Why a US-backed Gaza plan is sparking accusations of weaponizing aid Humanitarian experts say an obscure paramilitary contractor led by a former CIA official may be aiding Israel’s military in using food as a weapon of war in Gaza. Palestine
US-backed Gaza aid body launches as Witkoff pans Hamas truce proposal: What to know Hamas said it accepted a US proposal on a ceasefire deal in Gaza, which both Israel and the US denied, as the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is quickly deteriorating. Palestine
US-backed aid group begins controversial relief operation in Gaza The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has faced controversy since its establishment over its plan to deliver aid to Gazans through a limited number of distribution points, without the involvement of UN agencies. Palestine
29 in Gaza die from starvation says PA; UNICEF warns 9,000 children malnourished Under international pressure, Israeli has allowed dozens of aid trucks into Gaza as Palestinian officials report starvation-related deaths. Palestine
Analysis Amid US rift and Saudi rivalry, UAE offers Zelenskyy economic lifeline By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Interview WFP chief McCain urges funding to alleviate Syria's hunger crisis Cindy McCain WFP Executive Director
War in Ukraine leaves Lebanon hungry As wheat imports from Ukraine and Russia dwindle, Lebanese people are in danger of going hungry. Lebanon
Israel, US, India, UAE hold virtual summit on food security, clean energy During US President Joe Biden's trip to Israel, the leaders the two countries met virtually with those of India and the United Arab Emirates to discuss food security and clean energy. Israel
Flydubai suspends flights to Sri Lanka as Emirates, Etihad keep flying Sri Lanka is experiencing mass unrest over its deteriorating economic situation. Legacy: Gulf
4 million Syrians on brink of starvation as UN aid mechanism draws to close Millions of Syrians are helplessly waiting in desperation as UN aid entry into Syria draws to an end amid expectations that Russia will veto a resolution authorizing cross-border aid into the war-torn country. Syria
Emirati port operator, Uzbek oil company to open trade hub, cooperate on freight Other Middle Eastern states are also seeking better economic relations with Central Asia. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey under pressure to crack down on Russian shipments of stolen Ukrainian grain Ukraine’s growing pressure on Turkey to act against Russian shipments of “stolen” Ukrainian grain highlights the importance of establishing a safe export corridor under UN auspices. Turkey
Egypt turns to Malaysia, Indonesia for vegetable oil amid food export bans Amid a severe shortage and soaring local prices, Egypt is exerting efforts to resume imports of vegetable oil from Indonesia and Malaysia. Egypt
World Bank official: Lebanon, Yemen, Syria most food-insecure in region Many states across the Middle East and North Africa meet the criteria for food insecurity, experts said at a US Institute of Peace event. Syria
World Bank approves $500 million loan to Egypt for food security Egypt, like other countries in the region, is contending with food security and price increases related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Egypt
Negev Summit steering committee hatches plans in Bahrain After Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid brought together counterparts from Israel, the United States, the Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Egypt last March, senior officials meet in Bahrain to lay more concrete plans. Israel
Turkey says no evidence Ukrainian grains stolen by Russia reached its shores Turkey is being lobbied by the UK to discuss the safe shipping of Ukrainian grain due to looming global shortages but denies any has reached its ports. Turkey
Egypt rejects World Trade Organization agreements on global food crisis Egypt objected to the WTO agreements to alleviate the global food crisis, as it refuses to be forced to export food when it is grappling with its own food crisis. Egypt
