-
Ahead of a planned protest in Parliament Square, UK police have stated they will arrest supporters of Palestine Action, a group recently proscribed as a terrorist organization. Up to 1,000 protesters are expected, with authorities prepared for mass arrests under terror laws. The group faces legal challenges and accusations of overreach.
-
Pope Leo XVI celebrated a Mass in Rome with LGBTQ+ groups participating, emphasizing dignity and inclusion. He met with Jesuit advocate James Martin, reaffirming support for LGBTQ+ acceptance. The pope is also expected to visit Lebanon by December, continuing his focus on peace and dialogue in the Middle East.
-
UK's live music industry rebounded in 2024 with record consumer spending of £6.68bn, driven by major acts like Taylor Swift. However, grassroots venues and artists face challenges from rising costs, venue closures, and legal issues involving musicians supporting pro-Palestinian causes, leading to cancellations and protests.
-
On September 6, 2025, Iran executed Mehran Bahramian, convicted of killing a security officer during the 2022 protests sparked by Mahsa Amini's death. This marks the 12th known execution linked to the unrest. Human rights groups condemn the use of forced confessions and secret trials. Meanwhile, US pressure mounts on Iraq to rein in Iranian-backed militias amid regional tensions.
-
Since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December, Israel has intensified military operations in Syria, including airstrikes and ground raids near Damascus and the Golan Heights. Recent actions involve airborne landings, targeted strikes on military sites, and detention of suspects, amid ongoing US-mediated talks and regional tensions.
-
Lebanese officials, including Hezbollah, continue to oppose disarmament plans amid ongoing Israeli military strikes. The Lebanese army's proposal to take control of weapons faces delays as regional tensions escalate, with Hezbollah demanding conditions before disarming. Political leaders call for dialogue, but tensions remain high.
-
Since the ceasefire in November 2024, Israel has conducted multiple strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon, despite ongoing efforts by Lebanon's army to disarm the group. Recent incidents include drone falls, casualties among Lebanese soldiers, and Israeli strikes on Hezbollah sites, escalating regional tensions.
-
As of early September 2025, the US administration is considering a plan to administer Gaza as a trusteeship for at least 10 years, temporarily relocating its 2 million residents. The proposal, known as the GREAT Trust, aims to rebuild Gaza into a tourism and tech hub, offering landowners digital tokens for property rights and financial incentives for relocation. The plan faces strong opposition from Palestinians and regional actors.
-
A serious attack on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon occurred as the UN Security Council plans to end the peacekeeping mission in 2026. Israeli drones dropped grenades near UN personnel, prompting suspension of operations. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and the planned withdrawal of UNIFIL after nearly 50 years.
-
On September 9, 2025, Israel conducted a rare airstrike in Doha targeting senior Hamas political leaders amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations. The attack, condemned by Qatar and multiple Gulf states, disrupted peace talks and raised regional tensions. Israel claimed the strike was a precise operation against those responsible for the October 2023 attacks on Israel.
-
Israel launched a surprise airstrike in Qatar targeting Hamas leaders, killing at least one senior official and drawing regional condemnation. The attack marks a significant escalation amid ongoing conflict, with Israel asserting independence and the US reportedly giving a green light. Qatar and Arab nations condemned the strike as a violation of international law.
-
Israel conducted targeted strikes against Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, including in Qatar and Iran, amid ongoing conflict and attempts at ceasefire negotiations. Despite these efforts, Hamas claims its top leaders survived recent Israeli attacks, which have killed several key figures over the past year. The situation remains tense.
-
Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian academic kidnapped in Baghdad in 2023, was released on September 13, 2025, after negotiations involving Iraqi, Lebanese, and Israeli actors. Her release coincided with a broader regional exchange, including Hezbollah and Iraqi prisoners, amid ongoing Middle Eastern tensions.
-
Syrian authorities, with cooperation from intelligence units, arrested a Hezbollah-affiliated terrorist cell in the Damascus countryside. The cell was trained in Lebanon and planned attacks inside Syria, seizing weapons including rockets and anti-tank missiles. The case is now before the judiciary, amid ongoing regional tensions.
-
Lebanese President Aoun and French officials discuss disarmament of Hezbollah, security plans, and international support amid ongoing Israeli strikes. France supports Lebanon's reforms and aid conferences, but Israeli military actions hinder disarmament progress. Regional tensions escalate as Lebanon seeks stability.
-
On September 17, 2024, Hezbollah suffered a major cyber and physical attack by Israel, involving thousands of booby-trapped communication devices. The attack caused over 40 deaths and thousands of injuries, deeply impacting Lebanon. Survivors now demonstrate resilience, while investigations continue into Israel's technological superiority and the broader conflict's escalation.
-
Recent clashes in northern Syria have resulted in civilian casualties amid ongoing tensions between the Syrian government, Kurdish-led forces, and pro-Turkey factions. Reports indicate shelling and drone strikes targeting SDF positions, with civilians caught in the crossfire. The situation reflects unresolved political disputes and military confrontations along front lines.
-
Hezbollah's deputy leader Naim Qassem urged Saudi Arabia to open a new page, emphasizing that the group's weapons are solely aimed at Israel. He highlighted regional tensions following recent Israeli strikes and called for Lebanese unity and dialogue with Riyadh, amid ongoing conflicts and US-backed pressures.
-
Irish-language rap group Kneecap has been barred from entering Canada and faces legal action in the UK over allegations of supporting terrorist organizations. The band denies support for violence, citing political expression and their pro-Palestine stance. The bans follow accusations of glorifying groups like Hezbollah and Hamas amid ongoing conflicts.
-
Israeli forces continue intense military operations in Gaza, with widespread strikes and evacuations. Over 76 Palestinians have been killed since Friday, as Israel pushes into Gaza City. Civilians face mounting danger amid ongoing fighting, with thousands fleeing and hospitals under threat. The situation remains dire and complex today, Sat, 27 Sep 2025.
-
Israeli military strikes in southern Lebanon have killed at least five civilians, including three children, amid ongoing tensions despite a ceasefire. Lebanon condemns the attacks as violations of international law, while Israel claims they targeted Hezbollah operatives. The violence raises concerns over the fragile ceasefire and regional stability.
-
Despite a ceasefire in November 2024, Israel continues near-daily airstrikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, causing civilian casualties and damage. Recent attacks include strikes on villages, infrastructure, and Hezbollah sites, with civilian deaths including U.S. citizens. UN peacekeepers report Israeli grenades near their personnel, highlighting ongoing tensions.
-
A year after Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and his successor, the group remains weakened but is actively regrouping. Despite heavy losses and international pressure to disarm, Hezbollah vows to maintain its weapons and resist Israeli threats, signaling ongoing tensions in Lebanon and the region.
-
On September 26, 2025, a UK court dismissed terrorism charges against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, aka Mo Chara of Northern Irish rap group Kneecap, due to a procedural error. He was charged for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a 2024 London concert, but the charge was filed after the six-month legal limit. The ruling sparked cheers and highlighted debates on free speech amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
-
On September 26-27, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a contentious speech at the UN General Assembly, met by a mass walkout organized by the Palestinian Authority and allies. Netanyahu condemned Western recognition of a Palestinian state, vowed to continue military operations in Gaza, and addressed hostages held by Hamas. Iran-backed Hezbollah marked the anniversary of leader Nasrallah's death amid calls for regional unity against Israel.
-
Recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon have targeted Hezbollah weapons depots, killing civilians and escalating tensions. Hezbollah vows to keep its weapons, amid ongoing Israeli military presence and Lebanese disarmament efforts. The situation remains volatile, with potential for further conflict.
-
Since the ceasefire in November 2024, Israel has maintained near-daily airstrikes targeting Hezbollah sites and infrastructure in Lebanon. Recent attacks have resulted in civilian casualties, displacement, and damage to civilian infrastructure, despite international calls for a durable truce and respect for humanitarian law. The UN reports over 100 civilian deaths since the ceasefire.
-
Britain is exploring indirect talks with Hezbollah in Lebanon to persuade the group to disarm and integrate into the state, amid ongoing tensions and recent Israeli strikes. The UK proposes deploying a diplomat to facilitate dialogue, reflecting broader international efforts to address Lebanon's security challenges post-2024 war.
-
Two years after Hamas's attack on Israel, the conflict has intensified with Israel's offensive killing over 67,000 Palestinians and displacing most of Gaza's population. Indirect peace talks are ongoing in Egypt, but deep divisions persist, especially over hostages and disarmament. Memorials honor victims amid ongoing violence.
-
Pope Leo will undertake his first overseas trip since his election, visiting Turkey from 27-30 November and Lebanon from 30 November to 2 December. The trip will include a pilgrimage to Iznik for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea and aims to promote peace and dialogue in the Middle East amid ongoing conflicts.
-
UK prosecutors are appealing a court decision to dismiss terrorism charges against rapper Liam O'Hannaidh, after a technical error in the charge. The case involved displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London concert, with ongoing debates over legal and political implications.
-
Syria and Lebanon are making progress on judicial and security cooperation, including discussions on detainees, border security, and missing persons. High-level visits signal a shift towards improved relations after years of tension, with ongoing efforts to address key issues and rebuild trust between the two neighbors.
-
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have killed at least two people, including a Hezbollah logistics chief, and targeted infrastructure linked to the group. Despite a ceasefire, Israel continues strikes claiming they prevent Hezbollah's military rebuilding. Lebanon condemns these actions as violations of the ceasefire agreement.
-
A ceasefire brokered by US President Trump has temporarily halted hostilities in Gaza, but key issues remain unresolved. Disagreements over Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawal, and governance threaten the durability of peace. Leaders signed a declaration in Egypt, but future stability depends on implementation of complex conditions.
-
On October 26, 2025, at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, US President Donald Trump co-signed a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia to end deadly border clashes. The deal includes military de-escalation, removal of heavy weapons, prisoner release, and ASEAN observer deployment. Despite the truce, core territorial disputes remain unresolved, and tensions persist amid trade negotiations and regional diplomacy.
-
Former President Trump claims direct involvement in Israel's attacks on Hezbollah and discusses the recent Gaza ceasefire. He emphasizes the importance of regional respect for the US presidency and criticizes current policies, including Iran's nuclear progress and Israeli annexation plans, while asserting his influence on Middle East diplomacy.
-
A series of incidents involving Israeli drones and military fire near UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon have heightened tensions. UN and French officials condemned the actions, which included drone reconnaissance, grenade drops, and tank fire, amid ongoing Israeli military activity and Lebanese disarmament pressures. No injuries reported.
-
Israeli forces entered Blida, Lebanon, killing municipal worker Ibrahim Salameh during a raid aimed at Hezbollah infrastructure. Lebanon condemned the attack, with the Lebanese army and Hezbollah calling for stronger responses. Israeli strikes also targeted southern Lebanon, breaching the ceasefire agreement amid ongoing tensions.
-
Despite a ceasefire in November 2024, Israel maintains troops in southern Lebanon and conducts regular strikes against Hezbollah. Israel demands Lebanon disarm the group, citing ongoing threats and recent military actions, including a deadly raid. Lebanon's government faces pressure to enforce disarmament and prevent a renewed front.
-
Since the ceasefire in late October 2023, residents of Nahal Oz have returned amid ongoing fears of future violence. The area remains tense, with damage from rocket attacks and memories of Hamas-led violence, reflecting a fragile peace and deep uncertainty about the future.
-
Israeli military strikes in southern Lebanon have killed two people and injured seven, despite a ceasefire since November 2024. The attacks targeted Hezbollah figures and infrastructure, raising fears of renewed conflict amid ongoing tensions and accusations from Lebanon of Israeli aggression and rejection of peace overtures.
-
Recent events in Gaza include Israeli strikes killing civilians, Hamas locating a soldier's body, and ongoing negotiations over prisoner exchanges. The ceasefire faces violations, border restrictions, and humanitarian challenges, with over 68,800 deaths in two years of conflict. Both sides continue efforts to recover remains and coordinate aid.
-
The US is preparing to establish a military presence in Damascus to support a potential security deal between Syria and Israel, following high-level talks and Syria's strategic realignment with the US. Syrian President Sharaa seeks a security agreement, with US backing, amid ongoing negotiations and regional tensions.
-
Israel launched airstrikes in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah urged the Lebanese government not to negotiate with Israel. The strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, with warnings issued to residents in key towns. Lebanon reports one injury; Israel aims to prevent Hezbollah rearming amid ongoing tensions.
-
Israeli military conducted multiple strikes in southeastern Lebanon, killing three people and wounding several others. The attacks targeted alleged Hezbollah arms smugglers and infrastructure, raising international concern amid ongoing tensions despite a ceasefire. The EU called for restraint and respect for the ceasefire.
-
Iran has transferred nearly $1 billion to Hezbollah in 2025, defying Western sanctions. US officials see this as a key to reducing Iranian influence in Lebanon and the region. Washington is increasing diplomatic and financial pressure to push for Hezbollah disarmament amid ongoing regional tensions.
-
Lebanese authorities are implementing new measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, following US sanctions targeting Hezbollah operatives involved in transferring over $1 billion from Iran. The move aims to improve Lebanon's compliance with international standards and remove it from the FATF grey list, amid ongoing US efforts to disarm Hezbollah and curb its funding.
-
Lebanese military officials oppose Israel's demand for house-to-house searches in southern Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, fearing it could ignite civil unrest. Israel continues strikes targeting Hezbollah rearmament efforts, while Lebanon seeks to avoid escalation and maintain stability amid US and regional pressure.
-
The US has intensified efforts to pressure Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah and curb its funding, amid ongoing clashes with Israel and concerns over Iran-backed financial flows. US officials visited Lebanon and transit countries, emphasizing the need for stronger enforcement against illicit funds, while Lebanon's government claims progress in disarmament talks.
-
Iran's government is relaxing visible social restrictions amid protests, but secretly intensifies political repression. Activists report harassment, arrests, and increased executions, as the regime faces economic and regional crises. The strategy aims to soothe public opinion while suppressing dissent.