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
US threatens to stop Yemen aid if Houthis don’t cooperate USAID has informed Houthis rebels in Yemen that it will halt humanitarian aid deliveries to areas the rebels control if they continue to interfere in the distribution of assistance. Yemen
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
