Lebanon to sign gas exploration deal on Friday, cabinet says

TotalEnergies' Transocean Barents drilling rig used to explore oil and gas areas off Lebanon's coast in 2023. A deal surrounding the exploration of Block 9 is expected to be announced on Friday. (TotalEnergies/File)
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Updated 08 January 2026
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Lebanon to sign gas exploration deal on Friday, cabinet says

Lebanon will sign ​a gas exploration deal with a consortium comprising QatarEnergy, TotalEnergies and Italy's Eni in the ‌country's Block ‌8 offshore ‌area, ⁠the ​Lebanese ‌cabinet said on Thursday.
In 2023, Lebanon granted a license to conduct seismic studies ⁠on Block 8 ‌to Bright ‍Skies ‍and GeoX.
Lebanon hopes ‍gas and oil discoveries will help it to reverse ​a crippling economic crisis that has ⁠cost the local currency more than 98% of its value, eroded the country's foreign reserves and caused rolling blackouts across towns ‌and cities.


Abbas says Palestinians stand in solidarity with Jordan amid US-Iran tensions

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Abbas says Palestinians stand in solidarity with Jordan amid US-Iran tensions

  • Palestinian president condemned Iranian attacks targeting Jordan
  • Al-Aqsa Mosque has remained closed since Saturday morning as Israeli authorities declared a state of emergency

LONDON: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed solidarity with Jordan during a phone call with King Abdullah II on Tuesday.

Abbas condemned the Iranian attacks targeting Jordan, reaffirming the Palestinian rejection of any assault that undermines Jordan’s sovereignty or threatens its security and stability, according to Wafa news agency.

After the military actions by the Israeli and US forces in Iran on Saturday, Iran launched suicide drones and missiles into the cities of the Arab Gulf. It also targeted US fighter jets deployed in Azraq, while some missiles struck civilian areas.

Abbas highlighted the importance of dialogue and expressed support for Arab efforts to protect Arab nations, and ensure their security against attacks that violate international law, Wafa added.

For the fourth consecutive day, Israeli forces have intensified military measures throughout the occupied West Bank, closing checkpoints and entrances to cities, towns and villages.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque in the walled city of occupied East Jerusalem has remained closed since Saturday morning, as Israeli authorities declared a state of emergency amid the conflict with Iran.