MIDDLE EAST LIVE: Security Council set to meet on Syria

While the war in Gaza grinds on with dozens of civilians already reportedly killed and injured so far this year – and as the fragile ceasefire in Lebanon largely holds – hopes are still high for a successful transition of power in Damascus following the overthrow of the Assad regime, although needs and challenges are immense. On Wednesday, ambassadors are poised in New York to hold their first meeting of the year on Syria, with all eyes on a potential lifting of sanctions. The UN’s relief chief and the top envoy to Syria are due to brief. App users can follow live here.