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Hezbollah

Based in Lebanon, Hezbollah is a Shiite Muslim political party and militant group backed by Iran.

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Israel Pushes Deep Into Lebanon as EU Envoy Arrives for Talks

In its deepest incursion since hostilities erupted 22 days ago, the Israeli Defense Force hit Hezbollah positions and captured prisoners in Lebanon as Spain's foreign minister held crisis talks with officials in Beirut.

EU Fails to Agree on Immediate Mideast Ceasefire Call

The European Union failed Tuesday to call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, preferring instead to demand an "immediate cessation of hostilities," the bloc's presidency said.

Israel Suspends Air Strikes for 48-Hours But Says War Goes On

Israel has agreed to a limited ceasefire in Lebanon with a 48-hour suspension of air strikes, but Israeli Justice Minister Haim Ramon said it didn't mean that the Jewish state was ending its war against Hezbollah.

Ceasefire and Troops on the Table at Rome Conference

World leaders are converging on Rome before an emergency conference aimed at stopping nearly two weeks of Israeli-Lebanese violence.

Emergency Middle East Conference Will Push Peace Plan

As fighting in Israel and Lebanon moves into its 13th day, European, US and Middle Eastern foreign ministers have agreed to meet in Rome Wednesday to try to move a ceasefire plan forward.

Germany Has Mixed Record as Mediator in the Middle East

Germany has begun playing an active role in pursuing a diplomatic solution to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. It's not the first time German diplomats have gotten involved in the region and this conflict.

Minister: Middle East Violence Increases Risk in Germany

As the crisis in the Middle East continues, German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schäuble said the risk of a terrorist attack outside the region, including in Germany, increases.

Diplomatic Initiatives Moving Forward in Middle East

After days of diplomatic efforts, the deployment of an international peacekeeping force to the Middle East looks increasingly likely.

Fears of Escalation Rise as Syria Issues Warning to Israel

Israeli jets blitzed Lebanon Sunday and Hezbollah fired off more deadly rockets in a new bout of tit-for-tat attacks as the conflict continued to spiral despite international efforts for a ceasefire.

Rice Enters Middle East Arena With Few Friends for Company

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice embarks on a high-stakes Middle East mission Sunday, with the United States increasingly estranged from European and Arab allies over the crisis.

Israel Gears up for Massive Ground Assault as World Dithers

In what would be a major escalation in the current Middle East conflict, Israel is massing land forces on the border with Lebanon in a move seen as a prelude to invasion.

Cyprus Feeling the Strain as Thousands Arrive from Lebanon

Cyprus complained Friday it felt "left alone" by the international community over the unprecedented evacuation of foreign nationals from Lebanon to the tiny holiday island.

European Press Review: "No Way Out"

Would a European intervention in the Middle East be a collective or national effort? The European press continues to ask questions, critique European leaders and propose courses of action in Israel's war on Lebanon.

Opinion: US Resorting to Heartless Tactics in the Middle East

Washington is sending hesitant signals to the Middle East, saying intervention at this time wouldn't be helpful. This is a callous delay tactic, which condones further casualties, says Deutsche Welle's Peter Philipp.

"Hezbollah Can't Do Much More Harm Than a Pin Prick"

While clear evidence exists that Iran supports Hezbollah militarily, the movement does not really pose a threat to Israel, Middle East expert Jochen Hippler told DW-WORLD.DE.

European Press Review: "Speed is of the Essence"

European newspapers continue to assess the Israeli-Lebanese conflict and critique their own country's involvement. They have also commented on what might -- and should -- happen when the dust settles.

UN Shapes Plans for Lebanon Force

UN chief Kofi Annan has said he expects European participation in a UN stabilization force in the Middle East. But for Germany, the issue is not yet on the agenda.

Experts: EU Mediation in Middle East Requires a Common Line

The Israeli army has said its offensive to defeat Hezbollah could last several weeks. Yet time is running out for international diplomatic intervention. What role could the European Union play in the negotiation process?

By Land and Sea, Europeans Flee Lebanon for Their Lives

Helicopters and warships, chartered ferries and passenger vessels have arrived in Lebanon to pick up tens of thousands of people in one of the biggest mass evacuations since World War II.

Former UN Investigator Says Hezbollah Has Syria's Approval

The escalation of violence in the Middle East has analysts speculating over those responsible behind the scenes. Detlev Mehlis, former UN inspector, told Deutsche Welle that Iran and Syria are definitely playing a role.

European Press Review: "An Act of War"

European newspapers have almost unanimously condemned Israel's retaliatory offensive against Lebanon as "out of proportion."

G8 Leaders Focus On Escalating Violence in Middle East

Leaders of the world's big powers gathered for summit talks in St Petersburg dominated by fears that the growing crisis in the Middle East, marked by a rising death toll, could explode into a regional war.

What Drives Hezbollah?

Who has what interests in the escalation of violence in the Middle East following a phase of relative quiet? An analysis by Deutsche Welle's Mideast expert Peter Philipp.

Governments Warn Citizens to Stay Clear of Lebanon

Amid spiraling Mideast violence, several governments, including Germany's, have warned their nationals to stay away from Lebanon. Members of a German-Lebanese family were reportedly killed in Israeli strikes.

"Israel Was Massively Provoked"

German historian Michael Stürmer talked to DW-WORLD.DE about Israel's motivations behind the attacks on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon, the background of the conflict, and what the recent crisis could mean for Germany.

Bush, Merkel Urge Restraint Amid Escalating Mideast Violence

Meeting in Germany for an informal visit, both German Chancellor Merkel and US President Bush have called for restraint as violence erupted on the Israel-Lebanon border following the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers.

Opinion: Dealing With Hamas

Depending on the extent of Hamas' influence on the next Palestinian government, the West could be in an unprecedented situation when it comes to continued mediation in the Middle East conflict, writes DW's Peter Philipp.

Germany Releases Hezbollah Hijacker Wanted by US

Germany has quietly released a jailed Hezbollah member wanted by the US for killing an American Navy diver. The timing -- just days after the freeing of a German hostage in Iraq -- has raised uncomfortable questions.

Hezbollah Official Forced Out of Germany

German Hezbollah Fighter to Remain in Germany

Prisoners Swapped in Cologne and Israel

Israel and Hezbollah have begun a complicated, German-brokered prisoner swap. In Cologne and Israel more than 400 in Israeli custody are being exchanged for a businessman and the bodies of three soldiers.

Hezbollah-Israeli Prisoner Exchange To Take Place Near Munich

With the aid of a top German intelligence negotiator, Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah militia have agreed to the largest prisoner swap ever to take place between the two longtime foes.

Germany's Problems in Outlawing Islamic Extremists

The recent bomb attack on Jerusalem University by the radical Islamic group Hamas, has led to fresh calls for a ban of Hamas and Hizbollah on German soil. But under German law, this may prove a daunting task.