Middle East

People gather at the site of an explosion in the city of Kerman, about 510 miles southeast of the capital Tehran, Iran, on Wednesday. Two bombs exploded at a commemoration for a prominent Iranian general slain by the U.S. in a 2020 drone strike, Iranian officials said.

World News

Islamic State claims responsibility for suicide bombings that killed dozens in Iran

12:55pm January 04, 2024

by The Associated Press

The bombings, which killed at least 84, targeted a commemoration for an Iranian general slain in a 2020 U.S. drone strike. Wednesday's event was the worst militant attack to strike Iran in decades.

Israeli soldiers overlooking Gaza City on Monday.

World News

Israeli troops have withdrawn from some parts of Gaza City, a city official says

9:44am January 04, 2024

by Becky Sullivan

Gaza City was the focus of fighting when Israel's ground invasion of the territory began in October. Now, much of the territory's largest city is in ruins and the fighting has shifted to the south.

Iran supports 'axis of resistance,' armed gangs it runs in the Arab world

5:07am January 04, 2024

Iran backs three key militant groups involved in the current Mideast turmoil — Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. Here's a look at the role all three are playing.

Killing of a senior Hamas official in Beirut stokes fear of wider Israel-Hamas war

5:07am January 04, 2024

What's at stake for Lebanon in the Israel-Hamas conflict? NPR's Leila Fadel talks with journalist Kim Ghattas, distinguished fellow with the Columbia Institute of Global Politics.

What will it take for Israel to affirm mission accomplished in Gaza, and end the war?

5:07am January 04, 2024

by Daniel Estrin

What will it take politically and militarily, for Israel to declare victory and end the war in Gaza? There is growing debate in Israel about what kind of victory is even achievable.

World News

Protesters took over the streets in West Bank after the killing of Hamas official

6:09pm January 03, 2024

by Carrie Kahn

Palestinians condemned the killing of Hamas second in command in Lebanon Tuesday night. Hundreds took to the streets and shut down stores in the West Bank in protest.

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How Iran and Lebanon are reacting to deadly explosions

4:58pm January 03, 2024

In Iran, a pair of explosions killed more than 100 people and wounded many more, and a senior Hamas leader has been killed in Lebanon. No one has claimed responsibility for either incident.

A scene after deadly explosions near the tomb of assassinated Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, in Kerman, Iran, on Wednesday.

World News

Iran says 2 explosions have killed over 100 people honoring an assassinated general

3:21pm January 03, 2024

by Peter Kenyon

Two explosions in southeastern Iran have killed more than 100 people and wounded over 200, according to Iran's state media, which said Iranian officials called the blasts a "terrorist attack."

Education

Morning news brief

2:24pm January 03, 2024

A Hamas leader is killed in an explosion in Beirut. Harvard University President Claudine Gay resigns. Jury selection has begun in a civil trial in New York that could transform the NRA.

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A fireball from an explosion erupts during Israeli bombardment on Khan Younis from Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip early on Wednesday.

World News

Israel says withdrawal of some troops doesn't mean the conflict in Gaza is over

11:17am January 03, 2024

Speaking to troops in Gaza, Israel's defense minister said talk of ending operations in the Palestinian territory is "wrong." Earlier, Israel said a senior Hamas leader had been killed in Lebanon.