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
US air defenses shoot down drones near Iraq air base Drones were intercepted and brought down near the air base that hosts US forces. Iraq
Hezbollah founder dies of coronavirus in Iran Ali Akbar Mohtashamipour died in northern Tehran at the age of 75, local media reported. Iran
UN urges Houthis to permit inspection of aging oil tanker The Houthis, who control access to the FSO Safer, have prevented the UN from sending a technical team to assess the risk of a potential massive oil spill. Yemen
Two Iranian military advisers killed by IS in Syria The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members died during an ambush near Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria, where the Islamic State remains active. News Brief
Hamas renews threats against Israel as Qatari aid to Gaza delayed Hamas said it would renew "pressure" on Israel's border if aid does not come by next week. Palestine
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham cracks down on Assad supporters in Idlib Hayat Tahrir al-Sham carried out a spate of arrests in several areas under its control in Idlib, targeting pro-Syrian government individuals who supported President Bashar al-Assad in the recent presidential elections, as well as members of the Islamic State. Syria
IDF arrests senior Hamas official in West Bank Jamal Taweel sought to reestablish a Hamas office in Ramallah, the IDF said. Palestine
Iraq ramps up border security via tunnels, surveillance Iraq focuses on preventing terrorist organizations from entering its territories, after they have used the border areas to conduct operations and move between Syria and Iraq. By Adnan Abu Zeed
Iraqi armed factions using drones against US-led coalition Iraqi security and coalition forces are increasingly concerned about the use of drones by armed factions against military bases and airports. Iraq
Qatari foreign minister visits Egypt Relations between Qatar and Egypt have continued to improve following the January agreement that ended the Gulf diplomatic rift. Egypt
Libyan LGBTQ+ activists speak out on violence by extremist militias In Libya, amid the ongoing conflict and chaos, the country's first LGBTQ+ platform is fighting for a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals. North Africa
Hamas sees possible cease-fire with Israel within days Israel rejected a prior truce offer, though the White House blamed Hamas. News Brief
