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Trump Pressures Tehran to Move Quickly on U.S. Ceasefire Proposal

A person stands next to the remnant of an Iranian missile, in Beitin village near Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to act swiftly on a proposed ceasefire plan aimed at ending nearly four weeks of intense conflict across the Middle East. His remarks came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Tehran is reviewing the U.S. proposal but is not engaged in direct negotiations, insisting that current exchanges through intermediaries do not constitute formal dialogue.  Indirect communication between the two countries is reportedly being facilitated by Pakistan, with additional support from Turkey and Egypt. Despite this, Iranian officials maintain a firm stance, emphasizing continued resistance and rejecting the notion of active talks.  Trump, however, has publicly claimed that Iranian leaders are eager for a deal, asserting that they are under immense pressure both domestically and militarily. He warned Tehran...
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A Symbol of Hope: Tiny Christmas Tree Amidst Church Ruins in Lebanon

 

In the southern Lebanese town of Dardghaya, amidst the ruins of the 18th-century St. George Melkite Catholic Church, a tiny Christmas tree now stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. The church, devastated by an Israeli airstrike in October, once served as a vibrant community center. 

Georges Elia, a 40-year-old municipal worker and churchgoer, took it upon himself to bring some normalcy to the holiday season. "This year, Christmas is arriving with sadness for us, but we didn't want it to be a sad one for the town's residents and its church," Elia said. 

The modest tree, shorter than Elia himself, is decorated with a shining garland and a star. Despite the lack of lights and a traditional Nativity scene due to the war's destruction, the tree stands tall among the fallen stones and shattered pews. "But, of course, Christ is born in our hearts, lit with our love for him," Elia added.

The church's priest, Father Maurice el Khoury, who has served for 11 years, conducts Sunday Mass in a small underground room that once housed visiting bishops. "This room is more like the cave where Jesus was born," he said, reminding families of the true essence of the holiday season.

The community's faith remains unshaken, and despite the staggering financial toll of the damage, estimated at nearly $3 million, they continue to celebrate Christmas with hope and love.



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