Gaza’s fragile calm teeters as Israel balks at full pullout

Israel and Hamas face a Saturday deadline to implement the next phase of the ceasefire, which includes the full withdrawal of Israeli troops and the release of the remaining hostages.

Israel

Iran’s IRGC says advanced warship joins naval fleet amid US tensions

The addition appears to be Iran's latest strategic yet cautious positioning in the face of strain with the United States and Israel.

Iran

Ethiopia’s PM in Somalia after deal to end Somaliland row: What to know

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit is the first since Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to end their dispute over a controversial agreement signed last year by Ethiopia and Somaliland.

Somalia

End of an era? PKK leader Ocalan orders militants to end war with Turkey, 'dissolve'

While Ocalan's call raises hopes for ending decades of conflict with Turkey, questions remain about the future of Kurdish politics in Syria and the broader region.

Turkey

Analysis

Could Israel's West Bank operation lead to annexation long sought by right?

The Israeli military is currently operating in West Bank Area A, which under the Oslo Accords should be administered fully by the Palestinian Authority.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Lebanon’s government wins confidence vote ahead of Aoun’s visit to Saudi Arabia

The Lebanese parliament gave their backing to the new government's ministerial statement, which excluded acknowledgement of Hezbollah, days before President Aoun is set to visit Saudi Arabia.

Lebanon

Feature

Christians in Syria hopeful but wary of Sharaa’s intentions

Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has sought to reassure minorities their rights will be protected under the new government. But not all Christians are convinced by his message of inclusivity.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

IAEA warns Iran ramping up uranium enrichment as US sanctions intensify

IAEA reports say Iran has accelerated its production of enriched uranium amid a renewed campaign of maximum pressure by the Trump administration.

Iran

Trump’s AI Gaza video elicits mockery from Middle East social media users

The US president’s video depicting a future Gaza under American authority was widely shared on Arabic and Hebrew social media, with many Palestinian users criticizing it.

Palestine

After Saudi Arabia, Turkey to host US-Russia talks Thursday: What to know

Thursday’s US-Russia talks in Turkey come as Ankara seeks to assert its role as a facilitator in US-Russia and Russia-Ukraine negotiations.

Turkey

Jordan’s king hosts Sharaa amid Israeli escalation in Syria

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Jordan on Wednesday, his third foreign visit since taking office, while Israeli airstrikes targeted military positions in Syria.

Syria

Lavrov in Tehran: Russia seeks leverage in US-Iran standoff

The Iranian foreign minister addressed the issue after talks with his Russian counterpart, amid worries in Tehran that Moscow's recent closeness with Washington may undermine Iran's interests.

Iran