West Bank olive harvest begins amid settler attacks on Palestinians, groves Between 80,000 and 100,000 Palestinian families in the West Bank rely on the olive harvest for primary or secondary sources of income, according to the United Nations. Palestine
Culture Algeria moves to restore death penalty for arson: What to know President Abdelmadjid Tebboune wants a return to executions after another summer of devastating wild fires, but rights groups say the amendment passed by parliament is problematic. Algeria
Israel, Turkey, Iran offer aid as Venezuela’s 2 quakes kill at least 188 Iran, Turkey and Israel were among the first countries to offer assistance to earthquake-hit Venezuela despite their varying diplomatic relationships with Caracas. Turkey
Interview UAE official says opening Hormuz integral to any Iran deal, describes infrastructure damage 'manageable' Abdulla Balalaa, UAE assistant minister of foreign affairs for energy and sustainability, spoke to Al-Monitor about the situation in the Gulf along with the UAE's focus on promoting privatization in the water sector and the 2026 UN Water Conference. Abdulla Balalaa UAE assistant minister of foreign affairs for energy and sustainability
Analysis Iran’s mismanagement in focus as fires ravage 25-million-year-old forests By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Over 200 hospitalized in Tunisia’s Gabes as anger over pollution crisis grows President Kais Saied is facing one of his biggest challenges yet as demands for the closure of the city’s phosphate processing plant increase. Tunisia
Drought-stricken Iraq sends delegation to Turkey to discuss water cooperation Turkey recently agreed to release more water to Iraq amid the drought in the country, indicating improving coordination on resource management after years of tensions over Turkish dams. Iraq
Wildfires ravage Syria’s Latakia for 4th day in row: What to know A Syrian official recently said that 2025 has been the driest year in decades, as wildfires persist along the coast, and the response is being hindered by the effects of the war. Syria
Egypt’s Sisi talks water security with Rwanda's president in wake of Ethiopia’s megadam debut Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Cairo to discuss coordination efforts and developments in the Nile Basin region following Ethiopia’s inauguration of its controversial dam. Egypt
Over 1,000 dead in Darfur landslide as Sudan war hinders relief efforts A devastating landslide in the Marrah Mountains of Darfur has killed over 1,000 people, prompting appeals for international aid amid escalating violence in the region. Sudan
Tehran’s dams at 19% as Iran water crisis worsens: What to know The water levels in dams across Iran are falling amid hot temperatures, as the government pleads with the public to cut consumption. Iran
Culture Saudi Arabia’s falcon auction aims to spin tradition into tourism gold Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is seeking to diversify its economy and cultural tourism. Saudi Arabia
Iran to close public offices as temperatures pass 105 F: What to know Iranian officials are seeking to reduce public energy consumption as water levels decrease throughout the country and power cuts persist. Iran
UAE launches 25-year climate plan for Abu Dhabi: What to know The Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan sets out a road map to address the growing impacts of climate change through 2050. United Arab Emirates
As wildfires ravage Latakia, Syria seeks EU support: What to know Syria has been combating massive wildfires in coastal Latakia province for six days. Syria
At least two dead, hundreds displaced as wildfires rage across Turkey Fire crews are battling to contain six fires across several Turkish provinces that have also displaced thousands on the Aegean coast. Turkey
Wildfires spread across Turkey’s tourism hub Izmir amid regionwide heat wave Wildfires rage in Turkey’s tourist heartland, forcing airport closures and evacuations amid fierce winds. Turkey
