Middle East

Damascus International Book Fair opens with Syrian president in attendance

Damascus International Book Fair opens with Syrian president in attendance

57th edition marks first fair since Assad’s fall; President Ahmad al-Sharaa describes event as 'welcome return and a valuable new beginning'

Diary.
Current events in Turkiye and the world, leaders’ schedules and international events will be on the Diary page
UN warns more than 900 Palestinians forcibly displaced in occupied West Bank since start of 2026
05.02.2026

UN warns more than 900 Palestinians forcibly displaced in occupied West Bank since start of 2026

Displacement largely driven by illegal Israeli settler violence, access restrictions by Israel, says spokesperson

7 Palestinian patients evacuated from Gaza to Egypt for medical treatment
05.02.2026

7 Palestinian patients evacuated from Gaza to Egypt for medical treatment

Red Crescent Society says evacuation part of efforts to secure medical care for Palestinian patients outside Gaza

Israel destroyed part of Gaza cemetery containing UK, Australian soldiers: Report
05.02.2026

Israel destroyed part of Gaza cemetery containing UK, Australian soldiers: Report

Satellite images of Gaza war cemetery located in al-Tuffah, Gaza City, reveals significant ground disturbance concentrated in southernmost section of burial site, reports the Guardian

TIMELINE – US-Iran tensions: From 12-day war to current standoff
05.02.2026

TIMELINE – US-Iran tensions: From 12-day war to current standoff

US and Iran will hold negotiations in Oman on Friday after months of escalating rhetoric and military signaling

Israeli airstrikes hit several areas in Lebanon amid continued ceasefire violations
05.02.2026

Israeli airstrikes hit several areas in Lebanon amid continued ceasefire violations

Strikes reported in Jabal al-Reihan, Hermel as attacks hit multiple locations