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FRANCE 24’s coverage and analyses of political and social issues across the Middle East, including Egypt, the Gulf states, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen and beyond.
Site URL: www.france24.com/en/middle-east/
Feed URL: www.france24.com/en/middle-east/rss
Posts: 45
Followers: 1
Middle East live: Yemen fighting escalates as Trump heads to UN
Published: September 22, 2026 03:41
Saudi airstrikes on Yemen's Red Sea port of Mokha have killed at least six people as Iran-backed Houthis press their offensive. The escalation comes as the US and its allies face growing pressure to protect Saudi Arabia and regional energy infrastructure,…
Saudi Arabia left without US help against Houthis
https://www.france24.com/en/saudi-arabia-left-without-us-help-against-houthis
Published: September 21, 2026 14:57
Saudi Arabia is weighing Washington’s refusal to help fend off Houthi attacks after Riyadh requested US assistance, despite the two countries being longstanding allies and President Donald Trump and his family maintaining close personal ties with Saudi…
Projectile hits tanker as it enters the Strait of Hormuz
Published: September 21, 2026 14:03
At least two people were injured when an “unknown projectile” struck a tanker as it entered the Strait of Hormuz, the British military said Monday. The vessel will reportedly continue to its next port of call, and there are no indications of any…
West Bank: Israeli settler, Palestinian killed in latest violence
https://www.france24.com/en/west-bank-israeli-settler-palestinian-killed-in-latest-violence
Published: September 21, 2026 12:58
Violence flared in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Sunday, as Israeli forces arrested a suspected Palestinian gunman accused of killing an Israeli man. In a separate incident, Israeli soldiers killed a Palestinian driver who the military said had…
Israeli settler and Palestinian driver killed in West Bank shootings
Published: September 20, 2026 15:30
A suspected Palestinian gunman on Sunday shot dead an Israeli man near a West Bank settlement, according to Israeli officials. The gunman was located at a Ramallah hospital and arrested, police said. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli soldiers killed a…
An Israeli settler and a Palestinian driver killed in West Bank shootings
Published: September 20, 2026 14:34
An Israeli settler has been fatally shot in the occupied West Bank, while Israel's military said it killed a man who attempted to ram his vehicle into troops elsewhere in the Palestinian territory. The news came as violence in the West Bank is escalating…
Iran closes French language centre in Tehran for ‘illegal acts’
Published: September 20, 2026 13:46
Iranian authorities on Sunday shut down the French Language Centre (CLF) in Tehran, alleging the French embassy-linked institute conducted "illegal acts that violated diplomatic conventions" and "abused its status as a language training facility".
The week in pictures: Syria protests, Céline Dion on stage and Quito wildfires
Published: September 20, 2026 13:15
From protests against rising fuel prices in Syria to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s EU charm offensive to Quito’s wildfires and Céline Dion’s return to the stage, FRANCE 24 looks back at the week's most striking pictures.
Houthi attacks and no Western support: What are Saudi Arabia's options ?
https://www.france24.com/en/houthi-attacks-and-no-western-support-what-are-saudi-arabia-s-options
Published: September 20, 2026 12:24
The US has warned that fighting between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthis could rapidly escalate. It comes after a missile attack targeted Riyadh for the first time since the Yemen conflict resumed. The Houthis' lightning offensive seized swathes of…
'NAZA' documentary about Gaza war sparks political storm in Israel
https://www.france24.com/en/naza-documentary-about-gaza-war-sparks-political-storm-in-israel
Published: September 20, 2026 12:22
The Israeli filmmakers behind the documentary NAZA may have received a standing ovation at the Venice film festival, they have been facing violent threats to their lives and citizenship at home in Israel. A month ahead of crucial elections, the film…
Why doesn't the US intervene to defend Saudi Arabia against the Houthis?
https://www.france24.com/en/why-doesn-t-the-us-intervene-to-defend-saudi-arabia-against-the-houthis
Published: September 20, 2026 12:20
The US cautioned against a rapidly escalating situation in Yemen after Houthi rebels carried out a missile attack on the Saudi capital. In recent weeks, the Iran backed militants have also seized large portions of Yemeni territory following clashes with…
Yemen's Houthis strike Saudi capital Riyadh for the first time
https://www.france24.com/en/yemen-s-houthis-strike-saudi-capital-riyadh-for-the-first-time
Published: September 20, 2026 09:38
Fighting between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia continues to intensify. On Saturday morning, a fire broke out near Riyadh's main airport after Houthis said they launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia. On the ground in Yemen, Houthi rebels…
Black smoke seen near Riyadh amid air raid alerts in Saudi Arabia
https://www.france24.com/en/black-smoke-seen-near-riyadh-amid-air-raid-alerts-in-saudi-arabia
Published: September 19, 2026 15:16
Flames and plumes of smoke were seen rising near Riyadh airport this afternoon with flights cancelled and delayed. This as fighting between Saudi-backed government forces and Iran-backed Houthi rebels has killed 48 people in recent hours. The rebels…
Smoke, flames seen near Riyadh airport, ‘major’ flight disruptions reported
Published: September 19, 2026 12:53
A plume of smoke and flames rose near Riyadh's main international airport on Saturday and residents reported hearing loud booms hours after Saudi authorities issued the first alert for the country's capital since the latest escalation with Yemen's…
Israel: 'NAZA' documentary sparks political storm
https://www.france24.com/en/video/20260919-israel-naza-documentary-sparks-political-storm
Published: September 19, 2026 12:41
The documentary film 'NAZA', and its co-directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, are at the centre of a controversy in Israel.The film, which won an award at the Venice Film Festival, features anonymous Israeli sources accusing the military of…
More than 112,000 displaced in Yemen as Houthis seize more ground
https://www.france24.com/en/more-than-112-000-displaced-in-yemen-as-houthis-seize-more-ground
Published: September 19, 2026 08:57
Pro-Houthi demonstrations erupted in Yemen after Saudi Arabia accused the military group of targeting the Muslim holy site of Mecca. Story by Elitsa Gadeva.
Time to stop suggesting AI is conscious?, Riyadh Calling: Saudi’s Hour of News, Russian elections
Published: September 18, 2026 19:20
This week, Saudi Arabia has turned to its allies for military support as Iran-backed Houthi rebels tighten their grip on Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the Bab el Mandeb shipping choke point, while drone attacks on the Kingdom’s oil infrastructure deepen an…
US approves $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 warplanes to Saudi Arabia
Published: September 18, 2026 06:29
The United States on Thursday said it had approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 stealth warplanes to Saudi Arabia. Israel has previously voiced concerns about Riyadh buying F-35s, despite a push to normalise relations.
Trump declines to back Saudi Arabia as US officials reportedly meet Iran-backed Houthis in Oman
Published: September 17, 2026 18:47
US officials met representatives of Yemen's Houthis in Oman over the weekend, five sources familiar with the matter said, days after the Iran-backed militia seized a strategic stretch of the Red Sea coast in a sweeping offensive that routed Saudi-backed…
'Stalemate' in Lebanon: Hezbollah justifies weapons, citing Israeli occupation and ongoing attacks
Published: September 17, 2026 18:44
Angela Diffley is pleased to welcome Dr Filippo Dionigi, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the University of Bristol. According to Dr. Dionigi, the central obstacle to Hezbollah’s disarmament is not simply the military capacity of…
'Sanctions won’t prevent us from doing our job' says ICC Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang
Published: September 17, 2026 16:02
In this edition of Perspective, the acting Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court tells FRANCE 24 that the court is needed now more than ever to ensure there is no gap for impunity. Mame Mandiaye Niang says the court’s job is to step in if domestic…
Amnesty accuses Iran of crimes against humanity
http://www.france24.com/en/amnesty-accuses-iran-of-crimes-against-humanity
Published: September 17, 2026 14:55
Amnesty International has accused Iranian authorities of committing crimes against humanity during the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom crackdown, saying more than 500 people, including 71 children, were killed and that the violence disproportionately targeted…
Houthis claim Saudi F-15 kill as Yemen fighting escalates
http://www.france24.com/en/houthis-claim-saudi-f-15-kill-as-yemen-fighting-escalates
Published: September 17, 2026 14:53
Yemen's Houthi rebels have released footage they say shows the wreckage of a Saudi F-15 fighter jet, which, if confirmed, would mark the first fighter jet they have shot down. The claim comes as fighting escalates in Yemen, with the Houthis expanding their…
Lebanon on Paris talks : 'the general sentiment here is very little hope'
http://www.france24.com/en/lebanon-on-paris-talks-the-general-sentiment-here-is-very-little-hope
Published: September 17, 2026 14:46
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is in Paris for talks with Emmanuel Macron, but on the ground many Lebanese say they have little hope after months of war with Israel, the continued occupation of parts of southern Lebanon and uncertainty over regional…
Lebanon: UNIFIL withdrawal at the heart of Paris talks
http://www.france24.com/en/lebanon-unifil-withdrawal-at-the-heart-of-paris-talks
Published: September 17, 2026 13:23
Emmanuel Macron welcomes Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Jordan's King Abdullah II to Paris today for talks on Lebanon's security and international support for the Lebanese army. The meeting comes as France pushes to prevent a security vacuum ahead of…
Syrian court issues first sentences over 2025 massacres of Alawites
Published: September 17, 2026 09:13
Syria's judiciary on Thursday issued its first verdicts over the massacres of Alawites on the Syrian coast last year, sentencing a former member of government forces to 20 years in prison. A supporter of deposed president Bashar al-Assad received a death…
Lebanon: Emmanuel Macron welcomes Joseph Aoun to Paris for Middle East talks
Published: September 17, 2026 08:48
French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Paris for talks focused on Lebanon's security and wider Middle East tensions, with Jordan's King Abdullah II also taking part in the meeting. FRANCE 24's Luke Shrago and…
Lebanon: Macron, Aoun and King Abdullah II hold security talks in Paris
http://www.france24.com/en/lebanon-macron-aoun-and-king-abdullah-ii-hold-security-talks-in-paris
Published: September 17, 2026 07:59
Emmanuel Macron is hosting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Jordan's King Abdullah II in Paris for talks on Lebanon's security and international support for the Lebanese army. The meeting comes as concerns grow over Israel's continued strikes in southern…
Middle East : Trump plans $2.8bn arms package for Israel amid Gaza war
http://www.france24.com/en/middle-east-trump-plans-2-8bn-arms-package-for-israel-amid-gaza-war
Published: September 17, 2026 07:55
The Trump administration is reportedly preparing a $2.8 billion arms package for Israel, including 40,000 bombs, as Israel continues strikes in Gaza despite last October's ceasefire. The proposed deal would further strengthen Israel's military capabilities…
Middle East live: Paris talks aim to bolster Lebanese army as end of UN mission looms
Published: September 17, 2026 06:14
European and Arab military chiefs meet in Paris on Thursday to discuss steps to bolster Lebanon's struggling armed forces as the mandate of a United Nations peacekeeping mission expires at the end of the year, amid fears of a renewed Israeli military…
Israel and Morocco agree to open embassies after New York talks
http://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20260917-israel-morocco-embassies-new-york
Published: September 17, 2026 01:07
Israel and Morocco agreed on Wednesday to open embassies in each other’s countries following talks between their foreign ministers and the US ambassador to the United Nations in New York. The two countries established diplomatic ties in 2020 under the…
Ed Sheeran's tour in trouble after opening acts drop out in solidarity with rapper Macklemore
Published: September 16, 2026 21:33
Ed Sheeran's tour of North and South America has been roiled by the decision this week to drop Macklemore as an opener because of the rapper's onstage pro-Palestinian comments. Since then, all of Sheeran's other supporting acts have dropped out, including…
Ed Sheeran's tour in trouble after opening acts drop out in solidarity with rapper Macklemore
Published: September 16, 2026 21:31
Ed Sheeran's tour of North and South America has been roiled by the decision this week to drop Macklemore as an opener because of the rapper's onstage pro-Palestinian comments. Since then, all of Sheeran's other supporting acts have dropped out, including…
Amnesty says Iran committed 'crimes against humanity' in protests crackdown
http://www.france24.com/en/amnesty-says-iran-committed-crimes-against-humanity-in-protests-crackdown
Published: September 16, 2026 20:09
Iranian authorities committed crimes against humanity in the crackdown on 2022 protests that left hundreds dead, Amnesty International said Wednesday, adding Tehran's suppression of new demonstrations this year bore the "same hallmarks" but on an even…
Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of targeting Mecca, calls it a 'red line'
Published: September 16, 2026 20:08
Saudi Arabia accused Yemen’s Houthis on Wednesday of launching an attack on the holy city of Mecca, which the Iran-backed rebels denied. Saudi Arabia, a US ally which has been the target of large-scale Houthi strikes since early September, declared Mecca a…
Saudi Arabia accuses Houthis of targeting Mecca, warns of 'red line'
http://www.france24.com/en/saudi-arabia-accuses-houthis-of-targeting-mecca-warns-of-red-line
Published: September 16, 2026 19:13
Saudi Arabia accused Yemen's Houthis on Wednesday of launching a "cowardly" attack targeting Islam's holy city of Mecca, sparking outrage across the Muslim world. The Houthis swiftly rejected as a "lie" Riyadh's statement that it had shot down a drone…
Washington set to approve $2.8 bn arms package for Israel
http://www.france24.com/en/washington-set-to-approve-2-8-bn-arms-package-for-israel
Published: September 16, 2026 18:24
The US federal government is on track to approve a $2.8 billion arms package for Israel, US media reported Tuesday, with the sale of 40,000 one-ton bombs among the largest munitions packages sold in recent years. The Washington Post said the package --…
Emergency doctor on the challenges of caring for civilians in conflict zones
Published: September 16, 2026 14:55
For humanitarian doctors and healthcare workers operating in active conflict zones, the challenges are seemingly endless: from so-called "double tap" strikes that put emergency workers at risk, to roadblocks, evacuation orders and even the positioning of…
Amnesty says Iran committed 'crimes against humanity' in 2022 protests crackdown
Published: September 16, 2026 09:30
In a report released Wednesday, Amnesty International said Iranian authorities committed “crimes against humanity” during the violent crackdown on the 2022 protests known as the movement “Woman, Life, Freedom” that was sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini.
Middle East live: Saudi Arabia accuses Houthi rebels of launching a drone strike on Mecca
Published: September 16, 2026 02:14
Saudi Arabia's air defences claim to have intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday, which the Iran-aligned rebels denied. Meanwhile, several explosions were heard on the island of Qeshm, near the Strait of Hormuz. Follow our…
Saudi crown prince seeks neighbours' backing as Houthi attacks rattle Red Sea oil routes
Published: September 15, 2026 18:37
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called for free and secure navigation in the Red Sea during talks in Cairo on Tuesday, as the kingdom vowed to respond "firmly" to attacks by Yemen's Houthis. The two…
First Hormuz, now the Red Sea? Oil spikes as Saudis sucked into Yemen spiral
Published: September 15, 2026 18:32
First, there was Donald Trump’s surprise decision to strike Iran. Then, came the quagmire of a war without an exit strategy. Now, six months later, with access to the Gulf all but shut… global shipping holding its breath over the other end of the Arabian…
Middle East live: Houthi attacks wound 13 civilians in southern Saudi Arabia
Published: September 15, 2026 03:06
A series of attacks carried out by Yemen's Houthis using ballistic missiles and drones wounded 13 civilians in southern Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Meanwhile the US Defence Department's inspector general revealed that the United States is facing a shortfall…
Rights group accuses Israel of dismantling 'Palestinian existence' in West Bank
Published: September 14, 2026 21:26
Israeli rights group B'Tselem said Monday that Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank form part of a greater project designed to make it impossible for Palestinians to exist together as a people. In a report titled "The Elimination Project", the group…
Yemen: Fact-checking videos claiming to show Houthi rebel attacks
https://www.france24.com/en/yemen-fact-checking-videos-claiming-to-show-houthi-rebel-attacks-1
Published: September 14, 2026 21:10
A video claiming to show Houthi rebels ambushing Saudi-backed mercenaries has racked up major views on X. But the FRANCE 24 Observers found it is actually footage of 2024 Houthi military drills. The clip was edited with football commentary and blurred…