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
Syrian opposition bans wheat exports in response to food crisis The Syrian opposition’s interim government is trying to prevent the smuggling of strategic crops, namely wheat, from its areas of control, amid a global food crisis resulting from the Ukraine war. Syria
As Lebanon’s electricity crisis deepens, water becomes scarcer Despite its natural water resources, Lebanon has reached a crisis point, with many residents unable to afford clean water. Lebanon
Egypt looks to India for wheat to make up losses from Ukraine war A potential deal between Egypt and India to import 500,000 tons of Indian wheat in exchange for Egyptian fertilizers is in the works amid ongoing global wheat shortages. Egypt
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