US strategy document names Iran 'chief' destabilizer, calls Syria 'potential problem' The document frames US engagement as shifting away from energy and conflict and toward broader economic and defense partnerships. United States
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 As he stalls Gaza plan, will Netanyahu pick his far-right coalition over Trump? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won’t publicly go against the Gaza plan of President Donald Trump, but he keeps stalling on discussing the parameters for the implementation of the plan’s second phase. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Turkey’s spy chief holds talks in Egypt over trapped Hamas militants Turkey’s spy chief met with Qatari, Egyptian officials as the Gaza ceasefire process stalls over Hamas fighters trapped in tunnels. Turkey
Analysis Turkey's Gaza ambitions grow as Israel's pushback hardens: Can US mediate? By Rina Bassist , Ezgi Akin
Analysis With Saudi Arabia on sidelines, Trump looks to widen Abraham Accords circle By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Armenia recognizes Palestinian state as furious Israel summons ambassador Momentum has been building toward recognizing Palestinian statehood since the war in the Gaza Strip began last October. Palestine
Top Israeli officials meet with Biden’s national security adviser After months of delay, two of Netanyahu's top advisers have finally made their way to the White House. By Al-Monitor Staff
Interview WFP’s McCain: 'No difference' in Gaza aid flow despite Israel’s tactical pause Al-Monitor interviews World Food Program chief Cindy McCain about the hunger crisis gripping the Gaza Strip after more than eight months of war. Cindy McCain World Food Programme Executive Director
As Houthis sink second vessel, shipping industry calls for Red Sea protection A shipping salvage firm confirmed on Wednesday that the M/V Tutor, a Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, had sunk after being hit by two Houthi cruise missiles on June 12. The attack killed one crew member from the Philippines. Yemen
Salvo of rockets fired from Lebanon into Israel as Cyprus responds to Hezbollah Hezbollah fired a new round of rockets on Israel hours after its leader warned Cyprus against military coordination with Israel if war breaks out with Lebanon. Lebanon
US nixes Israel meeting after Netanyahu says US withholding weapons The White House rejects Benjamin Netanyahu's claims that it has withheld weapons and ammunitions over the "past few months." Israel
Polls show soaring Palestinian support for Barghouti as Hamas, Abbas stumble New polling of Palestinian adults suggests that Hamas has been more popular than Fatah in the West Bank, while Fatah is more popular than Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
As Netanyahu protests, Blinken says Israel arms shipments moving 'normally' The top US diplomat said one shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel's military remains under review, though most weapons shipments continue. Israel
In Lebanon, Hochstein calls for 'urgent' end to Israel-Hezbollah escalation US special envoy Amos Hochstein met with the army commander and other top officials in Beirut to discuss the cross-border escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, one day after his trip to Israel. Lebanon
Hamas figure says 'no one has any idea' how many hostages left alive Hamas criticized US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent remarks on the cease-fire and blamed Israel for the failure to reach a deal, while a senior official said the group wants more clarity on the Biden administration proposal. Palestine
Hamas open to direct channel on cease-fire, says former hostage negotiator After months of failed talks, Israel's former back-channel negotiator Gershon Baskin says it’s time to bypass the mediators and open a direct line of communication with Hamas. Israel
Houthi attacks caused 90% drop in Red Sea shipping, Pentagon finds The Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency found that the attacks impacted at least 65 countries and forced at least 29 major energy and shipping companies to change their routes. Yemen
![CORRECTION / Smoke plumes rise from a fire in a field after rockets launched from southern Lebanon landed near Kela in the Israel-annexed Golan Heights on June 13, 2024 amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP) / "The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Jalaa MAREY has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Kela] instead of [Katzrin]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all you](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/2024-06/GettyImages-2156761225.jpg?h=790be497&itok=TJqn9BE-)
