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
Despite lifting ban, Egyptian commodities still absent in Sudanese market Analysts believe the delay in enforcing the decision to lift the ban on the export of Egyptian products to Sudan is due to economic reasons, in light of the current changes and events ongoing in the country. Egypt
New app connects food donors to charities in Egypt The Tekeya app, which enables hotels, restaurants and markets in Egypt to donate or sell their surplus food, could help charities develop sustainable supplies of meals to the poor. Egypt
Turkey seeks to grab bigger share of halal market Turkey is setting up a Halal Accreditation Authority in the hope of boosting sales to fellow Muslim countries. Turkey
Will smaller plates help prevent Egypt's food waste? The Egyptian Food Bank has been cooperating with Egypt's hospitality industry to get surplus food to people in need, but this is only part of the huge problem of food waste. Egypt
Israel's activists turn food waste into tasty meals With 33% of all food produced annually in Israel ending up as waste, a number of organizations and volunteers are determined to repurpose it to feed the needy. Israel
Urban agriculture spreads in Gaza Local associations in Gaza are promoting urban and peri-urban agriculture to help marginalized families in light of the water crisis and food insecurity. Palestine
Israeli centrist leader at war with UNRWA Contrary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid wholeheartedly embraced the threats by the Trump administration to cut UNRWA financing, which has the potential to create a humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Soil degradation neglected crisis in Iran Rapid degradation of soil is costing Iran billions of dollars each year as well as threatening national security. Iran
What Turkey's halal ambitions mean for the average Turk The Turkish government says it will bring in more revenue with the newly created Halal Accreditation Authority, but the move raises questions about discrimination, disappearing secularism and rising food prices for citizens. Turkey
How Eastern Ghouta residents survive siege The 350,000 residents of Eastern Ghouta continue to live under the siege, where aid is never enough and the semi-autonomous way to survive the blockage was halted due to water shortage and contamination. Syria
