US says Sudan warring parties back withdrawal plan as donors pledge $700M in aid State Department senior adviser Massad Boulos announced Tuesday that a "comprehensive peace plan" has been approved by Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, though it still needs to be approved by Sudan's warring parties. Sudan
RSF shells Sudan’s Kordofan as US-Saudi truce plan stalls: What to know Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces have launched drone and artillery attacks in Dilling, just a week after the Sudanese army said it broke a nearly two-year siege on the town. Sudan
US envoy pushes for Sudan truce in meeting with UAE’s MBZ after talks in Saudi Arabia Boulos’ meeting in Abu Dhabi follows discussions earlier this week in Riyadh, as the two Gulf countries navigate both Sudan diplomacy and a dispute over Yemen. Sudan
Interview UNRWA plans Turkey office to boost Gaza, Syria aid as pledges dip Speaking exclusively to Al-Monitor, UNRWA’s Tamara Alrifai said the upcoming Turkey office would help the agency to expand its operations not only in Gaza but also in Syria. Tamara Alrifai
Analysis US options constrained in Sudan as RSF snubs Washington, sanctions fail By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Interview International Red Cross chief says Gaza conflict goes beyond anything he has ever seen Pierre Krahenbuhl Director-General of the International Committee
Economic meltdown drives some Lebanese to collect recyclables for a living Lebanon’s increasing poverty and lack of jobs drive desperate people to live off of selling collected recycled materials in kilos to scrapyards, shops and manufacturers. Lebanon
Aid agencies sound alarm as US considers relisting Houthis as terror group The US State Department says it would have to "fully consider the humanitarian implications" of the Houthis' redesignation as a terrorist group. Yemen
US alleviates Lebanon's sanctions concerns over energy deal US Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea provided a Treasury Department letter that addressed concerns over the energy plan's potential to violate sanctions on Syria. Lebanon
UN extends Syria cross-border aid without challenge from Russia The Biden administration eased restrictions on aid groups working with the Syrian government in November. Syria
Ancient Kurdish rain ritual revived in Syria as drought continues Kurdish farmers in the countryside of Qamishli revive an ancient ritual called Ziwa, or the Bride of the Rain, to invoke rain after seasons of drought. Syria
Ethiopia detaining Tigrayans deported from Saudi Arabia, rights group says Human Rights Watch urged Ethiopia to release the arbitrarily detained Tigrayans and called on Saudi Arabia to stop its deportations. Saudi Arabia
Saudi coalition demands Houthis release UAE vessel seized in Red Sea The Houthis claimed the ship was carrying military equipment and conducting "hostile activities" in Yemen's territorial waters. Yemen
UN slashes food aid to Yemen amid funding crunch Starting in January, eight million Yemenis will receive a reduced food ration from the UN's World Food Program. News Brief
One-third of Arab world food insecure in 2020, UN says The UN says a spike in undernourishment in the Middle East and North Africa was observed across all income levels, in both conflict-ridden and stable countries. News Brief
Syrians resort to ancient bread-making methods in Idlib's food crisis Displaced Syrians in Idlib are replacing bakery bread with handmade bread, turning to traditional methods during the area's food shortage. Syria
The Takeaway: Israel’s military threats shadow Iran nuclear talks Erdogan digs in on lira; Egypt, Ethiopia tensions rise again over Nile Dam; Assassins "carefully planned" attack on Iraqi PM; Iraqi Shiite scholars ponder post-Sistani era; Children become breadwinners in besieged Idlib; The return of Mohammed Ali Pasha’s palace … all in less than 1,200 words. Israel
Idlib’s children become breadwinners amidst rising poverty Worsening living conditions and soaring poverty rates in Idlib force more and more children to drop out of school and start working to help their families meet their basic needs. Syria
