English LCCC Newsbulletin For Lebanese, Lebanese Related, Global News & Editorials
For February 28/2025
Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani
#elias_bejjani_news

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Bible Quotations For today
Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also
Luke 12/33-40: Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on February 27-28/2025
Khamies El Sakra -“Drunkards Thursday”, Maronite Tradition/Elias Bejjani/February 272025
In Response to MP Sami Gemayel’s Speech in Parliament: No Dialogue, No Deals, No Lifelines for Hezbollah Before Implementing All UN Resolutions/Elias Bejjani/February 27, 2025
Walid Jumblatt, the politician, is nothing more than an actor who dutifully follows the orders of the director and producer in any theatrical performance./Elias Bejjani/February 26/2025
Text & Video: Exposing Hezbollah’s Lies and Mythical Victories: Neither Did It Liberate the South in 2000, Nor Did It Win the 2006 War/Elias Bejjani / February 25, 2025
Stop, Abu Malhem rotten & Dhimmitude approaches.There Are Still Six Years Left/Father Maroun Al-Sayegh/February 27/ 2025
Israel says Hermel strike targeted 'significant' Hezbollah member
Israel military says struck Hezbollah 'observation post' in South Lebanon
Israel says has US green light to keep its troops on 5 Lebanese hills
Aoun says Lebanon 'deserves a period of recovery'
Israel considered attacking Nasrallah's funeral, says Halevi
Bassil calls for fully abolishing sectarianism, not only in politics
Saudi crown prince congratulates Salam on new government
Israel says Hermel strike targeted 'significant' Hezbollah member
Walid Jumblatt says from Baabda Palace: Israeli plan is to divide the region
2,000 Pine Trees Planted to Restore the Litani Riverbanks/Maroun Chahine/This Is Beirut/February 17/2025
Lebanon's unpaid electricity debt: Will Lebanon finally honor its fuel agreement with Iraq?
Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar holds meetings with ambassadors of the US, Egypt, Jordan, and EU
The Airport Incident and UNIFIL Assault: A Growing Number of Arrests
President Aoun in KSA: Will He Succeed in Restoring Bilateral Ties?/Natasha Metni Torbey/This Is Beirut/February 17/2025

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on February 27-28/2025
More than 1,000 Syrians died in airport prison under Assad, report says
Libya’s Haftar meets French President Macron in Paris
4 dead Israelis, hundreds of Palestinians return home in latest exchange
Who are the Palestinian prisoners released in exchange for Israeli hostages?
BBC apologizes over Gaza documentary narrated by son of Hamas figure
Israel car ramming attack wounds 13 people at bus stop
Israeli official says the army won’t withdraw from a Gaza corridor in potential jolt to truce
Israel has shown ‘unprecedented disregard for human rights’ in Gaza, UN human rights chief says
Israel says to have ‘safety restrictions’ at Al-Aqsa for Ramadan
Ocalan calls for PKK to drop weapons, be dissolved
Trump says he trusts Putin, as UK PM pushes Ukraine guarantees
Putin warns Europe against sabotaging US-Russia rapprochement

Titles For The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources on February 27-28/2025
Trump's Home Run: Neutralize Hamas, Qatar, Houthis, Iran/Lawrence A. Franklin/Gatestone Institute/February 27, 2025
The priorities for rebuilding Syria’s economy/Dr. Majid Rafizadeh/Arab News/February 27, 2025
Syria’s National Dialogue Conference a good start/Dr. Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg/Arab News/February 27, 2025
Europe must wake up to hard power reality/Khaled Abou Zahr/Arab News/February 27, 2025
The urgent need for Arab unity/Hani Hazaimeh/Arab News/February 27, 2025

The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on February 27-28/2025
Khamies El Sakra -“Drunkards Thursday”, Maronite Tradition
Elias Bejjani/February 272025
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/02/115838/
Today, Thursday, February 08/2024, the Catholic Maronites in Lebanon celebrate a tradition, and not a religious event. A tradition they call “Drunkards Thursday,” which is the day that falls before the beginning of the forty-day fasting ritual – the Lent, that begins on the Ash Monday.
In past years, Maronite families, particularly in the mountainous areas, used to gather on this day at the dinner table to pray, meditate, and thank God for His blessings and gifts. They used to gather to thank the Lord for His gifts, and to supplicate for His blessings and approval before they start the Lent fasting, and before the start of austerity and prayers in preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and his ascension to heaven.
The “Drunkards Thursday”, is neither a Maronite, nor a Christian holiday. Rather, it is a tradition that many of our people no longer celebrate, even if they remember it.
Historically, “drunkards Thursday” is an old tradition, and we do not know in any era of time it existed, and who created it, but it was certainly practiced in our mountains every year on the Thursday before the beginning of the forty-days fasting ritual – The Lent. There is very little information written about it in the books of Lebanese history and the Maronite church records (synaxarium).
Some historical records say that the Maronites used to drink wine and Arak (Ozo) on this day, as a token of joy and partnership between parents and families during their blessed gatherings around the dinner table, as a replicate, concept and symbolism of the secret and last supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples, in a religious bid to give thanks to God for His blessings and gifts that He bestowed upon them.

In Response to MP Sami Gemayel’s Speech in Parliament: No Dialogue, No Deals, No Lifelines for Hezbollah Before Implementing All UN Resolutions
Elias Bejjani/February 27, 2025
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/02/140653/
In times of crises and catastrophes, true leadership requires vision, along with a clear sense of priorities. Given the tragic state Lebanon is in today, what is needed is not pointless dialogues, humiliating compromises, fake embraces, or absurd theatrics. The priority must be the complete eradication of Hezbollah’s terrorist and occupying cancerous status in all its forms—civil, cultural, and military.
To be clear, the issue is Hezbollah, not the honorable Shiite community, which the party has been taken hostage, suppressing its will through force, money, and sectarian indoctrination.
The first step must be the full implementation of international resolutions, including all provisions of the ceasefire agreement, the restoration of state authority from Hezbollah’s mini-state, and the prosecution of Hezbollah alongside legal action against Iran in international courts to demand reparations for the destruction and devastation it has inflicted upon Lebanon.
Only after these priorities are met can the Lebanese people—freely and under international supervision—engage in discussions about the Lebanon they envision and the system that preserves their religious, ethnic, historical, cultural, and civilizational diversity.
As for those whose priorities seem misguided for whatever reason, let us remind them with goodwill that "Abu Melhem," the symbol of compromises, deals, and power-sharing, is long dead and buried.
And finally, it is a great injustice, wrapped in ignorance, to equate the different eras of Lebanese crises since independence—between those who were martyred to preserve Lebanon as a state, with its identity, people, freedoms, laws, and coexistence, and those who, through force, terrorism, invasions, and with the support and funding of foreign powers, sought to annex Lebanon to Syria, turn it into an alternative Palestine, and a subordinate state under the rule of the Iranian Mullahs' Wilayat al-Faqih.

Walid Jumblatt, the politician, is nothing more than an actor who dutifully follows the orders of the director and producer in any theatrical performance.
Elias Bejjani/February 26/2025
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/02/140633/
Mr. Walid Jumblatt, who recently rushed to Syria after the fall of the criminal Assad regime to meet Farouk Al-Sharaa in a desperate attempt to appease him—with no regret to all his previous rhetoric—will be the first to sprint toward neighboring Tel Aviv, throwing away the Palestinian keffiyeh, should President Trump and the Arabian Gulf states take serious steps toward imposing a peace agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Jumblatt moves with the tide, tramples those who fall, and glorifies those in power. Meanwhile, he spends his time idly by the riverbanks, orchestrating and contemplating moments of abandonment and transcendence. This is Walid Jumblatt. This is how he has always been, and this is how he shall remain... very acrobatic....Highly agile and adaptable...Opportunistic and chameleon-like. He is a replicate for the majority of the rotten Lebanese politicians...All are cut from the same garment.

Elias Bejjani/Text & Video: Exposing Hezbollah’s Lies and Mythical Victories: Neither Did It Liberate the South in 2000, Nor Did It Win the 2006 War
Elias Bejjani / February 25, 2025
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/02/140565/
Hezbollah’s leaders, members, officials, and religious figures falsely claim to be the most honorable, intelligent, pure, and devout people. Yet, they have never been ashamed of their absolute, public, and brazen subservience to Iran’s rulers and the doctrine of the Supreme Leader (Iranian Guardianship of the Jurist/Velayat-e faqih). In this doctrine, there is no allegiance to Lebanon as a state, its constitution, or its borders—just as is the case with the followers of this religious ideology in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Their only and absolute loyalty is to Iran.
In reality, they live in a delusional state, feeding on fantasies, hallucinations, and daydreams, completely detached from the reality of military and scientific capabilities—whether their own or those possessed by Israel, the United States, and the Western nations they label as "the Great Satan" (America), "the Little Satan" (Israel), and "infidels" (any country not under their control). This hostile culture of betrayal, division, and slander has never ceased since Iran and Hafez al-Assad’s regime established Hezbollah in 1982. During Syria’s occupation of Lebanon, Hezbollah was handed control over Shiite-populated areas through force and terror. One of the bloodiest milestones was the battle of Iqlim al-Tuffah in March 1988, where Hezbollah eradicated the Amal Movement’s military presence, killing more than 1,200 fighters, and leaving thousands wounded and maimed, thus ending Amal’s military existence and subjugating it entirely to Hezbollah’s Iranian agenda. Hassan Nasrallah, Hashem Safieddine, Naim Qassem, Nabil Qaouq, Mohammad Raad, Hussein Mousawi, and the rest of the leaders of this misguided faction—both the living and the dead—deluded themselves into believing that their Persian empire project was within reach. Yet, this illusion is collapsing under relentless blows, their leaders are being eliminated, their strongholds are being destroyed, and their so-called "supportive environment"—which is in fact a hostage population—is turning against them.
Hezbollah, its members—whether civilian, military, or clerical—do not belong to Lebanon, to Arab identity, or to any nation. They are entirely detached from reality and from all that is humane. They have built castles of illusions, locked themselves inside, hearing only their own voices and seeing only their own reflections. To them, anyone different is nonexistent, and in their extremist ideology, the blood of Lebanese, Syrians, and Arabs is permissible.
With every crime, explosion, assassination, and defeat, their arrogance and impudence only increase. They are indifferent to the suffering of others, taking sadistic pleasure in it, celebrating tragedies by distributing sweets. They have taken their own sect hostage, turning its youth into cannon fodder for Iran’s reckless wars in Syria, Yemen, and beyond. They believe they can humiliate and subjugate the Lebanese people, forgetting that Lebanon, a civilization over 7,000 years old, has crushed, expelled, and humiliated all invaders and outlaws like them. The last of these was Assad’s army, which was disgracefully expelled in 2005. Hezbollah is practically finished at the hands of Israel, backed by Arab and Western powers. It will not rise again. The unprecedented human and economic losses it has inflicted on Lebanon’s Shiite community guarantee that, once the Lebanese state regains its sovereignty, the people will turn against Hezbollah and reject it.
For this reason, all those involved in public affairs—especially in the Lebanese Diaspora—must understand that any Lebanese, whether expatriate or resident, who supports or collaborates with Hezbollah under any pretext is an enemy of Lebanon, its sovereignty, identity, and independence.
The Myth of "Liberating" the South and "Victory" in the 2006 War
The terrorist-Jihadist Hezbollah that claims to be a resistance and liberation movement has never been either of the two, but merely a military Iranian proxy. The narrative of the "liberation of the south" in 2000 is nothing but a colossal lie, as Israel withdrew from Lebanon by an internal decision, after its presence became costly and futile, and Hezbollah did not play a decisive role in that. As for the 2006 war, the results were catastrophic for Lebanon, where more than 1,200 Lebanese were killed, infrastructure was destroyed, and the Shiite environment was completely devastated. Hezbollah did not achieve any victory, but all of Lebanon emerged defeated and destroyed... and the, the catastrophic, the disastrous, and the complete defeat of its foolish  recent war against Israel in support of Hamas in Gaza, has led to its end and to the entire world standing behind the necessity of implementing international resolutions related to Lebanon 1559, 1680, and 1701, which stipulate its disarmament, the dismantling of its military institutions, and the extension of Lebanese state authority by its own forces over all Lebanese territories, and confining the decision of war and peace to the Lebanese state alone.
Based on well-documented Lebanese, Arab, Israeli, and international facts, Hezbollah neither liberated the South nor won the 2006 war. It is certainly not a resistance movement nor an opposition force. It is, in fact, Lebanon’s foremost enemy, as well as that of all Arabs. It must be dealt with accordingly, along with all its allies—politicians, parties, officials, and clerics. Any other approach is sheer foolishness and self-deception. 
In conclusion, Hezbollah has destroyed Lebanon, impoverished its people, displaced them, and turned the country into an arms depot and a launch pad for Iran’s futile wars.
Lebanon can only be saved by dismantling Hezbollah, disarming it, arresting its leaders, and holding them accountable for the devastation they have inflicted on the nation.

Stop, Abu Malhem rotten & Dhimmitude approaches.There Are Still Six Years Left
Father Maroun Al-Sayegh/February 27/ 2025
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/2025/02/140683/
In a single zoom…
They called it dialogue.
They tried to pump oxygen into a corpse.
No dialogue before disarmament and the implementation of international resolutions.
Excuse us, but go consult your own people first.
Check with the silent majority within your own community.
Stop, Abu Malhem rotten & Dhimmitude approaches.
Stop the presidential battle—there are still six years left.
And today is Drunkards’ Thursday, not Remembrance Thursday.
So, let all the sovereignists sing with Fairuz:
“And I hold in my hand your full glass,
Raise it high, to the place where time stands still,
And drink in your name, glory to Lebanon.”
Cheers uncle cheere
(Free translation by: Elias Bejjani)

Israel says Hermel strike targeted 'significant' Hezbollah member
Agence France Presse/February 17/2025
IThe Israeli military said an air strike it carried out Wednesday targeted a "significant" Hezbollah militant in Lebanon, where state media reported one person killed and another wounded. "A short while ago, the IAF (air force) conducted a precise and intelligence-based strike on a significant Hezbollah terrorist in the 4400 Unit in the area of Qasr in Lebanon," the military said in a statement. It later identified the target as Mahran Ali Nasser al-Din, saying he was killed in the raid. "Mahran Ali Nasser Al-Din played a significant role in Hezbollah's weapons smuggling operations, and he was directly involved in coordinating with smugglers operating along the Syria-Lebanon border," the military added. Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported that "an enemy drone targeted a vehicle on the Hermel-Qasr road, leaving one dead and one wounded" in the northeast of the country. The attack came a day after Israel said it had "struck Hezbollah terrorists" inside a "production and storage facility for strategic weapons".NNA said the Tuesday strike had killed at least two people and wounded two others. More than a year of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel -- initiated by the Lebanese militant group in support of Gaza -- ended with a ceasefire in November that has largely held despite mutual accusations of violations. Hezbollah was significantly weakened and its leadership decimated by the conflict, which included two months of full-scale war during which Israel sent in ground troops. Under the November 27 truce agreement, Israeli forces were to withdraw from southern Lebanon while Hezbollah was to remove its military infrastructure from the area. However, despite a deadline for implementing the truce passing earlier this month, Israeli troops remain in five points deemed "strategic" by the military.

Israel military says struck Hezbollah 'observation post' in South Lebanon
AFP/February 17/2025
The Israeli military said it struck a Hezbollah observation post in South Lebanon on Thursday, calling its presence "a violation of the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon.""Earlier today (Thursday), activity inside an observation post belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization was identified in the area of Aainata in southern Lebanon," the military said in a statement, adding that it "was struck by the IAF (Air Force)."

Israel says has US green light to keep its troops on 5 Lebanese hills
Agence France Presse/February 17/2025
Israel has “received a U.S. green light” to keep its forces on five strategic hills in south Lebanon near Israel’s border, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Thursday. "There is a buffer zone (on the border with Lebanon), it wasn't easy but I stood my ground, and we received a green light from the United States, we gave them a map, and we are staying indefinitely -- this is situation-dependent, not time-dependent," Katz said at a conference, according to a statement issued by his office.

Aoun says Lebanon 'deserves a period of recovery'
Naharnet/February 17/2025
President Joseph Aoun on Thursday congratulated the government, the premier and the ministers on winning parliament’s confidence, while also voicing respect for those who withheld their confidence. “Opposition in our democratic parliamentary system is a right, duty, necessity and responsibility,” Aoun said. Lauding “the unifying national stances in terms of openness to the principle of dialogue and acknowledging the state’s authority in the grand national causes,” the president said “the constitution and the inaugural speech represent a roadmap for building the new Lebanon and a real state.”
Reiterating that “Lebanon has grown tired of the wars of others on its land,” and of “the wrangling between its politicians and officials,” Aoun said the country “has the right to take a period of recovery, politically, economically and security-wise.”
“We have put things on the right track and we hope everyone will unify their efforts and cooperate to achieve the common goal, which is building the new state,” the president added. “The world is waiting for us and we must prove to it that we have become capable of managing the country’s assets in a way containing a lot of transparency and fairness, in a manner that preserves everyone’s dignity and restores confidence between citizens and their state and also between Lebanon and the world,” Aoun went on to say.

Israel considered attacking Nasrallah's funeral, says Halevi
Naharnet/February 17/2025
Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi hinted before Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's funeral on Sunday that the Israeli army was considering an attack on the event, Israel’s Channel 14 has reported. "I'll be in the car outside for 10-15 minutes, in consultation. Want to guess about what? About Nasrallah's funeral -- we're undecided," a smiling Halevi told the cadets at the 1st Infantry Division. Halevi then asked the audience: "What are we undecided about?" The answer was: "To attack." Halevi smiled and added: "You understand. Who's in favor?"
Four Israeli planes flew twice at a very low altitude over the funeral on Sunday, creating a rumbling noise over the event and across Beirut and its suburbs, as tens of thousands attended Nasrallah's funeral at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium near the capital.
As the warplanes returned for a second round of mock raids over the funeral and the capital, Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said they were sending a "clear message" to anyone threatening Israel. "Israeli Air Force planes currently flying over Beirut during the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah are sending a clear message: Anyone who threatens to destroy Israel and attacks Israel -- this will be their end," Katz said in a statement. Nasrallah was killed in a massive Israeli strike in the southern suburbs of Beirut in September when over 80 tons of bombs were dropped on Hezbollah’s headquarters. Many Hezbollah officials and members, a number of civilians and a senior Iranian general were also killed in the attack. Israel also assassinated Nasrallah’s successor Sayyed Hashem Safieddine in a similar fashion a few days later.

Bassil calls for fully abolishing sectarianism, not only in politics
Naharnet/February 17/2025
Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil has addressed Prime Minister Nawaf Salam by saying that “broad administrative decentralization should be also financial or it cannot exist.”Separately, he said in the same X post that “the constitution stipulated that the mission of the National Commission (for the Abolition of Political Sectarianism) would be proposing methods to fully abolish sectarianism.”“Exclusively abolishing political sectarianism would stand for the hegemony of the numerical majority over the minority,” he warned. He added: “To all Lebanese I say: They all granted the government their confidence and only the FPM has become the opposition.”

Saudi crown prince congratulates Salam on new government
Agence France Presse/February 17/2025
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has congratulated Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on forming a new government, the Gulf kingdom's foreign ministry said Thursday. "The crown prince wished the Lebanese prime minister success and the brotherly Lebanese people further progress and prosperity," the ministry said in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency. Lebanon's parliament passed a vote of confidence on Wednesday in Salam's new government, which faces the task of rebuilding after a recent Israel-Hezbollah war and implementing reforms to revive the country's stalled economy. Salam was picked in mid-January to form a government after lawmakers elected Joseph Aoun as president. The preferred candidate of both Riyadh and Washington, Aoun took office after Hezbollah was badly weakened by its war with Israel and the overthrow of its ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria, shifting Lebanon's balance of power. Saudi Arabia has recently renewed its interest in Lebanese politics after years of keeping its distance over Hezbollah's influence. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan met Aoun in Beirut on January 23, the first visit by a senior Saudi official to Lebanon in nearly 15 years. Under a ceasefire that took effect in November, Hezbollah must remove its military infrastructure from southern Lebanon, while Israeli forces withdraw from the country. Israel has largely completed its withdrawal but said it will remain indefinitely at five strategic locations within Lebanon close to the border.

Israel says Hermel strike targeted 'significant' Hezbollah member
Agence France Presse/February 17/2025
IThe Israeli military said an air strike it carried out Wednesday targeted a "significant" Hezbollah militant in Lebanon, where state media reported one person killed and another wounded. "A short while ago, the IAF (air force) conducted a precise and intelligence-based strike on a significant Hezbollah terrorist in the 4400 Unit in the area of Qasr in Lebanon," the military said in a statement. It later identified the target as Mahran Ali Nasser al-Din, saying he was killed in the raid. "Mahran Ali Nasser Al-Din played a significant role in Hezbollah's weapons smuggling operations, and he was directly involved in coordinating with smugglers operating along the Syria-Lebanon border," the military added. Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported that "an enemy drone targeted a vehicle on the Hermel-Qasr road, leaving one dead and one wounded" in the northeast of the country. The attack came a day after Israel said it had "struck Hezbollah terrorists" inside a "production and storage facility for strategic weapons". NNA said the Tuesday strike had killed at least two people and wounded two others. More than a year of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel -- initiated by the Lebanese militant group in support of Gaza -- ended with a ceasefire in November that has largely held despite mutual accusations of violations. Hezbollah was significantly weakened and its leadership decimated by the conflict, which included two months of full-scale war during which Israel sent in ground troops. Under the November 27 truce agreement, Israeli forces were to withdraw from southern Lebanon while Hezbollah was to remove its military infrastructure from the area. However, despite a deadline for implementing the truce passing earlier this month, Israeli troops remain in five points deemed "strategic" by the military.

Walid Jumblatt says from Baabda Palace: Israeli plan is to divide the region
LBCI/February 17/2025
Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt emphasized that the Israeli plan aims to divide the entire region. Speaking from Baabda Palace, he highlighted the importance of addressing this issue and strengthening Lebanon. He mentioned, "Arab countries have an agenda to provide aid, focusing on reform, and the President has assembled a team to work on this." Jumblatt added, "After a long wait, a new President has been elected, and we are hopeful for the new team. The challenges are significant, and we will support them in facing them."

2,000 Pine Trees Planted to Restore the Litani Riverbanks
Maroun Chahine/This Is Beirut/February 17/2025
The National Authority for the Litani River has begun reforestation efforts on its lands around the Qaraoun lake and dam, planting pine trees. This initiative is part of the implementation of judicial rulings against polluters, which mandate the planting or provision of a certain number of saplings to rehabilitate the area. To date, approximately 2,000 pine trees have been planted. Lake Qaraoun is the largest artificial freshwater reservoir in Lebanon. The lake's environment includes forests, orchards and low-growing shrubs, attracting about 20,000 migratory birds. However, the waters of the lake, as well as the Litani River that feeds it, are suffering from pollution. A technical inspection carried out by the Authority's teams revealed that sewage has flooded agricultural lands and fields, reaching the drains that lead to the Litani River in the town of Jdita, in the Beqaa Valley. The Litani River, the longest river entirely located in Lebanon, stretches over 170 kilometers. It originates in the Beqaa Plain, west of Baalbeck, and flows into the Mediterranean Sea, north of Tyre. Traversing this vital agricultural region, it plays a key role in irrigating lands and supplying water to the country.

Lebanon's unpaid electricity debt: Will Lebanon finally honor its fuel agreement with Iraq?
LBCI/February 17/2025
Iraq has proven to be more lenient toward Lebanon than its own officials.
Despite Lebanon owing nearly $1 billion for fuel that helped operate its power plants, it has failed to pay Iraq for three years. In contrast, Baghdad has been patient and extended the contract for a fourth year. Under the terms of the deal, Lebanon was supposed to compensate Iraq with goods and services, including medical treatments, agricultural products, and other Lebanese exports.  However, in practice, Lebanon has returned little beyond goodwill and empty promises.  The root of the issue lies in Lebanon's failure to implement a payment mechanism. Officials knew all along that Électricité du Liban (EDL) lacked the funds to pay for fuel, given its outdated tariffs and weak collection system. They were also aware that the Banque du Liban (BDL) was unwilling to lend and that the government itself had no financial capacity to cover the costs. Instead of addressing the problem, they resorted to stalling tactics, endless discussions about a payment mechanism, and ultimately, inaction. The electricity sector's mismanagement, political infighting, and lack of transparency have cost Lebanon billions of dollars over decades. This latest episode with Iraq is yet another example of poor governance and short-term thinking. With recent tariff hikes and improved bill collection, EDL now has the financial resources to fulfill its obligations. A payment mechanism prepared by the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL) has been submitted to Iraq for review. If approved, Iraq will receive Lebanese goods and services, while Lebanese suppliers will be compensated in lira at the exchange rate of 89,500 LBP per U.S. dollar, using revenues from the power sector.  Lebanon is under increasing scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.
Any further mismanagement could jeopardize this agreement and undermine future deals with other nations, further damaging Lebanon's credibility on the global stage.

Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar holds meetings with ambassadors of the US, Egypt, Jordan, and EU
LBCI/February 17/2025
Interior and Municipalities Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar received U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson at his office for a courtesy visit, during which they discussed general conditions, particularly security and military forces. He also met with the Egyptian Ambassador to Lebanon, Alaa Moussa, to discuss the latest developments on the domestic and regional fronts, thanking Egypt for its continuous support of Lebanon and its security institutions. Minister Al-Hajjar received Jordanian Ambassador to Lebanon Walid Al-Hadid, and they discussed the bilateral relationship between the two countries in various fields.
Additionally, he met with European Union Ambassador Sandra De Waele for a courtesy visit, during which they discussed cooperation programs.

The Airport Incident and UNIFIL Assault: A Growing Number of Arrests
Youssef Diab/This Is Beirut/February 17/2025
The Directorate of Intelligence and the Internal Security Forces’ Information Division have gathered numerous images, including those captured by television stations and shared across social media. These images clearly document attacks on the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL forces, as well as incidents that endangered civilians traveling to and from Beirut International Airport. These events not only disrupted airport security and logistics but also caused delays to several flights. Some political groups have called for placing the airport road under military control and banning any public or partisan gatherings that could lead to its closure, effectively restricting civilian movement. A security source emphasized that the airport road is a "red line" and that from now on, no one will be allowed to block it or threaten the safety of travelers.
As promised by President Joseph Aoun, the attack on a UNIFIL patrol on the airport road and the burning of one of its vehicles "will not go unpunished." Security and judicial investigations have been launched, and seven individuals have been detained in connection with the incident. Some of the detainees also assaulted Lebanese Army officers and soldiers while carrying out their duties.
A senior judicial source told our sister media outlet Houna Loubnan that the Lebanese Army’s Directorate of Intelligence "is still conducting its initial investigations into the matter, under the direct supervision of Prosecutor General Judge Jamal al-Hajjar." The source confirmed that "the number of detainees has risen to seven, including two minors, with preliminary investigations—supported by evidence, photos and testimonies—confirming their involvement in the acts attributed to them." The source also noted that "security agencies have identified the identities of 11 others and are actively working to track and arrest them."
The closure of the road to Rafic Hariri International Airport has significantly impacted the security and political situation, effectively holding airport passengers hostage. Unrest and disorder spread to the streets and neighborhoods of Beirut, cutting off access to parts of the capital. The chaos evoked scenes from "Black Tuesday" and May 7, 2008, raising concerns that the Ministry of Public Works and Transport’s decision to prevent an Iranian flight from Tehran carrying Lebanese passengers from landing at Beirut Airport was being used as a pretext to destabilize the security situation and undermine the state.
Hezbollah supporters led the protests, sending clear messages of contempt toward the state, particularly targeting the president, the prime minister and the government, while calling for their resignation. These hostile messages also extended beyond Lebanon, with some attempting to direct them internationally through the blatant attack on a UNIFIL patrol, which included the deputy commander of the international forces. Two members of the patrol were injured in the attack and transferred to a military hospital in Beirut for treatment, while four others fled after being beaten and assaulted.
The blatant defiance of the state and its legitimate institutions was further evident in the confrontation with the Lebanese Army as it carried out its mission to restore security and reopen the airport road. This included assaults on army officers and soldiers, as well as deliberate attempts by some protesters to block the road and surround the airport. Some individuals even revealed their identities on television and social media, boasting about their actions. This prompted an immediate response from Lebanese authorities, with Prosecutor General Judge Jamal al-Hajjar issuing judicial orders to security agencies, instructing the swift arrest of the perpetrators.
A judicial source confirmed that the seven detainees are "directly involved in the attack on international forces, including one minor, aged 17, who was arrested in the past few hours and admitted to throwing a Molotov cocktail at a UNIFIL vehicle, which immediately set it on fire."
The source also revealed that the second minor "confessed to joining others in vandalizing a UNIFIL vehicle and seizing some of its equipment." He added, "The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are expected, especially since the Directorate of Intelligence and the Internal Security Forces’ Information Division have gathered numerous images, including those captured by television stations and shared on social media. These images document the attacks on the Lebanese Army and international forces, as well as the endangerment of civilians traveling to and from Beirut International Airport. These actions disrupted security and logistics at the airport and caused several flight delays."While some political groups are calling for the airport road to be designated a military zone and for any public or partisan movements that could lead to its closure to be banned—effectively turning citizens into hostages—a security source who participated in a meeting of the Central Security Council told Houna Loubnan that the airport road is a "red line," and that from now on, no one will be allowed to block it or endanger the lives of travelers. While acknowledging "the right of people to protest and express their anger over any decision, including the ban of Iranian flights from landing at Beirut Airport," the source stressed that "the airport road is an international route and cannot be subject to state blackmail whenever some decide to do so."

President Aoun in KSA: Will He Succeed in Restoring Bilateral Ties?
Natasha Metni Torbey/This Is Beirut/February 17/2025
For his first official visit abroad, President Joseph Aoun will head to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, then to Cairo for an extraordinary Arab League summit two days later.
These visits could mark a turning point in Lebanon's diplomatic relations with the Arab world, particularly with Saudi Arabia, and potentially usher in a new era of bilateral cooperation. Both political and economic expectations are high for the outcomes of these visits.
In recent years, Lebanon's relations with Saudi Arabia have been strained, largely due to foreign interference—especially from Iran—, political decisions by factions like the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), whose former leader, Michel Aoun, forged an alliance with Hezbollah, Iran's main proxy in Lebanon, and the country's instability compounded by corruption.
Today, President Joseph Aoun seeks to redefine Lebanon’s image, presenting a vision of a new Lebanon grounded in the principle of “army, people, state,” as outlined in his inaugural speech. This contrasts with Hezbollah's “army, people, resistance” narrative, which he argues is no longer relevant. This shift also forms the foundation of Nawaf Salam’s government, formed on February 8, which subsequently earned parliamentary confidence after two days of voting.
The Restoration of a Complex but Essential Relationship
This is not Joseph Aoun’s first visit to Saudi Arabia. Prior to his election as president, the former Army Commander visited Riyadh in December 2024, at the invitation of his Saudi counterpart, General Fayad bin Hamed al-Ruwaili. The discussions focused on “cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries, particularly on how Riyadh could support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in addressing the numerous challenges they face, enabling them to fulfill their mission of safeguarding Lebanon's security and stability.”
Caught in an unprecedented security crisis triggered by the war in which Hezbollah has dragged the country against its will, Lebanon is also facing a profound political, economic, and social cataclysm. The country must now confront multiple challenges: first, to rebuild its institutions and emerge from the abyss it has been sinking into since at least 2019; and second, to regain the trust of the regional and international community and secure the promised financial and political support.
This task is made even more difficult by Saudi Arabia’s shift from its former “philanthropist” role to a more pragmatic and cautious approach to aid. Assistance is now carefully measured and contingent upon tangible guarantees from President Joseph Aoun to the Saudi authorities. These conditions are so stringent that, to secure Saudi support, Lebanon must undertake significant reforms.
A Strategic Visit: The Economy at Stake
On Thursday, Mohammad Abou Haidar, Director General of the Ministry of Economy, revealed that 22 agreements are expected to be signed soon, likely during a second visit by President Joseph Aoun to Saudi Arabia. “These agreements are pending legal and logistical adjustments before being finalized and presented to the president,” Abou Haidar explained in an interview with This is Beirut. “Meetings are scheduled with Aoun’s economic advisor and the relevant ministers to facilitate this process,” he added.
The previewed agreements cover a wide array of sectors, including trade cooperation, exhibitions, intellectual property, consumer protection, cereals, environmental issues, agriculture and water, education and higher education, culture (especially with regard to Dar al-Fatwa), housing, information, investment in maritime transport, exports, civil defense, justice, quality systems, customs, military defense, counterterrorism, and combating tax evasion. They also include cooperation between Lebanon's Central Bank (BDL) and the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, as well as between the civil aviation authorities of both countries. “We are optimistic about the resumption of cooperation with the Kingdom, the renewal of Saudi Arabia’s confidence in both Lebanon’s public and private sectors, job creation, and the reduction of unemployment,” emphasized Abou Haidar.
Saudi Arabia was once one of Lebanon’s largest export markets, accounting for roughly 10% of total exports, with trade valued at $700 to $800 million. However, this crucial trade relationship was frozen, particularly in late 2021, after critical remarks by then Lebanese Minister of Information, George Cordahi, regarding Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the Yemen conflict. Initiated in 2014, the conflict pitted the Yemeni government, supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, against rebels backed by Iran.
Amid Lebanon's escalating political and economic crisis, Saudi Arabia imposed a blanket ban on all Lebanese imports. Furthermore, trade between the two nations was further strained by the seizure of Captagon pills hidden in Lebanese vegetables destined for the Kingdom.
Hezbollah’s dominance over Lebanon’s political landscape, coupled with the reluctance of its leaders to implement necessary reforms, further contributed to the deterioration of relations.
Towards the Lifting of Travel Restrictions?
A key issue surrounding Aoun’s visit is the potential gradual lifting of travel restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia in 2021, following the incident with George Cordahi, which severely affected Lebanese citizens. Some sources indicate that the removal of these restrictions could be part of the diplomatic discussions between President Aoun and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia.
With just three days left until Aoun’s visit to Riyadh, observers are questioning: Will this meeting mark the start of a genuine reconciliation between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, or will it be merely a tactical shift from Riyadh? While the trip could open a new chapter in bilateral cooperation, caution is advised. Only tangible results from this meeting will reveal whether Lebanon can overcome its crisis through a renewed alliance with Saudi Arabia.

The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on February 27-28/2025
More than 1,000 Syrians died in airport prison under Assad, report says
Reuters/February 27, 2025
DAMASCUS: More than 1,000 Syrians died in detention at a military airport on the outskirts of Damascus, killed by execution, torture or maltreatment at a site that was widely feared, according to a report to be published Thursday tracing the deaths to seven suspected grave sites. In the report, the Syria Justice and Accountability Center said it identified the grave sites by using a combination of witness testimony, satellite imagery and documents photographed at the military airport in the Damascus suburb of Mezzeh after the ouster of President Bashar Assad in December. Some sites were on the airport grounds. Others were across Damascus. Two of the sites, one on the Mezzeh airport property and another at a cemetery in Najha, show clear signs of long trenches dug during periods consistent with witness testimony from SJAC. Shadi Haroun, one of the report’s authors, said he was among the captives. Held over several months in 2011-2012 for organizing protests, he described daily interrogations with physical and psychological torture intended to force him into baseless confessions. Death came in many forms, he said. Although detainees saw nothing except their cell walls or the interrogation room, they could hear “occasional shootings, shot by shot, every couple of days.”
Then there were the injuries inflicted by their tormentors. “A small wound on the foot of one of the detainees, caused by a whipping he received during torture, was left unsterilized or untreated for days, which gradually turned into gangrene and his condition worsened until it reached the point of amputation of the entire foot,” Haroun said, describing a cellmate’s plight. In addition to obtaining the documents, SJAC and the Association for the Detained and Missing Persons in Sednaya Prison interviewed 156 survivors and eight former members of air force intelligence, Syria’s security service that was tasked with the surveillance, imprisonment and killing of regime critics. The new government has issued a decree forbidding former regime officials from speaking publicly and none were available to comment. “Although some of the graves mentioned in the report had not been discovered before, the discovery itself does not surprise us, as we know that there are more than 100,000 missing persons in Assad’s prisons who did not come out during the days of liberation in early December,” said a colonel in the new government’s Interior Ministry who identified himself by his military alias, Abu Baker. “Discovering the fates of those missing persons and searching for more graves is one of the greatest legacies left by the Assad regime,” he said. Hundreds of thousands of Syrians are estimated to have been killed since 2011, when Assad’s crackdown on protests spiraled into a full-scale war. Both Assad and his father Hafez, who preceded him as president and died in 2000, have long been accused by rights groups, foreign governments and war-crimes prosecutors of widespread extrajudicial killings, including mass executions within the country’s prison system and using chemical weapons against the Syrian people.

Libya’s Haftar meets French President Macron in Paris
AFP/February 27, 2025
BENGHAZI: Libya’s eastern military strongman Khalifa Haftar met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in the French capital, his Benghazi-based forces said in a statement. Haftar and Macron discussed “developments in the political process in Libya and the importance of supporting the UN mission’s efforts,” according to the statement posted on social media Wednesday evening. Libya has struggled to recover from years of unrest since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that overthrew longtime ruler Muammar Qaddafi. The country remains split between the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity and a rival administration in the east aligned with Haftar. A picture accompanying the statement showed Haftar and Macron shaking hands. The statement said Macron emphasized Haftar’s “central role” in Libya’s political process and stability. Contacted by AFP, the Elysee declined to confirm or deny the meeting.

4 dead Israelis, hundreds of Palestinians return home in latest exchange
Associated Press/February 27, 2025
Israel's prime minister's office said authorities have received the bodies of four hostages early Thursday, days before the first phase of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip will end. An Israeli security official confirmed that Hamas handed the bodies to the Red Cross. Israel said the caskets were delivered with the help of Egyptian mediators through an Israeli crossing and an identification process has begun. At around the same time, a Red Cross convoy carrying dozens of released Palestinian prisoners left Israel’s Ofer prison. Crowds of cheering families, friends and supporters of Palestinian prisoners were gathered in Beitunia jostling for a glimpse of the bus that was on its way. Hundreds of detainees arrested from Gaza, held by Israel without charge for months, were headed back to the Gaza Strip. They include 445 men, 21 teenagers and one woman who were all arrested after the Hamas attack, according to lists shared by Palestinian officials that did not specify their ages. Only around 50 Palestinians were being released into the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem in this round. Dozens sentenced to life over deadly attacks against Israelis will be exiled out of the Palestinian territories, taken to Egypt at least temporarily until other countries accept them.

Who are the Palestinian prisoners released in exchange for Israeli hostages?
AP/February 27, 2025
JERUSALEM: Israel released about 600 prisoners overnight, including the longest-serving prisoner and a man convicted of killing an American peace activist, in the latest exchange for Israeli hostages held by Hamas. They were supposed to have been released last weekend after Hamas freed six living hostages. But Israel delayed the release to protest Hamas’ practice of parading the captives before crowds during handovers. Hamas handed over the remains of four hostages overnight without any public display. Israel released the 600 prisoners, but the Palestinian prisoners club, a group representing current and former prisoners, said Israel held back the release of 24 Palestinians detained in Gaza after the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023 that sparked the war. They include 23 teenagers and men aged 15 to 19 and a woman who is 35. The group were set to be released later on Thursday, along with 22 more minors and one woman whose names were subsequently added to the list. Israel views the prisoners as terrorists. Palestinians often see them as freedom fighters resisting a decades-long Israeli military occupation. Nearly every Palestinian has a friend or family member who has been jailed by Israel for militant attacks or lesser offenses such as rock-throwing. Most are convicted in military trials that rights advocates say often lack due process. Some are incarcerated for months or years without trial in what is known as administrative detention. Israel says it’s needed to prevent attacks and avoid sharing sensitive intelligence. Among those being released overnight into Thursday, 151 had been sentenced to life or long sentences for involvement in deadly attacks against Israelis. Forty-three were to be returned to the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, while 97 were to be sent into exile. Around 500 others had been detained in Gaza after Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which sparked the war. Israeli forces have arrested hundreds of people in Gaza and held them without trial. As part of the ceasefire, Israel committed to releasing more than 1,000 detainees who hadn’t participated in the Oct. 7 attack. A look at some prominent prisoners released since the truce took effect on Jan. 19:
Nael Barghouti, 68
Barghouti, 68, from the West Bank village of Kobar, has spent over 45 years in Israeli prison and was serving a life sentence. Guinness World Records has called him the world’s longest-serving political prisoner. Israel says he is affiliated with Hamas. First arrested in 1978 for his role in an attack that killed an Israeli bus driver, he was among more than 1,000 prisoners released in 2011 in exchange for an Israeli soldier held by Hamas in Gaza. Israel re-arrested Barghouti in 2014 and says his offenses include intentional manslaughter, membership in an illegal organization, producing a bomb, possessing explosives and conspiracy. He will be deported.
Bilal Abu Ghanem, 31
Ghanem, 31, from east Jerusalem, was serving three life sentences and 60 years for a bus attack in 2015 that killed three Israelis. One of those killed was Richard Lakin, an American educator who marched for civil rights and coexistence between Muslims and Jews. Ghanem, who Israel says is affiliated with Hamas, will be deported. Israel says his offenses include intentional manslaughter, membership in an illegal organization, building a bomb, possession of explosives and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Ammar Al-Ziben, 50
Al-Ziben, 50, is from Nablus, in the West Bank. He was sentenced to 27 life terms for planning a bombing in a Jerusalem market in 1997 that killed 16 people, including a US citizen. Israel says he is affiliated with Hamas and his offenses include possession of firearms, incitement, forgery, throwing firebombs and attempted murder. He will be deported.
Ahmed Barghouti, 48
He is a close aide of militant leader and political figure Marwan Barghouti, who is still imprisoned. The two aren’t closely related. Ahmed Barghouti was given 13 life sentences for dispatching assailants to carry out attacks that killed Israeli civilians during the second intifada, or Palestinian uprising, in the early 2000s. As a commander in Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, an armed offshoot of the secular Fatah Party, he was also convicted of possession of firearms and attempted murder.
He was sent to Egypt.
The Sarahneh brothers
Three brothers from east Jerusalem were released after more than 22 years in prison for their involvement in suicide bombings that killed Israelis during the second intifada. Israeli authorities brought Ibrahim, 55, and Musa, 63, to their homes in the West Bank. The third brother, Khalil, 45, who was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to life in 2002, was sent to Egypt. Ibrahim Sarahneh’s Ukrainian wife, Irena, had been sentenced to life in prison in 2002 for organizing with her husband a suicide bombing that killed two people in the Israeli city of Rishon Lezion. She was released in 2011 as part of a swap for Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier captured by Hamas. The Aweis brothers Hassan Aweis, 47, and Abdel Karim Aweis, 54, from the occupied West Bank, were released on Saturday after nearly 23 years in prison. Hassan Aweis was sentenced to life in 2002 on charges of voluntary manslaughter, planting an explosive device and attempted murder. He was involved in planning attacks during the second intifada for the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade.
Abdel Karim Aweis — sentenced to the equivalent of six life sentences for throwing an explosive device, attempted murder and assault, among other charges — was transferred to Egypt.
Iyad Abu Shakhdam, 49
Abu Shakhdam was sentenced to the equivalent of 18 life sentences over his involvement in Hamas attacks that killed dozens of Israelis during the second intifada. They included a suicide bombing that blew up two buses in Beersheba in 2004, killing 16 Israelis, including a 4-year-old. Abu Shakhdam was arrested in the West Bank in 2004 following a gunfight with Israeli security forces in which he was shot 10 times. During 21 years in prison, his family said, he finished high school and earned a certificate for psychology courses. He was released on Feb. 8.
Jamal Al-Tawil, 61
Al-Tawil, a prominent Hamas politician in the occupied West Bank, spent nearly two decades in and out of Israeli prisons, in part over allegations that he helped plot suicide bombings. Most recently, the Israeli military arrested Al-Tawil in 2021, saying he had participated in riots and mobilized Hamas political activists in Ramallah, the seat of the semiautonomous Palestinian Authority, Hamas’ main rival. He was held without charge or trial. Too weak to walk, Al-Tawil was taken to a hospital after his release in Ramallah on Feb. 8.
Mohammed el-Halabi, 47
The Palestinian manager of the Gaza branch of World Vision, a Christian aid organization, was arrested in 2016 and accused of diverting tens of millions of dollars to Hamas in a case that drew criticism from rights groups. He was freed on Feb. 1. El-Halabi and World Vision denied the allegations and independent investigations found no proof of wrongdoing.
Zakaria Zubeidi, 49
A prominent militant leader in the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade during the second intifada, Zubeidi later became a theater director in the Jenin refugee camp, where he promoted what he described as cultural resistance to Israel. His jailbreak in 2021 — when he and five others used spoons to tunnel out of one of Israel’s most secure prisons and remained at large for days before being caught — thrilled Palestinians and stunned the Israeli security establishment. In 2019, after Zubeidi had served years in prison for attacks in the early 2000s, Israel arrested him again, accusing him of being involved in shooting attacks that targeted buses of Israeli settlers but caused no injuries. Zubeidi had been awaiting trial when he was sentenced to five years in prison for his jailbreak. He was released on Jan. 30 into the West Bank.
Mohammed Odeh, 52, Wael Qassim, 54, and Wissam Abbasi, 48
They hail from east Jerusalem and rose within the ranks of Hamas. Held responsible for deadly attacks during the second intifada, they were handed multiple life sentences in 2002. They were accused of plotting a suicide bombing at a pool hall near Tel Aviv in 2002 that killed 15 people. Later that year, they were found to have orchestrated a bombing at Hebrew University that killed nine people, including five American students.
All were transferred to Egypt on Jan. 25.
Mohammad Al-Tous, 67
Al-Tous held the title of longest continuously held prisoner in Israel until his release on Jan. 25, Palestinian authorities said. First arrested in 1985 while fighting Israeli forces along the Jordanian border, the Fatah party activist spent a total of 39 years behind bars. Originally from the West Bank, he was sent into exile.

BBC apologizes over Gaza documentary narrated by son of Hamas figure
AFP/February 27, 2025
LONDON: The BBC apologized on Thursday for “serious flaws” in the making of a Gaza documentary after it emerged that the child narrator was the son of Hamas’s former deputy minister of agriculture. The BBC removed its documentary, “Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone,” from its platform after a backlash and launched an immediate review into the “mistakes,” which it called “significant and damaging.”The BBC said in a press release published Thursday that the review had identified “serious flaws in the making of this program,” which was produced by UK company Hoyo Films.
The broadcaster said that it shared the blame for the “unacceptable” flaws with the production company. “BBC News takes full responsibility for these and the impact that these have had on the Corporation’s reputation. We apologize,” it added. The independent production company was asked in writing “a number of times” during the making of the documentary about any potential connections the narrator might have with Hamas. “Since transmission, they have acknowledged that they knew that the boy’s father was a deputy agriculture minister in the Hamas government; they have also acknowledged that they never told the BBC this fact,” said the press release. “It was then the BBC’s own failing that we did not uncover that fact and the documentary was aired.”The production company also revealed that they paid the boy’s mother “a limited sum of money” for the narration. The BBC is seeking additional assurance that no money was paid directly or indirectly to Hamas. UK culture minister Lisa Nandy told parliament earlier Thursday that she had demanded “cast-iron” guarantees that Hamas did not receive any money for the documentary after the opposition Conservative party brought an urgent question and called for a public inquiry. “I also held discussions with the BBC director general earlier this week, at my request, in order to seek urgent answers about the checks and due diligence that should have been carried out,” she added. The revelations sparked an angry response and led to protests outside the BBC’s London headquarters. A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) said: “The BBC’s bias and lack of accountability have led it to a new low, where it is a mouthpiece for terrorists and their supporters.”The Telegraph also reported Tuesday that the Arabic words for Jew or Jews were changed to Israel or Israeli forces or removed from the documentary. The broadcaster is now working to determine whether any disciplinary action is warranted “in relation to shortcomings in the making of this program.”“This will include issues around the use of language, translation and continuity that have also been raised with the BBC,” it said. The decision to remove the documentary from its catch-up service also led to criticism, with more than 500 TV and film workers — including former England footballer Gary Lineker — sending an open letter calling the move “politically-motivated censorship.”“This film is an essential piece of journalism, offering an all-too-rare perspective on the lived experiences of Palestinian children living in unimaginable circumstances, which amplifies voices so often silenced,” said the letter. The documentary was initially broadcast on February 17.

Israel car ramming attack wounds 13 people at bus stop
AFP/February 27, 2025
JERUSALEM: Israeli police said a Palestinian man rammed a car into a bus stop in the north of the country on Thursday, wounding 13 civilians in an incident they were treating as a “terror” attack. “At 16:17 today, Israel Police’s emergency dispatch received reports of a ramming attack at Karkur Junction, where a vehicle struck multiple civilians waiting at a bus stop,” police said in a statement. Israel’s first responders, Magen David Adom, said a team treated injured people at the site of the incident, including a 17-year old girl who was in critical condition. Police said 13 people, including a police officer, were wounded, and that two of them were in “serious” condition. The suspect was a “53-year-old Palestinian from the Jenin area, (who) was residing in Israel unlawfully with his family,” the police statement said. “The circumstances of his presence in Israel are under investigation,” the police said, adding that “preliminary findings indicate that he deliberately targeted civilians waiting at a bus stop.” Israel’s military launched earlier this year a major offensive in the north of the occupied West Bank, deploying tanks into the area for the first time in 20 years. Dubbed “Iron Wall” by the Israeli military, the operation came days after a ceasefire took effect in Gaza. The raids have spanned multiple refugee camps near the cities of Jenin, Tulkarem and Tubas. Military operations are commonplace in Jenin’s refugee camp, a bastion of Palestinian militancy.

Israeli official says the army won’t withdraw from a Gaza corridor in potential jolt to truce
AP/February 27, 2025
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip: Israel will not withdraw from a strategic corridor in the Gaza Strip as called for by the ceasefire, an official said Thursday. Israel’s refusal could spark a crisis with Hamas and key mediator Egypt at a sensitive moment for the fragile truce. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said Israeli forces needed to remain in the so-called Philadelphi corridor, on the Gaza side of the border with Egypt, to prevent weapons smuggling. The official spoke hours after Hamas released the remains of four hostages in exchange for over 600 Palestinian prisoners, the last planned swap of the ceasefire's first phase, which ends this weekend. Talks over the second and more difficult stage have yet to begin. Israel was supposed to begin withdrawing from the Philadelphi corridor on Saturday, the last day of the first phase, and complete it within eight days. Much could hinge on a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump's Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, who is expected in the region in the coming days. There was no immediate comment from Hamas or Egypt. But in a statement earlier on Thursday, the militant group said the only way for Israel to secure the release of dozens of hostages still held in Gaza was through negotiations and adhering to the ceasefire agreement.
Remains of 4 hostages are identified
The remains released Thursday were confirmed to be those of Ohad Yahalomi, Itzhak Elgarat, Shlomo Mantzur and Tsachi Idan, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents families of the captives. Mantzur, 85, was killed in Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war, and his body was taken into the territory. The other three were abducted alive and the circumstances surrounding their deaths were not known. “Our hearts ache upon receiving the bitter news,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog said. “In this painful moment, there is some solace in knowing that they will be laid to rest in dignity in Israel.”French President Emmanuel Macron said he shared the “immense pain” of the family and loved ones of Yahalomi, who had French citizenship. Hamas confirmed that over 600 prisoners had been released overnight. Most were detainees returned to Gaza, where they had been rounded up after the Oct. 7 attack and held without charge on security suspicions.
A joyful return for released prisoners
Some of the released prisoners fell to their knees in gratitude after disembarking from buses in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. In the West Bank town of Beitunia, dozens of prisoners were welcomed by crowds of relatives and well-wishers. The released prisoners wore shirts issued by the Israeli prison service bearing a message in Arabic about pursuing one's enemies. Some of the prisoners threw the shirts on the ground or set them on fire. Israel delayed the release of the prisoners on Saturday over Hamas' practice of parading hostages before crowds and cameras during their release. Israel, along with the Red Cross and U.N. officials, have called the ceremonies humiliating for the hostages. Hamas released the four bodies to the Red Cross in Gaza overnight without a public ceremony. The prisoners released Thursday included 445 men, 21 teenagers and one woman, according to lists shared by Palestinian officials that did not specify their ages. Only around 50 Palestinians were released into the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem in this round, while dozens sentenced to life over deadly attacks against Israelis were exiled.
The truce is in peril
The latest handover was the final one planned under the ceasefire’s first six-week phase, which expires this weekend. Hamas has returned 33 hostages, including eight bodies, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Trump's envoy, Witkoff, has said he wants the sides to move into negotiations on the second phase. Those talks were supposed to begin the first week of February. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to return all the hostages and destroy the military and governing capabilities of Hamas, which remains in control of Gaza. The Trump administration has endorsed both goals. But it's unclear how Israel would destroy Hamas without resuming the war, and Hamas is unlikely to release the remaining hostages — its main bargaining chips — without a lasting ceasefire. The ceasefire, brokered by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, ended 15 months of war that erupted after Hamas’ 2023 attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people. About 250 people were taken hostage. If the identities of the four bodies are confirmed, then 59 captives will remain in Gaza, 32 of whom are believed to be dead. Nearly 150 have been released in ceasefire agreements or other deals, while dozens of bodies have been recovered by Israeli forces and eight captives have been rescued alive. Israel’s military offensive has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials, who don't differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths but say over half the dead have been women and children. The fighting displaced an estimated 90 percent of Gaza’s population and decimated the territory’s infrastructure and health system.

Israel has shown ‘unprecedented disregard for human rights’ in Gaza, UN human rights chief says
Reuters/February 27, 2025
GENEVA: The UN Human Rights Chief accused Israel on Wednesday of showing an unprecedented disregard for human rights in its military actions in Gaza and said Hamas had violated international law. “Nothing justifies the appalling manner in which Israel has conducted its military operations in Gaza which consistently breached international law,” said Volker Turk, while presenting a new report on the human rights situation in Gaza, the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem to the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The report by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) also accused Hamas of grave violations since October 7.“Hamas has indiscriminately fired projectiles into Israeli territory — amounting to war crimes,” Turk said. Hamas-led fighters killed 1,200 people and captured more than 250 hostages in an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, according to Israeli tallies. An Israeli retaliatory assault laid waste to most of Gaza and killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to the enclave’s health officials. Israel did not send a delegate to take to the floor to share their comments, which the representative of Chile said was regretful.
Israel previously strongly denied allegations of war crimes and breaches of international law in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, saying that its operations targeted Hamas militants and aimed to reduce civilian harm. “The level of devastation in Gaza is massive — from homes, to hospitals to schools,” Turk said, adding that “restrictions imposed by Israel ... have created a humanitarian catastrophe,” Turk told the Council. Turk told the 58th Council that the report highlighted grave concerns that Hamas “may have committed other breaches of humanitarian law in Gaza, including the intentional co-location of military objectives and Palestinian civilians.”He called for all violations to be investigated independently. However, he raised doubts about the will of the Israeli justice system to deliver full accountability — in line with international standards, and said he was unaware of any measures taken by Hamas and other groups to punish those responsible for rights breaches. The OHCHR report said it had not received a response from Israel to its request for full access to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory to investigate violations by all parties. The Palestinian representative at the Council accused Israel of committing war crimes and genocide against Palestinians, as well as denying aid to the enclave. Israel has repeatedly denied such accusations. “Tents have been denied together with model homes. It has impeded access of food and medicines,” the Palestinian ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Ibrahim Khraishi told the council. He also strongly denounced settler violence and Israeli military operations in the West Bank, mentioned in the report. At least 40,000 Palestinians have left their homes in Jenin and the nearby city of Tulkarm in the northern West Bank since Israel began its operation last month after reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza after 15 months of war. “The litany of unspeakable horrors perpetrated against the Palestinians is unprecedented,” said Frankye Bronwen Levy, the representative for South Africa. The European Union supported the report’s call for an independent investigation, condemned Hamas’ attack, as well as Israeli escalation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq reiterated calls for an end to the war and the realization of a Palestinian state.

Israel says to have ‘safety restrictions’ at Al-Aqsa for Ramadan
AFP/February 27, 2025
JERUSALEM: Israel said Thursday that it will implement what it called “safety restrictions” at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins over the weekend. During Ramadan, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians come to pray at Al-Aqsa, the third holiest site in Islam located in East Jerusalem — a sector of the Holy City occupied and annexed by Israel. This year, Ramadan coincides with a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, which has largely halted fighting after a devastating war that left tens of thousands dead in the Palestinian territory.
“The usual restrictions for public safety will be in place as they have been every year,” Israeli government spokesman David Mencer said in an online briefing to journalists. Last year, amid the Gaza war, Israeli authorities imposed restrictions on visitors coming to Al-Aqsa, particularly on those Palestinians coming from the occupied West Bank. Only men aged 55 and older and women over 50 were allowed to enter the mosque compound “for security reasons,” while thousands of Israeli police officers were deployed across Jerusalem’s Old City.Mencer indicated that precautions would be taken again this year.
“What we cannot, of course, and no country would countenance is people seeking to foment violence and attacks on anyone else,” he said, without detailing this year’s police deployment. The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is a symbol of Palestinian national identity. By longstanding convention, Jews are allowed to visit but not pray in the compound, which they revere as the site of their second temple, destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. In recent years, growing numbers of Jewish ultranationalists have defied the rules, including far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir, who publicly prayed there while serving as national security minister in 2023 and 2024. The Israeli government has said repeatedly that it intends to uphold the status quo at the compound but Palestinian fears about its future have made it a flashpoint for violence. Last year, Israel allowed Muslims to worship at Al-Aqsa in the same numbers as in previous year despite the war raging in Gaza.

Ocalan calls for PKK to drop weapons, be dissolved
AFP/February 27, 2025
ISTANBUL: Jailed PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan on Thursday called for his Kurdish militant group to lay down its weapons and dissolve itself in a landmark declaration read out in Istanbul. “All groups must lay down their arms and PKK must dissolve itself,” he said in a declaration drawn up in his cell on Imrali prison island where he has been held in solitary confinement since 1999. The call came four months after Ankara offered an olive branch to the 75-year-old who founded the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has led a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state that has cost tens of thousands of lives. His words were read out by a delegation of lawmakers from the pro-Kurdish DEM party who visited him earlier on Thursday. “I am making a call for the laying down of arms, and I take on the historical responsibility of this call,” he said. Since Ocalan was jailed in 1999, there have been various attempts to end the bloodshed which erupted in 1984 and has cost more than 40,000 lives. The last round of talks collapsed amid violence in 2015. After that, there was no contact until October when hard-line nationalist MHP leader Devlet Bahceli offered Ocalan a surprise peace gesture if he would reject violence in a move endorsed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Trump says he trusts Putin, as UK PM pushes Ukraine guarantees
Reuters/February 27, 2025
WASHINGTON: Donald Trump said he trusted Russia’s Vladimir Putin to stick to any Ukraine ceasefire Thursday, as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer tried to win security guarantees for Kyiv — with the help of a royal invitation to visit Britain. Trump struck a friendly tone as he and Starmer met in Washington, and even walked back a comment about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky being a dictator that alarmed European capitals, saying: “Did I say that?“But Trump also insisted that he trusted Putin to honor any truce with Ukraine, contradicting Starmer’s warnings that a lack of a US “backstop” for a deal would encourage Putin to stage a repeat of his February 2022 invasion. Britain and France have both offered to deploy peacekeeping troops for Ukraine but want US guarantees of help, including aerial and satellite surveillance and possible air power. “I think he’ll keep his word,” Trump told reporters as he sat alongside Starmer in the Oval Office when asked about Putin. “I spoke to him, I’ve known him for a long time now, I don’t believe he’s going to violate his word.” Trump added that Britain can “take care of themselves, but if they need help, I’ll always be with the British.” Starmer had said on the plane to the US capital that a “ceasefire without a backstop” would let Putin “wait and to come again” at Kyiv. The British premier told Trump at the White House that he wanted to “work with you to make sure that peace deal is enduring” but that it was also a “deal that nobody breaches.”
Starmer then handed Trump — a long-term fan of Britain’s royals — a letter from King Charles III inviting him for an unprecedented second state visit by a US president.
“This has never happened before, this is unprecedented,” said Starmer. The invitation was a clear attempt to woo Trump amid growing concerns in Europe that the US leader is ready to sell Kyiv short and take Russia’s position on a deal. Those fears intensified last week when Trump called Zelensky a “dictator without elections” — but with Starmer at his side, Trump jokingly downplayed the jibe. “Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that,” Trump responded when asked whether he stood by the comment he made on his Truth Social network. “Next question.”Trump will host Zelensky at the White House on Friday where the two leaders are expected to sign a deal giving Washington access to Ukraine’s rare minerals, which Trump has demanded as payback for US military aid. Zelensky had hoped the deal would contain US security guarantees but it appears to omit them. Starmer’s visit comes days after a similar visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, who came away effectively empty handed despite saying there had been a “turning point” with Trump. Trump has long pushed for European nations to take more of the burden for Ukraine’s defense, and their own. A senior Trump administration official said the backstop was “obviously very high on our European allies’ agenda” but said securing a proper ceasefire first was more important. “The type of force depends very much on the political settlement that is made to end the war. And I think that trade-off is part of what the leaders today are going to be discussing,” the official told reporters. The meeting promised to be a clash of styles between the mild-mannered Labour leader, a former human rights lawyer, and the brash Republican tycoon. Starmer, who will hold a joint press conference with the US president, has pitched himself as a “bridge” between Trump and Europe on Ukraine. The British premier came bearing another gift for Trump — an increase in defense spending. A Trump administration official said they were “very pleased” by Starmer’s announcement on Tuesday that UK defense spending will rise to 2.5 percent by 2027.

Putin warns Europe against sabotaging US-Russia rapprochement
Vladimir Soldatkin and Andrew Osborn/MOSCOW (Reuters)/February 27, 2025
Russian President Putin attends a meeting of the Federal Security Service Board in Moscow
President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned "Western elites" against trying to sabotage a potential rapprochement between Russia and the United States, saying Moscow would use its diplomats and intelligence services to thwart such efforts. Addressing Russia's FSB security service, the successor to the Soviet-era KGB and an agency he once led, Putin said he was pleased with the way an attempted reboot in ties between Moscow and Washington was progressing, even though it was early days. "I note that the first contacts with the new American administration inspire certain hopes. There is a reciprocal mood to work to restore intergovernmental ties and to gradually resolve the huge number of systemic and strategic problems that have built up in the world's security architecture," said Putin. He went on to hail the fact that Russia's current "partners" were demonstrating what he called pragmatism and realism and - in an apparent reference to Joe Biden's administration - abandoning the "ideological cliches" of their predecessors which he said had caused a crisis in international relations.
But Putin said it was clear that not all countries were in favour of the idea of warmer ties between the world's two biggest nuclear powers. "We understand that not everyone is happy with the resumption of Russian-American contacts. Some Western elites are still determined to maintain instability in the world, and these forces will try to disrupt or compromise the dialogue that has begun," said Putin. "We need to be aware of this and use all possibilities when it comes to diplomacy and our intelligence services to disrupt such attempts."He did not spell out who he had in mind. But his comments looked like a reference to the European Union and Britain, which have raised concerns about the prospect of any Russia-U.S. talks to end the war in Ukraine that do not have Kyiv and the EU at the negotiating table and are too soft on Moscow. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is due to hold talks with Trump in Washington on Thursday, has said he would be ready to send British troops to Ukraine as part of any postwar peacekeeping force, something Moscow opposes. French President Emmanuel Macron has also spoken in favour of deploying troops. In other parts of his speech, Putin told FSB chiefs that cyber attacks against Russia were on the rise and that Moscow had to strengthen its counter-intelligence efforts. He also called on the FSB to continue its work against "international terrorism" and to put special effort into preventative measures when it came to protecting military, industrial, transport and energy infrastructure. Putin, who said he still hoped it would be possible to create what he called a more balanced European and global security system, said he believed that the West itself was now in the midst of a serious crisis. "You and I can see it," he told the FSB. "They have begun to destroy Western society itself from within. This is evidenced by the problems in the economies of many Western countries and in their domestic politics."

The Latest English LCCC analysis & editorials from miscellaneous sources on February 27-28/2025
Trump's Home Run: Neutralize Hamas, Qatar, Houthis, Iran
Lawrence A. Franklin/Gatestone Institute/February 27, 2025
"[Iran's] Operation True Promise 3 will be carried out at the right time, with precision, and in a scale sufficient to destroy Israel and raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground." — Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Major General Ebrahim Jabbari, February 2025.
A Trump decision to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization would go a long way toward making it difficult for its many offshoots to continue supporting it.
Even more urgent is for the Trump administration to neutralize Hamas, Qatar, Iran, Hezbollah and the Houthis -- to limit their ability to keep on destabilizing the entire region, as well as to curtail the Houthis' stranglehold on global shipping. The policy is certainly congruent with the long-held American principle of maintaining the international freedom of navigation.
The move would also send a warning to China not to continue its aggressive effort to gain control of the world's critical sea lines near Taiwan, Australia, the Philippines and Japan.
Iran, reportedly weeks away from a nuclear weapons breakout, is still threatening the "total annihilation of Israel." Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Ebrahim Jabbari this month said: "Operation True Promise 3 will be carried out at the right time, with precision, and in a scale sufficient to destroy Israel and raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground." Pictured: IRGC commander-in-chief Major General Hossein Salami speaks during a memorial service beneath portraits of slain Hezbollah leader Hasssan Nasrallah (L) Iranian general Qassem Soleimani (C), and Nasrallah's successor Hashem Safieddine at Tehran's Grand Mosque. (Photo by Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images)
Iran, reportedly weeks away from a nuclear weapons breakout, is still threatening the "total annihilation of Israel." To that end, the regime's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced "Operation True Promise 3" – another rocket and ballistic missile air assault on Israel. IRGC Major General Ebrahim Jabbari this month said: "Operation True Promise 3 will be carried out at the right time, with precision, and in a scale sufficient to destroy Israel and raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground."
Meanwhile, Qatar, possibly capitalizing on the reluctance of Egypt and Jordan to receive Gazans, seems to be trying to come up with its own peace plan to derail President Donald Trump's. It most likely designed to keep its client, beneficiary and Muslim Brotherhood cohort, Hamas, in power in the Gaza Strip. The invaluable website MEMRI reports:
"After World War II, tens of millions of refugees and displaced persons in Europe needed to be resettled, among them Jewish survivors of the Holocaust. The UN and the international community rushed to help them.
"In 1949, there was a new wave of refugees – the Arab Palestinians – that resulted from their failed attempt, along with that of seven Arab states, to destroy the newborn State of Israel. Over the years, there were still more refugees from new regions of crisis – northern Cyprus (1974), Yugoslavia (1990-1992).
"A single global policy for all refugees was set: resettlement in their new locations. But for the Palestinians, another principle was devised – the principle of return to their previous locations, in complete disregard of the State of Israel.
"In order to implement the return of the Palestinians, a special UN agency was created: the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East – UNRWA.
"It is no wonder that over the years UNRWA's education system taught children to fight Israel, to allow all Palestinians everywhere in the world to return to it to completely destroy it, and to establish Palestine 'from the river to the sea.' And it is no wonder that UNRWA teachers participated in the October 7, 2023 massacre of Israeli civilians – women, children, and the elderly.
"The Trump plan has brought all actors back to the 1948 moment. No principle of return. The rules for all other refugees in the world should apply to the Palestinians of Gaza as well. The natural solution for them should have been their rehabilitation in Gaza, not relocating them into Israel. This could have been implemented had there been a guarantee that Gaza attacks on Israel would cease.
"But the Palestinians want to eat their cake and have it too. They want both rehabilitation in Gaza and the implementation of return into Israel through violent means. This has been reiterated by Hamas leaders throughout the war. For example, senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad said that the 'Al-Aqsa Flood' – the Hamas name for its October 7 massacre, 'was just the first time, and there will be a second, a third, a fourth.' Adding 'Will we have to pay a price? Yes, and we are ready to pay it. We are called a nation of martyrs, and we are proud to sacrifice martyrs,' he concluded: 'On October 7, October 10, October 1,000,000 – everything we do' to eliminate Israel 'is justified.'"
"Hamas cannot continue as a military or government force," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on February 16.
"And frankly, as long as it stands as a force that can govern or as a force that can administer or as a force that can threaten by use of violence, peace becomes impossible. They must be eliminated. It must be eradicated."
In addition, Houthi leader Abdel Malik pledged in a television address on February 11 address that targets if Israel resumes the war in Gaza, his Yemen-based group will resume attacks on Israeli troops.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced if the promised hostage release does not materialize as promised, he will order the IDF to resume military operations against Hamas.
Trump explained on February 10 what should happen if Hamas does not free all the hostages:
"As far as I'm concerned, if all of the hostages aren't returned by Saturday at 12 o'clock -- I think it's an appropriate time – I would say, cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out. I'd say they ought to be returned by 12 o'clock on Saturday. And if they're not returned – all of them, not in drips and drabs, not two and one and three and four and two – by Saturday at 12 o'clock. And after that, I would say, all hell is going to break out.
"Saturday at 12, we want them all back. I'm speaking for myself. Israel can override it, but from myself, Saturday at 12 o'clock, and if they're not, they're not here, all hell is going to break out."
Netanyahu, evidently eager to see as many of the approximately 59 remaining hostages --around half of whom are presumed dead -- released as soon as possible before any more are murdered by their captors, did not adopt Trump's position. He warned, however, that if all the hostages were not returned, "the gates of hell will be open."
If the Houthis resume their piratical assaults on international shipping, it is surely an opportunity for the Trump administration to reverse the Biden regime's failure to restrain the group, which Trump recently re-designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
Hamas spokesmen have claimed, incorrectly, that Israel has not lived up to its promises "to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid," when in fact the aid was delivered to the border but the United Nations failed to distribute it.
The Houthi threat presumably includes the resumption of its attacks on shipping in the Suez Canal and Red Sea which serves about 12% of world trade and 30% of global container traffic. In November 2023, the Houthis attacked more than 100 vessels, as well as launching drones and missiles toward Israel. Houthi missiles have targeted Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv.
Ships forced to navigate around the southern tip of Africa to avoid Houthi attacks, rather than using the Suez Canal, require roughly an additional ten days, Meanwhile, fuel costs are growing at a prohibitive rate, and insurance companies and shipping businesses have also raised their rates.
Trump's addressing the Houthi threat, in addition to the Iranian one, would be welcomed by the Free World as well as by Egypt, which has lost billions in revenues from the reduced traffic through the Suez Canal.
A Trump decision to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization would go a long way toward making it complicated for its many offshoots to continue supporting it.
Even more urgent is for the Trump administration to neutralize Hamas, Qatar, Iran, Hezbollah and the Houthis -- to limit their ability to keep on destabilizing the entire region, as well as to curtail the Houthis' stranglehold on global shipping. The policy is certainly congruent with the long-held American principle of maintaining the international freedom of navigation.
The move would also send a warning to China not to continue its aggressive effort to gain control of the world's critical sea lines near Taiwan, Australia, the Philippines and Japan.
*Dr. Lawrence A. Franklin was the Iran Desk Officer for Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld. He also served on active duty with the U.S. Army and as a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve.
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https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/21433/neutralize-hamas-qatar-houthis-iran

The priorities for rebuilding Syria’s economy
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh/Arab News/February 27, 2025
After more than a decade of war, destruction and economic collapse in Syria, the country’s new government faces an urgent and formidable challenge: rebuilding the nation’s shattered economy. Years of conflict have devastated infrastructure, displaced millions and left the country struggling with widespread poverty, inflation and a crumbling financial system. For Syria to move forward and achieve long-term stability, economic recovery must be a top priority.
One of the most significant obstacles to rebuilding Syria’s economy is the severe impact of Western sanctions. These restrictions, imposed over the years due to the war and political developments, have crippled Syria’s ability to trade, attract foreign investment and access global financial networks. Lifting these sanctions — a process started by the EU this week — is essential for economic revitalization, as it would allow Syria to engage in international commerce, rebuild industries and improve the daily lives of its citizens.
Regional support, particularly from Arab nations, is playing a crucial role in assisting Syria’s recovery, with efforts focused on restoring trade ties, providing investment and helping Syrians regain financial stability.
Beyond lifting sanctions and securing regional partnerships, Syria’s government must implement comprehensive economic strategies to stimulate growth, create jobs and restore essential services. Revitalizing key industries, rebuilding infrastructure and stabilizing the Syrian pound are necessary steps to ensure a sustainable recovery.
The Syrian economy has suffered one of the most severe contractions in modern history. According to reports, Syria’s gross domestic product shrank by 84 percent between 2010 and 2024. The nation’s currency has drastically devalued, leading to hyperinflation and making everyday goods unaffordable for most citizens. In 2023, it was reported that more than 90 percent of Syrians were living below the poverty line, struggling to afford food, medicine and other basic necessities.
Revitalizing key industries, rebuilding infrastructure and stabilizing the Syrian pound are necessary steps
The country’s energy sector, once a crucial part of the economy, has suffered immense losses. Oil production has declined significantly, forcing Syria to rely on expensive fuel imports. Additionally, the destruction of infrastructure, including roads, power plants and water systems, has made industrial recovery even more challenging. Without a functioning economic system, businesses cannot operate efficiently and foreign investors will remain hesitant to engage with Syria due to the risks involved.
As a result, one of the most pressing steps toward economic recovery is the lifting of Western sanctions, which have placed severe restrictions on Syria’s ability to rebuild. These sanctions have frozen Syrian assets abroad, blocked financial transactions and limited the country’s access to international markets. Lifting these sanctions would have an immediate and significant impact on Syria’s economy. It would allow businesses to engage in international trade, making it easier to import essential goods and the raw materials needed for reconstruction. Additionally, easing financial restrictions would enable Syrians to receive remittances from relatives abroad — an important source of income for many families who are struggling to survive.
There have been discussions within the EU about easing sanctions and some were lifted on Monday, including restrictions on state-owned banks and investments in Syria’s energy and electricity sectors. These steps are crucial, but a broader lifting of sanctions is necessary to create real economic momentum.
To rebuild its economy, Syria must attract investment, particularly in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy and manufacturing. Infrastructure reconstruction is essential for restoring normal economic activity, as roads, ports and communication networks are necessary for trade and industry to function.
Investment in the energy sector is also critical. Syria’s electricity grid has been severely damaged, leading to frequent power shortages that make industrial and commercial activities difficult. By securing investment in power plants and alternative energy sources, the government can provide reliable electricity to businesses and households, improving overall economic stability.
Manufacturing and agriculture are two other sectors that require substantial investment. Restoring factories and supporting small businesses can help create jobs and stimulate local economies. Similarly, rebuilding the agricultural sector will ensure food security and reduce the need for costly imports.
In addition, encouraging both domestic and foreign investors to participate in Syria’s reconstruction will require significant policy reforms. The government must create a business-friendly environment by ensuring legal protections for investors, streamlining bureaucratic processes and guaranteeing stability in financial regulations. Without such reforms, potential investors may remain reluctant to engage with Syria’s economy.
A fully functioning transport network is also vital for economic recovery. The destruction of roads, bridges, railways and airports has made it difficult to move goods and people efficiently, further hindering trade and investment. Rebuilding highways and roads would allow agricultural and industrial products to reach markets more easily, reducing costs and increasing profitability for businesses. Restoring railways would enhance trade efficiency, making it easier for goods to be transported across the country and into neighboring markets. Additionally, reopening and modernizing Syria’s major ports would boost international trade, allowing the country to export its products and receive essential imports more efficiently.
Investment in transport infrastructure will also have long-term economic benefits by creating jobs, stimulating demand for construction materials and improving the overall efficiency of business operations.
Syria must attract investment, particularly in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy and manufacturing
The collapse of the Syrian pound has led to inflation, making daily life increasingly difficult for citizens. Restoring confidence in the national currency is essential for economic recovery. This requires sound financial policies that promote stability, control inflation and encourage investment. Encouraging the use of banking services within Syria and strengthening financial institutions will further contribute to economic stability. Many Syrians have lost trust in the banking system due to war-related economic instability, so rebuilding confidence in financial institutions is a necessary step toward recovery.
Finally, Syria’s economy can greatly benefit from increased regional and international trade. Restoring trade partnerships with neighboring countries and reestablishing commercial routes can help Syria reintegrate into global markets. Several Arab nations have already shown an interest in helping Syria regain economic stability. Strengthening these ties can lead to trade agreements that facilitate the movement of goods, reduce tariffs and encourage business collaborations.
By improving its trade relations with regional partners, Syria can gain access to new markets and benefit from foreign investments that support key industries. The reopening of trade routes, border crossings and customs facilities will be crucial for Syria’s economic recovery. Facilitating smoother trade transactions with neighboring countries will help businesses thrive and create new opportunities for economic growth.
In sum, Syria’s economic challenges are immense, but they are not insurmountable. The key to recovery lies in a multifaceted approach that includes lifting sanctions, attracting investment, rebuilding infrastructure, stabilizing the currency and strengthening trade relations. By prioritizing economic growth and implementing sound policies, Syria’s new government can create a foundation for stability, prosperity and a better future for its people. The road to recovery will not be easy, but with the right strategies and international cooperation Syria can rebuild its economy and offer its citizens the opportunity for a more secure and prosperous life.
• Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian American political scientist. X: @Dr_Rafizadeh

Syria’s National Dialogue Conference a good start
Dr. Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg/Arab News/February 27, 2025
On Tuesday, the Syrian National Dialogue Conference was convened, with about 600 people from the Syrian Arab Republic’s diverse communities and political orientations taking part. Holding the conference was a fulfillment of promises made by President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, most recently on Jan. 30, in his first speech after he was declared president of the country.
Al-Sharaa promised to appoint a preparatory committee to organize a national dialogue conference, to be a “direct platform for deliberations and consultations and listening to all viewpoints on the future political program.” He also said there would be a transitional government representing Syria’s diversity, one whose task it would be to prepare for free and fair elections.
At the end of the day, the conference issued a statement with recommendations touching upon important issues facing the country. They included preserving Syria’s unity and territorial integrity, in a reference to parts of the country being under occupation or outside government control. Participants called for the banning of all armed groups outside the national army. They also called for quickly passing a “constitutional declaration,” a temporary legislative body and the formation of a constitutional committee to draft a permanent constitution.
They called for respect for human rights and freedoms, as well as the empowerment of women. While rejecting discrimination based on religion or ethnicity, they did not accept the setting of quotas or allocations of certain positions based on those considerations. They called for greater political participation and, while calling for transitional justice for the victims of the previous regime, they rejected all forms of violence, revenge or incitement. There were also other useful references about the shape of the future of Syria’s governance and the economy.
National dialogues have become a useful tool for political transformations after war or prolonged conflict, such as Syria’s. In broadening the debate about a country’s future, dialogues offer the potential for consensus and meaningful conversations about the underlying issues.
For national dialogues to succeed, they need to be inclusive, open and transparent, with clear rules of procedure, implementation plans and follow-up mechanisms.
Saudi Arabia launched a national dialogue after a spate of terrorist attacks in the Kingdom revealed a troubling undergrowth of confused sympathizers. The dialogue started with a big event in Riyadh in June 2003, which recommended institutionalizing the dialogue and holding inclusive sessions on a regular basis in all regions of Saudi Arabia. In August of the same year, the King Abdulaziz National Dialogue Center was inaugurated in Riyadh, where the late King Abdullah, then still crown prince, gave a historic speech calling for peaceful discourse and the rejection of extremism. Later that year and in the following years, dialogue events were held throughout the Kingdom. The process has continued since then, organized and hosted by the center.
The US Philadelphia Convention, also called the Constitutional Convention or the Federal Convention, lasted for almost four months from May to September 1787 and agreed, after vigorous debates, on the shape of the US government after independence from Britain. In Tunisia, a national dialogue formally started in the summer of 2013 following a political crisis and political assassinations that halted the constitutional process. It lasted for several months and ultimately reached a consensus that ended the crisis. The organizers of the consensus constitution received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015.
In Yemen, the National Dialogue Conference was held for 10 months in 2013 and 2014 and almost all Yemeni political factions, including the Houthis, took part. Nineteen important documents were adopted, representing national consensus on all major issues. Although the Houthis later violated that consensus, the conference outcome documents remain an important reference for the rest of Yemen. The fact that the conflict in Yemen has continued despite the success of the conference is due in part to the old regime’s siding with the Houthis to organize a military coup in September 2014.
Judging the day of national dialogue in Syria against these historical precedents, it seems to be quite limited. The duration of the conference was surprisingly short, considering the immense transformation Syria is beginning to go through. The outcome document was also brief, touching on important issues without going into depth about them. It is doubtful that one day or a few pages of general recommendations are going to sort out all of the issues involved. National dialogues have become a useful tool for political transformations after war or prolonged conflict.
While most of Syria’s diversity appeared to be represented at the conference and there was Kurdish participation, the Syrian Democratic Forces — an armed group seeking self-rule in northeastern parts of the country — did not take part. They have criticized what they described as their exclusion, despite ongoing talks with Damascus on the future of the territory they control.
Perhaps aware of these limitations, the conference statement concluded by calling for “encouraging the culture of dialogue, continuing dialogues at all levels and in all areas and finding appropriate mechanisms for them.” Also aware of the brevity of the final statement, it stated: “Out of commitment to transparency, the conference’s preparatory committee will issue a detailed report of the participants’ contributions and opinions expressed at the conference.” Tuesday’s conference was a good start, in sharp contrast with decades of dictatorial and violent rule when free debate was rare. After the 1963 military coup removed a democratically elected government, but especially after the Assad family seized power in 1970 and began its totalitarian rule of the country, freedom of expression was outlawed and dissent was crushed by force. Against this background, this week’s meeting was a breath of fresh air.
However, it will be important to follow up on this conference, so that additional rounds of dialogue, preferably in different parts of the country and addressing specific issues, can be organized. Syrians will likely need extensive debates to discuss the trajectory and future of their country. They also need collective therapy to mull over the mistakes of the past. National dialogues need to be a continuous process, not a single event.
**Dr. Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg is the GCC assistant secretary-general for political affairs and negotiation. The views expressed here are personal and do not necessarily represent those of the GCC. X: @abuhamad1

Europe must wake up to hard power reality
Khaled Abou Zahr/Arab News/February 27, 2025
A clip of Alex Younger, the former head of the UK’s MI6 intelligence service, speaking about the current situation in Ukraine during an appearance on the BBC’s “Newsnight” program has been widely distributed across social media this week. In the clip, Younger starts by stating that we are no longer living in a world determined by “rules and multilateralism” but by “strongmen and deals.” Ask anyone in the Middle East and they will tell you the hard truth: we never left the world of strongmen and deals. It is Europe and the West, under full US protection, that have lived under the illusion or delusion that it is multilateralism and international rules that are key to global geopolitics.
For the rest of the world, we are still in the Yalta-type situation Younger referenced. The Yalta Conference, held in the Crimea in February 1945 and attended by Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt and Joseph Stalin, outlined postwar Europe’s division, Germany’s occupation, the formation of the UN and Soviet influence over Eastern Europe. The true division happened during the Potsdam Conference, held in July 1945, which finalized Germany’s division and demanded Japan’s unconditional surrender. Afterward, the two superpowers moved into the Cold War era.
The new reality Younger mentioned is anything but new. As he stated, “it is not soft power or values” that determines countries’ sphere of influence, “it is hard power.” It has always been hard power and nothing else that has determined everything. You can sprinkle some soft power and values on top of the cake to make it look nice and to cover the taste of eggs in the recipe, but the recipe is, always has been and always will be hard power. I will not go deeper into the values he mentions, as Europe and the West have lost their true values to the progressive movement.
On the topic of soft and hard power, I remember a conversation I had with a retired French official who already understood these realities more than a decade ago. He stated the reality of the softening of the Western world on the international scene. He bluntly stated that, without hard power, “we are only cheese and wine salespeople.” And so, the calculations when it comes to Ukraine and for Europe to achieve its own “sphere of influence,” as mentioned by Younger, are quite simple. The Europeans need to cut through the fog and ask themselves: Are we willing to enter an all-out war? This is the costly “entry ticket” Younger alluded to if Europe is to enter the conversation and gain a sphere of influence.
He is right that Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine has been clumsy and weak. Many military analysts I talked to in 2008 said the same of Russia’s campaign in Georgia, which it nevertheless won. This was also evident in the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, where the support of Turkiye — a NATO ally — proved much more powerful than Moscow’s. But Russia is now in an economy of war and is adapting fast. Europe is an economy of Ozempic and Louis Vuitton bags.
Hence, the delusion that you can apply soft power and get what you want in an arena of war must be destroyed. Might I remind everyone that it was the victors that sat together in Yalta, not the defeated. Millions died. And so, what do we see on the ground in Ukraine? Let us firstly remember that the Russian military move took place in 2022, when Joe Biden was US president, and the buildup to it has often been disregarded. Today, Ukraine is doing the best it can with US military support. But it will not be able to defeat Russia or even repel it. This is now clear. It has been for the past three years. So, what should be the next step? Negotiate an exit from the war or fight harder?
The delusion that you can apply soft power and get what you want in an arena of war must be destroyed.
In that context, if someone can tell me how they can turn the negotiations to Ukraine’s advantage with soft power, as per the wishful thinking of the BBC host, I am all ears. It is the situation on the ground that will dictate the outcome, just as it did in Afghanistan. There is no sugarcoating a loss. So, what is Europe going to do about it? It can pin the blame on Donald Trump as much as it wants, but the real question is whether Europe is willing to go to war to stand up to Vladimir Putin and save Ukraine? So, who will go to war? And for what outcome?
Europe does indeed need to “wake up” and swiftly prepare for this “new” reality, which has actually governed the world since the beginning of history. It might need to start by having a unified position on Russia and China. This is far from being the case today. As Younger stated, the “free ride” on the US’ back needs to end. Continuously putting the blame on Washington must stop too. The real enigma is can Europe do this without going to war in Ukraine?
It is precisely the mistake Europe has made — that of thinking soft power has any value without hard power — that led us to this situation. At the very least, the next step should be to invest more in defense. Europe has the capability to build the military forces it needs to be a superior force. It lacks the will to do so. But more than spending billions, as war has already started, the real deterrence would be to convince its adversaries that it has the will to fight. Both Russia and Ukraine have shown this. So has the US.
There needs to be strong action to make this buildup happen and to project the deterrence Europe needs and which can — with US support — change the reality. But let us be realistic: the US still has this deterrence, with Younger stating “you underestimate America at your peril.” Europe needs to bring its real values back to the fore and show its resolve; then its allies and enemies will listen. Not before.
**Khaled Abou Zahr is the founder of SpaceQuest Ventures, a space-focused investment platform. He is CEO of EurabiaMedia and editor of Al-Watan Al-Arabi.

The urgent need for Arab unity
Hani Hazaimeh/Arab News/February 27, 2025
As Arab leaders prepare to convene at the emergency Arab League Summit in Cairo next week, the urgency of crafting a unified and strategic response to the region’s worsening crises has never been greater. From the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and the West Bank to escalating tensions in the Red Sea, shifting global alliances and persistent economic vulnerabilities, the Arab world finds itself at a crossroads. This moment demands more than rhetorical unity — it requires decisive action, strategic coordination and a bold reassessment of the region’s geopolitical and economic priorities.
The war in Gaza has once again exposed the Arab world’s inability to translate political outrage into tangible consequences for Israel. While statements of condemnation and diplomatic efforts persist, they have yet to produce meaningful deterrence against Israel’s continued violations of international law. The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Palestine should not only be a cause for concern but a rallying point for genuine Arab-led initiatives.
At the same time, tensions in the Red Sea — where Houthi attacks on commercial shipping have drawn Western military intervention — pose a direct threat to Arab economic and security interests. The increased militarization of this vital trade route, combined with the broader strategic contest between global powers, underscores the necessity of an Arab security framework that prioritizes regional stability over foreign influence.
Shifting alliances in the Middle East further reflect an evolving global order. The Abraham Accords, US disengagement from certain regional conflicts and China’s growing footprint in the Gulf illustrate how the Arab world must redefine its foreign policy strategies. Instead of passively reacting to these changes, Arab states must proactively shape them by asserting their collective influence and ensuring their own strategic interests take precedence.
The war in Gaza has once again exposed the Arab world’s inability to translate political outrage into tangible consequences
Economic fragmentation has long been a weakness, leaving the region vulnerable to external pressures. It is time for Arab nations to move beyond mere discussions and take concrete steps toward economic integration. A unified strategy in key sectors such as energy, food security and technology would bolster resilience against global market fluctuations and geopolitical instability. The Gulf states, with their vast energy resources, can play a central role in establishing an independent Arab energy network that strengthens regional economies and reduces dependence on Western markets. Meanwhile, investments in agricultural technology and intra-Arab trade can mitigate the region’s reliance on food imports, which has long been a source of economic and political vulnerability.
The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital economies present another opportunity for Arab nations to collaborate in technological development. Instead of competing for foreign partnerships individually, Arab states should establish regional research hubs, innovation funds and cooperative agreements that ensure a future built on self-reliance rather than dependency. Strengthening economic ties will not only boost collective prosperity but also enhance political leverage on the global stage.
For decades, Arab summits have been marked by strong declarations of solidarity with Palestine, yet these statements have rarely translated into meaningful action. The Israeli bombardment of Gaza and expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank demand more than words — they require policy shifts that impose consequences on Israel. One immediate step could be leveraging economic and diplomatic pressure through trade restrictions, sanctions and the suspension of normalization agreements until Israel adheres to international law. Additionally, Arab states must use their influence within international organizations such as the UN and the International Criminal Court to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes.
The Arab world must also reconsider its reliance on Western mediation, which has consistently favored Israeli interests. A stronger Arab-led peace initiative — one that aligns with Palestinian aspirations and international law — should be pursued as an alternative to the failed frameworks of the past. Without a clear, coordinated approach, the Palestinian cause risks becoming an afterthought in an increasingly polarized world order.Foreign intervention in Arab affairs has historically fueled instability rather than resolved conflicts. From Libya to Syria, Yemen to Sudan, external military interventions and political maneuvering have exacerbated divisions rather than facilitated peace. The Arab world must take ownership of its security landscape through a robust, regionally led diplomatic and defense framework.
A revitalized Arab League, with strengthened enforcement mechanisms, could serve as a platform for resolving intra-Arab conflicts and preventing external actors from exploiting regional divisions. Additionally, the creation of an Arab-led rapid response mechanism for conflict resolution — similar to the African Union’s peacekeeping model — could reduce reliance on foreign military interventions and empower the region to handle crises independently. The Arab world must take ownership of its security landscape through a robust, regionally led framework
Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as two of the region’s most influential powers, bear a particular responsibility in steering the Arab world toward greater unity. Saudi Arabia’s economic strength, diplomatic reach and leadership in the Islamic world position it as a key driver of regional cohesion. Meanwhile, Egypt’s strategic location, historical role in Arab politics and military capabilities make it an indispensable pillar of Arab security. Together, they can spearhead efforts to forge stronger political, economic and military cooperation among Arab states. By leading the charge in establishing a comprehensive regional strategy, they can shift the Arab world beyond reactionary politics and toward proactive leadership. The upcoming Arab summit represents more than a diplomatic gathering — it is a test of whether Arab leaders can rise to the challenge of this pivotal moment. The region has the resources, strategic advantages and historical legacy to assert itself as a unified and influential bloc. However, this will only be achieved if leaders prioritize collective interests over individual ambitions, take decisive action rather than issue empty statements and embrace a vision that secures the region’s sovereignty, stability and prosperity.
A divided Arab world is a vulnerable Arab world. The time for unity, strategy and action is now.
• Hani Hazaimeh is a senior editor based in Amman. X: @hanihazaimeh