Lebanon

Free extracurricular education in Brovary: over 1800 children develop their talents at the Palace of Creativity.

The White House has announced an extension of the deadline for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon until February 18, 2025. The parties will also begin negotiations on the return of Lebanese prisoners captured after October 7, 2023.

Israel said it would leave troops in southern Lebanon after Sunday's deadline due to the failure to fulfill the terms of the agreement. The agreement provided for the withdrawal of Hezbollah beyond the Litani River and the deployment of the Lebanese army in the region.

Israel's deputy foreign minister offered to hand over Russian-made weapons captured from enemies to Ukraine. The parties also discussed the threats posed by Iran's cooperation with Russia and bilateral cooperation.

Israel has launched a large-scale military operation against terrorism in the West Bank city of Jenin. The IDF, Shabak and Israeli police are participating in Operation Iron Wall to strengthen security in the region.

About 200,000 Syrian refugees have returned to their country since the fall of the Assad regime. Most refugees left Syria because of repression and are now returning because of instability in neighboring countries.

According to Israeli intelligence, 25 of the 33 hostages to be handed over by Hamas in the first phase of the deal are still alive. The hostage exchange will take place as part of a six-week ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The US president welcomes the ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas. Biden said the deal was the result of pressure on Hamas and U.S. diplomacy.

The US President and Israeli Prime Minister held talks on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. Biden emphasized the changed regional circumstances after the fall of the Assad regime and the weakening of Iran's influence.

The Lebanese parliament elected army commander Joseph Aoun as president after a 2-year vacuum. The new leader promised to ensure a state monopoly on weapons and develop a strategy to deter Israel.

Zelenskyy announced the resumption of diplomatic relations with Syria and cooperation in international organizations. Ukraine also plans to double its agricultural exports to Lebanon, which currently stand at $400 million.

In 2024, the number of displaced people in the world increased by 5 million compared to last year. The biggest crisis is in Syria, where 13.8 million people have become refugees inside and outside the country.

UNIFIL condemns Israel's continued destruction of residential areas and infrastructure in southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire. This violates UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the country was behind the elimination of Ismail Haniyeh in Iran. He also warned of similar actions against Yemeni Houthi leaders.

Iran has denied Putin's information about the evacuation of 4,000 Iranian troops from Syria. In fact, a smaller number of diplomats and advisors from different countries were evacuated using both Russian and Iranian aircraft.

The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine have successfully evacuated 31 Ukrainians and 3 Syrian citizens from Syria via Lebanon. The evacuees, including 15 children, have already landed in Chisinau and are on their way to Ukraine.

Italian Defense Minister Crozetto announced the country's readiness to participate in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. However, Foreign Minister Tajani considers such a discussion premature, emphasizing the need to achieve a “just peace.

The IDF has begun withdrawing troops from the area of the city of Khiam in southern Lebanon in accordance with the November ceasefire agreement. The full withdrawal from all areas is expected to be completed by the end of January 2025.

Iranian officials have confirmed direct contacts with groups in Syria's new leadership. Tehran is seeking to maintain its influence in the region after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Israeli ground forces crossed the Demilitarized Zone on the border with Syria for the first time since 1973. The military took control of Mount Hermon and other strategic positions to protect the border.

The US president expressed support for the transfer of power in Syria after the overthrow of the Assad regime. Washington plans to strengthen cooperation with regional allies and contribute to the development of a democratic Syria.

The pope called on the international community to reach a ceasefire on all fronts by Christmas. The pontiff prayed for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East and other conflict regions.

Iran has begun evacuating Quds Special Forces commanders and diplomats from Syria due to a large-scale rebel offensive. This shows the weakening of Iranian influence in the region and its ability to support the Assad regime.

The Syrian Democratic Forces have taken control of the city of Deir ez-Zor in the east of the country. Government forces and their allies, supported by Iran, unexpectedly left the city and its environs.

The Ukrainian Embassy in Lebanon has called on Ukrainians to refrain from traveling to Syria due to the worsening situation. Those who are in the country are advised to follow security measures and consider leaving.

The Israeli military will remain in the Gaza Strip for many years to fight Hamas. This was stated by Food Security Minister Avi Dichter, confirming the construction of military infrastructure in the region.

A day after the start of the truce between Israel and Hezbollah, the parties exchanged accusations of violating it. Israeli tank fire hit six areas of the Lebanese border strip, and there are wounded.

15 minutes before the ceasefire, powerful explosions occurred on the Syrian-Lebanese border. The war between Lebanon and Israel officially ended at 4:00 local time.

Joe Biden announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.

The Israeli prime minister has warned of a tough response to violations of the cease-and-desist agreement with "Hezbollah". Netanyahu cited three key reasons for the truce: the Iranian threat, resupply, and the isolation of Hamas.