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
As Saudi Arabia pushes socioeconomic change, arrests show limits to reform Riyadh has been heavily investing in its economic diversification agenda but a slate of recent arrests over citizens' social media posts and other alleged state violations highlight the limits of Saudi Arabia's socioeconomic reforms. By Sebastian Castelier In Dubai, reporting on regional business
Somalia strikes by Turkish drones killed 23 civilians, including children: Amnesty The international watchdog called on the governments of Somalia and Turkey to investigate the incidents for potential “war crimes.” Turkey
ICC warns against intimidation amid rumors of warrants for Israel PM, others The office of International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan emphasized that attempts to influence the ICC's work constitute an offense against the administration of justice under the Rome Statute. Israel
Turkey: Over 200 detained in May Day demonstrations Police used pepper spray and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Turkey
With clock ticking in Cairo, Netanyahu ups threats, cancels war cabinet meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to enter Rafah regardless of the outcome of the current negotiations with Hamas. Israel
How EU-West Bank police mission hopes to advance two-state solution Newly appointed EUPOL COPPS chief Karin Limdal is tasked with helping Palestinian law enforcement institutions reform to facilitate the implementation of the two-state solution and Palestinian statehood. Palestine
As Egypt expresses optimism, how Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal could look As Israel and the rest of the world wait for Hamas to respond to the latest cease-fire proposal, new reports suggest that Israel will agree to a reduced number of 33 hostages to be released in the first stage. Israel
As pressure mounts, US delays plan to withhold aid from Israeli military unit The State Department's plan to block a notoriously violent Israeli military unit from receiving US security assistance could help address what some say is a failure to hold Israel to the same standards as other US arms recipients. Israel
Israel war cabinet meets as Egypt proposes three-phase Gaza cease-fire plan Reports suggest that Egypt has taken the lead on a new round of talks with Hamas and has presented Israel with a fresh proposal for a hostage-release and truce deal. Israel
Analysis Inside Netzah Yehuda Battalion, Israel’s army unit bracing for US sanctions In an unprecedented move, the Biden administration is set to sanction the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, which is accused of violating the human rights of West Bank Palestinians. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
US, EU slap sanctions on Israeli Jewish supremacist, extremist settler groups The European Union and the United States have published new lists of radical Israeli individuals and groups to be sanctioned. Israel
2 American activists jailed in Saudi Arabia return home after travel ban Dual citizens Salah al-Haidar and Bader al-Ibrahim are back on US soil, but the Biden administration is still pushing for the release of several other Americans held under travel bans. Saudi Arabia
