Analysis Amid US rift and Saudi rivalry, UAE offers Zelenskyy economic lifeline Gulf countries find themselves in a difficult position as they navigate placating Trump, maintaining good relations with Russia, and engaging with Ukraine while also providing mediation and humanitarian aid. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Battle for Khartoum at tipping point as Sudan military advances After years of fighting between Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, the two groups’ battle for the capital city of Khartoum could be coming to a head. Sudan
‘People are anxious’: USAID staff rattled by Trump's foreign aid freeze Humanitarian organizations were bracing for foreign aid cuts but were taken aback when President Donald Trump issued a sweeping executive order pausing assistance for the next 90 days. United States
Interview WFP chief McCain urges funding to alleviate Syria's hunger crisis WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain warned of donor fatigue after nearly 14 years of civil war in Syria. Cindy McCain WFP Executive Director
Analysis From war to governance: Hamas challenged by security vacuum in Gaza By Abeer Ayyoub In Istanbul, reporting on Palestine
Interview WFP’s McCain: 'No difference' in Gaza aid flow despite Israel’s tactical pause Cindy McCain World Food Programme Executive Director
Pentagon pauses humanitarian airdrops in Gaza, citing Israel's Rafah operation The Biden administration's plan to surge humanitarian aid into Gaza is falling apart. Palestine
Poverty in Lebanon tripled to 44%, as high as 62% in rural areas: World Bank In a recent report, the World Bank revealed a three-fold increase in poverty rates in Lebanon, which is hard hit by an economic crisis and financial meltdown, with nine out of every 10 Syrians displaced in the country living under the poverty line. Lebanon
How climate change could make Egypt's coffee cultivation a reality One Egyptian experiment has successfully cultivated coffee beans, but analysts believe environmental factors are still unfavorable for localizing this crop. Egypt
US installs Gaza floating pier despite aid groups' security fears A senior USAID official said the United States is “not at all satisfied” with the progress of discussions with the IDF over steps to prevent Israeli soldiers from killing aid workers in Gaza. Palestine
US military halts Gaza humanitarian aid pier, citing weather A US defense official told Al-Monitor the pier remains on schedule, but an agreement to have workers with the UN World Food Programme distribute aid from the pier remains under intensive negotiation amid significant security concerns. Israel
Dangers for Palestinian aid workers stall deal on US-built Gaza pier Israel’s role in providing security for the maritime endeavor has raised questions over the safety and neutrality of the Palestinian aid workers involved. Palestine
Algeria signs $3.5B deal with Qatari firm to develop world's largest dairy farm A Qatari food giant announced a $3.5 billion agreement with the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to develop the world’s largest integrated dairy farming and production project in the south of the African country. Algeria
US says Israel boosted Gaza aid flow after convoy strike, but more is needed US envoy David Satterfield said the volume of assistance reaching Gaza is "significantly greater" than it was, but issues remain with aid distribution. Palestine
Starbucks pledges $3M to World Central Kitchen for Gaza meals The coffee giant has announced a large donation to the aid group World Central Kitchen, which lost seven of its staff members earlier this month in an Israeli airstrike. Palestine
Israel's Gaza aid convoy strike reflects 'absolute breakdown' of process Aid agencies who spent months urging Israel to improve its “deconfliction” system say the deadly strike that killed seven of World Central Kitchen’s staff was foreseeable. Israel
Humanitarian groups suspend Gaza operations after Israeli strike kills 7 aid workers World Central Kitchen, a US-based charitable organization, said seven of its workers were killed in an Israeli strike in central Gaza. Israel said the incident is under investigation. Palestine
White House: No Rafah invasion until Israeli delegation talks alternatives "We don’t support a major ground operation," White House NSC coordinator John Kirby emphasized on Thursday, as an Israeli delegation is expected to discuss alternatives with top officials in Washington next week. Palestine
