Israel’s war cabinet considers Gaza cease-fire, hostage deal as ICJ ruling looms Reports on Friday revealed that CIA Chief William Burns will meet in a European capital this weekend with Qatari, Israeli and Egyptian officials to try to unblock a deal for a cease-fire and the release of all the hostages held in Gaza. Israel
ICJ rules Israel must 'take all measures' to prevent genocide, stops short of ordering Gaza cease-fire South Africa had filed a case with the court earlier this month arguing that Israel’s military operation in Gaza amounted to a state-led genocide. Palestine
How significant is Niger's PM visit to Iran post-coup and amid Africa push? Iran wants better economic and political relations with sub-Saharan African states, including the sanctioned military junta in Niger. Iran
US pressures Israel on military targeting as Khan Younis fighting intensifies In a webinar with Al-Monitor, the US special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues David Satterfield said the Israeli military should be doing more to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza. Palestine
Convicted Binance founder Zhao denied permission to travel to UAE Dubai-based cryptocurrency businessman Changpeng Zhao, who pled guilty to violating US laws against money laundering, has been denied permission to return to the United Arab Emirates for a family emergency. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt to give Cairo's historic downtown major facelift The project is part of a wider plan to develop Cairo’s downtown area to boost tourism and the economy. Egypt
Analysis UAE-backed fund's planned Telegraph takeover raises press freedom fears Members of parliament and former state security figures have raised concerns about what it would mean for an entity with close ties to a foreign government to own one of the United Kingdom’s most influential newspapers. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
