MIDDLE EAST

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Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has reversed an earlier decision restricting access to a key Christian holy site in Jerusalem, following widespread backlash.

Netanyahu said he had directed authorities to allow Pierbattista Pizzaballa to enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and conduct Palm Sunday services. 

The move came after the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem revealed that Israeli police had, for the first time in centuries, prevented senior church leaders from entering the church to celebrate Mass.

The Patriarchate described the incident as a “grave precedent” that disregards the sensitivities of Christians worldwide during Holy Week, the most sacred period in the Christian calendar.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is widely believed to be the site of his burial and resurrection.

Israeli authorities said the restrictions were due to security concerns amid ongoing tensions involving Iran, noting that recent missile attacks had landed close to the holy site.

Police later approved a limited prayer arrangement at the church, while maintaining restrictions at other religious sites, including the Western Wall and the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

Netanyahu’s office denied any malicious intent, stating that the measures were taken solely to ensure public safety. However, it added that plans were being made to allow religious leaders to worship at the site in the coming days.

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Israel has intensified its military actions in southern Lebanon, signaling plans to expand ground operations following targeted strikes on key infrastructure, including bridges.

The Israeli military stated that its campaign against Hezbollah is entering a broader phase, with preparations underway for coordinated ground advances and continued airstrikes. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir described the operation as ongoing and potentially prolonged, emphasizing that it is being carried out according to a structured plan.

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Drone strikes have disrupted major UAE energy facilities, including the Shah gas field and Fujairah export hub. A tanker sustained damage near the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting growing risks to

shipping routes. Oil prices climbed as markets reacted to tightening supply and escalating regional conflict.

A renewed wave of aerial attacks has struck critical energy infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, intensifying concerns about prolonged supply disruptions as regional tensions continue to escalate.

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Iran has issued a warning urging residents and workers in parts of the United Arab Emirates to immediately leave areas surrounding key port facilities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, people living or working near several major ports, including Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi and Port of Fujairah — should evacuate the surrounding areas immediately.

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Iran has rejected a U.S.-backed peace proposal as too demanding and instead outlined five conditions it says must be met before any war-ending agreement can move forward, according to Iranian state media.

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Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun has called for direct negotiations with Israel to de-escalate the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. Aoun also sharply criticized Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, for drawing Lebanon into a wider regional war. According to a spokesperson, Lebanon is prepared to negotiate but only once Israeli attacks cease.

Speaking during a virtual meeting with senior European Union officials on Monday, Aoun outlined what he described as a path towards "permanent security and stability arrangements on our borders".

Israeli officials have shown little sign of backing negotiations.

Under the Lebanese president's four-point plan, a "complete truce" would coincide with the disarmament of Hezbollah, and international assistance for the Lebanese Armed Forces to help them regain control of "areas of tension".

"And simultaneously, Lebanon and Israel begin direct negotiations under international sponsorship, in order to execute the aforementioned plan," a statement said.