Author: Steven Sahiounie

A senior U.S. defense official informed on Monday evening that the Lebanese Army has been urged to convince the Lebanese government to agree to an unconditional ceasefire. The message stressed the need for an immediate halt to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Meanwhile, the Israeli military launched a ground operation in southern Lebanon early Tuesday. According to the Israeli military, “limited and targeted raids” were initiated on Hezbollah positions near the border, which pose a “direct threat” to Israeli communities in the north. The Israeli Air Force and artillery are actively supporting these operations with precision strikes. A…

Israeli airstrikes targeted the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Sidon, southern Lebanon, on Tuesday, according to media reports. The airstrike specifically hit the home of Munir Maqdah, the commander of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Lebanon. However, Maqdah was not present during the attack. This marks the first strike on the densely populated camp since cross-border hostilities escalated nearly a year ago. Ain al-Hilweh is the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon and houses thousands of displaced people. Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli military announced the start of a ground operation in southern Lebanon. The military confirmed “limited and targeted…

The Israeli military announced early Tuesday that it intercepted a drone over the Mediterranean Sea. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said, “The IDF’s aerial defense system intercepted a drone over the Mediterranean Sea, tens of kilometers off the coast of central Israel.” Israeli media confirmed the interception of a suspicious aerial target off the coast near Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, media outlets close to the Houthi movement in Yemen reported that the Houthis launched a ballistic missile toward Tel Aviv just before the IDF’s interception announcement. This development follows the recent escalation, as Israel initiated a ground incursion…

The Syrian army reported that it successfully intercepted an Israeli aerial attack targeting several locations in the capital city, Damascus. In an official statement, the Syrian military said, “Our air defense systems responded to an Israeli aggression targeting several points in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to nine others, along with significant material damage.” The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) quoted a military source stating that the attack occurred around 2:05 AM and was launched by Israeli warplanes and drones from the direction of the Syrian Golan Heights, aiming at multiple sites in the capital.…

In the early hours of Tuesday, the Israeli military announced the launch of a ground military operation in southern Lebanon. According to a statement from the Israeli army, they have begun limited and targeted raids against Hezbollah positions near the border. These targets, located in villages close to the Israel-Lebanon border, are described as posing a direct threat to civilian populations in northern Israel. Air and Artillery Support The statement also highlighted that the Israeli air force and artillery units are providing support to the ground forces through precise strikes on military targets in the region. The operation, referred to…

The United States is set to announce nearly $336 million in additional humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, according to a statement from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) cited by Reuters on Monday. This funding will help USAID’s partners continue to provide vital humanitarian assistance, including food, healthcare, nutrition, and other essential services. The aid will also offer emergency shelter support for displaced families in Gaza ahead of the winter season. Humanitarian Crisis Worsens in Gaza and the West Bank The statement highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, noting…

Oil prices dropped on Monday, continuing their downward trend for the third consecutive month. This decline comes as the market reacts to expectations of increased supply and uncertainties around global demand, outweighing concerns that escalating Israeli strikes in Lebanon and Yemen could intensify the conflict in the Middle East. As of 11:40 GMT, Brent crude futures for November delivery, expiring today, fell by 66 cents or 0.9% to $71.32 per barrel. The more actively traded December contract dropped 41 cents or 0.6% to $71.13 per barrel. Similarly, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures declined by 51 cents or 0.8% to…

Russia plans to increase its defense budget by nearly 30% in 2025, allocating 13.5 trillion rubles ($145 billion) to military spending. This significant rise in defense expenditure is aimed at funding the ongoing military operation in Ukraine, as reported by AFP. Moscow has ramped up its military spending to levels not seen since the Soviet era, rapidly supplying its army with missiles and drones while offering substantial salaries to hundreds of thousands of soldiers fighting on the front lines. Defense and Security Priorities According to the draft budget, published on the Russian State Duma’s website, defense and security spending will…

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance announced on Monday, in its preliminary budget statement, that the Kingdom expects a deficit of 2.3% of GDP for the fiscal year 2025. According to the budget forecast, Saudi Arabia is projecting total government spending to reach 1.285 trillion riyals ($342 billion), while revenues are anticipated to be 1.184 trillion riyals in 2025. The Kingdom also forecasts 0.8% growth in real GDP for 2024, followed by a stronger 4.6% growth in 2025, signaling an optimistic outlook for economic recovery.

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) will witness the listing of “Space 42” shares, following the successful merger between Bayanat and Yahsat. With the commencement of trading, Space 42 will become one of the largest space technology companies listed on global stock markets. Its leadership in space technologies and geospatial solutions marks a major milestone in the UAE’s space and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM). About Space 42 Space 42 is comprised of two business units: The company’s key shareholders include G42, Mubadala, and International Holding Company (IHC). Space 42 will benefit from strong…