Middle East

Trump claims Turkey behind overthrow of Assad government in Syria

US President-elect Donald Trump has claimed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was behind an "unfriendly takeover" of Syria, referring to the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government earlier this month.

No place for Russia, or Iran in Syria’s future: EU

The European Union foreign policy chief has called for the elimination of Russian and Iranian influence in Syria’s future following the fall of Bashar al-Assad

Palestinian source says Gaza ceasefire deal close

A "new dynamic" has emerged in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, with a senior Palestinian source telling Middle East Eye that both sides are closer than ever to reaching an agreement.

Several Middle Eastern states condemn Israeli plans to expand settlements in Golan Heights

Several countries in the region have condemned Israel’s plan to expand settlements in Syria’s occupied Golan Heights after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad by opposition fighters.

Yemen’s Houthis says conducted hypersonic missile strike against Israel

Yemen’s Houthi group has claimed it launched a missile attack targeting central Israel, vowing to continue its military operations against the regime until the Gaza war ends.

Assad appears to release first statement since fall of Syrian gov’t

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has dismissed claims that he planned to flee the country following the rebel takeover, in what is said to be his first statement since his overthrow earlier this month.

Gaza death toll tops 45,000

At least 52 more Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip over the last 24 hours, bringing the overall death toll since last year to 45,028, the Health Ministry in the besieged enclave announced on Monday.

US and UK militaries jointly strike Houthi targets in Yemen

US and UK air forces have conducted air attacks against several targets in western Yemen linked to the Houthi group, according to Al-Masirah TV.

No lifting of Syria sanctions until rights and unity are guaranteed: EU

The European Union will not lift sanctions on Syria before its new rulers ensure minorities are not persecuted and women’s rights are protected within a unified government that disavows religious extremism, the EU’s top diplomat has stated.

Assad airlifts $250mn in cash to Russia in 2018-2019: FT

The government of Syria's  fallen President Bashar al-Assad sent approximately $250 million in cash to Moscow between 2018 and 2019, amid escalating sanctions by the West as well as deepening financial dependence on Russia for military and economic support, according to a report by the Financial Times.

Britain confirms diplomatic contact with new Syrian leadership

The UK government has confirmed having "diplomatic contact" with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Syrian group that recently overthrew the Bashar Assad government.

Israel approves plan to increase settler population in Golan Heights

Israel’s government has approved a plan to surge the number of settlers in the occupied Golan Heights. It comes days after Tel Aviv seized more Syrian territory following the toppling of Syria’s longtime leader Bashar al-Assad.

UN special envoy hopes for Syria’s swift recovery after Assad’s fall

UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen has stated that the global body is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in the country and is looking forward to the next steps toward a political transition following the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad.

Netanyahu informs Trump of its resolve to act against Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has informed US President-elect Donald Trump of his determination to act against Hezbollah and Iran. The two leaders also discussed the situation in Syria, as well as endeavours to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Israel plans to deploy automated weapons in West Bank

The Israeli army is preparing to deploy remotely controlled automated weapons across occupied West Bank checkpoints in order to target Palestinians, according to a report by the Israeli Army Radio.

Israel says carried out about 800 strikes in Syria since fall of Assad

Israel is pressing ahead with its military onslaught against Syria, targeting multiple positions across the Arab nation.

Russia to pull back military from northern Syria: Reuters

Russia is pulling back its military from the front lines in northern Syria and from posts in the Alawite Mountains but is not leaving its two main bases in the country after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, four Syrian officials have told Reuters.

Eight Arab states vow to support ‘peaceful transition process’ in Syria

Top diplomats from eight Arab League countries agreed at a meeting in Jordan to “support a peaceful transition process” in Syria following President Bashar al-Assad’s fall.

White Helmets pledges to hold Assad accountable for “his crimes”

The Syrian Civil Defence, better known as the White Helmets, has vowed to hold ousted President Bashar al-Assad accountable for “the crimes and human rights violations” committed during his 14-year rule.

Hamas says Israeli military deliberately bombed site to kill captives inside

The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, has announced that the Israeli army bombed a location in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli hostages were held, confirming that the bombing was repeated to ensure their death.

HTS leader: Israel has ‘no more excuses’ to attack Syria

The leader of the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), that played a key role in the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s government, spoke about Israel for the first time since taking over the country, saying the Israeli raids on Syria have crossed the red lines.

US acknowledges direct contact with Syrian new leadership

The administration of US President Joe Biden has acknowledged contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Syrian opposition group that played a leading role in toppling longtime leader Bashar al-Assad.

Turkey reopens diplomatic mission in Syria days after fall of Assad gov’t

The Turkish flag was raised at its embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus on Saturday as the mission resumed operations following a hiatus of 12 years, days after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.

Over 12k Palestinians arrested by Israel in West Bank since start of Gaza war: Report

Israeli soldiers have detained more than 12,000 Palestinians across the occupied West Bank since Tel Aviv waged an all-out war against the besieged Gaza Strip in October last year, a Palestinian prisoners advocacy group announced in a report.

Majority of Turks see Assad’s overthrow as positive: Poll

A recent survey conducted in Turkey has revealed that a majority of the public is satisfied with the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria.

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