Explainer SDF chief Kobane’s Damascus visit a high wire act for Syria’s Kurds The SDF says its integration with Damascus is complete, but major questions remain over its fighters, weapons and the future of Kurdish self-rule. Syria
Houthis claim strike on Saudi oil tanker off Yanbu: What to know The incident is the latest in a string of Houthi attacks targeting Saudi oil and military assets. Yemen
Ex-defense minister: Israel in ‘worst possible’ Gaza situation as Hamas gains strength Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant criticized the Israeli government for allowing Hamas to retain control over half of the Gaza Strip. Israel
Wreck of ship sunk by Israeli military in Irgun clash found after 78 years The wreck of the Irgun underground's Altalena ship, bombed by the Israeli military in 1948 and deliberately sunk in 1949, was located off Israel's coast at a depth of 1,650 feet. Israel
Analysis Israel fears Turkey’s Syria ambitions and doubts Trump will stop them By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel expands Gaza offensive as dozens reported killed at aid sites Israel has announced an expanded Gaza military operation after accusing Hamas of rejecting the latest US ceasefire proposal. Israel
Protests surge as Libyans demand PM Dbeibeh’s resignation: What to know The latest protests were triggered by clashes between government-aligned militias in mid-May that left eight dead and deepened public frustration over militia control in Tripoli. Libya
Gaza ceasefire seen imminent as Witkoff finalizes Hamas-Israel deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told relatives of hostages held in Gaza that he accepts the recent proposal by American envoy Steve Witkoff, which is expected to secure the release of 10 abductees and establish a two-month ceasefire in Gaza. Israel
EU sanctions Sunni factions accused of violence against Syria’s Alawites, Kurds As former rebel leaders take positions in the new Syrian government, Kurdish officials warn of renewed threats to their autonomy. Syria
Israel confirms assassination of Mohammed Sinwar Sinwar, the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, was targeted in an Israeli strike earlier this month, though Israel’s leadership had not confirmed his death until now. Israel
Israel strikes Yemen airport, claims Houthis' last plane destroyed In response to several missile attacks by the Houthis, the Israeli military struck Yemen's international airport in Sanaa on Wednesday morning. Israel
US-backed Gaza aid body launches as Witkoff pans Hamas truce proposal: What to know Hamas said it accepted a US proposal on a ceasefire deal in Gaza, which both Israel and the US denied, as the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is quickly deteriorating. Palestine
Trump appoints Turkey ambassador Tom Barrack as envoy to Syria: What to know Tom Barrack's dual role is likely to give Trump more direct finger on the pulse of his Syria policy as the president has vowed to lift decades of US economic sanctions to give the country's people "a chance at greatness." Syria
What we know about Elias Rodriguez, suspect in attack on Israeli Embassy staff in DC The 30-year-old man from Chicago is suspected of killing Israeli embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim. United States
3 killed in attack on Russia’s Hmeimim base in Syria: Monitor Russia is aiming to maintain its military bases in Syria following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, while a number of Syrians are currently sheltering at the Hmeimim air base. Syria
Mahmoud Abbas declares from Lebanon ‘era of weapons outside state' over Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is in Lebanon for a high-level visit that will focus on the spread of weapons inside Palestinian camps and ways to remove them. Lebanon
Analysis First in 8 years: Abbas visits Lebanon amid push to disarm Palestinian camps Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is en route to Beirut, where authorities have intensified pressure on Hamas operatives. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
