June 24, 2024

*) Israel preparing for multi-front war — Netanyahu https://trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israel-prepared-for-multi-front-war-netanyahu-18176229 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel is preparing to change the situation on its border with Lebanon. Speaking to Israel’s Channel 14 about the possibility of a full-scale war with the Lebanese Hezbollah group, Netanyahu said if necessary, Israeli forces “can fight on several fronts.” Regarding Israel’s war in Gaza, he said the phase of intense fighting is nearing an end, but that the war will not end until Hamas no longer controls the enclave. *) Death toll rises in Russia's Dagestan region after militant attack https://trtworld.com/europe/death-toll-rises-in-russias-dagestan-region-after-militant-attack-18176196 More than 15 policemen and several civilians, including an Orthodox priest, have been killed by armed militants in Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan. The gunmen opened fire on two Orthodox churches, a synagogue and a police post in two cities, according to the authorities. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were declared days of mourning in the region. *) Over 1,300 die in hottest Hajj, mostly unlisted pilgrims — Saudi Arabia https://trtworld.com/middle-east/over-1300-die-in-hottest-hajj-mostly-unlisted-pilgrims-saudi-arabia-18176218 Saudi Arabia has said that more than 1,300 faithful died during the Hajj pilgrimage during intense heat, and most of the deceased did not have official permits. The dead came from more than 10 countries stretching from the United States to Indonesia, and some governments are continuing to update their totals. Diplomats say the cause of death in most cases was heat-related. Temperatures in Mecca this year climbed as high as 51.8 degrees Celsius, according to Saudi Arabia's national meteorological centre. *) Iran, Bahrain signal thaw in relations after years of strain https://trtworld.com/middle-east/iran-bahrain-signal-thaw-in-relations-after-years-of-strain-18176228 Bahrain and Iran have agreed to start talks aimed at resuming diplomatic relations between the two countries. This is according to Bahrain's state news agency. During a meeting in Tehran, the foreign ministers reportedly agreed to establish mechanisms to mend ties after eight years of regional hiatus. And finally… *) UAE to partner with UN to aid Sudan, South Sudan https://www.trtworld.com/africa/uae-to-partner-with-un-to-aid-sudan-south-sudan-18176226 The United Arab Emirates has signed an agreement with the UN World Food Programme to contribute $25 million in emergency food assistance. The assistance will be provided to those directly affected by the crises in Sudan and South Sudan, including refugees and displaced people by the war. Since mid-April 2023, the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been engaged in a war that has killed nearly 15,000 people and displaced around 8.5 million, according to the UN.