Iran war deepens Gaza crisis as prices soar, aid falters Gazans fear that Israel could exploit the wider regional war to reenter Gaza, especially as buffer zones along the border continue to expand and civilians are targeted to keep them away. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
'No meaningful protection': Israel’s new Gaza aid rules raise data, security risks The guidelines expand Israeli authority to deny NGO registration in the Palestinian territories and visas for foreign aid workers as Gaza continues to reel from two years of war. Palestine
Interview UNRWA plans Turkey office to boost Gaza, Syria aid as pledges dip Speaking exclusively to Al-Monitor, UNRWA’s Tamara Alrifai said the upcoming Turkey office would help the agency to expand its operations not only in Gaza but also in Syria. Tamara Alrifai
Water 'more precious than gold': Palestinians fleeing Gaza City face perilous journey south The Israeli ground invasion of Gaza City has caused massive waves of displacement and intensified struggles to survive with little or no water, shelter, food, or sanitation. Palestine
Exclusive UK-based oil firm victim of standoff between Damascus, Syria’s Kurds By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iraqi parliament approves emergency food security bill Iraqi lawmakers passed an emergency food security bill weeks after the Federal Supreme Court labeled unconstitutional a similar bill proposed by the caretaker government. Iraq
Russia expresses 'understanding' for Turkey’s security concerns in north Syria Receiving Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu maintains that the creation of a safe maritime corridor for Ukrainian grain exports should be accompanied by the easing of sanctions against Russia. Turkey
Retirees join Iran protests over economic grievances The rallies were sparked by unprecedented rising prices across the food sector under President Ebrahim Raisi's economic policies. Iran
Egypt asks World Bank for $500 million to buy wheat Egypt is asking the World Bank for $500 million to cover its wheat needs in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Egypt
Abraham Accords accelerate Israel-Africa rapprochement Israeli and African diplomats are engaged in expanding bilateral relations and taking them much further then ever before in many fields. Israel
Egypt to receive wheat shipments from Ukraine by rail from Poland Cairo agreed with Kyiv on four wheat cargoes, which will reach Egypt by rail to Poland, raising hopes of restoring food security. Egypt
Nationwide protests in Iran as food prices increase Subsidy cuts have led to nationwide protests in Iran. Iran
What do rising wheat prices, India’s export ban mean for Egypt? Egypt is seeking to import wheat from India due to the Russian war on Ukraine. Egypt
US announces $800M in Syria aid as border-access vote looms US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged the international community to ensure the latest Syria aid "actually reaches those in need." Syria
Egyptian scientist creates new rice variety that requires less water An Egyptian scientist and head of the National Rice Development Project at the Ministry of Agriculture invented a new type of rice that does not need much water, after the Egyptian government announced that the country is suffering from water poverty. Egypt
Israel's Liberman talks wheat, strategy in visit to Azerbaijan Officially, the visit of Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman to Azerbaijan focused on exporting wheat to Israel, but reports suggest that the minister also discussed strategic and energy issues. Israel
Iraq grapples with rising food costs as a result of Ukraine war Ripple effects from the Russian invasion of Ukraine are driving the Iraqi government to allot additional funds to ensure the food supply is stable. Iraq