The article discusses the escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, highlighting recent attacks and responses from both sides. It details the death of Hezbollah member Hassan Ali Najam due to an Israeli airstrike and subsequent retaliatory threats from Hezbollah. Israeli officials, including Itamar Ben Gvir and Benny Gantz, attribute responsibility to both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government. The article also covers the broader context of the conflict, including the involvement of Hamas and the strategic objectives of Hezbollah, supported by Iran. The situation remains tense, with potential for further escalation.

In Beirut, Samir Ayoub mourns the inability to save his sister Samira and her three daughters, Reemas, Talin, and Layan, who died when an Israeli missile struck their car. The local population in the south expresses support for Nasrallah and Hezbollah, who they see as protectors against potential invasion by Tel Aviv.

LGBTQ+ Syrian refugees in Lebanon face increasing intolerance amid an economic crisis, with many experiencing violence, discrimination, and legal challenges. Despite Lebanon's history as a relatively safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals, recent events and political actions have exacerbated their vulnerability. Human rights organizations like Helem and Human Rights Watch highlight the dire situation, while conservative groups and political figures, including Hezbollah, contribute to the hostile environment. Efforts to decriminalize same-sex relationships face significant opposition, reflecting the broader struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in the region.

The article highlights the severe challenges faced by LGBTQ+ Syrians, particularly those who have fled to Lebanon. It details personal stories of violence, discrimination, and the struggle for safety and acceptance. Despite Lebanon's reputation as a relatively safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community, rising intolerance and economic crises have exacerbated the difficulties for Syrian refugees. Activists and organizations like Helem and Human Rights Watch are working to support these individuals, but face significant opposition from conservative elements and political figures. The article underscores the urgent need for legal reforms and greater protection for LGBTQ+ rights in the region.

Hezbollah's call for revenge following Israel's killing of a senior Hamas commander in Lebanon is heightening fears of an all-out war. Lebanese Christians are particularly concerned about being caught in a conflict in which they have no direct involvement.

Two migrants have died and 20 remain missing after two Europe-bound boats sank off the Tunisian coast. Tunisian naval units rescued 109 people, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa. The incidents highlight the perilous journeys undertaken by migrants. The International Organization for Migration reported 20 people dead or missing and emphasized the tragic conditions faced by these vulnerable individuals.

Lebanon's banks are experiencing a surge in armed holdups by desperate depositors attempting to retrieve their frozen funds, reflecting the severe economic crisis in the country. Nicole Di Ilio reports from Beirut for VOA.

Tunisian police are arresting social media activists for criticizing the government and calling for protests, according to rights groups. This crackdown comes 10 years after the Arab Spring, raising concerns about freedom of expression in Tunisia.

Lebanon's economic collapse is driving young men from the impoverished north to join the Islamic State group in increasing numbers. The motivations extend beyond poverty and extreme ideology, as reported by Nicole Di Ilio from Tripoli, with videography by Nadim El Roz.

In Beirut, Lebanon, the economic impact of the war in Ukraine has led to a severe bread shortage, with prices increasing by 550%. Ali Samir Nabbouh, a divorced father, struggles to provide basic food for his daughters, Fatima and Sarah. The once affordable staple, pita bread, has become a luxury item, highlighting the dire food security situation in Lebanon.

Jim Fitton, a 66-year-old retired British geologist, faces severe punishment in Iraq after picking up pottery shards during a trip to the Sumerian archaeological site in Eridu. Despite being assured by guides that the fragments were worthless, the situation has escalated into a significant legal issue.

Ali Hassan, a Sunni history professor, highlights the division in Samarra caused by a wall built to protect the al-Askari mosque, a revered Shiite site. The wall, likened to the Berlin Wall, has split the city for 15 years, and Hassan calls for a return to normalcy.

The article recounts the harrowing experiences of Hasoun Yahya, a Mosul resident who lost his son and his leg to a mine during the Islamic State occupation. It highlights the ongoing threat of unexploded ordnance in Iraq, despite the Islamic State's defeat. The International Committee of the Red Cross in Mosul, along with other organizations like iMMAP and the Mines Advisory Group, are working to address the issue. Iraq remains heavily contaminated with land mines and unexploded ordnance from decades of conflict, posing a significant challenge to clearance efforts and the safety of civilians. The article also discusses the financial and logistical difficulties faced by demining agencies, exacerbated by reduced international funding and government support. The impact of land mines extends beyond immediate danger, as they also prevent displaced people from returning home and rebuilding their lives.

Iraqi security forces are now contending with new security challenges posed by drones. The Babil Police Command announced the seizure of nine drones and legal actions against their operators in Babil governorate.

Saleha mourns the loss of her younger sister Fatima, who died of late-stage cancer. Fatima, 56, lived with her husband Tahseen in Ba'quba and leaves behind a grieving family. The narrative captures the emotional and cultural aspects of death and mourning in the context of the 'Valley of Peace' cemetery in Najaf.

The article details the plight of migrant domestic workers in Lebanon, particularly under the Kafala sponsorship system. It follows the story of Mariema, a young woman from Sierra Leone who suffered abuse and exploitation while working as a maid in Beirut. Despite the Lebanese Ministry of Labor's attempt to reform the system with the new Standard Unified Contract, the Syndicate of the Owners of Recruitment Agencies in Lebanon successfully challenged it, and the State Shura Council suspended its implementation. Human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International criticize the system for facilitating forced labor and human trafficking. The article also touches on Lebanon's severe economic crisis, exacerbated by political corruption and the Beirut port explosion. The narrative highlights the systemic abuse of power and the lack of legal protection for migrant workers, as well as the efforts of organizations like This is Lebanon to help these workers.

The article discusses the journey of a Tunisian man, Mohamed, who was radicalized and joined the Islamic State group in Syria. It explores the factors that led to his radicalization, including the disillusionment following the Arab Spring and the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia. The article highlights Tunisia's status as the largest exporter of jihadists, with over 5,500 nationals joining militant organizations. It also delves into the conditions of Tunisian prisons, where torture is still practiced despite constitutional prohibitions, and the prisons serve as breeding grounds for further radicalization. The article touches on the failure of the Tunisian government to address the root causes of extremism and the lack of effective de-radicalization programs. It concludes with a grim outlook for Tunisia's youth, who face high unemployment and poverty, feeling betrayed by the elite and the state.

Tunisian police are arresting social media activists for criticizing the government and calling for protests, with at least 50 arrests reported this year. Rights groups claim that freedoms gained after the Arab Spring are being reversed, with authorities using outdated laws to suppress online dissent. Activists like Ahmed Ghram and Aymen Dridi highlight the ongoing threats to freedom of speech, while organizations such as Amnesty International and Bloggers Without Chains call for legislative changes.

A man who fled Syria due to his sexual orientation faced further violence in Lebanon. Reporting such incidents is seen as a guaranteed conviction, highlighting the severe challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in the region.

The article highlights the severe exploitation and abuse faced by domestic workers under the kafala system in Lebanon. It narrates the harrowing experience of Mariema, a young woman from Sierra Leone, who endured 19-hour workdays, physical abuse, and sexual violence while being confined and stripped of her rights. The piece criticizes the ineffective reforms proposed by the Lebanese Ministry of Labor and underscores the need for rigorous enforcement mechanisms. It also features insights from activists and researchers who emphasize the systemic nature of this modern-day slavery and the urgent need for comprehensive legal protections for migrant workers.

The article explores Pondok Pesantren Waria al-Fatah, the world's only Islamic boarding school for transgender individuals, founded by Shinta Ratri in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It highlights the personal stories of transgender students like Nia, Renata, and Jessica, who find acceptance and a safe place to practice their faith at the school. Despite societal rejection and threats from conservative groups like Front Jihad Islam, the school remains a sanctuary for its students, emphasizing the inclusive nature of Islam and the importance of community support.

Diya Hamad, a 16-year-old from Samarra, Iraq, has taken on the role of rescuing Yazidis from the Islamic State (IS). Recognized as a hero by Nabil Hassan, the manager of the al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, Hamad's efforts come in the wake of IS's defeat by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces on March 22. The al-Hol camp shelters thousands of Iraqis who fled IS, including the wives and children of IS fighters and an unknown number of enslaved and abused Yazidi women.