Interview UNRWA plans Turkey office to boost Gaza, Syria aid as pledges dip Speaking exclusively to Al-Monitor, UNRWA’s Tamara Alrifai said the upcoming Turkey office would help the agency to expand its operations not only in Gaza but also in Syria.
Analysis US options constrained in Sudan as RSF snubs Washington, sanctions fail Washington is attempting to broker a humanitarian truce between Sudan’s warring factions, but analysts warn there’s little sign either side is ready to stop fighting. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
After 13 hours, 150 Gazans allowed to enter South Africa: What to know The group were reportedly stranded for several hours after opting to leave the war-torn Palestinian enclave. Palestine
Meet Rama Duwaji, Mamdani's wife and New York’s first lady of Syrian descent New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's wife, Rama Duwaji, largely stayed out of the spotlight during the campaign but her Syrian heritage has shaped her views and upbringing. United States
Interview International Red Cross chief says Gaza conflict goes beyond anything he has ever seen Pierre Krahenbuhl Director-General of the International Committee
CIA chief heads to Cairo for Mossad-Egypt-Qatar talks amid Rafah fears CIA Director Bill Burns will discuss a new hostage deal with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo as Israel prepares to invade Rafah despite international and regional warnings. Egypt
Two hostages rescued during Israeli operation in Gaza's Rafah After postponing the operation several times, Israeli security forces entered early Monday morning the city of Rafah, rescuing two hostages. Israel
eSIMs offer connectivity lifeline for Gaza medics, journalists and residents Emergency workers in Gaza have struggled through communications blackouts, but Egyptian activists have provided temporary connectivity for some in need with thousands of eSIMs. Palestine
Analysis Israel weighs bad options in Rafah as hunt for Sinwar continues The Israeli military is still focused on fighting in Khan Younis but could shift into an operation in Rafah, and international observers are panicked. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
How Israel’s 'convoluted' inspections are hindering Gaza aid Humanitarian groups say Israel's time-consuming inspections process and denial of "dual-use" goods is hampering aid delivery in the Gaza Strip. Israel
Blinken in Israel says Hamas proposal 'creates space' for possible hostage deal Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced Hamas’ response to a proposed hostage and cease-fire deal as “delusional,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a visit to the region that there’s still a chance for an agreement to be reached. Israel
With $104 billion in damages, Turkey’s earthquake region sees slow recovery Turkey’s quake victims can hardly hope for a faster recovery, as Ankara seems to be keeping the pace of reconstruction tied to its overall economic roadmap, wary of overheating the fragile economy. Turkey
Turkey marks anniversary of deadliest earthquakes in its modern history A year on, survivors of Turkey’s massive twin earthquakes gathered across the impact zone encompassing 11 provinces to commemorate their loved ones. Turkey
Will Biden listen to Congress progressives, condition aid to Israel? More Democratic senators are asking the White House to condition military support to Israel as the war in Gaza drags on and the humanitarian situation grows more dire. Palestine
France's Colonna to lead UNRWA investigation as Spain, Portugal donate $4.8 M Former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna will lead a UN investigation into allegations that 12 UNRWA staffers participated in the Oct. 7 Hamas assault against Israel. Israel
France's new FM Sejourne makes first visit to Egypt, Lebanon, Israel & Jordan French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné is set to visit the Middle East, meeting with almost all the parties involved in the Gaza war, except Qatar. Israel
Sudan fighting rages as nearly 8 million displaced, 18 million face 'acute hunger' The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached catastrophic levels, according to the United Nations, as mediators struggle to enforce a cease-fire. Sudan
