Israel: looming crisis over conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews
The long-standing exemption of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) men from military service has potentially become a huge crisis for Benjamin Netanyahu. With the Gaza war placing immense strain on reservists, public opinion has shifted decisively…
Gaza: Christians face an almost impossible choice
Gaza’s small Christian community, long rooted in the land where their faith began, is now confronting an existential crossroads. As a fragile ceasefire wavers and destruction remains widespread, believers like Elias al-Jalda face…
Jesus appeared to Hamas member’s wife in dream
Juman al Qawasmi, once married to a Hamas member and raised in a culture of deep hostility toward Israel and Christianity, experienced a dramatic encounter with Jesus that transformed her life. During the…
Syria: why al Sharaa’s visit to Washington is so important
In a stunning U-turn of diplomacy, Syrian president Ahmed al Sharaa - once known as Abu Mohammed al Jolani, former leader of the al-Qaeda affiliate Nusra Front - has arrived in Washington for…
Gaza: ceasefire fragile after Israeli airstrikes kill 100+
On 29 October, Hamas reported that Israeli airstrikes in Gaza had resulted in at least 104 Palestinian deaths, including 46 children. Israel's defence minister accused Hamas of an attack in Gaza which killed…
Syria’s post-conflict reconstruction to cost at least $216B: World Bank
The World Bank has estimated Syria’s post-war reconstruction will cost at least $216 billion, with possible totals ranging from $140 billion to $345 billion. Its ‘Syrian Conflict: Physical Damage and Reconstruction Assessment (2011–2024)’…
Gaza: conflicting emotions and remaining challenges as ceasefire takes hold
Israel and Hamas have taken a crucial first step toward ending the devastating two-year war in Gaza, releasing hostages and prisoners under a US-brokered ceasefire. The exchange brought immense relief and celebration across…
Gaza: what we know so far about ceasefire agreement
After three days of indirect talks in Egypt, Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas have ‘signed off’ on the first phase of his twenty-point peace plan to end the Gaza war. The…
Gaza: Hamas likely to reject Trump’s peace plan
A senior Hamas leader has said the group is likely to reject Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, arguing it favours Israel while ignoring Palestinian concerns. The plan requires Hamas to disarm, surrender…
Iran: offering hope to young people
Generation of Hope, a SAT-7 PARS youth programme, has returned for its second season with a mission to uplift and support young people in Iran and beyond. The show, hosted by 16-year-old Ilya…

