Al-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012

Smoke plume rising from explosions above destroyed buildings in the northern Gaza Strip on January 13, 2025 amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. (Photo by Menahem KAHANA / AFP) (Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images)

Breaking

Last Updated: January 15, 2025, 12:48 pm

Gaza ceasefire deal reached between Israel and Hamas

The announcement comes after months of fruitless negotiations and just days before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

Palestine

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander-in-chief Mazloum Kobane waves after giving a press conference in Syria's northeastern city of Hasakeh on Dec. 6, 2024.

Breaking | Last Updated: January 15, 2025, 12:45 pm

Iraqi Kurdish leader Barzani to meet Syria SDF commander Kobane in historic step

Iraqi Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani will meet SDF commander Mazlum Kobane in a major step toward easing regional tensions and advancing US-backed reconciliation efforts.

Syria

The Iranian Navy has taken delivery of Zagros, a domestically-developed destroyer

Iran’s navy unveils Zagros, its first intel-monitoring vessel: What we know

The vessel delivered to Iran's navy on Wednesday is the latest addition to country's domestic military capabilities.

Iran

The destroyed grain silos and a sculpture made from salvaged steel following the explosion stand in the port of Beirut as the sun sets on Lebanon, Jan. 11, 2024.

Analysis

Eyeing reconstruction, port investment, UAE resets Lebanon ties

A weakened Hezbollah and a new government in Beirut give room for the Emirates to play a big role, politically and economically, in Lebanon.

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

Deputy National Security Advisor Tony Blinken speaks during the daily briefing in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House on July 28, 2014 in Washington, DC. AFP PHOTO/Mandel NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Biden’s new secretary of state ready to take on the Middle East

Antony Blinken, President-elect Joe Biden's choice to lead the State Department, has worked alongside Biden for nearly two decades.

United States

Latest News

Iran, Russia set to sign partnership deal: What we know

Iran

Hegseth stresses support for Israel as Senate Dems grill Trump’s Pentagon pick

US President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, speaks during a Senate Armed Services confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill on Jan. 14, 2025, in Washington, DC.

United States

Sign up to our Daily Briefing

Keep up with Al-Monitor's top stories with a morning digest from across the region.

Pro-Assad militias clash with Syria security in Latakia: What we know

Syria

Who is Julia Sebutinde, pro-Israel judge in line for ICJ presidency?

Israel

UN rights chief Volker Turk met with Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus

UN rights chief says transitional justice 'crucial' in Syria

Agence France-Presse

Nobel laureate Denis Mukwege said the authorities of Bashar al-Assad committed widespread abuses in Syria's jails

Syria sex abuse survivors need aid, says Nobel winner Mukwege

Agence France-Presse

Palestinians at the site of an Israeli strike on a school turned shelter in Gaza City

Gaza rescuers say Israeli strikes kill 27 Palestinians

Agence France-Presse

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (L) met British counterpart Keir Starmer as he visits London

BP nears deals for oil fields, curbs on gas flaring in Iraq

Agence France-Presse

Editor's choice

Three stories hand-picked by our editorial team.

Stay informed with our daily and weekly newsletters

Read By

See all newsletters

The Al-Monitor Brief

Will the US close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility?

Adam Lucente interviews Rosaleen Carroll

8:33

On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

Why Syria's new Islamist leaders deserve Western support

Amberin Zaman interviews Nikolaos van Dam

27:51

The Al-Monitor Brief

What's next for Lebanon after Gen. Joseph Aoun elected president?

Adam Lucente interviews Beatrice Farhat

8:19

ALM Interviews

Exclusive conversations with Al-Monitor.

See All

Interview

US-allied Syrian Kurdish woman commander: ISIS poised to carry 'fight to new level'

Rojhelat Afrin

Women’s Protection Units Commander in Chief

Interview

Syrian Kurd FM Ilham Ahmed says PKK leader Ocalan's words of 'vital importance'

Ilham Ahmed

Co-President of the Executive Council of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria

Interview

Lebanon’s ex-spymaster says Israel-Hezbollah cease-fire close

Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim

Former Lebanese intelligence chief

Interview

Coworking offers lifeline to Gaza's tech entrepreneurs as war disrupts jobs

Rateb Rabi

Founder of Intersect Innovation Hub

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

As Gaza deal looms, will Netanyahu choose Trump or Israel’s far right?

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Analysis

Saudi HQ plan passes 2024 tests but uncertainty lingers for big brands

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

Russia eyes Libya as military substitute for Syria? Not so fast, say Libyans

TOPSHOT - A Syrian rebel fighter (C) looks on as he stands at an inspection checkpoint for incoming vehicles before a Russian flag and Russian soldiers behind manning the entrance of the Russian-leased Syrian military base of Hmeimim in Latakia province in western Syria on December 29, 2024. (Photo by AAREF WATAD / AFP) (Photo by AAREF WATAD/AFP via Getty Images)

By Mohamed Eljarh

Analysis

Eyeing reconstruction, port investment, UAE resets Lebanon ties

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

ALM Events

Convening global leaders, media pioneers, and regional entrepreneurs.

See All

Past Live Journalism

UAE presidential advisor HE Dr. Anwar Gargash speaks at AL-Monitor event during UNGA

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York City, AL-Monitor hosted HE Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the UAE, for an off-the-record dinner and discussion at Le Jardinier of the Bastion Collection. The event was attended by thought and business leaders as well as former officials.

New York City, NY

September 26, 2024 18:00 EDT

Past Live Journalism

Iraq PM Sudani speaks at AL-Monitor/US Chamber of Commerce event during UNGA

At an event hosted by AL-Monitor and the US Chamber of Commerce, the prime minister discussed Iraq’s plan to achieve energy independence by 2030 and his desire to drawdown the US military presence in the country.

New York City, NY

September 25, 2024 18:00 EDT

Past Live Journalism

Salon conversation with Turkey's Ambassador to the US Sedat Önal

AL-Monitor hosted the ambassador of Turkey to the United States, Sedat Önal, for an off-the-record discussion on a wide range of topics such as Turkey-US relations, the Gaza war and Turkey's military intervention in Syria. The event was attended by guests from media, private business, and government.

Washington, DC

September 12, 2024 16:00 EDT

Our Journalists

See All

Latest News

Sign up to our Daily Briefing

Editor's choice

Stay informed with our daily and weekly newsletters

Read By

Podcasts

ALM Interviews

Analysis

ALM Events

Our Journalists