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
How Israel’s 'convoluted' inspections are hindering Gaza aid Humanitarian groups say Israel's time-consuming inspections process and denial of "dual-use" goods is hampering aid delivery in the Gaza Strip. Israel
Blinken in Israel says Hamas proposal 'creates space' for possible hostage deal Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced Hamas’ response to a proposed hostage and cease-fire deal as “delusional,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a visit to the region that there’s still a chance for an agreement to be reached. Israel
With $104 billion in damages, Turkey’s earthquake region sees slow recovery Turkey’s quake victims can hardly hope for a faster recovery, as Ankara seems to be keeping the pace of reconstruction tied to its overall economic roadmap, wary of overheating the fragile economy. Turkey
Turkey marks anniversary of deadliest earthquakes in its modern history A year on, survivors of Turkey’s massive twin earthquakes gathered across the impact zone encompassing 11 provinces to commemorate their loved ones. Turkey
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
France's Colonna to lead UNRWA investigation as Spain, Portugal donate $4.8 M Former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna will lead a UN investigation into allegations that 12 UNRWA staffers participated in the Oct. 7 Hamas assault against Israel. Israel
France's new FM Sejourne makes first visit to Egypt, Lebanon, Israel & Jordan French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné is set to visit the Middle East, meeting with almost all the parties involved in the Gaza war, except Qatar. Israel
Sudan fighting rages as nearly 8 million displaced, 18 million face 'acute hunger' The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached catastrophic levels, according to the United Nations, as mediators struggle to enforce a cease-fire. Sudan
Hamas claims stir debate over UN’s aid lifeline to Gaza The Biden administration is under mounting pressure to urgently resume funding for UNRWA, without which aid agencies say humanitarian conditions will further deteriorate in the Gaza Strip. Israel
Hamas delegation heads to Cairo for talks on hostage release, truce A Hamas delegation has been dispatched to Cairo to discuss the latest proposal on a truce and release of hostages in Gaza, though several sticking points remain between the two sides. Palestine
Analysis Cautious optimism around Israel-Hamas deal but Netanyahu indecisive Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu knows that his far-right allies will give him hell, should he accept a hostage release deal that would set free thousands of Palestinian prisoners. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis EU split on UNRWA funding: Germany, Italy suspend while others call for audit Several Western countries have decided to follow the Americans and suspend their donations to UNRWA, at least until an investigation is carried out into allegations that some of their staff participated in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
