MIDDLE EAST

SYRIA'S ASSAD SECRETLY SENT $250 MILLION TO RUSSIA

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Between 2018 and 2019, Syria's central bank secretly transferred $250 million in cash to Russia. The Financial Times uncovered these covert operations, highlighting how Bashar al-Assad's regime, reeling under Western sanctions, resorted to such measures to secure funds and maintain power. The cash shipments, flown in $100 bills and €500 notes, were deposited into sanctioned Russian banks through Moscow's Vnukovo Airport, underscoring the deep financial ties between Assad's regime and the Kremlin.

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TOURIST BOAT SINKS IN RED SEA, 17 REPORTED MISSING

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Seventeen people are missing, while 28 others have been rescued after a tourist boat sank in the Red Sea. The boat with 31 tourists and 14 crew - who were all Egyptians - sent a distress signal at 05:30 (03:30 GMT), according to the governor of Red Sea province. Authorities have not indicated the possible cause of the incident.

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SYRIAN REBELS RETAKE ALEPPO IN SHOCK OFFENSIVE, MARKING FIRST ENTRY IN 8 YEARS

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In a series of radical and unexpected turn of events, Syrian opposition forces have shattered years of stalemate, sweeping into Aleppo and dramatically challenging President Bashar al-Assad's regime. The lightning-fast offensive marks the first time rebels have controlled significant portions of the city since 2016, signaling a potential transformation in Syria's protracted civil war.

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TURKISH AIRSTRIKES IN SYRIA LEAVE OVER ONE MILLION WITHOUT WATER AND ELECTRICITY AMID DROUGHT

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In the parched landscapes of northeast Syria, a silent humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding, where water has become more precious than gold and survival hangs in the balance of geopolitical tensions.

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LEBANESE CIVILIANS RETURN TO DEVASTATION AS CEASEFIRE WITH ISRAEL TAKES HOLD

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The recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough, offering a momentary respite to communities ravaged by 13 months of relentless conflict. Brokered by the United States and France, the agreement promises a carefully choreographed withdrawal that could reshape the geopolitical landscape of southern Lebanon.

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PALESTINIANS SHIFTING TO LOCAL SODA

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Chat Cola's employees race to quench Palestinians' thirst for local products since the Gaza war erupted last year. With packaging reminiscent of Coca-Cola's iconic red and white aluminum cans, Chat Cola has tapped into Palestinians' desire to shun brands perceived as too supportive of Israel.

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FIVE RESCUED FROM TOURIST YACHT WHICH SANK IN RED SEA

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Five people have been found alive a day after a tourist boat capsized in the Red Sea, Egypt's local governor said. Four bodies have also been recovered from the capsized tourist boat.

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QATAR SUSPENDS MEDIATION IN ISRAEL-HAMAS TALKS AMID FRUSTRATION OVER LACK OF NEGOTIATION PROGRESS

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Qatar announced that it is suspending its role as mediator between Israel and Hamas, citing a lack of good faith negotiations from both parties. This development threatens to complicate efforts to secure peace and release remaining hostages in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

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