European Union eyeing Lebanon presence in boost for efforts to disarm Hezbollah, document shows
EU efforts could “focus on advice, training and capacity-building,” a document said, adding that it would not take over UNIFIL's tasks in the Levant.
Middle East
Inside Bashar al-Assad's exile in Moscow, a year since ouster from Syria - analysis
One year after Assad's fall: New Syrian leadership celebrates, but deep internal rifts persist
On This Day: One year since Syrian rebels overthrew Assad regime, ending over 50 year rule
Iran begins trial of dual national accused of spying for Israel
They were indicted for "intelligence cooperation and espionage in favor of the Zionist regime (Israel)."
FIFA assigns LGBT-themed World Cup game to Iran, where homosexuality is punishable by death
As with many Islamic countries, homosexuality is outlawed in Iran and punishable by death. Many LGBTQ+ Iranians have fled the country, looking for asylum in the United States or the Middle East.
Hamas abducts major Gazan merchant, demands millions in ransom - KAN
Fadi a-Dayeb was forced to pay millions of shekels for his freedom, a now-deleted Facebook post claimed.
Iran 'paid heavy price' for supporting proxies, Palestinians, ex-FM Zarif says at Doha Forum
Zarif argued that Jerusalem misread Iran’s staying power when the fighting resumed earlier this year. “The Israelis launched this aggression based on mistaken assumptions,” he said.
Hamas willing to 'freeze or store' weapons to prevent escalation, official tells AP
Hamas Shura Council member Bassem Naim told AP it is open to halting weapons use during a truce but rejects a US-proposed stabilization force entering Palestinian territory.
Qatari PM: Qatar’s ties with Hamas began at US request, always served peace efforts
Prime Minister Al Thani claimed that Qatar's relationship with Hamas has been entirely focused on facilitating peace.
Doha will not 'write the check' to fund Gaza's reconstruction, Qatari PM says
In an interview with Tucker Carlson at The Doha Forum, Qatari Prime Minister Al Thani discussed Gaza reconstruction and plans for the region's future.
Israel is not a democracy, US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack suggests at Doha Forum
"In this region, what's worked the best, whether you like it or you do not like it, is a benevolent monarchy," Barrack said.
Iran directing Hamas money network in Turkey, moving hundreds of millions to terrorists
Hamas, with the support of Iran, continues to "push forward terrorist plots against Israel and is trying to rebuild its capabilities, including outside of the Gaza Strip," Adraee stated.
US seeks to arrange Netanyahu–Sisi meeting, pushing Israel to expand regional economic ties - Axios
The two leaders have not officially met since before the start of the Israel-Hamas War.
