'Finger on the trigger': Iranian Revolutionary Guards threaten Washington | LIVE

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Tens of thousands of protesters rally against police inaction regarding crime among Arabs in Israel

Tens of thousands of people gathered in northern Israel to protest what they call police inaction in the face of soaring crime within the Arab community in Israel.

People of all ages marched, carrying signs in Hebrew and Arabic and chanting "Arab blood is not cheap," according to an AFP journalist.

At least 20 Arab citizens of Israel, also known as Israeli Arabs or Palestinians of Israel, have been killed since the beginning of the year, and 2025 broke all records with 258 people from this community murdered, according to the NGO Standing Together.

'Finger on the trigger': Iranian Revolutionary Guards threaten Washington

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard commander, Mohammad Pakpour, warned Washington that his forces had “their finger on the trigger” after several weeks of protests and repression in Iran.

He also urged Israel and the United States to “avoid any miscalculation” and learn from their recent war “so as not to suffer a more painful and regrettable fate,” AFP reports.

“The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and our beloved Iran have their fingers on the trigger, more prepared than ever, ready to execute the orders and measures of the Supreme Leader, a leader dearer to them than their own lives,” Pakpour warned, referring to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Another senior Iranian military official, General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, warned that in the event of an attack by the United States, "all American interests, bases and centers of influence" would be "legitimate targets" for the Iranian armed forces.

UN: Over 134,000 displaced in northeastern Syria after clashes between army, SDF

More than 134,000 people have been displaced in northeastern Syria, the U.N. migration agency estimates, following clashes between the army and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) forced to abandon their strongholds.

Over the past three days, the number of displaced people in the Syrian province of Hasakeh "has increased to approximately 134,803 individuals," compared to 5,725 on Sunday, the U.N. agency said in a statement reported by AFP.

Amal Movement's social services 'monitoring situation of families displaced by Israeli strikes the previous day in south Lebanon'

The Amal Movement's social services office has been "monitoring the situation of families displaced by the recent Israeli strikes carried out the previous day in southern Lebanon, which caused the displacement and exodus of many residents," according to a statement from the office.

The office has been working to "meet their basic needs, in coordination with the Southern Council, relevant official authorities, and municipalities."

The statement also adds that "a crisis unit has been established to monitor the situation of families in their places of displacement."

Southern Council inspected damage caused by Israeli airstrikes in Qanarit, Kharayeb, in Saida

A team of engineers from the Southern Council inspects the damage caused by Israeli strikes in the towns of Qanarit and Kharayeb, in the Saida district. (Credit: National News Agency)

Engineering teams from the Southern Council inspected the damage caused by Israeli airstrikes in the towns of Qanarit and Kharayeb, in the Saida district, this morning and provided food rations, mattresses, pillows, and blankets for those affected.

In a statement, the Southern Council office announced that its teams conducted a comprehensive survey and detailed assessment of the damage caused by the strikes, in preparation for a report to be submitted to the relevant authorities.

Other teams simultaneously prepared and packaged food rations and bedding, which will be delivered to the Ghazieh municipality for distribution to residents displaced from their homes by the strikes.

Nearly 300 journalists killed in Gaza since October 202

The deaths of three more journalists in an Israeli attack have raised the total number of media workers killed in Gaza to 293 since October 2023, according to Al Jazeera.

Photojournalists Anas Ghunaim, Abdul Ra’ouf Shaath and Mohammad Qeshta were documenting events in central Gaza when they were killed, colleagues and medical officials said.

Syria: 'We are not abandoning the Kurds,' says France

France is “not abandoning the Kurds” in Syria, the French Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson said, stressing that Paris remains “committed” to supporting a Syria that includes all minorities, AFP reported.

“We are not abandoning the Kurds; we know what we owe them. They are our brothers in arms,” said Pascal Confavreux, as Kurdish forces face advances by the Syrian army in the northeast, with President Ahmad al-Sharaa seeking to extend his authority across the country.

Kurdish forces played a key role alongside the U.S.-led international anti-jihadist coalition in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria.

Infant dies of hypothermia in Gaza as Israeli shelling kills 4

Palestinian Civil Defense says an infant has died from hypothermia amid a cold snap in central Gaza. Separately, a source at al-Shifa Hospital told Al Jazeera Arabic that Israeli artillery shelling killed at least four people east of Gaza City.

Gaza: Hamas condemns US sanctions on Palestinian organizations

Hamas on Thursday described as “unjust” the United States’ decision to sanction Palestinian organizations accused by Washington of links to the Islamist movement, according to a statement cited by AFP.

“We strongly condemn the decision of the U.S. Treasury Department and consider these measures abusive and unjust,” Hamas said, denouncing what it called attacks on the Palestinian “national struggle.”

On Wednesday, the United States announced sanctions against six charitable organizations operating in the Gaza Strip, saying they “claim to provide medical care for Palestinian civilians but in reality support Hamas’s armed wing,” the al-Qassam Brigades.

The sanctions also target an organization that supported civilian flotillas opposing the Israeli blockade, which Washington accuses of being affiliated with Hamas.

The measures include freezing all assets held in the United States by the individuals and entities concerned and banning U.S. citizens and companies from doing business with them, under threat of penalties.

Hamas, which the United States and the European Union designate as a terrorist organization, called on Washington to reverse its decision.

Trump highlights Gaza’s ‘beautiful piece of property’

After Jared Kushner called for investments in Gaza, Donald Trump returned to the lectern for closing remarks, riffing on Gaza’s real estate: “Look at this location by the sea, look at this beautiful piece of property,” he said, suggesting that people living poorly today will soon live much better.

Israeli stun grenade in Mais-al Jabal

An Israeli drone launched a stun grenade in a neighborhood of Meais al-Jabal, in the Marjayoun district, our correspondent reports

Trump highlights Gaza, Hezbollah at Board of Peace signing

In a nearly 20-minute speech before signing the Board of Peace charter, President Trump outlined his priorities and achievements:

• Promised Gaza would be “demilitarized and beautifully rebuilt,” claiming the U.S. maintained the cease-fire and delivered record humanitarian aid, despite ongoing violence and aid restrictions.
  
  
• Said the world is “richer, safer, and much more peaceful” under his second term, citing conflicts he claims to have resolved.
  
  
• Pointed to Hezbollah in Lebanon as the next focus: “We have to do something about that.”
  
  
• Criticized the U.N., joking it has “tremendous potential” but he never consulted it on conflicts he addressed.
  
  
• Bragged about the U.S. economy and a “sweeping turnaround” in his first year back in office.

Kushner calls for investment in Gaza development plans

Jared Kushner detailed the Board of Peace’s development plans for Gaza, focusing on security and economic growth but without mentioning a path toward a Palestinian state.

“Security is the number one priority… without it, nobody will invest or build,” Kushner said, stressing the need for jobs and investment. He described using “free market principles” to reduce Gaza’s reliance on foreign aid.

Kushner shared a map dividing Gaza into “residential” and “coastal tourism” zones and showed plans for 100,000 new homes in Rafah and high-rise towers in “New Gaza,” highlighting the area’s valuable waterfront property.

Gaza’s Rafah crossing to reopen next week

Gaza’s border with Egypt will reopen next week after being mostly closed during the Israel-Hamas war, Palestinian leader Ali Shaath announced Thursday via video at Davos.

Shaath, backed by Washington to administer Gaza, called the crossing a “lifeline” for Palestinians.

The reopening fulfills a key part of the October cease-fire brokered by Trump.

Israel, which controls over half of Gaza including areas near Rafah, has not yet commented.

Trump says Iran wants to talk 'and we'll talk'

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday at the launch of his so-called Board of Peace in Davos that Iran wants to hold talks with the United States, and that Washington was willing to do so.

Trump recalled that the United States had struck Iranian uranium enrichment sites last year to prevent Tehran from making a nuclear weapon.

"Can't let that happen," he said. "And Iran does want to talk, and we'll talk."

Trump launches ‘Board of Peace’ amid Gaza cease-fire worries

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday launched his Board of Peace, initially aimed at ending the Gaza war but now intended to tackle broader global conflicts. Trump, who will chair the board, invited dozens of world leaders, though some traditional allies — including France, Britain, and China — have declined or not yet committed.

The board, endorsed by a U.N. Security Council resolution as part of Trump’s Gaza plan, includes 35 countries so far, such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Turkey, and Belarus. Israel and Hungary, close Trump allies, have also signed up, and Israeli PM Netanyahu has accepted the invitation.

Palestinian factions back the initiative and a transitional committee for Gaza.

Trump said the board will work with the U.N., despite concerns from some European countries that it could rival or undermine the organization. The signing ceremony took place in Davos, during the World Economic Forum.

The Gaza cease-fire, agreed in October, continues to falter, with both Israel and Hamas blaming each other for ongoing violence and humanitarian issues. Trump described the truce as “peace in the Middle East” while signaling the board will help address long-term challenges including Hamas disarmament and Gaza security.

US and Denmark to renegotiate 1951 Greenland defense pact

The United States and Denmark will renegotiate a 1951 defense pact on Greenland, a source familiar with talks between President Donald Trump and NATO chief Mark Rutte told AFP Thursday.

The source said that European allies would also step up Arctic security, but insisted that placing American bases on Greenland under U.S. sovereignty had not been discussed.

Iraq to prosecute IS prisoners transferred from Syria

Iraq announced Thursday that it will launch legal proceedings against Islamic State (IS) prisoners transferred from Syria. The move follows a U.S.-led operation to relocate 7,000 detainees.

“The Iraqi judiciary will initiate appropriate legal procedures against the accused, who will be held in the proper detention facilities,” said the Supreme Judicial Council, according to AFP.

A man looks at the rubble in Qennarit, southern Lebanon, the day after Israeli raids targeted several villages, Jan. 22, 2025. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'Orient-Le Jour)

Syrian army besieges Koban amid power and water outages

Illustration by Enzo Quenescourt

The Syrian army has been besieging Koban (Ain al-Arab), where Kurdish YPG fighters are defending the city.

A power outage and water cut followed the capture of Tishrin dam, and internet is down after a transformer was seized.

Thousands of villagers have fled to the city center, sleeping in streets, schools, and mosques. Nearby Sarrin fell to government forces, and clashes continue in Hasakah despite a four-day cease-fire.

'There’s a problem with Hezbollah, and we’ll see what happens there', says Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned Hezbollah on Wednesday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, repeating that it is a “problem,” while once again remaining vague, as Lebanon still fears a major Israeli offensive on its territory.

“There’s a problem with Hezbollah, and we’ll see what happens there” he said, in response to a question about the future of the Gaza Strip. The statement echoes one he made at the end of December, following his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“I think we have peace in the Middle East. There are still some little situations like Hamas, and Hamas has agreed to give up their weapons. You know, they were born with a weapon in their hand, so it’s not easy. We’re going to know over the next two or three days, certainly overthe next three weeks, whether they do it or not. If they don’t do it they’ll be blown away very quickly,” the president said, before mentioning Hezbollah.

“There are these little flames, but now there is peace in the Middle East,” he added, asserting that Iran “was the bully of the Middle East” and thanks to U.S. strikes on nuclear facilities, this is no longer the case.

A Lebanese soldier inspects the wreckage of a vehicle at the site of an Israeli airstrike in the Zahrani area, southern Lebanon, on Jan. 21, 2026. (Credit: Mahmoud Zayyat/AFP)

As the Israeli army carried out powerful raids in southern Lebanon this Wednesday, the accumulating events point to an increasingly serious threat looming over Lebanon.

Putin and Abbas to hold meeting in Russia

In a statement relayed by news agencies and cited by Reuters, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Wednesday evening that he will discuss with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is scheduled to meet him in Russia on Thursday, the potential use for Palestine of Russian assets frozen by the European Union and its allies as part of the war in Ukraine.

Ahead of that meeting, the Russian president is to meet Thursday with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, tasked with finding a solution to the war Russia has been waging against Ukraine for nearly four years, and to discuss the possible use of these frozen assets to fund reconstruction work in areas affected by the conflict.

Mike Huckabee says the Rafah border crossing will open 'very soon'

The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, stated Thursday that the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will reopen “very soon,” according to Haaretz, citing comments he made on Israel’s public radio station Kan Bet.

The ambassador also said that Israel would not be required to withdraw its forces from the yellow zone it currently controls in Gaza before the deployment of an international stability force.

Since the crossing was closed during the war, Gaza residents have been unable to return — even if they left with Israeli authorization.

Since the fragile cease-fire in Gaza took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, at least 466 Palestinians have been killed and 1,294 others injured, bringing the total death toll of the conflict to 71,551 and the number of wounded to 171,372, according to an update released Tuesday by Gaza health authorities.

Dozens of residents in Kfar Kila protest to return to their homes

Following Wednesday’s airstrikes, dozens of residents of Kfar Kila (Marjayoun district) gathered at the Kfar Roummane roundabout (Nabatieh) to demand that the government allow them to return to their homes, even if they are destroyed.

Traffic under the Salim Salam tunnel in Beirut was also disrupted by young protesters denouncing Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.

Southern Lebanon: Condemnations continue after Wednesday’s series of destructive airstrikes

Following Israel’s particularly destructive airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday evening, a wave of condemnations from officials continues.

In addition to messages from President Joseph Aoun and parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri — who stated that “statements of condemnation are no longer sufficient or effective to protect Lebanon and the Lebanese” — several high-ranking officials, MPs from affected areas, and other figures have reacted.

This includes Abderrahman Bizri, an independent MP from Saida, who warned in a statement about the “serious humanitarian, security, and socio-economic repercussions” of “continued Israeli aggression, particularly in densely populated civilian areas,” calling for “the protection of journalists.”

In Qennarit, in the Saida district, four journalists were slightly injured.

MP Bahia Hariri also criticized Israel in a statement for “not respecting any agreement,” after targeting “civilian populations in villages and towns, causing civilian and journalist casualties,” and causing “destruction and damage to civilian infrastructure.”

On Wednesday evening, the Israeli Air Force also carried out strikes in Syrian territory near the Lebanese-Syrian border to target “four border crossings used by Hezbollah,” according to the Israeli army.

No new strikes have occurred in southern Lebanon since Wednesday evening, according to our correspondent.

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Middle East news

We will bring you the latest updates from Lebanon, where the Israeli army carried out a major series of strikes on Wednesday, mainly in southern Lebanon, injuring at least 19 people, including journalists, and forcing about 50 families to flee.

We are also following events in Gaza, which Israel continues to bomb despite the ongoing truce, as well as in Syria, where the Syrian army is expanding control in the north against Kurdish forces.

We will monitor developments in Iran, where large-scale anti-regime protests have shaken the government for several weeks, and where the repression of dissent has killed thousands, the U.S. continues to leave open the threat of an operation against the Islamic Republic.

Finally, we will follow what is happening in Yemen and other countries in the region.

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