KRG Sends Fifth Group of Thalassemia Patients Abroad for Treatment
ARK News.. Under the directives of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, the Kurdistan Regional Government has dispatched the fifth group of thalassemia patients abroad as part of its humanitarian treatment program.
The Ministry of Health announced that the group includes 28 individuals, comprising patients, donors, and their companions. They have been sent to internationally accredited (JCI) hospitals to undergo bone marrow transplants, following the completion of all required medical examinations and procedures.
The KRG is covering all treatment expenses, including travel, accommodation, medical tests, and surgeries. This initiative is funded among a dedicated budget of approximately 11 billion Iraqi dinars, allocated to treat 140 thalassemia patients, regardless of donor availability.
Health Minister Saman Barzinji expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s continued support, noting that 220 patients have so far been sent abroad for this type of treatment.
He also confirmed that a sixth group will be dispatched soon, while announcing the successful recovery and return of several patients after completing 100 days of treatment.
This initiative is part of the KRG’s ninth cabinet program, aimed at easing the burden on citizens and providing advanced medical care unavailable inside the region.
119
President Barzani Extends Easter Greetings
President Masoud Barzani on Saturday, April 4, 2026, sent a message of congratulations to Christians in Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and around the world on the occasion of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Text of the Message:
“In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, On the occasion of the blessed Easter, we extend our warmest congratulations and blessings to our Christian brothers and sisters in Kurdistan, Iraq, and across the world.
We hope that this occasion will contribute to strengthening the values of coexistence and brotherhood, and that our Christian brothers and sisters, along with all other religious and ethnic components in Iraq and the region, will enjoy security and peace.
Happy holiday, and we wish you continued happiness and well-being.
Masoud Barzani
April 4, 2026”
126
FAO: Global Food Prices Rose in March
ARK News.. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has reported that global food prices increased in March, reaching their highest level and marking the second consecutive monthly rise.
According to the FAO, its Food Price Index— which tracks changes in a basket of internationally traded food commodities—averaged 128.5 points in March, up 2.4 percent from its revised February level.
In a detailed report, the organization also slightly raised its forecast for global cereal production in 2025 to a record 3.036 billion tones, representing a 5.8 percent year-on-year increase.
FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero said in a statement that price increases since the onset of the conflict have been moderate, driven mainly by higher oil prices, while abundant global grain supplies have helped ease the impact.
He added that if the conflict continues for more than 40 days and input costs remain high, farmers may reduce inputs, cut planted areas, or shift crop types, potentially leading to lower yields and affecting food supply and prices for the remainder of this year and into the next.
204
Lebanon: Death Toll from Israeli Attacks Reaches Nearly 5,500
ARK News.. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health has announced a continued rise in casualties resulting from recent Israeli attacks targeting the country.
In its latest statistics released on Friday, April 3, 2026, the ministry reported that the death toll has reached 1,345 people, while 4,040 others have been injured to varying degrees due to ongoing airstrikes and military operations carried out by Israel against Lebanon.
The figures bring the total number of casualties to nearly 5,500.
The ministry also highlighted a worsening displacement crisis, with more than 1.1 million people forced to flee their homes and origin areas.
According to the data, approximately 136,000 displaced individuals have been accommodated in designated shelters, while the remaining numbers are spread across other areas and refuge centers.
127
U.S. Informs Israel of Stalled Talks with Iran
ARK News.. A Hebrew-language Israeli newspaper has reported that the United States administration has informed Israel that negotiations with Iran have reached a deadlock due to a “lack of trust” between the two sides.
According to Israel Hayom, citing a diplomatic source, this lack of trust remains the primary obstacle to any breakthrough. Iran is demanding an immediate ceasefire with international guarantees against renewed attacks, while Washington is insisting on conditions including the full and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the handover of all enriched uranium stockpiles.
The source added that both the U.S. and Israel are preparing to expand the scope of military strikes for at least 10 more days, focusing on infrastructure linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as civilian facilities allegedly used by the government, in an effort to undermine Tehran’s ability to finance its military activities.
According to assessments presented by U.S. President Donald Trump, operations have achieved tangible results in several areas, particularly Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Reports claim that much of the military nuclear infrastructure has been destroyed, along with approximately 80% of advanced missiles and 90% of launch platforms.
The report also highlighted that “regime change or weakening” has emerged as a strategic objective discussed between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while acknowledging that such a path could take months given the weakness of internal opposition.
It concluded that Israeli assessments suggest the war is unlikely to end without an agreement ensuring the full restoration of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
197
Kurdish National Council Legal Office Holds Series of Meetings in Damascus
ARK News.. The legal office of the Kurdish National Council in Syria held a series of meetings with relevant authorities in Damascus, as part of following up on legal tasks and files.
A delegation from the legal office met with Ahmad al-Hilali, Director of Public Relations at the Ministry of Justice and spokesperson for the presidential team implementing the January 29 agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF, and congratulated him on the opening of his office at the Ministry of Justice.
The legal office had previously met with Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais, to whom it submitted a legal memorandum on the grievances suffered by the Kurdish people under the former regime. The minister stressed the need to address these grievances and remove their damages.
The delegation included Ridwan Sido, General Coordinator of the authority and the legal office, along with Mu'az Youssef, Fahd Dawood, and Jagar Silo, members of the legal body of the council.
The legal office also met with Deputy Minister of Local Administration and Environment for Technical Affairs Mohammad Yasser Ghazal and his specialized team. Discussions focused on:
Reviewing Legislative Decree No. 107 of 2011
Emphasizing the need to reformulate the decree in line with current stage requirements
Highlighting the importance of reconsidering administrative divisions in Syria before proceeding with any legislative, legal, or administrative amendments
The talks also stressed allocating part of the region’s revenues to support development and infrastructure projects, particularly in the healthcare sector and hospitals, due to the harmful environmental and public health effects of oil derivatives.
The meeting was described as positive, with the deputy minister and his team expressing understanding of the difficult conditions in Kurdish areas.
90
KDP-S Secretary Meets Sere Kaniye Organization, Emphasizes Return of Displaced Residents
ARK News..
Mohammed Ismail, Secretary of the Kurdistan Democratic Party – Syria (KDP-S), met with the party’s Sere Kaniye organization to discuss the latest political developments and underscore the urgent need for the return of displaced residents to their homes in the city.
The meeting was attended by Hussein Suleiman, a member of the party’s Central Committee and head of the Sere Kaniye organization.
During the session, Ismail reviewed recent developments in the Syrian political landscape, focusing on a series of engagements conducted by the Kurdish National Council in Syria (ENKS). These included meetings with the Syrian leadership, particularly with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, as well as discussions with Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He also highlighted a meeting with President Masoud Barzani, followed by a second meeting with the Syrian President held on the occasion of the national holiday of Newroz.
Ismail placed particular emphasis on the situation in Sere Kaniye, stressing the necessity of enabling residents to return to their homes amid ongoing regional developments.
The meeting comes as Kurdish political actors continue to intensify diplomatic efforts and internal coordination regarding the future of Kurdish areas in Syria, with Sere Kaniye remaining a focal point in discussions surrounding displacement and return.
80
Massive Minefield Cleared Along M4 Highway Near Sere Kaniye in Hasakah Countryside
ARK News.. A large-scale minefield has been successfully dismantled in the vicinity of the M4 international highway near the city of Sari Kaniye in the countryside of Hasakah, as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate war remnants and enhance civilian safety.
According to media sources, the engineering unit of the Syrian Military Police carried out an extensive operation that resulted in the removal of more than 1,500 landmines. The operation also included meticulous sweeping procedures across the targeted area, ultimately leading to its full clearance and the elimination of threats that had posed serious risks to civilians living nearby.
The M4 highway, a critical transit route in northern Syria, has been surrounded by hazardous remnants of conflict, particularly in areas affected by prolonged instability.
Vast areas across northern Syria continue to suffer from widespread contamination by unexploded ordnance and landmines, posing a persistent danger to civilian populations, especially children.
In this context, the Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that it had documented 996 incidents related to war remnants across the country as of February 12. The province of Deir Ez-Zour recorded the highest number of casualties, with 1,798 victims reported since December 2024.
The latest demining operation marks a significant step toward mitigating these risks, though the broader challenge of clearing war debris across affected areas remains ongoing.
128
Syrian Markets Witness Sharp Surge in Poultry Prices
ARK News.. Syrian markets have recently witnessed a massive and unprecedented surge in poultry prices, reaching record levels that exceed the purchasing power of the vast majority of citizens.
According to Kurdistan24, the wave of rising chicken prices began noticeably at the start of the past month of Ramadan and has continued on an upward trajectory, with daily increases ranging between 5,000 and 10,000 Syrian pounds per kilogram.
The source noted that Syrians have reacted to the steep price hikes with a widespread boycott across various provinces, resulting in a severe downturn in demand. Poultry shops have been left nearly empty of customers amid the sharp decline in sales.
It added that the price of chicken fillet cuts ranges between 95,000 and 110,000 Syrian pounds per kilogram, with the collective boycott serving as a silent protest reflecting citizens’ inability to keep up with the imposed prices.
The source further indicated that the continued public insistence on the boycott has led to a buildup of large quantities of poultry products in markets and restaurants, causing a clear commercial stagnation in the sector.
Meanwhile, the Syrian public is closely watching the outcome of this collective position, with many residents stressing their determination to refrain from purchasing until prices return to more reasonable levels aligned with their living conditions.
176
Kurdistan Region President Receives Message of Support from Germany
ARK News.. Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, received a phone call on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from Dr. Gesa Andreas von Geyr, German Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, during which he expressed his country’s position regarding the attacks targeting the Kurdistan Region.
Von Geyr strongly condemned the attacks against the Kurdistan Region, particularly the targeting of President Nechirvan Barzani’s residence in Duhok. He affirmed that Germany places great importance on the stability of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, reiterating Berlin’s full support and solidarity with the Kurdistan Region.
For his part, President Nechirvan Barzani expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the call and Germany’s friendly position, stressing that the Kurdistan Region has always been—and will remain—a supporter of peace and security, and continues to work toward maintaining stability in Iraq and the wider region.
President Barzani also thanked Germany for its assistance and support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, affirming Erbil’s desire to strengthen cooperation and deepen bilateral relations across all fields.
The phone call also addressed the political situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as the latest developments in the ongoing war and its repercussions.
120
