Mena Today

In a significant milestone for gender representation in Lebanese politics, journalist Najat Charafeddine has been appointed as the spokesperson for the presidency, becoming the first woman to hold this prestigious position.

The much-anticipated ceasefire, accompanied by the first phase of hostage releases, is set to begin on Sunday at 8:30 AM. Israel's cabinet officially approved the deal with Hamas late into the night, signaling a crucial step towards de-escalation in the region. 

Seven migrants drowned in the Aegean Sea off Turkey's western coast after falling overboard when the Turkish coastguard attempted to intercept their boat, according to an official statement released by the Turkish coastguard.

Brazil's government announced on Friday Nigeria's acceptance as a partner country in the multinational bloc of nations known as BRICS.

Syria's new leader, Ahmad el-Chareh, and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, held a phone call on Friday to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations.

Israel's cabinet approved a deal with Palestinian terrorist group Hamas for a ceasefire and release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Saturday, a day ahead of the agreement's scheduled start.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said his inauguration on Monday will be held inside the U.S. Capitol rather than outdoors because of severe cold.

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam said on Friday the formation of a new government would not be delayed, indicating a very positive atmosphere in discussions over its composition.

Chinese automotive giant Geely has officially announced plans to export 30,000 vehicles in the near future, a move that aligns with the inauguration of its newly established factory in Egypt. 

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the Auschwitz Nazi death camp in Poland on Friday ahead of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the site which is seen as a symbol of the horrors of the Holocaust.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed issues including TikTok, trade and Taiwan in a phone call on Friday, just days before Trump takes office again promising tariffs that could ratchet up tensions between the world's two biggest economies.

Companies transporting their products around the world are not ready to return to the Red Sea trade route in the wake of a Gaza ceasefire deal because of uncertainty over whether Yemen's Houthis will continue to attack shipping, industry executives said.