US brings retribution to Iran-backed militia leader in Baghdad strike The assassination of a Kataib Hezbollah commander in Baghdad on Wednesday came as the US military has struggled to intimidate Iran-backed groups without escalating towards direct conflict with Iran amid tensions over Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Iraq
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
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
US strike in Baghdad kills Kataib Hezbollah commander as Iraq tensions simmer A Telegram channel affiliated with Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) reported that Abu Baqir al-Saadi, a commander in Kataib Hezbollah, was killed in the attack. Iraq
Interview Syrian Kurdish leader Salih Muslim warns of 'forceful response' to Iran-linked attacks Muslim's spoke to Al-Monitor two days after an attack on an SDF training camp in Deir Ezzor by Iran-backed militias left six dead. Salih Muslim PYD co-chairman
What’s behind Egypt decision to raise minimum wage, government salaries by 50%? Egypt’s economy has suffered from high inflation for years, and now the spillover from the Gaza war is exacerbating the situation. Egypt
London Metal Exchange to build delivery centers in Saudi Arabia Investors and mining companies are bracing for a wave of exploration licenses awarded in Saudi Arabia after the kingdom nearly doubled its untapped mineral estimate to $2.5 trillion and announced new incentives for miners in January. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Rare Shin Bet, Palestinian meeting as fears of Ramadan tensions grow Israeli and Palestinian officials met this week in Tel Aviv to discuss how to prevent an explosion of violence in Jerusalem and the West Bank during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Gulf-India relations boosted by UAE deals, Saudi Aramco talks India has made deals with the UAE and Qatar recently, and trade between India and the GCC is rising. Legacy: Gulf
