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
Syria 'a living nightmare' after decade of war, UN chief says Some 60% of Syrians are at risk of hunger this year, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. Syria
At least eight dead in fire at Yemeni migrant center, UN says More than 170 people are injured after a fire erupted at a facility holding migrants in Yemen's Houthi-held capital of Sanaa. Yemen
Aid groups overwhelmed by needs and numbers of displaced Syrians In an attempt to alleviate the suffering of the displaced and as part of the winter response plan for the camps, Syrian humanitarian organizations are implementing different projects. But they have still failed to reach radical solutions. Syria
Syrian refugees are no longer guests in Sudan Sudan is changing its rules for Syrians wishing to reside in the country after years of being able to travel to Sudan without a visa, and the right to work, education and medical care. Egypt
UN: 800 people returned to Libya while crossing Mediterranean 2020 was a deadly year for people fleeing Libya for Europe, according to data from the UN's International Organization for Migration. Libya
Iraq makes major progress in closing camps for the displaced After six years of displacement, Iraq has closed around 62% of its remaining camps for internally displaced persons over the past six months and is planning to close all of them this year. Iraq
Why refugees won’t return to Syria Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s call on Syrian refugees to return to the homeland has sparked many reactions, as some still fear returning to cities and towns occupied by Iranian forces accused of violations and abuses against the locals. Syria
UN agency for Palestinian refugees runs out of money to pay salaries The announcement comes as the UN body is strained with increased demands and still reeling from a total funding withdrawal imposed by the Trump administration. Israel
Iraq’s camp closures could leave 100,000 homeless as winter looms The Norwegian Refugee Council said displaced Iraqis are being forced from their camps with little notice. Iraq
Trump administration again slashes refugee admissions to new low The announcement followed Trump's attack on refugees during a campaign rally in Minnesota. United States
Egypt cracks down on Syrian businesses allegedly tied to Brotherhood Egypt is going after certain Syrian businesses that have flourished, citing national security. Egypt
Trump mum on refugee admissions despite pleas from Congress The administration has drastically reduced the number of refugees resettled annually in the United States. United States
