Over 400 detained in Istanbul’s May Day protest as Turkey restricts transit The demonstrations, which marked the first major opposition rally since mass protests roiled the country last month over the Istanbul mayor’s arrest, were met with tight restrictions. Turkey
Pope Francis, voice for Middle East peace and first to visit Gulf, dies at 88 Pope Francis died on Monday after serving as pontiff for 11 years, advocating for human rights and inclusion in the Middle East and beyond. 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
Analysis Can Hamas defy Trump's ultimatum as Gaza ceasefire teeters? 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
Here are main Netanyahu and Hamas compromises in proposed Gaza deal Details are beginning to surface about a potential deal between Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel
Turkey’s Erdogan targets LGBTQ+ community in push for 'Year of the Family' initiatives The Turkish president took swipe at the LGBTQ+ community and at social media as he announced new measures to encourage child birth. Turkey
Analysis After 23 years, 15 detainees left, will US close Guantanamo detention camp? Only 15 detainees remain in Guantanamo. With so few inmates left, could the infamous prison close? By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Family of US contractor jailed in Kuwait asks Biden to push for pardon The family of a US defense contractor imprisoned in Kuwait on what he claims are false drug charges is appealing to the Biden administration to intervene. Kuwait
Saudi Arabia wins bid to host 2034 FIFA World Cup: What we know Saudi Arabia has poured billions into developing sporting infrastructure and buying up top global football talent as part of its Vision 2030 diversification strategy. Saudi Arabia
Sednaya, Syria’s most notorious prison, finally exposed: What we know After the fall of Damascus, detainees have poured out of an infamous Syrian prison, yet some claim more detainees are trapped in cells deep underground. Syria
