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
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. Sudan
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. Bahrain
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
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. Israel
Israel blocks Saudi, UAE and other FMs from West Bank visit: What to know The move to block the visit comes amid heightened international pressure on Israel to end its military offensive in Gaza and make progress toward Palestinian statehood, a key condition for normalization with Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Gaza ceasefire seen imminent as Witkoff finalizes Hamas-Israel deal Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told relatives of hostages held in Gaza that he accepts the recent proposal by American envoy Steve Witkoff, which is expected to secure the release of 10 abductees and establish a two-month ceasefire in Gaza. Israel
Trump envoy optimistic about Gaza ceasefire as US prepares new terms US special envoy Steve Witkoff said he had "good feelings" about prospects for a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. United States
US defends Gaza aid plan as hungry crowds overrun food hub A State Department spokesperson said food is reaching Gaza "at a massive scale." Aid groups say it's a fraction of what's needed. Israel
US-backed Gaza aid body launches as Witkoff pans Hamas truce proposal: What to know Hamas said it accepted a US proposal on a ceasefire deal in Gaza, which both Israel and the US denied, as the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is quickly deteriorating. Palestine
Cholera outbreak in war-torn Sudan kills 172, infects over 2,700: What to know Cholera cases are surging in war-torn Sudan, where an overwhelmed health system is struggling to respond amid a civil war that has devastated infrastructure and displaced millions. Sudan
Exclusive EU could partially suspend Israel's association agreement within weeks: Sources European diplomats told Al-Monitor that in view of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the European Commission is expected to present options to member states for pressuring Israel on the issue. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
US-backed aid group begins controversial relief operation in Gaza The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has faced controversy since its establishment over its plan to deliver aid to Gazans through a limited number of distribution points, without the involvement of UN agencies. Palestine
