Middle East

Syrian minority groups on edge as leadership consolidates power

As Syria’s new leadership — Sunni Muslim, like most Syrians — works to consolidate power, many minority groups in the country fear they may be left behind. VOA’s Heather Murdock talks to Armenians, Druze and Alawites in Aleppo, Damascus and Sweida in Syria. Videographer: Yan Boechat

VOA Kurdish: Erdogan will renegotiate relationship with Trump administration

VOA Persian: Iran intensifies repression of women, dissidents, minorities, says watchdog

Citing evidence and reports, Human Rights Watch highlights intensified repression of women and girls, a rise in executions, lack of fair trials, harassment of activists, students, journalists, and justice-seeking families as well as discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community by the Islamic Republic

Israel-Hamas ceasefire in place with first group of hostages, prisoners freed

Truce, at least temporarily, ends 15 months of fighting

American journalist Austin Tice's mother, in Damascus, hopes to find missing son

Austin Tice was taken captive during a reporting trip to Syria in August 2012

WHO says needs full access to Gaza after Israel-Hamas truce

‘WHO will need conditions on the ground that allow systematic access to the population across Gaza, enabling the influx of aid via all possible borders and routes,’ the agency said in a statement

Pope calls for Gaza ceasefire to be 'immediately respected'

Expressing gratitude to mediators, the pontiff also urged a boost in humanitarian aid as well as the return of hostages

Hamas frees 3 hostages during ceasefire with Israel

Hamas released three hostages Sunday as part of a newly reached ceasefire deal with Israel. U.S. President Joe Biden, on his last full day in office, spoke from Charleston, South Carolina about the development. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi has the story.

Who are the Israelis released, recovered on 1st day of ceasefire?

Three hostages held by Hamas were released Sunday after 471 days in captivity as part of ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant group

Implementing Gaza ceasefire will be up to Trump

The deal happened under the Biden administration, but pressure from Trump may have helped secure it, say analysts

In photos: Israel - Hamas ceasefire