Mohamad Ali Harisi

Foreign Editor


H.E. Josep Borrel Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice President of the European Commission. Antonie Robertson/The National
Borrell urges 'compromise' for a ceasefire in Gaza

EU's foreign affairs chief tells The National that Israel's war against Hamas has pushed the Middle East into 'the most perilous situation' in many years

September 17, 2024, 1:52 PM
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was one of the masterminds of the October 7 attacks and is thought to be living in a network of tunnels under Gaza. AFP
Hamas will not accept Israeli safe passage offer for Sinwar, source says

Group insists leader is not considering leaving Gaza under any deal

September 12, 2024, 10:29 AM
The Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion burning in the Red Sea on September 2 following attacks by the Houthis. AP
Yemen's Houthis step up attacks on international shipping in Red Sea

US military describe missile and drone strikes as 'reckless acts of terrorism'

September 03, 2024, 5:06 AM
A woman carries a portrait of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah past houses hit by Israeli air strikes, in Aita Al Shaab, a village on the border with Israel, on June 29.  AP
Talks involving Iran halted greater Israel-Hezbollah conflict

Tehran has become a behind-the-scenes player in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, sources tell The National

August 26, 2024, 5:14 PM
People listen to a speech by Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah broadcasted on Hezbollah's al-Manar television channel, at a coffee shop in a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. AP
Hezbollah and Israel trade blows but play down fears of wider war

Source close to the group says the Iran-backed militants were attempting to reinstate deterrence balance

August 25, 2024, 4:49 PM
A Palestinian man stands at the site of an Israeli strike on a house in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. Reuters
Hamas calls for allies to join war against Israel

Group calls for escalation as Gaza ceasefire negotiations stall in Cairo

August 22, 2024, 6:11 PM
A protester waves the flag of Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Iraqi militia, outside the US embassy in Baghdad. Reuters
Iraqi militias co-ordinating retaliatory attacks after truce with US ends

The Iran-backed armed groups have warned that 'all options are available' to target US bases inside Iraq

August 21, 2024, 2:33 PM
A Palestinian sits in the ruins of his home, following an Israeli air strike on Al Maghazi refugee camp, in Deir Al Balah, central Gaza. EPA
Biden: Talks uncertainty makes achieving ceasefire more difficult

Meetings will include Qatari, Egyptian, US, and Israeli representation

August 14, 2024, 6:28 AM
Palestinians flee Khan Younis after another evacuation order was issued by the Israeli army in the southern Gaza Strip. EPA
Gaza ceasefire mediators urge Israel and Hamas to resume talks

Hamas studying the proposal and Israeli PM says ready to send delegation but warns war will continue

August 09, 2024, 4:55 AM
Yahya Sinwar, the new political leader of Hamas, gestures on stage during a rally in Gaza city in 2021. AFP
Sinwar’s Hamas appointment entangles ceasefire talks in Gaza tunnels

Surprise move reinforces military wing of Palestinian faction and is expected to complicate negotiations with Israel

August 07, 2024, 12:48 PM
Mourners hold placards saying 'we won't let go of our weapons' as they gather to watch the funeral procession of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut's southern suburbs. AFP
'Incentives offered' to Hezbollah for controlled retaliation against Israel

The Iran-backed group has vowed to make Israel 'weep' after it assassinated its top military commander

August 02, 2024, 12:14 PM
A man during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters
Israeli hostages' families demand ceasefire amid escalating regional tensions

Hamas said it will start discussing the fate of the talks after a week or two

August 01, 2024, 12:10 PM
A fighter of the Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah militia inspects the site of a US air strike in Hilla, Iraq, in December 2023. Reuters
US strike on militant base leaves Iraq truce hanging in the balance

Senior official of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq tells The National there will be a response to attack south of Baghdad

July 31, 2024, 1:09 PM
Palestinian militant group Hamas' leader Ismael Haniyeh (C) and other officials, flash the victory sign during a swearing in ceremony for the new president, at the parliament in Tehran, on July 30 2024.  AFP
Hamas blames Israel and US for killing of Haniyeh

Militant group warns of 'major repercussions' for region after assassination, as Iran vows to retaliate

July 31, 2024, 3:12 AM
A passenger embraced by a family member as passengers walk at the arrival terminal of the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon. AP
Lebanon 'preparing for the worst' ahead of impending Israeli attack

Hezbollah has decided to respond to any Israeli retaliation even if it does not target Beirut, sources tell The National

July 30, 2024, 1:26 PM