Humanitarian crises

A fighter loyal to the army patrols a market area in Khartoum on March 24, 2025.

Sudan: 14 killed in camp shelling blamed on RSF as Darfur violence grows

An attack on the Abu Shouk displacement camp in El Fasher has killed 14 people amid ongoing assaults on civilians and humanitarian convoys.

A view of the UN Security Council during a meeting to discuss the situation in Middle East at the UN headquarters in New York City, on April 29, 2025.

What Bahrain’s election to UN Security Council means for Mideast diplomacy

The election of new members to the UN Security Council comes ahead of a vote on a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

SUNA

Analysis

Sudan’s new PM dissolves government but military control remains firm

In his first public address, Prime Minister Kamil Idris set ambitious goals to restore security by eliminating “rebellious militias,” though analysts warn the goal may be beyond his reach.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

YOUSEF ALZANOUN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Israel expands Gaza offensive as dozens reported killed at aid sites

Israel has announced an expanded Gaza military operation after accusing Hamas of rejecting the latest US ceasefire proposal.

Latest News

Israel blocks Saudi, UAE and other FMs from West Bank visit: What to know

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud (R) receives his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot, prior to their meeting in Riyadh on April 25, 2025.

Gaza ceasefire seen imminent as Witkoff finalizes Hamas-Israel deal

People watch as smoke billows following an Israeli strike in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip on May 25, 2025.

Trump envoy optimistic about Gaza ceasefire as US prepares new terms

US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff delivers remarks during the swearing in ceremony for interim US Attorney for Washington, Jeanine Pirro, in the Oval Office of the White House on May 28, 2025 in Washington.

US defends Gaza aid plan as hungry crowds overrun food hub

Displaced Palestinians scuffle for a portion of hot food at a charity kitchen at the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on May 5, 2025.

Humanitarian aid is dropped on the Gaza Strip, west of Gaza City, on March 25, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory between Israel and the militant group Hamas, with the background showing Israel's Rutenberg power station near Ashkelon.

US says Israel boosted Gaza aid flow after convoy strike, but more is needed

US envoy David Satterfield said the volume of assistance reaching Gaza is "significantly greater" than it was, but issues remain with aid distribution.

VICTORIA VALDIVIA/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images

Starbucks pledges $3M to World Central Kitchen for Gaza meals

The coffee giant has announced a large donation to the aid group World Central Kitchen, which lost seven of its staff members earlier this month in an Israeli airstrike.

US President Joe Biden.

Analysis

As Biden-Netanyahu rift grows, so does pressure to condition aid to Israel

The growing rift between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Joe Biden, and rising discontent at the White House with the situation in Gaza, could lead the US president to respond more forcefully.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Palestinian worshippers gather on April 10, 2024 in the courtyard of Gaza City's historic Omari Mosque, which has been heavily damaged in Israeli bombardment during the ongoing battles between Israel and Hamas, on the first day of Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

Palestinians in Gaza mark solemn Eid at destroyed mosques, in displacement

Eid al-Fitr has been a somber holiday this year in the Gaza Strip, where the dead have left gaping holes in families.

An Israeli soldier checks a mobile atop a tank in a army camp near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip on April 8, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas. (Photo by Menahem Kahana / AFP) (Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

What Netanyahu's abrupt Gaza withdrawal means for Israel, Rafah op

While negotiations continue for a hostage release and cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is busy currying favor with his far-right ministers, promising them a military operation in Rafah.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

YASSER QUDIHE/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Israel sacks 2 top IDF officials, citing 'serious failure' in strike on Gaza aid workers

After investigating the incident in which seven workers of the aid organization World Central Kitchen were killed, the Israeli military dismissed two senior officers and sanctioned two others.

ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Biden threatens US policy shift on Gaza war as Israel braces for Iranian reprisal

In their conversation over the phone Thursday, President Joe Biden made it clear to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel must do more to protect aid workers and civilians in Gaza or risk a major shift in US policy.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

A man hands out bags of flour during the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza City on March 17, 2024, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the militant group Hamas.

Israel to reopen Erez crossing for Gaza aid after US pressure

The Israeli measure came after President Joe Biden warned that the US could revise its support if Israel did not protect civilians in Gaza.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to supporters through inside a modified truck with a side bulletproof glass during a campaign event on Oct. 29, 2022 in Bnei Brak, Israel.

Analysis

Inside Israel, Netanyahu’s poll numbers improving despite US rupture

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu keeps using his well-used method of convincing his right-wing base that he is the only one able to stand up against American pressure.

Mazal Mualem

By Mazal Mualem

In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics

ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images

Amid Biden-Netanyahu split over Rafah, Pentagon leans on lessons from Iraq

As the Biden administration seeks to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah, former US commanders told Al-Monitor there are key ways the Israeli military can shape an operation to protect civilians.

Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

People pass by a building covered with photos of hostages who have been released or are still being held in the Gaza Strip, on March 26, 2024 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

US rebuts Netanyahu’s ‘inaccurate’ claim UN abstention scuttled hostage talks

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the US of a shift in policy, saying its failure to veto a UN Security Council resolution on a Gaza cease-fire encouraged Hamas to reject a proposed hostage-release deal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting at his office in Jerusalem on Sept. 27, 2023.

Breaking | Last Updated: March 27, 2024, 1:33 pm

Netanyahu cancels Washington delegation visit after US abstains from UN cease-fire vote

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Strategic Minister Ron Dermer and national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi will not travel to Washington after the United States refrained from vetoing a UN resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.