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
Egypt suffering from sugar crisis despite largest sugar factory in the world Sugar prices have recently witnessed a record rise in Egypt despite the country’s opening of the largest sugar production plant earlier this year. Egypt
Economic meltdown in Lebanon leaves schoolchildren hungry Lebanon's struggling households are finding it increasingly challenging to afford school lunches for their children due to financial constraints. Lebanon
Egypt hopeful after Russian return to Ukraine grain deal Russia’s return to the agreement on grain exports from Ukraine will help North African countries secure their wheat needs, as they heavily rely on the two warring countries for their imports. Egypt
Olive oil prices hit record high as Lebanese currency collapses As the local currency continues to deteriorate, Lebanese are having trouble supplying olives and olive oil this year. Lebanon
Russia returns to Ukraine grain deal, easing food crisis fears Russia announces its return to the Ukraine grain deal after intense diplomatic traffic between Ankara and Moscow, mitigating concerns over a food crisis until the deal expires late November. Turkey
Turkey seeks to coax Russia back into Ukraine grain deal Russian and Ukrainian monitors have reportedly suspended the inspections required by a grain-exportation deal that Moscow insists is unfairly benefitting Kyiv. Turkey
Turkey calls on Russia to reconsider Ukraine ‘grain deal’ suspension The Russian personnel stationed at a coordination center set up for the Ukraine grain deal in Istanbul have yet to leave their posts, Turkey says, calling on Moscow to resume the deal. Turkey
Middle East countries must do more to recover, say IMF event panelists While oil producing countries are projected to benefit from a windfall due to high energy prices, for others the coming years "will be more challenging than ever." Gulf
Egypt to plant wheat in Congo amid water shortage Egypt plans to cultivate 20,000 hectares of land in Mossendjo city in the Republic of Congo with strategic crops such as wheat. Egypt
Israel pushes aquaculture cooperation in answer to global food security Israel’s Agriculture Minister Oded Forer talks with Al-Monitor about the first-ever international summit on food grown in the sea and the desert, held this week in Eilat. Israel
Iran renews ban on sturgeon fishing The endangered fish is used to make caviar. Israel also has a strong caviar export industry. Iran
Egypt claims wheat self-sufficiency despite Ukraine war Over the past three months, Egypt has bought 3.5 million tons of wheat from local farmers as it works to achieve self-sufficiency and weather the effects of the global crisis caused by the Russian war on Ukraine. Egypt
