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
After Cairo talks, Israel says 'updated' Gaza truce deal on the table The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says a new deal is now on the table for the release of hostages, awaiting response by Hamas. Israel
Iran continues crackdown on women as executions approach 100 for the year Iran handed prison sentences to 11 activists defending women’s rights and has executed 98 people this year. Iran
State Department staffer resigns over Biden's handling of Gaza Annelle Sheline is the second State Department official to publicly resign since Oct. 7, citing the erosion of US credibility on human rights in the Middle East as a result of the war. Washington Pulse
Lebanon, Yemen, Egypt rank least happy countries in Middle East The Middle East and North Africa are the two regions where “happiness has fallen at every age.” Lebanon
Rights groups warn US over Israel's assurances on weapons use In a report to the Biden administration, Oxfam and Human Rights Watch challenged Israel's assertion that it's using US weapons in accordance with international law. Israel
Iranian court orders US to pay $2.5 billion over 2008 bombing The Islamic Republic accuses Jamshid Sharmahd, a German citizen and US resident, of involvement in a 2008 bombing in relation to his work with an Iranian monarchist group, but his trial was unfair, according to a rights watchdog. Iran
Turkey’s Fidan set to visit Venezuela and meet Maduro The Turkish foreign minister is set to make his inaugural visits to Venezuela and Mexico in his capacity as his country’s top diplomat. Turkey
Families of Israeli hostages file complaint against Hamas at ICC Representatives of the families of Israeli hostages arrived at the International Criminal Court in The Hague with 1,000 pages of evidence and testimonies against Hamas. Israel
Mossad chief leaves Cairo after talks with US, Egypt, Qatar on new Israel-Hamas deal The meeting in Cairo between Israeli, American, Egyptian and Qatari top officials ended after several hours of discussions in an attempt to advance a deal for the release of hostages and a cease-fire in Gaza. Israel
Two hostages rescued during Israeli operation in Gaza's Rafah After postponing the operation several times, Israeli security forces entered early Monday morning the city of Rafah, rescuing two hostages. Israel
Will Biden listen to Congress progressives, condition aid to Israel? More Democratic senators are asking the White House to condition military support to Israel as the war in Gaza drags on and the humanitarian situation grows more dire. Palestine
Pro-Palestinian activists in Jordan face arrest, harassment by authorities Human Rights Watch documented the arrest of several people who took part in pro-Palestinian protests in Jordan and condemned the use of a controversial cybercrime law. Jordan
