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
In a shift, Saudi Arabia to 'welcome' LGBTQ tourists The Saudi Tourism Authority said that authorities do not ask for personal details in this regard. The position follows social changes the kingdom is undergoing, though it is difficult to determine the exact status of LGBTQ people in the country. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt frees long-held Al Jazeera journalist amid thaw with Qatar The release of Hisham Abdelaziz comes as Egypt and Qatar are working to normalize their relations after years of tension, even as Cairo continues its crackdown on journalists. Egypt
Belgium looking into Iran's request for prisoner swap Belgium and Iran seemingly advance toward a prisoner exchange deal, though Brussels is warning that contrary to Tehran’s statements this could take time. Iran
Germany scrambles to stop Iran from executing dual citizen After a top Iranian court upheld the death sentence of dual citizen Jamshid Sharmahd, German Foreign Minister Annalean Baerbock says Berlin is making every possible effort to stop the execution. Iran
Lebanon deports dozens of Syrian refugees amid spike in racist rhetoric The deportation of more than 50 Syrians to the war-torn country comes amid growing anti-Syrian sentiment in Lebanon. Lebanon
Who is May Golan, Israel's self-styled 'racist' considered for NY consul general? The Likud party confirmed Minister without portfolio May Golan, known for her strong support of the judicial overhaul, was proposed the much-coveted position of consul general in New York. Israel
US warns of 'troubling escalation' in Tunisia after Ghannouchi arrest The State Department expressed alarm over the stifling of political activity under Tunisia's increasingly authoritarian president, Kais Saied. Tunisia
Three Assad advisers indicted in France for Syria war crimes Sending a strong signal to the Assad regime, a French court decided to indict three senior intelligence advisers for crimes against humanity and war crimes. Syria
In Morocco, YouTube is one tool to attack LGBTQ, vulnerable communities After a Moroccan content creator targeted the transgender community, the damaging videos were left on YouTube for two weeks before being removed. North Africa
'Police beating' of 14-year-old Kurd highlights claims of impunity in Turkey Kurdish teenager allegedly assaulted and humiliated by officers in Diyarbakir. Turkey
Israeli PM Netanyahu, under pressure from military brass, delays judicial overhaul The dramatic developments in Israel in the past 48 hours seemed to have pushed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to put a pause on the judicial changes. Israel
General strike in Israel, Netanyahu under pressure to freeze judicial overhaul Spontaneous rallies have been taking place across Israel since Sunday night, including some violent confrontations with police, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to fire Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Israel
