Iran war deepens Gaza crisis as prices soar, aid falters Gazans fear that Israel could exploit the wider regional war to reenter Gaza, especially as buffer zones along the border continue to expand and civilians are targeted to keep them away. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Analysis Why Germany may struggle to meet Merz’s 80% Syria repatriation goal Germany, which hosts the EU’s largest Syrian refugee population, is pushing to repatriate Syrians, but Syria’s domestic issues and legal protections for asylum seekers complicate those efforts. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
China to send aid to Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan as Trump delays Beijing summit The aid announcement comes as President Donald Trump said Tuesday that his late March visit to China would be postponed. China
Iran’s communications blackout limits assessment of war’s humanitarian toll Aid groups struggle to assess humanitarian toll in Iran as blackout hampers efforts to identify needs. Iran
US changes tune on Gaza ‘cease-fire’ as Rafah fears grow Under pressure internationally and from Democratic voters, the Biden administration has begun to call for a "temporary cease-fire" in Gaza. Israel
Mossad, CIA, Qatar, Egypt reps to meet in Paris as Gaza deal talks advance The Biden administration is hoping that a deal for the release of hostage and a temporary ceasefire could be reached before the start of Ramadan, March 10. Israel
Lions traumatized by Sudan war find safe haven in South African sanctuary The war has not only created a devastating humanitarian crisis, but it has also impacted the welfare of wildlife in Sudan. Sudan
WHO official: 'Never seen anything like' Rafah crisis in 30-year career Richard Brennan, regional emergency director of the World Health Organization, told Al-Monitor that only three fully functioning hospitals are serving Gaza's population of 2.3 million people. Palestine
In south Lebanon, schools resume classes as displaced shelter inside Hezbollah steps in as municipalities struggle to respond to the growing number of displaced. Lebanon
Israeli troops raid Gaza's Nasser Hospital amid fears of imminent Rafah operation As Israel presses on with its Gaza offensive amid international calls for cease-fire, Israeli forces stormed a hospital in Khan Younis. Palestine
US softens objections to looming Israeli offensive in Rafah Despite President Joe Biden’s charge that Israel’s conduct in Gaza has been “over the top," the Biden administration has threatened no consequences for the Israeli military's impending assault on Rafah. 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
CIA chief heads to Cairo for Mossad-Egypt-Qatar talks amid Rafah fears CIA Director Bill Burns will discuss a new hostage deal with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo as Israel prepares to invade Rafah despite international and regional warnings. Egypt
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
eSIMs offer connectivity lifeline for Gaza medics, journalists and residents Emergency workers in Gaza have struggled through communications blackouts, but Egyptian activists have provided temporary connectivity for some in need with thousands of eSIMs. Palestine
Analysis Israel weighs bad options in Rafah as hunt for Sinwar continues The Israeli military is still focused on fighting in Khan Younis but could shift into an operation in Rafah, and international observers are panicked. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
