The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) increased its military presence along the Syrian border in the Golan Heights on Friday in response to rapid advances by Syrian rebels against the Assad regime. The move comes as rebel forces, including Islamist factions, capture key cities like Aleppo and Hama, forcing regime troops to retreat.
Concerns over a broader conflict in the Middle East have prompted international airlines to suspend flights to the region or avoid affected airspace. The cancellations impact major hubs like Tel Aviv, Beirut, and others, with timelines varying by carrier. Here is an overview of current airline decisions:
President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the release of all hostages held in Gaza before his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Failure to comply, he warned, would result in unprecedented consequences in the Middle East.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday, concluding over a year of hostilities. The truce follows Israel's Security Cabinet's approval of a U.S.-brokered agreement, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir casting the sole dissenting vote.
Hamas announced readiness for a cease-fire in Gaza on Wednesday, following a truce between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The group stated its willingness to end the 13-month conflict, provided conditions are met, including a halt to Israeli military operations, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced residents, and a hostages-for-prisoners exchange.
Israeli warplanes conducted strikes in Beirut’s suburbs and the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on Tuesday as Israel’s security Cabinet prepared to vote on a U.S.-brokered cease-fire proposal with Hezbollah. The deal, aimed at ending over a year of conflict, includes a two-month halt to hostilities. It also requires Hezbollah to withdraw its armed forces from southern Lebanon while Israeli troops return to their side of the border.
Israel’s security cabinet is set to vote Tuesday on a proposed cease-fire in its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, following increasing international pressure...
The U.S. Senate is set to vote this week on measures introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders to block a $20 billion arms deal with Israel. The legislation, known as Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRDs), seeks to halt the sale of offensive weapons, including tanks, munitions, and fighter jets, citing Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
