Analysis Netanyahu gamble appears to pay off as Israelis cheer Gaza retreat, planned hostage release The Israeli military started its withdrawal from the Strip even before receiving a formal order to do so. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Pentagon bolsters Gaza ceasefire oversight with 200-troop mission to Israel US military officials will help coordinate everything from logistics of humanitarian aid deliveries to building security force teams, but doubts remain as to whether any side can force Hamas to disarm. Palestine
Israel's cabinet convenes to ratify Trump Gaza deal, military readies for retreat Israeli officials are preparing for the release of 20 living hostages held in Gaza either on Saturday or Sunday and for a possible visit by the US president on Sunday. Israel
US sanctions firms in China, Turkey, UAE over Iran drone network The entities are accused of facilitating the purchase of American electronic components found in weaponized drones used by Iran-backed groups such as Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Gaza-based Hamas. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Iran-linked militia calls up thousands of volunteers to fight US forces An IRGC-linked armed faction in Iraq has urged men across the country to take up arms against any US forces remaining after Dec. 31, claiming to have received tens of thousands of "calls" from citizens willing to help. Iraq
France to probe whether Egypt used its intel to target civilians A report from investigative website Disclose said that intelligence from a joint covert military mission in Libya may have been used by Egypt to target and killing smugglers. Egypt
Sudanese ministers resign after prime minister pens deal with coup leaders Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok was released from house arrest before he and coup leader Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan publicly announced a reconciliation deal. Sudan
HTS makes rival jihadis in Syria's Idlib take Sharia courses, give up weapons Hayat Tahrir al-Sham managed to eliminate the jihadist Jundallah organization, forcing its operatives to hand over their weapons and take Sharia courses. By Khaled al-Khateb
Sudan protesters vow escalation after 15 shot dead in Khartoum The UN human rights chief slammed the killings of Sudanese protesters and called on the military to reinstate the government following last month's coup. Sudan
Sadr calls for majority government, 'liquidation' of Iraqi militias Sadr calls for forming majority government as the Iraqi President Barham Salih hosted a meeting with the prime minister and the judiciary head to discuss the current political deadlock and present initiatives for it. Iraq
Sudan minister says coup reversal 'unrealistic' Sudan's finance minister has warned time is running out for deposed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok to join the post-coup leadership. Sudan
Russia, Turkey condemn assassination attempt on Iraqi prime minister Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi survived a drone attack on his Baghdad residence. Iraq
Sudan coup leader says he will leave government after transition Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan shows no sign, so far, of reversing course. Sudan
Israel drills for possible war with Hezbollah Despite Lebanon's economic crisis and Hezbollah being unlikely to launch a war amid such a dire situation, defense analysts warn that war is still possible. Israel
Assassination attempt against Iraqi PM sparks fear of 'return to chaos' A drone attack on the residence of the Iraqi prime minister has raised the specter of continuing violence by nonstate actors in the country after elections in which Iran-linked armed groups lost dozens of parliamentary seats. Iraq
Top UN officials urge Sudan coup leaders to reverse course New arrests have been reported as the United Nations holds an emergency session on the coup in Khartoum. Sudan
