Briefly

MIDDLE EAST

Arab neighbors return envoys to Lebanon

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Yemen on Thursday announced the return of their ambassadors to Lebanon in a sign of improving ties. The Saudi foreign ministry said its ambassador returned in response to calls by "moderate" Lebanese political forces and after remarks by Prime Minister Najib Mikati regarding "ending all political, military and security activities" that affect Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. Mikati's office said Kuwait's envoy would return before the end of the week. Mikati, in a Twitter post welcoming the move, said Lebanon was "proud of its Arab affiliation and upholds the best relations with Gulf states", describing them as pillars of support.

ISRAEL

Security forces kill shooting suspect

Israeli security forces on Friday located and killed a Palestinian gunman suspected of carrying out a shooting attack against Israelis the previous evening that killed two and wounded several others. The suspect, a Palestinian from the West Bank, was found hiding near a mosque in Jaffa and was killed in an exchange of fire with Israeli Security Agency agents and Israel National Counter-Terrorism Unit officers. The security agency said that an investigation into the attack is proceeding, and "none of our forces were wounded". On Thursday evening, the suspect opened fire into a crowded bar on Tel Aviv's Dizengoff Street, where many cafes and bars are located, Tel Aviv Police Commander Amichai Eshed said in a briefing.

UNITED STATES

2nd year of records for global methane

Global levels of the potent greenhouse gas methane rose to a record high for a second consecutive year in 2021, according to data released by US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday. They hit the highest levels since scientists began measuring these emissions nearly four decades ago. Methane is the second most prevalent greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. Fossil fuel production and use contributes nearly one-third of total methane emissions.

Xinhua