Trump travel ban 2.0: Assessing the impact on Mideast nations Trump’s new decision excludes Syria and Iraq, both of which were part of his previous ban issued during his first term in 2017. Syria
Saudi Arabia releases Iranian cleric who criticized Hajj: What to know Iran-Saudi Arabia relations have improved in recent years, including in Hajj-related cooperation, though tensions remain over Iran’s regional policies. Saudi Arabia
Gaza ceasefire seen imminent as Witkoff finalizes Hamas-Israel deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told relatives of hostages held in Gaza that he accepts the recent proposal by American envoy Steve Witkoff, which is expected to secure the release of 10 abductees and establish a two-month ceasefire in Gaza. Israel
Rise in antisemitism in US, Europe preceded Washington shooting: What to know In the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia, the number and severity of antisemitic incidents continue to rise. Israel
Pope Francis, voice for Middle East peace and first to visit Gulf, dies at 88 By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Oscar-winning Palestinian director freed from Israeli detention after night in custody Hamdan Ballal, a co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land," was assaulted by Israeli settlers and later detained by Israeli forces in the West Bank as the Israeli army continues its raids in the Palestinian territory. Palestine
Hearing delayed after Lebanese doctor with US visa deported: What to know A Lebanese citizen is the latest in a string of detentions, visa revocations and deportations conducted by the Trump administration. United States
Kuwait revokes citizenship of 464 as restrictions tighten under new emir Over 35,000 Kuwaitis have lost their citizenship since the government enforced amendments to its citizenship law in September of last year. Kuwait
Canceled Syrian justice workshop sparks repression fears: What to know Syrian civil society organizations condemned the sudden cancelation of a planned workshop on transitional justice in Damascus, calling it an act of oppression reminiscent of the Assad era. Syria
Turkey slaps travel ban on 2 businessmen for criticizing dissident crackdown Two business leaders from the country’s largest industrialist group were banned from traveling internationally after a speech by the Turkish president criticizing the organization. Turkey
Analysis Can Hamas defy Trump's ultimatum as Gaza ceasefire teeters? Israel is considering introducing a transitional phase to salvage the deal and ensure the continued release of hostages. However, for this to proceed, Hamas must adhere to the agreed-upon terms by Saturday. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis US aid freeze threatens Sudan’s lifeline as USAID support hangs in balance As the Trump administration dissolves the US' largest aid agency, Sudan, embroiled in conflict and a humanitarian crisis, could soon suffer the consequences. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
'Death itself could not get us out of here!' Gazans reject Trump’s proposal After suffering more than a year of death and destruction, Palestinians in Gaza stress they will not abandon their land, dismissing the idea floated by the US president to relocate them to neighboring Arab countries. Palestine
Israel suspends next Palestinian prisoner release after chaotic Hamas handover of hostages Another three Israelis and five Thai nationals have been freed from captivity in Gaza. Israel
Turkey arrests prominent talent agent over 2013 Gezi protests Ayse Barim’s arrest reflects a broader campaign to silence dissent, government critics say. Turkey
Iraq passes law that could legalize child marriage: What to know The controversial amendments were passed alongside laws on land disputes and amnesty for some crimes. Iraq
Relief over hostage release briefly overshadows Israel's political divide As Israel celebrated the homecoming of Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher Sunday, the far right continues to oppose the mediated deal with Hamas. Israel
