UPDATED: At least 20 Killed in Damascus church suicide bombing - Region
The explosion struck the Mar Elias Church in the Dweila neighbourhood of the capital during what appeared to be a service. A witness said the attacker entered the church and detonated explosives.
The Syrian outlet Levant 24, citing local sources, said the bomber opened fire on worshippers before triggering the blast. Some reports put the death toll as high as 25.
SANA said ambulances were dispatched to the scene and that Internal Security Forces had sealed off the area.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The United Nations special envoy for Syria voiced outrage at Sunday's deadly attack on a church in Damascus, calling for a full investigation and action by the authorities.
Geir Pedersen "condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack at St. Elias Church", and "expresses his outrage at this heinous crime", said a statement from his office.
Follow us on:
Short link:
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
18 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
What remains of Hezbollah's weapons arsenal? - Region
Hezbollah, which Lebanon plans to disarm by year's end, had a formidable arsenal before war with Israel severely weakened the Iran-backed militant group last year. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said in June that the Lebanese army had dismantled more than 500 Hezbollah military positions and weapons depots in the south, after a November ceasefire that sought to end more than a year of hostilities between the foes. As the Israeli military keeps up its strikes on Hezbollah targets more than eight months after the truce, AFP looks at what remains of Hezbollah's weapons, supply routes and other capabilities. Rockets and missiles When Hezbollah opened hostilities with Israel in October 2023, its arsenal was reputedly larger than the Lebanese army's, and experts estimated it included ballistic missiles, as well as rockets, anti-aircraft, anti-tank and anti-ship missiles. Hezbollah was the only group to keep its weapons after Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, doing so in the name of "resistance" against Israel, which occupied the south until 2000. Military expert Riad Kahwaji said the group's arsenal was "degraded considerably as a result of the (latest) war and continued frequent strikes by the Israelis against its arms depots". Intelligence reports indicate that the group "has lost a lot of its heavy arsenal -- the heavy long-range missiles", Kahwaji told AFP, with estimates it has lost "about 70 per cent" of its capabilities. Supply routes The December ouster of longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, a close Hezbollah ally, dealt a further blow to the group, with chief Naim Qassem admitting it lost a military supply line. Syria's new authorities have since made several announcements of thwarting weapons shipments to Lebanon. Kahwaji said the closure of Hezbollah's Syria supply route "has impacted its ability to rebuild its capabilities". "However, Hezbollah has been trying to build some weapons domestically. It has workshops locally to build things like Katyusha missiles," he said. Experts previously said Hezbollah had around 150,000 rockets before the latest round of fighting and an underground tunnel network in south Lebanon, as well as in the eastern Bekaa Valley near the Syrian border. Officials have said the Lebanese army has sealed off Hezbollah tunnels since the ceasefire, while Israel has said it targeted the militant group's tunnels infrastructure in recent months. Drones Former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike last September, said domestic production contributed to his group's large stockpile of drones, which it used extensively during the recent hostilities. Kahwaji said the group has the know-how and "ability to assemble drones" and clearly "is trying to build its drone capability". An official close to the disarmament negotiations said Hezbollah had not dismissed the possibility of giving up its heavy weapons but was insisting on keeping its drones and Kornet anti-tank missiles. Fighters Nasrallah said his group could count on more than 100,000 fighters, twice as many as estimated by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. In September, an Israeli operation detonated hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah, with Lebanese authorities reporting that the attack killed several dozen people and wounded thousands. The year-long hostilities killed more than 4,000 people, Lebanese authorities have said, most of them during the two months of full-blown war that preceded the ceasefire. Among the dead were hundreds of Hezbollah fighters and a slew of senior commanders. According to Hezbollah television channel Al-Manar, Israeli attacks on Lebanon since the ceasefire have killed at least 230 people and wounded 477. Israel has vowed to keep up its attacks on Hezbollah targets until the group is disarmed. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Disputes Between Netanyahu's Government and the Israeli Army Over Expanding Operations in Gaza
Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel Wahab Despite recent media reports suggesting that the Israeli Chief of Staff informed the political leadership that the army has 'exhausted combat operations in Gaza', statements from U.S. officials and opposition figures in Tel Aviv reflect various contradictions. While Washington continues its full and unwavering support for Tel Aviv's governments—as seen in the statements of the U.S. envoy to the Middle East after his visit to Tel Aviv, where he affirmed that the U.S. is working with the Israeli government on a plan for the 'reconstruction of Gaza,' which would bring the war to an end—he also claimed there is no famine in Gaza, as if those dying in the Strip have the luxury of choice, opting to leave our peaceful world hungry and displaced from their land of their own volition. Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has called for an immediate halt to military operations in Gaza, stating that Israel cannot continue a war that lacks public support. And as if to give further proof of blatant bias in favor of the occupation entity and its governments, the U.S. ambassador to Israel made fresh statements to Fox News, claiming that no country in the world, including the United States, takes the measures that Israel does to minimize civilian casualties. It's as if the envoy from the occupying state is speaking from Saturn, completely oblivious to the ongoing military campaign known as 'Operation Gideon's Chariots,' and to the growing public anger in the Israeli street over the continuation of military operations without clear results. In contrast to this U.S. bias, the international community has—albeit belatedly—started to show some support for international humanitarian law and opposition to Netanyahu's ongoing violations against humanity. Although the international community has yet to forcefully address Israel's systematic dismemberment of Gaza, genocidal war tactics, blockade of humanitarian aid, and attacks on aid convoys, the U.S. ambassador in Tel Aviv seems to operate in a galaxy of his own. He claims Israel is doing its utmost to ensure aid delivery and limit civilian losses—without even mentioning human casualties directly. Instead, he uses the term 'civilian losses' to further entrench his shameless bias in favor of the occupation, which not only terrorizes civilians in Gaza, but also strikes Syrian territories and continues air raids on Lebanon. It's as if this man is watching an alternate reality, broadcast to him by settler satellites, not real news channels. The collective memory of those biased toward the occupier seems to blind them to the fact that history spares no one—and reality eventually exposes falsehood. Just yesterday, The Washington Post published a brief report noting that despite repeated claims by President Biden of having provided $60 million in food aid to Gaza, in reality the U.S. has only delivered $3 million, according to the report. This comes as Trump recently announced plans to establish food distribution centers in Gaza. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs published a report stating that Netanyahu is undermining Trump's efforts for a regional agreement, due to his insistence on ending Hamas rule and refusing to relinquish control over Gaza and the West Bank. While Trump seeks a comprehensive peace deal, his unconditional support for Israel undercuts this goal—especially amid widespread Arab rejection of forced displacement and growing calls for a sovereign Palestinian state. Returning to Yair Lapid's demand for an immediate ceasefire, we find that the leader of the Democratic Party, Yair Golan, also stated last week that the declarations by several countries of their intent to recognize a Palestinian state represent a significant failure for Netanyahu. He emphasized that the coalition government is prolonging the war, abandoning the 'hostages,' and causing a humanitarian crisis, while the world is beginning to act without Israel. With more than one 'Yair' in the opposition camp, Golan continued his criticism of the far-right government, saying that Netanyahu is surrendering to Finance Minister Smotrich and National Security Minister Ben Gvir, while leaving defense to Defense Minister Gallant—rather than forming alliances with international partners. Criticism has also come from military ranks. Former Northern Command leader Major General (Res.) Amiram Levin publicly denounced the government's policy toward Gaza's civilians, calling its orders on opening fire a 'war crime,' amid growing warnings about army exhaustion. Maariv newspaper highlighted that continued fighting in Gaza will have long-term impacts on the army, especially on front-line units. Alongside calls for a comprehensive deal followed by military action, Israel is now in a state of anticipation over decisive decisions about the war. According to Channel 12, Israel is heading into a critical week during which strategic decisions could redefine the course of the war. A recent poll by the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies showed that 61% of the public believes that military operations in Gaza will not lead to the hostages' return, while 52% blame the government for obstructing a deal. To add an extra layer of extremism, Ben Gvir led a mass incursion into Al-Aqsa Mosque. Channel 7 reported that nearly 2,000 Jews entered Al-Aqsa last Sunday amid fears of rising tensions in Jerusalem. Ben Gvir also made incendiary remarks yesterday, calling for a full invasion and declaration of sovereignty over Gaza, and even for promoting voluntary migration. It seems Netanyahu is navigating by the compass of the Smotrich–Ben Gvir duo. Channel 12 reported last night that the Prime Minister is leaning toward expanding the offensive and seizing full control of Gaza. In contrast, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that the security apparatus opposes expansion in areas not yet entered by the army, fearing harm to the hostages. News agencies circulated speculation that the Israeli Chief of Staff may cancel his trip to Washington after leaks that Netanyahu gave the green light to occupy Gaza—further reflecting deep rifts between the government and the military and security establishments. Maariv has repeatedly warned that continuing the war will cause long-term damage to the Israeli army, especially front-line forces. Maariv also focused in its latest field and political coverage on the Israeli Chief of Staff's request for the coalition government to hold a discussion session to present plans regarding the continuation of the war in Gaza. However, Netanyahu reportedly blocked the session, preventing the presentation and approval of these plans. This has left the army unclear on the political leadership's objectives—while knowing full well that continuing the mission will yield negative results. The paper further reported, citing its sources, that the army's front-line units are suffering from immense exhaustion, and prolonging the war will take a severe toll on both the units and the soldiers. read more Analysis- Turkey Has 0 Regional Allies... Why? Analysis: Russia, Turkey... Libya in Return For Syria? Analysis: Who Will Gain Trump's Peace Plan Fruits? Analysis: Will Turkey's Erdogan Resort to Snap Election? Analysis: What Are Turkey's Aspirations in Iraq? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Mercenaries In Libya... Who Should Be Blamed? Opinion & Analysis Analysis- How 'Libya Nightmare' Takes Erdogan to Algiers Opinion & Analysis Analysis: What Happens After Brexit? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Strategic Significance of Libya's Sirte, Jufra! News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
See - Sada Elbalad
3 days ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Iraq Halts Crop Cultivation Amid Severe Water Shortage
Israa Farhan Iraq will suspend all crop cultivation starting in September due to an escalating water crisis, according to the country's Minister of Water Resources, Aoun Diab Abdullah. The minister described 2025 as one of the most challenging years in Iraq's history in terms of water scarcity, citing a sharp and ongoing decline in water inflows from neighboring countries. Speaking to the state-run Al-Sabah newspaper, Abdullah stated that Iraq's agricultural sector will be halted entirely next month because of insufficient water availability. However, he noted that climate forecasts indicate a potential shift, with expected rainfall in October and a drop in temperatures during September, which could help reduce evaporation rates. Water reserves in Iraq's main dams and reservoirs, including Mosul, Darbandikhan, Dokan, Tharthar, Haditha, and Hamrin, have dropped below 8 billion cubic meters, a critically low figure given the country's agricultural and domestic needs. The minister highlighted that Turkey's water management policies have played a major role in this decline. The flow of the Euphrates River into Iraq has been reduced by more than half compared to historical averages, due to upstream dam operations and water retention in Turkey. He also noted that new Turkish dams on the tributaries of the Tigris and Euphrates are further restricting Iraq's share of cross-border water. Currently, water releases from Turkey to the Syrian border measure approximately 350 cubic meters per second. However, by the time the flow reaches Iraq's Haditha Dam, it falls below 200 cubic meters per second. As for the Tigris River, Turkish releases currently stand at around 200 cubic meters per second. The suspension of agriculture in September will result in the cancellation of wheat cultivation for the upcoming season. This follows two consecutive years in which Iraq had achieved self-sufficiency, producing over five million tons of wheat annually. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
