Xinhua Middle East news update as of 2200 GMT on May 23

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Iran Mourns Late President Ebrahim Raisi, Laid to Rest in Mashhad

TEHRAN — The nation of Iran is in mourning as they bid farewell to their late President Ebrahim Raisi, who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash along with two members of his entourage. The official news agency IRNA reported that Raisi’s body, along with the bodies of his companions, arrived at Mashhad’s international airport on Thursday afternoon.

The northeastern city of Mashhad, Raisi’s hometown, was filled with grief as the late president was laid to rest in the holy shrine of Imam Reza. Earlier in the day, a funeral ceremony was held in Birjand, the capital of the eastern South Khorasan province, to honor Raisi and his companions.

Raisi, who was known for his dedication to serving the Iranian people, leaves behind a legacy of leadership and commitment to his country. His untimely death has left a void in the hearts of many Iranians who looked up to him as a symbol of hope and progress.

In other news, the conflict between Israel and Gaza continues to escalate, with at least 24 people reported dead in overnight attacks by the Israeli army. The Palestinian official news agency WAFA stated that 16 Palestinians, including 10 children, were killed when Israeli forces targeted two houses in northern and central Gaza.

The violence in the region has sparked international concern, with calls for both sides to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution. The loss of innocent lives in the conflict is a tragic reminder of the human cost of war and the urgent need for a lasting ceasefire.

Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, the Israeli war cabinet has instructed the negotiation team to renew talks for the release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The decision to resume negotiations comes after a lengthy discussion where updated guidelines were formulated for the team.

The release of the hostages is a top priority for the Israeli government, as they seek to bring an end to the suffering of the hostages and their families. The renewed talks offer a glimmer of hope for a resolution to the hostage crisis and a step towards building trust between the two sides.

In Yemen, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi announced that his group has launched multiple operations targeting cargo ships with missiles and drones. The attacks, which took place in various locations including the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean, have raised concerns about the safety of maritime trade routes in the region.

The international community has condemned the attacks and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further escalation of violence. The safety and security of commercial shipping in the region are paramount, and efforts must be made to ensure the protection of vessels and crew members.

As the world grapples with these ongoing conflicts and tragedies, the need for diplomacy, dialogue, and peaceful resolution becomes more urgent than ever. The loss of lives and the suffering of innocent civilians serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of working towards a more peaceful and just world.

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