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
Family of Palestinian activist appeals to ICC to probe death One and a half years after his death, the family of Palestinian political and opposition activist Niza Banat filed the first complaint against the Palestinian Authority before the International Criminal Court, accusing the security services of killing Banat. Palestine
Cancer-stricken Palestinian detainee dies in Israeli custody Nasser Abu Hamid, jailed by Israel since 2002, died on Tuesday morning following a battle with cancer. Palestinian rights groups accuse Israel of negligence. Palestine
Expulsion of French-Palestinian detainee 'clouds' relations with Israel, diplomats say The French Foreign Ministry criticized Israel for deporting French-Palestinian lawyer Salah Hamouri, shortly after ending his nine-months’ administrative detention, and without letting him appeal the expulsion. Israel
The Takeaway: Tunisia's Saied visits US, days before controversial elections Plus, Iran is expelled from a United Nations women's rights body and Morocco's underdog team is knocked out of the World Cup. Tunisia
Turkey's government wants refund for movie following LGBTQ controversy The move is widely seen as a fresh episode of the culture war the government has been waging against the country’s artistic scene over critical opinions and queer content. Turkey
Analysis At Biden's first Africa summit, US plays catch-up to China The three-day summit will bring together African leaders from across the continent, including several with problematic rights records. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Iraq's Sadr takes aim at LGBTQ community Leader of the Sadrist movement Muqtada al-Sadr made the headlines again in Iraq by announcing his opposition to homosexuality, several months into his withdrawal from the political process. Iraq
Israeli mayors stand against anti-gay legislator on education Mayors of liberal cities in Israel have joied the protest of outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid against anti-LGBTQ Knesset member Avi Maoz controlling the unit that decides on external education programs. Israel
Lebanon's Shura Council suspends ban on LGBTQ event Despite the court's ruling in August, the Lebanese interior minister has continued to ban LGBTQ gatherings. Lebanon
Iran denounces UN fact-finding mission Iran has said it won't cooperate with a fact-finding mission by the UN Human Rights Council. Iran
Israeli ministers-to-be attack human rights groups Far-right politician Bezalel Smotrich and ultranationalist Itamar Ben Gvir, both likely to serve in Israel's next Cabinet, are ramping up their attacks on human rights organizations. Israel
Iraqi PM tries to assure skeptics of anti-corruption initiative The new Iraqi prime minister says there will be no tolerance for human rights abuses in battling corruption. Iraq
