Municipal workers in Tyre, Lebanon, are defying Israeli eviction orders despite the ongoing violence and calls to evacuate. The workers are determined to remain in the area, viewing it as their duty to stay. The situation highlights the tension between local Lebanese communities and Israeli authorities, with the latter being criticized for their actions.

Mercer, a division of Marsh & McLennan, anticipates doubling its assets under management in the Middle East to $2-$3 billion within the next 2-3 years, driven by growing regional wealth despite economic challenges. The company leverages its buying power to negotiate lower fees for clients, which include sovereign wealth funds and insurance companies. Wealth in the Middle East and Africa grew by 8.5% last year, with Boston Consulting Group forecasting it to reach $12 trillion by 2021. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority has increased its investments in private equity and credit transactions, particularly in Asia.

Farzad Mansouri, a taekwondo athlete from Afghanistan, has been selected for the Olympic Refugee Team for the Paris 2024 Olympics. After fleeing Kabul due to the Taliban's takeover, Mansouri faced numerous challenges, including immigration hurdles and training limitations. Despite these obstacles, he has achieved significant success in taekwondo competitions and is determined to win a medal for the Olympic Refugee Team. His journey highlights the difficulties faced by refugees and the support provided by organizations like Team GB Taekwondo and the IOC.

Mansouri's journey from Afghanistan to the Paris Olympics is highlighted as an inspirational story in the realm of taekwondo and sports.

Lebanon's mine-clearers, led by organizations like DanChurch Aid and the Lebanese Mine Action Centre, face significant risks as they work to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance from decades of conflict. The ongoing Hezbollah-Israel conflict and funding cuts threaten the progress of this vital work. Despite the challenges, the deminers remain committed to making Lebanon safe, with efforts hampered by recent cross-border fighting and the use of white phosphorus by Israel.

In Lebanon, the traditional fishing industry in the town of Byblos is facing an existential crisis. Fishermen like cousins Philippe and Ziad Kordahi are struggling with the economic downturn, the devaluation of the Lebanese Lira, and the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns on their primary customers, the restaurants. The cost of fishing supplies has skyrocketed, and fish stocks are dwindling, partly due to harmful fishing practices by those desperate due to the financial crisis. Fishermen are forced to find additional work to support their families, as their income from fishing is no longer sufficient. The article highlights the broader environmental and economic challenges facing the Lebanese fishing community, including destructive fishing practices and the privatisation of the coastline, as explained by Ziad Samaha from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

The article profiles Aziza Sbaity, the fastest woman in Lebanon, who is aiming to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. Sbaity has set new personal records in the 200m and is in contention for Lebanon's 'universalist' place at the Olympics, a spot reserved for the best athlete not meeting the cut-off times. Despite facing challenges such as a hamstring syndrome and racial prejudice, Sbaity has persevered in her athletic career. She has broken multiple Lebanese records and is using her platform to speak out against racism in Lebanon. Sbaity's potential selection for the Olympics would make her the first black Lebanese athlete to represent the country at the Games.

Two-time Paralympic medallist Husam Azzam and his family are trapped in northern Gaza amidst constant bombing, facing hunger and lack of supplies. Azzam, a five-time Paralympian, is Palestine's most successful athlete at the Paralympics. Over 32,400 Palestinians have been killed since the Israeli offensive began six months ago, following a Hamas-led attack. Azzam's family, including his handicapped children, struggle to access aid, with the UN's Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warning of catastrophic hunger levels in Gaza. UNRWA's aid efforts are hindered by Israeli restrictions and accusations against the agency, leading to funding cuts. Azzam has previously suffered personal tragedy in the 2008 Gaza war and is now focused on survival as his home is damaged from strikes.

The article details a Jordanian air force mission delivering vital aid to Gaza amidst the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Major Mohammed Bashabseh leads the operation, highlighting the challenges posed by Israeli military actions and adverse weather conditions. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is severe, with widespread hunger and malnutrition exacerbated by Israeli blockades. International efforts, including aid drops coordinated by Jordan, the US, and other countries, are described as insufficient but necessary. The UN and aid agencies emphasize the need for more practical solutions, such as opening road crossings for aid delivery.

Lebanese coffee drinkers are boycotting Starbucks due to its perceived support for Israel. This consumer activism reflects broader political tensions in the region, highlighting the intersection of consumer behavior and Middle Eastern politics.