RSF’s el-Fasher takeover kills 2,300 in Sudan as UAE accused of aiding militia

Videos coming out of the captured North Darfur city show scenes of brutal violence and devastation, with hospitals turned into “slaughterhouses” and civilians executed in the streets.

Sudan

Israel renews Gaza ceasefire after airstrikes kill over 100 Palestinians

After a night of aerial strikes in the Gaza Strip in retaliation for the killing of an Israeli soldier in Rafah, the Israeli military announced the resumption of the Gaza ceasefire.

Israel

Iran's quiet IRGC reshuffle fuels speculation of postwar shake-up

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has quietly removed veteran commander Mohammad Reza Naqdi, fueling debates on postwar restructuring, internal recalibration and lingering espionage allegations amid broader shifts in the country's security hierarchy.

Iran

Newsletter: Gulf

Saudi FII becomes stage for global diplomacy

Riyadh’s high-profile investment forum set the stage for global diplomacy this week, as Gulf states deepened ties from Tehran to Bogotá and expanded their reach across Africa and Asia.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Live Updates

Netanyahu orders 'powerful' strike in Gaza after Hamas attack in Rafah

Earlier in the day, Hamas militants fired anti-tank missiles at an Israeli military force that was conducting engineering work in the Rafah area, which remains under Israeli control.

Israel

Aid groups sound alarm on 'atrocities' after RSF captures Sudan's el-Fasher

Sudan’s RSF are facing numerous accusations of rights violations and abuses against civilians following their takeover of el-Fasher city in the Darfur region.

Sudan

White House withdraws Rayburn’s nomination for top Mideast policy role

Decision raises questions about future role of the State Department’s Near Eastern Affairs Bureau as the Trump administration relies on special envoys to cut through bureaucracy with big promises for a region still reeling from interlinked wars.

Syria

Turkey seeks to bolster Eastern Med foothold in new Libya energy talks

The talks between the Turkish ambassador in Libya and the Tripoli government’s energy minister come as Turkey seeks to reduce dependence on energy imports and bolster its energy security.

Turkey

Bus attack in Syria’s Suwayda kills 2 as violence flares: What to know

Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hiji is calling for independence for southern Syria’s Suwayda province as violence continues in the area despite a July ceasefire.

Syria

Analysis

Despite uptick in Israeli strikes in Lebanon, both sides reluctant for war

Even as Israel's strikes on Hezbollah fuel speculation about a return to war, Israeli officials say the ceasefire in Lebanon will hold.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Qatar slams US lawmaker over allegations of funding anti-Israel protests: What to know

Rep. Randy Fine criticized Qatar for allegedly backing Gaza war-related protests at American universities after the Pentagon said Qatari pilots would start training in the US, leading to a denial and rebuke from Doha.

Qatar

Feature

Syria's sole Christian lawmaker says she trusts Sharaa — other minorities are less sure

Syria’s only Christian lawmaker navigates a fractured political landscape as minorities and women seek representation under a new Islamist-led government.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture