Middle East

Syrian regime bombards Yarmouk refugee camp – monitor

Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the overnight raids targeted Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp and a small enclave south of the capital Damascus under the control of militants.

Natalie Portman refuses to attend ceremony for Israeli million-dollar prize

The actor's decision comes after international criticism over lethal tactics used by Israel during clashes with unarmed Palestinian protesters in Gaza.

Syria strikes: Latest updates

The United States, France and Britain launched military strikes in Syria in response to an alleged chemical attack in Syria's Douma, blamed by the US and its allies on Bashar al Assad's regime in Syria.

Lebanon blamed for 'unjustifiable expulsion' of Syrian refugees

Human Rights Watch report says Lebanese municipalities have expelled hundreds of Syrians from their homes since 2016.

Arab Israelis protest on Jewish state’s anniversary

Demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and called for the right of refugees to the homes that their families fled or were expelled from in 1948.

How could Bahrain’s largest oil find have an impact on the region?

The small island nation of Bahrain announced on April 1, that it had discovered extensive tight oil and deep gas resources off the west coast of the kingdom, which could make the once marginal oil producer potentially a major player in the market.

Syrian family tells of perilous escape to Lebanon

We meet a Syrian family in Tripoli, Lebanon that risked everything to escape Daesh in Syria's Deir Ezzor and the regime in Damascus.

UN is negotiating with Syrian regime, Russians after Douma probe halted

UN Department of Safety and Security says it is discussing security with the regime and Russia after an advance team came under fire. The team was in Douma, site of a suspected gas attack that triggered US-led strikes, ahead of an OPCW visit.

Saudi Arabia to show 'Black Panther' to mark cinema opening

Hollywood blockbuster "Black Panther" will be the first commercial film shown in cinemas in Saudi Arabia after more than 35 years.

Rebellious fashion: Saudi women embrace sports abayas

Some Saudi women have welcomed a sports-friendly version of the abaya gown which was once considered a symbol of cultural rebellion in Saudi Arabia.

Syria says UN security teams in Douma ahead of chemical inspectors

But Syria's UN ambassador refuted regime media reports that chemical inspectors had entered Douma, saying that UN security experts were preparing the way for the OPCW inspectors to look into alleged attack.

Can the almost-paralysed Israeli left reinvent itself?

The violent history between Israel and Palestine has pushed the Israeli left to the brink of total collapse.