Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Home Blog Page 578

Hamas says Gaza ceasefire deal ‘imminent’ unless Israel imposes new conditions

Gaza War

The statement came after a meeting of its delegation with leaders from the Islamic Jihad movement and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine in Cairo for a hostage deal and cease-fire.

They agreed “to continue communication and coordination” regarding cease-fire negotiations, and also discussed “the proposal for a community support committee” to administer post-war Gaza.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed on Thursday the families of those held in Gaza that conditions for reaching a hostage-prisoner swap deal with Palestinian factions had “improved”, although no final agreement had been reached.

This marked the first time Netanyahu’s office issued a statement mentioning progress in the negotiations since the onset of the war in Gaza.

Cairo and Doha are said to have been exerting intensive efforts with all parties to reach the agreement before the inauguration of US-President elect Donald Trump next month.

Attempts by mediators, which also includes the US, have so far failed due to Netanyahu’s reluctance to end the war permanently, and withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza.

Israel has killed more than 45,000 people in Gaza since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks that claimed 1,200 lives and around 250 others were taken as hostages. About 100 hostages are still believed to be in Gaza.

The majestic Eagle’s Nest; Kangelo Castle in Iran’s Savadkuh

Iran Kangelo Castle

Rising 1811 meters above sea level, the majestic fortress earned its nickname from its lofty and commanding position.

The castle’s exterior is dominated by a colossal stone arm, with watchtowers strategically placed in the center and on both sides. Inside, the once grand two-story structure, built in a circular fashion, now lies in ruins, whispering tales of its glorious past.

The primary materials used in its construction were rough stone, lime mortar, and pebbles.

Despite its dilapidated state, Kangelo Castle remains a symbol of resilience and history.

The castle stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity and historical significance of the region in northern Iran, inviting visitors to step back in time and imagine the life within its walls.

Iranian women entrepreneurs shine in BRICS competition

BRICS

Zahra Farahani made the announcement on Sunday during the Women, Innovation, and Technology event held at The Iran House of Innovation and Technology (iHiT) in Tehran.

She pointed out of 1000 projects submitted from 30 countries to the forum in September, 26 projects were winners, with four of them belonging to Iranian women entrepreneurs.

The criteria for participation required women over 18 who were developing and implementing projects to establish innovative companies with a vision for commercialization and growth in BRICS member countries.

The winners were selected based on their capacity for significant commercialization and innovative features, ensuring future growth in the BRICS markets.

Farahani noted that the competition fields included information technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, innovation ecosystems and infrastructure, food security, and agriculture.

BRICS Women Entrepreneurs Forum, established in 2020, aims to promote entrepreneurship and women’s participation.

BRICS currently includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia have formally applied for membership.

US says attacked Houthi targets in Yemen’s capital

US-led coalition Yemen

US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees US Army operations in the Middle East, announced on Saturday that the strikes aimed “to disrupt and degrade Houthi operations”.

The Iran-allied group has previously launched attacks on US Navy and merchant vessels in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden, CENTCOM said in a social media post.

The US strikes come amid an uptick in attacks between the Houthis and the Israeli military this week.

Israel bombed several targets in Yemen on Thursday, including power stations near Sanaa.

The Israeli bombardment, which killed at least nine people, followed a missile launch by the Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah, towards Tel Aviv.

In the latest incident, in the early hours of Saturday, the Houthis announced they launched a ballistic missile at central Israel.

The Israeli military admitted it had failed to intercept the projectile, which fell in the Tel Aviv-Jaffa area.

Local emergency services said 16 people were “mildly injured” in the incident.

The Houthis have been targeting Israel with drones and missiles to pressure the US ally to end its war in Gaza, where the US-backed Israeli military has killed more than 45,000 people.

The Yemeni rebels also have been carrying out attacks on shipping lanes in and around the Red Sea as part of the same campaign, which they say is in support of Palestinians.

For months, the US and the United Kingdom have been bombing Houthi targets in Yemen in response to the Red Sea assaults.

The administration of US President Joe Biden has also imposed sanctions against the Houthis.

On Thursday, Washington sanctioned the governor of the central bank in Houthi-controlled Sanaa and several Houthi officials and associated companies, accusing them of helping the group acquire “dual-use and weapons components”.

Iranians celebrating Mother’s Day

The dual celebration falls on the 20th of Jamadi al-Thani on the Islamic calendar, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Hazrat Fatima Zahra, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad, who is regarded as the paragon of virtue in Islam.

Families show their appreciation by giving gifts and flowers to mothers and women, expressing their love and gratitude.

Schools, government offices, and organizations hold special ceremonies to recognize the achievements and contributions of women in various fields.

Various Iranian officials in their messages for the occasion, highlighted the importance of women’s roles both at home and in the broader society and acknowledged the sacrifices and efforts of mothers and emphasized the need to support women’s empowerment and rights.

Syria’s new rulers name HTS figures as foreign, defence ministers

Syria War

The ruling General Command on Saturday named Asaad Hassan al-Shibani as foreign minister.

A source in the new administration told the Reuters news agency that this step “comes in response to the aspirations of the Syrian people to establish international relations that bring peace and stability”.

Murhaf Abu Qasra was named defence minister in the interim government, an official source told Reuters. Abu Qasra, who is also known by the nom de guerre Abu Hassan 600, is a senior figure in the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, which led the opposition forces that forced out al-Assad.

Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar, reporting from Damascus, said Abu Qasra and al-Shibani were “very much close” to HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

“This is raising questions whether HTS is forming its own government or Syria’s government,” he noted, adding, “So far, 14 ministers have been appointed, and all of them are close allies or friends of al-Sharaa.”

Al-Sharaa, Syria’s new de facto ruler, has actively engaged with foreign delegations since assuming power, including hosting the Syria envoy of the United Nations and senior United States diplomats.

He has said his primary focus is on reconstruction and achieving economic development and that he is not interested in engaging in any new conflicts.

Syrian opposition fighters seized control of Damascus on December 8, forcing President al-Assad to flee after more than 13 years of war and ending his family’s decades-long rule.

Forces under the command of al-Sharaa have installed a three-month caretaker government.

Washington designated al-Sharaa a “terrorist” in 2013, saying al-Qaeda in Iraq had tasked him with overthrowing al-Assad. US officials said on Friday that Washington would remove a $10m bounty on his head.

The war killed hundreds of thousands of people, caused one of the biggest refugee crises of modern times, and left cities bombed to rubble and the economy hollowed out by global sanctions.

Qatar’s embassy in Syria reopened after 13 years

Qatar Embassy Syria

The Qatari flag was raised at the embassy building, which resumed operations in the Syrian capital following the fall of the Bashar Assad government.

Khalid al-Khalid, a local resident, expressed his happiness over the embassy’s reopening.

He noted that Qatar was one of the countries that supported the Syrian revolution the most, adding, “I hope other countries will also reopen their embassies.”

Al-Khalid emphasized the need for Syria to receive international support, noting: “We want Arab countries to stand with us.”

Another citizen, Nour Ghaith, also expressed gratitude for Doha’s support of the revolution.

Ghaith said that the reopening of the embassy would contribute to Syria’s progress toward becoming a safe place, with hopes that those who had fled would return.

She added that she was pleased about the embassy’s reopening, as it would aid in Syria’s reconstruction.

Qatar closed its embassy in Damascus in July 2011, following attacks by supporters of Assad. These attacks were a response to the coverage of the Syrian Revolution by Qatar-based Al Jazeera television, which began in March 2011.

Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after armed groups took control of Damascus on Dec. 8.

The takeover came after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters captured key cities in a lightning offensive that lasted less than two weeks.

Two Iranians arrested abroad for alleged involvement in equipping drones used against US forces

US Forces

According to Khabar Online, Abedini, a 38-year-old graduate of Sharif University of Technology, was detained by Italian police at Milan airport on December 16 while attempting to travel to Switzerland.

The arrest, requested by the US, has led to a complete cessation of direct communication with him.

Concurrently, Sadeghi, a 42-year-old resident of the US, has been apprehended in Massachusetts.

The arrests are reportedly linked to a January 28 drone attack by Iraqi armed groups in Jordan, resulting in the deaths of three American soldiers and injuries to 47 others.

The FBI claims that the equipment used in the drones was provided by the detainees.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry, through its consulate in Italy, is working to secure Abedini’s release or at least obtain information about his situation, hoping to resolve the matter before judicial action is taken.

7 soldiers killed in road crash in Iran’s Lorestan province

Iran Roads

The incident took place around 12:39 PM local time on the Andimeshk-Poldokhtar road when a passenger bus, veered off course and fell into a deep ravine. The incident happened after the bus hit a guardrail.

Initial investigations by local police suggest that the crash was caused by speeding and loss of vehicle control by the driver of the bus.

The bus was transporting soldiers from Khuzestan province to a military base in Kermanshah.

Azerbaijan president thanks Iran for support of Baku’s membership in D-8 group

D8 Meeting

In a letter to President Pezeshkian, Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan’s membership reflects international trust and confidence in the nation.

He highlighted the importance of mutual respect and good neighborly relations between Azerbaijan and Iran as foundational for ongoing cooperation.

Aliyev further reiterated his commitment to strengthening Islamic solidarity and promoting cooperation among D-8 nations in various sectors.

He expressed optimism about future collaborative efforts to enhance friendship and cooperation based on shared interests and mutual benefits.

The Azeri president then conveyed his best wishes for peace and prosperity to Iran and its people, reinforcing the commitment to deepening ties between the two nations as they navigate their roles within this expanded economic bloc.

On Thursday, Azerbaijan joined the Organization for Economic Cooperation of Eight Developing Islamic Countries, known as D-8, which includes Egypt, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Nigeria.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced this news during his speech as the chair of the summit held in Cairo.