Lebanon’s parliament is unlikely to elect a new head of state on Friday in the last few hours of pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud’s term, because rival leaders have failed to clinch a deal despite French-led mediation.

Working in a classroom on the frontline of the conflict between Israel and Hamas Islamists requires a lot more than good teaching skills.

 Israel plans to reduce electricity supplies to the Gaza Strip beginning December 2, according to a document submitted Thursday to the Israeli supreme court, its latest move against the Hamas rulers of Gaza.