Trump hails Gaza hostage deal in Knesset speech, vows to expand Abraham Accords In a triumphant speech at the Knesset, US President Donald Trump hailed the release of surviving hostages from Gaza and pledged support for Gaza’s reconstruction and the expansion of the Abraham Accords. Israel
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 By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Pentagon seeks $2 billion cut for Islamic State fight The new US defense budget would cut funding to defeat IS by 20% as President Trump targets a withdrawal from Syria by the end of April. Iraq
Salih: Iraq can be a 'bridge to the economies of the region' Iraqi president charts new direction for Iraqi foreign policy based on "interrelated interests" at Sulaimani Forum; Iraq-Jordan trade deal should help address Jordan’s unemployment crisis; Rouhani arrives in Iraq to boost trade; US shifted arms from Iraq to Syria in second half of 2018. Iraq
Islamic State roots run deep in Middle East discontent There has been a sharp increase in reports that the Islamic State is being eradicated in Syria, but such declarations seem premature. Iraq
Libyan court cracks down on Hamas activities Four Palestinians have been hit with significant jail sentences after a military court in Libya declared them guilty of being affiliated with and aiding Hamas. Palestine
Idlib’s rebels on alert against infiltration by Islamic State The armed groups controlling Idlib remain wary of the prospect of Islamic State militants sneaking into the region, following reports that IS members are seeking safe passage to the province. Iraq
Iraq-Jordan trade deal opens new doors for regional trade A breakthrough trade agreement may signal new trend toward integration; Erdogan plays Syria card in Turkish elections; HTS undermines Turkish-backed groups in Idlib. Iraq
Jihadists of Idlib splitting under Turkish pressure As Russia pressures Turkey to impose law and order in Syria at Idlib, Turkey in turn is pressuring radical factions there, which is escalating the conflict among jihadists. Syria
HTS takes over opposition police stations in northern Syria Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has told officers of the Free Syrian Police in northern Syria to hand over their stations and join the Islamic police, or find new jobs. Syria
Places of worship for Egyptian Copts closed after protests Sectarian-related acts of violence continue in Egypt, particularly in Minya governorate, with extremists causing security forces to close a place of worship for the Copts. Egypt
Sadr urges technocrats as armed factions look beyond border Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr continues to oppose "political" appointments, as his Saraya al-Salam guards Sunni areas relatively near the capital and other Popular Mobilization Units eye possible official cross-border operations. Iraq
Why Iran has opened up about engagement with Taliban Iran's engagement with the Taliban amid the ongoing US peace negotiations with the group is part of Tehran’s strategy of defensive engagement in its efforts to adapt to the changing geopolitics of Afghanistan. Iran
