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
Son of top PLO official released after two years in Egyptian prison Egyptian-Palestinian activist Ramy Shaath, an advocate for the Israel BDS movement, was released after Shaath agreed to renounce his Egyptian citizenship. Palestine
Egyptian rights group suspends operations after 'hostile' targeting of staff The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information said the decision to close its doors came after "many strenuous attempts to continue to operate, despite the difficult conditions.” Egypt
Rights group accuse UAE of 'retaliating' against jailed activist Ahmed Mansoor Human Rights Watch and the Gulf Center for Human Rights said Ahmed Mansoor was moved to a more isolated cell after the publication of a letter he wrote from prison. News Brief
Syrian activists tell stories of displacement over lost decade Displacement and exile have become a common narrative for Syrians since 2011. Syria
Turkish court approves release of two jailed Bogazici students Berke Gok and Perit Ozen were among 14 students arrested in October 2021 for protesting the government-appointed rector at Istanbul’s Bogazici University. Turkey
Ethiopia detaining Tigrayans deported from Saudi Arabia, rights group says Human Rights Watch urged Ethiopia to release the arbitrarily detained Tigrayans and called on Saudi Arabia to stop its deportations. Saudi Arabia
Child rape and security forces’ behavior spark outcry in Iraq Violent crimes perpetrated against Iraqi women and girls has led to outrage and renewed calls for women to have greater representation and decision-making opportunities in the country, as all-male government formation talks continue. Iraq
Egypt sentences blogger Alaa Abdel Fattah to five years in prison Lawyer Mohamed el-Baqer and blogger Mohamed “Oxygen” Ibrahim were also each sentenced to four years in the same case for spreading false news and undermining state security. News Brief
The Takeaway: Did Israeli PM help break deadlock over US weapons sale to UAE? Also: The Gulf and climate; Syrian refugees return from Belarus; Israel expands Golan settlements; Egypt wants assurances on gas pipeline; China-Ethiopia ties unsettle Egypt; Iran threatens sanctions on US; Building Sharjah … all in less than 1,200 words! By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
Democratic lawmakers urge sanctions on Israel's NSO Group The congressional letter also called for sanctions on three other foreign surveillance firms. News Brief
European court orders Turkey to pay damages to journalist jailed over coup The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Turkey should pay $18,000 to political commentator and former lawmaker Nazli Ilicak for violating her rights. News Brief
Would-be Syrian refugees flown back from Belarus despite visas Belarus has given Syrians two options: cross the border into Poland or be deported. Syria
