Somalia’s president heads to Turkey as Israel’s Somaliland recognition rattles region The Somali leader’s visit comes amid a heightened Turkish-Israeli rivalry, fueled by Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, in the region and beyond. Turkey
Analysis In 2025, Netanyahu saved his coalition but stalled on Gaza, Iran, Lebanon With 2025 ending, Israelis are frustrated over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to fully end the Gaza war, solve the Hezbollah problem, reach a deal with Syria or find a way to constructively impact talks on the Iranian nuclear program. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Facing Israeli pushback, Turkey recalibrates public messaging on Gaza force Turkey’s top diplomat has suggested that being part of the Gaza stabilization force is not Ankara’s priority. Turkey
Qatar’s prime minister meets US officials as Gaza plan stalls Sheikh Mohammed's visit comes as questions mount over Hamas' disarmament and the role of international troops in post-war Gaza. Qatar
Analysis Stunt or recalibration? Israel's Raam to break with Muslim Brotherhood By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis How the Trump administration reshaped US diplomacy toward Hamas By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Interview Cyprus weighs joining Gaza force but 'not enough clarity' on mission, FM says Constantinos Kombos Cypriot Foreign Minister
In Israel, Biden says hospital blast appears done by 'other team' Upon his arrival in Israel, US President Biden said that the blast at al-Ahli hospital in Gaza appears to have been committed by the Palestinians, without naming Hamas or Islamic Jihad. Israel
US unveils sanctions against Hamas members, financial network The 10 targets included a longtime Hamas operative based in Qatar who the Treasury Department said has close ties to Iran. Iran
Hezbollah calls for 'day of anger' as Biden heads to Israel, Gaza war rages Cross-border fire has been ongoing between Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement and Israel in southern Lebanon since Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel last weekend. Lebanon
Europe’s leaders express solidarity in Israel as EU searches for consensus On a solidarity visit, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said it is his country's duty to protect the state and the people of Israel. Israel
France’s Macron denounces first Hamas video of French-Israeli Gaza hostage Hamas published a first video showing one of the hostages currently held in Gaza — French-Israeli Mia Shem. Israel
Iran’s Khamenei threatens US as Pentagon readies 2,000 troops for region The Pentagon has ordered some 2,000 US military personnel readied to respond to the fallout of Israel’s war in Gaza and extended the deployment of the USS Ford carrier strike group. Palestine
Analysis Distrusting Netanyahu, US takes oversight role in Israel's Hamas war The two visits to Israel by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, another by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and the expected arrival on Wednesday of President Joe Biden reflect American concerns over the outbreak of a regional war. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Day 11 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Tuesday, Oct. 17 Eleven days into the fighting between Israel and Hamas, nearly 1 million are now displaced in Gaza as rocket barrages continue in the direction of Israel and the Israeli bombardment intensifies on the enclave. Israel
Biden to visit Israel as US pushes humanitarian corridor for Gaza Washington appears to have bought more time for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, but US officials say they are not placing conditions on weapons delivered to Israel nor dictating to the IDF on its operational plans. Israel
Netanyahu speaks with UAE president in first call with Arab leader since Hamas attack UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the first Arab leader with whom Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. Israel
European Union launches humanitarian air bridge for Gazans via Egypt The European Union will start sending humanitarian aid for displaced Gaza residents, including shelters, medicines and hygiene kits. Palestine
Turkey’s Fidan calls Hamas leader, Israeli hostages in Gaza discussed The phone call comes after the Turkish president said last week that his government was working intensively with all parties for the release of the hostages. Turkey
