Israel expands Gaza buffer zone to 20% as humanitarian situation deteriorates Israel’s expanded buffer zone will cut off Gaza from Egypt and further partition the Strip, as the humanitarian crisis in the territory deepens. Palestine
Feature Fearing for safety, Syria's Alawites who fled to Lebanon have no plans to return More than 30 members of one family spoke to Al-Monitor after fleeing into northern Lebanon from Syria amid a spasm of sectarian violence in the country. Many remain skeptical that it's safe to return. By Katya Hovnanian-Alexanian
Analysis Could Israel's West Bank operation lead to annexation long sought by right? The Israeli military is currently operating in West Bank Area A, which under the Oslo Accords should be administered fully by the Palestinian Authority. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
From Saudi Arabia to Australia and China, world leaders denounce Trump’s plan to 'take over' Gaza President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about a possible US takeover of Gaza after relocating the Palestinians caused a wave of uproar across the region and the world. Palestine
Analysis EU seeks channels with HTS as it grapples with post-Assad Syria By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Hopes dim in stranded Syrian camp near US military base Some 10,000 displaced Syrians living in a squalid camp miles away from the American garrison of al-Tanf had hoped the Biden administration would resolve their plight. Syria
Refugees returning to Syria face reprisals from government The rights organization documented arrest, arbitrary detention, torture and other forms of abuse among Syrian refugees who returned to their home country from Lebanon and Jordan. Syria
EU looks to boost Syrian businesses in Turkey Many Syrian refugees are working in Turkey without work permits, and the European Union is trying to support their small businesses. Syria
UN warns women, child migrants unsafe in Libya Libya is a major departure point for people seeking to irregularly reach Europe, and the journey can be deadly. News Brief
Infrastructure aid won't help Turkish city maintain welcome for half-million Syrians A new waste management facility in Gaziantep aims to help the city cope with the challenges of half a million Syrian refugees, but it is unlikely to fix the growing local resentment toward them. Turkey
Lebanese president highlights crisis of Syrian refugees at UN General Assembly President Michel Aoun said the presence of 1.5 million Syrians is having numerous negative effects on crisis-stricken Lebanon, which has the second-largest Syrian refugee population in the world. News Brief
The Takeaway: Iran nuclear diplomacy shows faint pulse at UN Signs of life at an extraordinary meeting of senior Middle East officials; also, updates from our correspondents on Israel, West Bank, UAE, Turkey, Egypt, Iraq … and more … all in about 1,400 words! Iran
Lebanon won't deport six detained Syrian refugees Five of the six men are from Syria's Daraa province, where government forces and rebels have clashed in recent months. Lebanon
How many Americans are left in Afghanistan? As the United States facilitates the transfer of thousands of Afghanistan evacuees to Qatar and other US military installations, the State Department said Thursday that a majority of the remaining Americans have taken steps to leave. United States
Displaced Iraqis caught in middle of EU-Belarus tensions The Iraqi government is helping its displaced citizens stuck in Eastern Europe to return to Iraq. Iraq
The Takeaway: The roots of Tunisia’s political crisis are economic Also: United States, Iraq stay focused on Islamic State; Gulf eyes solar energy; Russia’s Syria policy puzzles Israel; Afghan refugees trigger backlash in Turkey; Erdogan puts spotlight on Cyprus ghost town. Tunisia
Search underway after migrant boat sinks off Turkish coast Eight migrants are still missing after their boat bound for Italy sunk southwest of the Turkish town of Kas. Turkey
