West Bank olive harvest begins amid settler attacks on Palestinians, groves Between 80,000 and 100,000 Palestinian families in the West Bank rely on the olive harvest for primary or secondary sources of income, according to the United Nations. Palestine
Culture Algeria moves to restore death penalty for arson: What to know President Abdelmadjid Tebboune wants a return to executions after another summer of devastating wild fires, but rights groups say the amendment passed by parliament is problematic. Algeria
Israel, Turkey, Iran offer aid as Venezuela’s 2 quakes kill at least 188 Iran, Turkey and Israel were among the first countries to offer assistance to earthquake-hit Venezuela despite their varying diplomatic relationships with Caracas. Turkey
Interview UAE official says opening Hormuz integral to any Iran deal, describes infrastructure damage 'manageable' Abdulla Balalaa, UAE assistant minister of foreign affairs for energy and sustainability, spoke to Al-Monitor about the situation in the Gulf along with the UAE's focus on promoting privatization in the water sector and the 2026 UN Water Conference. Abdulla Balalaa UAE assistant minister of foreign affairs for energy and sustainability
Analysis Iran’s mismanagement in focus as fires ravage 25-million-year-old forests By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran, Iraq exchange accusations over water flow Iraq is planning to complain to the International Court of Justice about the drop in water flow from Iran. Iraq
Istanbul residents get stuck in snow as politicians throw blame at each other The coldest weather in decades cripples life and transportation in Istanbul, with stranded passengers staging protests at Istanbul airport. Turkey
Egypt endeavors to turn Suez Canal green The Suez Canal Authority announced a plan to shift the Suez Canal into an eco-friendly canal that relies on renewable energy to preserve the environment and encourage environmentally friendly ships. Egypt
Rare snowstorm hits Iraq and Syria Many people in the Kurdistan Region rejoiced while playing in the snow, but such conditions can be dangerous for others, especially those living in displaced people camps. Iraq
Israeli environmentalists, neighbors blast plan for new town in Negev Despite Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked's enthusiasm, both green groups and neighboring towns are unhappy with a plan to build a new village near the Gaza border. Israel
Sultan Qaboos’ environmental legacy hits economic roadblock in Oman Strict environmental laws protected Oman’s pristine ecosystems, benefited public health and strengthened tourism’s value proposition, but will it last? Legacy: Gulf
Egyptian Church takes initiative on climate ahead of COP27 The Egyptian Coptic Church launched an initiative to plant trees in the grounds of all its affiliated churches and parishes to raise awareness of the issue of climate change, in preparation for Egypt hosting COP27. Egypt
Ancient Kurdish rain ritual revived in Syria as drought continues Kurdish farmers in the countryside of Qamishli revive an ancient ritual called Ziwa, or the Bride of the Rain, to invoke rain after seasons of drought. Syria
Heavy rain prompts evacuations in Oman Oman’s rainy season occurs in January and February. News Brief
Drought-stricken Iran sinks under deadly floods Heavy flooding has battered Iran's south and southeast, the same areas that have been hardest hit by drought in recent years. Iran
Environmentalists oppose Israeli plan to double Golan Heights population Nature protection groups are opposing the recent plan by the government to build more villages and add to the population on the Golan Heights. Israel
Watch: Clock tower falls as storm rips through Istanbul As of Monday evening Turkish authorities had reported four deaths and dozens of injuries. News Brief
