Analysis Trump-Erdogan ties pay off for Turkey in 2025 as Ankara pushes for F-35s Leader-level diplomacy between Ankara and Washington produced selective gains but failed to break the deadlock over defense sanctions imposed for Turkey’s S-400 purchase. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
At Mar-a-Lago, Netanyahu seeks Iran strike approval while Trump presses Gaza plan US President Donald Trump is expected to push Israel to enter the second phase of his Gaza peace plan, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will focus on securing Trump’s approval for a potential strike on Iran’s ballistic missile program. Israel
Analysis Gaza realities test Trump’s 2025 Middle East ambitions During its first year, the second Trump administration confronted wars in Gaza and Sudan, forged new ties with Syria and grappled with the growing nuclear threat from Iran. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Analysis Eyeing Turkey, Netanyahu boosts Greece, Cyprus ties ahead of US visit Worried about the increasing empowerment of Turkey across the Middle East, Israel is making a show of neighborhood strength with Greece and Cyprus. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis In 2025, Netanyahu saved his coalition but stalled on Gaza, Iran, Lebanon By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Trump has upper hand over Netanyahu, but is it enough for Gaza? By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Hamas, Islamic Jihad reject Human Rights Watch report on conduct of war Palestinian resistance factions dispute charge of "indiscriminate attacks" on Israeli civilians. Palestine
Egypt closes Gaza's Rafah crossing after weekend clashes Beginning Monday, the Egyptian-controlled border crossing with Gaza will be closed in both directions, a Hamas spokesperson said. Egypt
Gaza man builds race car with rudimentary tools Despite the stifling blockade on the Gaza Strip, a man from Gaza managed to manufacture a single-seat sand race car in his small shop using rudimentary tools and secondhand spare parts. Palestine
Will the Taliban welcome al-Qaeda back to Afghanistan? Afghanistan's economy is hanging by a thread; Iran makes the best of the Taliban; the "resistance" finds inspiration; five must reads on Afghanistan. Iran
Hamas welcomes Israel-Qatar deal on Gaza aid Hamas, which had threatened increased violence over the stalled aid payments, said it "appreciated" the Qatari deal with Israel. News Brief
Democrats urge US to press Egypt, Israel on Gaza border restrictions A letter signed by 53 House Democrats described the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip as "untenable." Palestine
Ahead of Bennett’s visit to Washington, Israel tightens cooperation with Egypt The invitation to visit Cairo and the agreement over the transfer of Qatari money to Gaza are important milestones for Prime Minister Naftali Bennett ahead of his visit to the White House. Israel
Amputee receives first smart prosthetic limb in Gaza The first electronic prosthetic hand for a patient with the right hand amputated was recently carried out in the Gaza Strip with Qatari funding and support. Palestine
Israel, Qatar reach deal on resumed cash payments to Gaza Families in the Gaza Strip will again receive monthly cash payments that were frozen in the wake of Israel's 11-day conflict with Hamas. Israel
Hamas leads gradual escalation against Israel in protest against economic restrictions Hamas and other Palestinian resistance factions in Gaza have informed Egypt that they are considering resuming marches and demonstrations along the border with Israel. Palestine
Gaza graffiti combines conflict, despair and hope for Palestinians Graffiti artists in the Gaza Strip are painting murals across the besieged enclave after the latest Israeli war to send a different kind of message to the world. Palestine
CIA Chief Burns meets with Egypt's Sisi The pair discussed the situation in Afghanistan, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the crisis in Libya, according to the Egyptian presidency. Egypt