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)."
Middle East
World Cup assigns LGBT-themed game to Iran, where homosexuality is punishable by death
Hamas abducts major Gazan merchant, demands millions in ransom - KAN
Iran 'paid heavy price' for supporting proxies, Palestinians, ex-FM Zarif says at Doha Forum
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.
Lebanon panics over ‘Israeli goods’ after smuggled shoes with Star of David siezed in raids
Five people were subsequently arrested in coordinated operations in Sidon, Wadi al-Zayna, al-Shahabiya, Nabatieh, and Tyre.
Sharaa begins pushing back on Israeli demands, decries Syria's 'dangerous position' - analysis
Ahmed al-Sharaa remained relatively quiet on Israel issues. However, at the annual Doha Forum, he spoke about the challenges from Damascus’ perspective.
Christmas returns to Bethlehem after two years of silent nights
As Christmas returns to the city where it began, Bethlehem moves to reconstruct its tourism industry.
Hezbollah will not disarm without Iranian consent, Lebanon's top diplomat warns
Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji added that Hezbollah's current concern is to "buy time and preserve itself internally in order to regain its power."
