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
4 million Syrians on brink of starvation as UN aid mechanism draws to close Millions of Syrians are helplessly waiting in desperation as UN aid entry into Syria draws to an end amid expectations that Russia will veto a resolution authorizing cross-border aid into the war-torn country. Syria
US envoy urges funding for Yemen’s ‘ticking time bomb’ Envoy Tim Lenderking called on donor governments and the private sector to help prevent a dilapidated tanker in the Red Sea from spilling its cargo of oil. Yemen
Displaced Yemenis grow desperate in camps Humanitarian organizations are struggling to meet the needs of millions of internally displaced Yemenis amid the ongoing war. Yemen
US announces $800M in Syria aid as border-access vote looms US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged the international community to ensure the latest Syria aid "actually reaches those in need." Syria
In policy shift, Israel will send Ukraine defensive equipment After unsuccessful attempts at mediation between Russia and Ukraine, Jerusalem tilts toward Kyiv. Israel
Possible closure of Turkey-Syria crossing alarms aid groups Fears are mounting about a looming humanitarian catastrophe amid concerns that Russia will close the last border crossing through which UN and NGO aid passes to reach millions of needy in north Syria. Syria
Most of Israel's top leadership condemns war crimes in Bucha, Ukraine Israel’s foreign minister, defense minister and health minister have all condemned what they named war crimes in Bucha, Ukraine, but the prime minister is still treading lightly. Israel
Zelenskyy to give Zoom speech to Israeli Knesset Sunday With the Knesset on recess and many parliamentarians on vacation, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said they will both attend the Zoom-delivered address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy March 20. Israel
Analysis Ukraine war stirs fears Russia could weaponize Syria aid As Russia wages war in Ukraine, concerns are mounting that Moscow will use its UN Security Council veto powers to dismantle what remains of cross-border aid operations into Syria. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Israel vows country won’t become safe haven for sanctioned Russian oligarchs Speaking at a press conference in Slovakia, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid stated that Russia won’t be able to bypass Western sanctions through Israel. Israel
Analysis Bennett, Erdogan seek to fill diplomatic vacuum over Ukraine Qatar’s role in Iran diplomacy even more vital with pause in Vienna nuclear talks. By Week in Review
Israel needs long-term plans to absorb Ukrainian immigration wave Israel’s government has made short-term housing plans for the thousands of Ukrainian and Russian Jews expected to immigrate to Israel, but absorption will be a long and difficult road. Israel
