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
Israeli and Palestinian civil defense teams join hands to save lives The Israeli and Palestinian civil defense agencies have more regularly been conducting joint first-responder exercises for handling traffic accidents after a horrendous collision on the West Bank last October, and they also cooperate in exercises to develop regional responses to natural disasters. Palestine
US decision to cut aid could be opening for flagging Saudi approach to Syria Syria stabilization will instead likely depend on Putin’s shuttle diplomacy with Ankara and Damascus. Saudi Arabia
US outsources Syria aid to Gulf In an apparent win for the Donald Trump administration, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to pick up the tab to stabilize Syria. Saudi Arabia
Humanitarian disaster looms over Idlib as raids escalate Rights and aid organizations in the Syrian province of Idlib are warning of the humanitarian disaster that could follow an imminent regime offensive on the last rebel-held territory. Syria
US hopes for a quick Syria exit run into a minefield in Raqqa The Donald Trump administration faces significant hurdles getting the centerpiece of its reconstruction efforts back on track. Syria
Besieged Syrians, with reasons to stay and reasons to leave The most recent massive displacements and a new property law in Syria are making it even less likely that many refugees and internally displaced persons will ever be able to go back to their hometowns. Syria
Will Russia provide the 'new Kissinger' for Iran-Israel diplomacy? Moscow works back channels between Tehran and Jerusalem; hard-line Saudi stance toward Iran adheres to Wahhabi line favored by conservative clerics. Saudi Arabia
Assad's forces expected to move on to Idlib The Syrian regime appears ready to target militants in Idlib, but the area is also filled with civilians who have fled there to escape the violence in so many other parts of the country. Syria
Egypt struggles to edge Qatar out of Palestine Egypt is trying to block Qatar from the Palestinian scene, but Israel is unlikely to be moved by its efforts, counting on the Qatari assistance that has helped avoid a humanitarian crisis. Qatar
As Egypt tightens grip on IS, it's also strangling Sinai residents The Egyptian army has laid siege to the Sinai Peninsula in an effort to combat terrorism, but its actions are disrupting the lives of more than 250,000 residents. Egypt
Iran looms large as Congress casts Yemen war vote The Senate voted on US support for the Saudi-led war against the Houthis for the first time since the war began three years ago. Saudi Arabia
Um Sameh, the wonder woman of eastern Ghouta With famine gripping the besieged enclave of eastern Ghouta, Um Sameh stepped in with One Hand, an organization she founded, to fill the gap left by international organizations unable to deliver aid to starving residents. Culture & Society
