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
Iraqi security forces raid militia headquarters A group of Iraqi counterterrorism forces raided a headquarter of a militia in southern Baghdad, arresting some of its personnel and confiscating rocket launchers allegedly prepared for attacks against US bases. Iraq
British charity worker detained by HTS in Idlib Tauqir Sharif was kidnapped by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham on Monday, according to a statement from his aid organization in northwest Syria. Syria
Rockets hit Baghdad's Green Zone again A series of such attacks is happening as the United States and Iraq discuss the future of the US military presence in the country. Iraq
Intel: Congress pushes back against Pentagon plan to withdraw US forces from Egypt’s Sinai Congress is using a key defense bill to push back against Defense Secretary Mark Esper’s reported plans to withdraw US peacekeeping forces from Egypt’s Sinai. Egypt
Rocket hits Baghdad as US-Iraq dialogue set to launch In order to reorganize the relationship between the two countries in various aspects, Iraq and the United States are negotiating over a new strategic agreement. Iraq
‘An insult to women’ everywhere: Afrin kidnappings prompt calls for investigation of Turkey-backed rebels A video reportedly showing detained women inside a secret prison in Afrin has prompted further criticism of Turkey's proxy forces operating in Syria. Syria
Reports: Children among the dead after Syrian rebels clash in Turkish-held Afrin Clashes between Syrian rebel groups in the northern city of Afrin left at least two children dead Thursday. Syria
Intel: Congress advances trans-Sahara security bill as Pentagon mulls Africa troop drawdown The Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week unanimously advanced long-stalled legislation to formally institutionalize a counterterrorism partnership with numerous North African and Sahel states. North Africa
US may try to raise the stakes for Russia in Syria The politics of humanitarian corridors; Hayat Tahrir al-Sham tries a shakedown in Idlib; Ben Caspit to interview former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Al-Monitor podcast. Syria
Iraqi prime minister stresses PMU should be Iraqi institution under state authority Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is seeking to reorganize the Popular Mobilization Units under the framework of the PMU law. Iraq
Rocket hits Baghdad's Green Zone in first such incident for new PM The rocket reportedly landed near the US Embassy and caused little damage. Iraq
The not-so-sacred profit bonanza of Syria's jihadi groups Economic gains have been at the core of clashes between rebel groups in Syria’s Idlib and Turkish-controlled regions that Syrian rebels describe as “liberated” areas. Syria
