Middle East
Lacking storm drains, Dubai sees persistent flooding
When record downpours sent water flooding into his Dubai home, Riaz Haq expected the levels to drop once it stopped raining. But instead of falling, the water kept rising higher
Calls for calm after reported Israeli strike on Iran
World leaders appealed for calm Friday after reported Israeli retaliation against Iran added to months of tense spillover from the war in Gaza, with Iranian state media reporting explosions in a central province
Israel, Iran ready to de-escalate, for now: analysts
The limited nature of Israel’s reported strike on Iran and the restrained immediate Iranian reaction shows both sides, in particular Tehran, are looking to de-escalate after weeks of tensions but the situation remains dangerously explosive, analysts say.
Iran vs Israel
Iran’s first direct attack on Israel on April 13 has brought renewed focus on their air-defence capabilities as Israeli leaders decide how best to respond. Below is a look at both countries’ air forces and aerial defence systems:
US veto sinks Palestine’s UN membership bid
The United States on Thursday effectively stopped the United Nations from recognising a Palestinian state by casting a veto in the Security Council to deny Palestinians full membership of the world body.
Iran plays down Israeli attacks
Explosions echoed over an Iranian city yesterday in what sources described as an Israeli attack, but Tehran played down the incident and indicated it had no plans for retaliation - a response that appeared gauged towards averting region-wide war.
Tehran signals no retaliation against Israel after drones attack Iran
Explosions echoed over an Iranian city on Friday in what sources described as an Israeli attack, but Tehran played down the incident and indicated it had no plans for retaliation - a response that appeared gauged towards averting region-wide war.
US had advance warning of Israel attack on Iran: media
The United States received advance notice of Israel's reported strike on Iran but did not endorse the operation or play any part in its execution, US media quoted officials as saying
Saudi Arabia to celebrate Eid Wednesday
The first day of Eid will then be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10
Houthi rebels fire missiles at Israeli, British ships
Houthi forces in Yemen said yesterday they had launched rockets and drones targeting a British ship and two Israeli vessels that were heading to Israeli ports, and also at a number of US frigates in the Red Sea.
Gaza’s Shifa hospital ‘an empty shell with graves’
The World Health Organization said that Gaza’s largest hospital had been reduced to ashes by Israel’s latest siege, leaving an “empty shell” with many bodies.
Israeli military reduces troops in southern Gaza
Israel pulled its ground forces out of the southern Gaza Strip yesterday, media reports said, in a partial withdrawal six months into the devastating offensive in the Palestinian enclave.
Enemy to ‘regret’ Guards killings in Syria: Iran
Iran yesterday again threatened retaliation for the deaths of seven Revolutionary Guards in a strike on Damascus, with the army chief saying his country’s enemies will “regret” the killings.
Gaza truce talks to resume today
American, Israeli and Hamas negotiators are expected in Cairo over the weekend in a renewed push for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in a war that reaches the half-year mark today.
Blast kills 7 children in southern Syria
Seven children were killed in southern Syria’s Daraa province yesterday when an “explosive device” detonated, state media reported.
Iran pays homage to 7 Guards killed in Syria strike
Thousands of people chanted against Israel and the United States at yesterday’s funeral for seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members killed in a strike in Syria, which Iran blamed on Israel.
‘Scattered measures’ for Gaza aid not enough
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said yesterday that “scattered measures” for Gaza aid are not enough after Israel told the UN it will allow a “meaningful increase” in aid.
‘Shocking increase’ of children denied aid in conflicts
A growing number of children caught up in armed conflicts around the globe are being denied access to critical humanitarian aid, a United Nations official warned Wednesday, as relief operations come under attack or are blocked by governments.
