LEBANON

BEIRUT — Lebanese and Palestinian officials have agreed to launch a phased plan to disarm Palestinian refugee camps, beginning in mid-June with camps in Beirut, followed by other camps across the country. The agreement came during the first meeting of a newly formed joint committee tasked with addressing conditions in…

BEIRUT — An Israeli security source revealed to Al-Arabiya that Iran-backed Hezbollah is attempting to reestablish its influence in Lebanon by smuggling weapons through Beirut’s airport, seaport, and border crossings. The source claimed the group is trafficking equipment for drones and precision-guided missiles but noted that Hezbollah remains considerably weakened…

BEIRUT — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared Wednesday that all weapons in Lebanon must fall under state control, signaling a rare and unified stance on curbing armed activity in Palestinian refugee camps, long beyond the reach of the Lebanese government.  “There will no longer be…

MAARAB, Lebanon — Lebanese Forces Party leader Samir Geagea met with Chaldean Archbishop Michel Kassarji in Maarab to discuss Lebanon’s latest political developments and the challenges facing the Christian community in the region. The meeting included key figures such as former MP and Assistant Secretary-General for Outreach Imad Wakim, Head…

Zahle, Lebanon — Ibrahim Mrad, President of the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP), extended his congratulations to Dr. Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces party, following the victory of the Heart of Zahle electoral list in the recent municipal elections. Mrad also lauded the Syriac community, describing it as…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a strongly worded communiqué released on Monday, the Washington, D.C.-based World Maronite Union (WMU) praised an impromptu encounter last week between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, a Syriac Maronite, and Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community. Simultaneously, the WMU condemned a subsequent statement…

ZAHLE, Lebanon — The Lebanese Forces and the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) achieved a decisive victory in Zahle’s municipal elections on Sunday, prevailing in Lebanon’s third round of local voting. Their joint electoral list, ‘Heart of Zahle’, triumphed over the rival slate ‘Vision and Decision’ by a margin of…

BEIRUT — Lebanon conducted the third round of municipal elections this week across several key areas, including Zahle, Beirut, Baalbek, Hermel, and Western Bekaa. Voter turnout varied significantly, with Beirut recording the lowest participation rate. In predominantly Shiite regions, opposition groups worked to counter the dominance of the Shiite political…

ZAHLE, Lebanon — Ibrahim Mrad, President of the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP), published a video address on Friday urging residents of Zahle to vote for the “Heart of Zahle” list in the upcoming municipal elections. Mrad framed the vote as a pivotal moment to challenge entrenched corruption, end political…

ZAHLE, Lebanon — As dawn broke over Zahle on 21 May, a newfound sense of optimism filled the air. Long overshadowed by larger sectarian blocs, the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) has emerged as a pivotal force in this year’s municipal election. This rise is highlighted by its historic partnership…