), along with peace activist Oded Lifshitz (83). The IDF transported the bodies to Israel for identification, while mourning swept across the nation. President Isaac Herzog expressed deep sorrow and asked for forgiveness for failing to bring all hostages home alive. Negotiations on a second ceasefire phase are set to resume this week, aiming for the release of all remaining hostages. However, Israel insists it will not withdraw forces until Hamas is eliminated, while Hamas demands an end to the war before releasing further captives. Meanwhile, Hamas used the hostage handover for propaganda, displaying missiles alongside the coffins and blaming Benjamin Netanyahu for their deaths. The Hamas group stated they would have preferred them to return alive, but accused Israel of choosing war over negotiations.

The Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, in effect since 19 January, is at risk of collapsing. Efforts by Egypt and Qatar to mediate continue, as a senior Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo to salvage the truce. Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that if hostages are not released by Saturday, intense military operations will resume. The situation has been further complicated by Donald Trump's recent proposal to remove Gaza’s Palestinian residents, which has emboldened Israel’s far-right leaders. Some Israeli ministers are now demanding a total military takeover of Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli security officials argue that breaking the ceasefire would endanger hostages still held in Gaza. Families of captives and displaced Gazans fear renewed conflict. Breaking news: Hamas has said it will release three hostages on 15 February as agreed, although earlier it had threatened to cancel the ceasefire, claiming that Israel had failed to fulfil key commitments.

Donald Trump has proposed permanently resettling Palestinians out of Gaza, calling it a ‘demolition site’ and suggesting US involvement in rebuilding the territory. His remarks, made during a visit to Washington by Benjamin Netanyahu, seem to signal a major shift in US policy on Israel and the Palestinians. Arab nations have strongly rejected the plan, warning that it could destabilise the region and expand the conflict. Under international law, forced population transfers are prohibited. Trump’s vision, which includes an international takeover of Gaza, aligns with far-right Israeli groups advocating for indefinite war against Hamas and the expansion of Jewish settlements. They might welcome Trump’s position, but for millions of displaced Palestinians, it represents the threat of permanent exile and collective punishment. Meanwhile, sick and wounded Palestinians have left the Gaza strip as the fragile ceasefire continues: see

Born into poverty in Lebanon, George El Khoury pursued wealth, power, and pleasure, becoming a successful businessman. As the founder of five international banks, he amassed riches, lived in luxury, and indulged in a hedonistic lifestyle. Despite his success, George felt unfulfilled and began questioning life’s meaning, especially after surviving a plane crash over Paris. The experience left him shaken but not yet transformed. The turning point came when a blackmail threat from a former girlfriend jeopardised his career and reputation. At his son’s urging, George prayed to Jesus Christ, surrendering his life and vowing to change. Miraculously, the blackmail was withdrawn, and George experienced a profound sense of peace and joy. He gave his life to Christ, left his sinful lifestyle, and reconciled with his ex-wife after 31 years of divorce. Now, he ministers the gospel in Europe, telling how Jesus redeemed and restored his life, even returning what sin had stolen.

A ceasefire deal has been reached, ending fifteen months of conflict in the Gaza strip. This agreement, hailed by Joe Biden, Qatar’s prime minister, and Hamas officials, aims to bring a much-needed break in violence. It will also lead to the release of dozens of hostages and prisoners from both sides. The phased plan includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces to the Gaza border, allowing displaced Palestinians to return home, as well as providing humanitarian aid and rebuilding Gaza's healthcare infrastructure. Hamas has agreed to release 33 hostages in exchange for 100 Palestinian prisoners with life sentences, while Israel will release 1,000 Palestinian prisoners who were not involved in the 7 October attacks. The deal follows months of intense diplomatic efforts, particularly by the USA, Egypt, and Qatar. Breaking news: the Israeli cabinet has not yet ratified the deal, with Benjamin Netanyahu saying that Hamas were reneging on some parts of the agreement. See Also, Israel has continued air strikes on Gaza, with at least 73 killed on 16 January.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s new leader and head of HTS, has met senior Christian leaders in Damascus to reassure minorities about their safety under his administration. The meeting follows protests over attacks on Christian and Alawite symbols. French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasised the need for an inclusive political transition in Syria that safeguards diverse communities' rights. Al-Sharaa has also held talks with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), proposing their integration into the national army. Despite attempts to stabilise the country after Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow in December, incidents of violence and unrest persist. The SDF, backed by the USA, remains locked in conflict with Turkish-backed factions, while Turkiye alleges SDF ties to the PKK, a group it deems terrorist. Syria’s Christian population, once about one million, has dwindled to 300,000 since the civil war began in 2011, highlighting the challenges minorities face amid ongoing instability.