Turkey says Qatar Eurofighter jet deal still on track despite Iran war Ankara expects Doha to submit a draft sales contract for the fighter jets, as Turkey seeks to acquire aircraft that can be delivered sooner than its newly ordered Eurofighters. Turkey
France’s Macron first Western leader to visit Saudi Arabia since Houthi escalation French President Emmanuel Macron met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a surprise stop in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Explainer Why Israel, Armenia don't benefit from hijab spat between Turkey, Azerbaijan Israel and Armenia have reasons to worry about the escalating dispute between Turkey and Azerbaijan, despite their own tensions with Ankara and Baku. Turkey
Explainer Israel-UK relations hit new low over settlements, Gaza: What to know Despite Britain’s ban on goods from Israeli settlements and Israel’s closure of the British Consulate in East Jerusalem, both countries are seeking to keep communication channels open. Israel
Analysis As they throw punches, will Egypt downgrade ties with Israel over Rafah? The disagreement between Israel and Egypt over the Rafah crossing into the Gaza Strip contrasts heavily with the tight security cooperation between the two countries before Oct. 7. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Erdogan rebukes Greek PM for calling Hamas ‘terrorists,’ says 1,000+ members being treated in Turkey Erdogan’s comments came after the Greek prime minister told the news conference that “particularly in the Middle East there are differences with Turkey.” Turkey
Israel's Elbit clinches $53M deal to sell mortar systems to Europe Between 2019 and 2023, Israeli weapons constituted 2.4% of the global market, massively reshaped by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and increased imports by European countries. Israel
Belgium endorses Palestine's UN bid, Spain and Ireland may follow The State of Palestine is seeking more diplomatic recognition from Western Europe as it seeks to become a full member of the United Nations. Palestine
Interview EU envoy says Israel cannot condition Gaza humanitarian aid on hostage deal EU envoy to the Middle East process Sven Koopmans said Israel cannot condition the expansion of humanitarian aid in Gaza on reaching a hostage deal with Hamas. Sven Koopmans EU Special Representative for Middle East Peace Process
Abbas makes full-court press in Saudi Arabia for Palestinian recognition As momentum for negotiations with Israel over a two-state solution stalls, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is doubling down on efforts to get European leaders to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
How EU-West Bank police mission hopes to advance two-state solution Newly appointed EUPOL COPPS chief Karin Limdal is tasked with helping Palestinian law enforcement institutions reform to facilitate the implementation of the two-state solution and Palestinian statehood. Palestine
UAE, Ukraine conclude trade deal talks, Emirates to help post-war reconstruction Ukraine’s bilateral trade has sharply fallen since Russia invaded the country in February 2022. United Arab Emirates
Erdogan and Germany's Steinmeier chuckle over doner kebab as ties grow The German president’s visit, marking the centennial of diplomatic ties between Turkey and Germany, came during a challenging time for Ankara-Berlin relations, given the wide gap over the Israel-Hamas war. Turkey
What does EU visa relaxation for Saudi, Bahraini, Omani citizens mean? Under the new rules, Bahraini, Omani and Saudi Arabian nationals will be eligible for multiple-entry visas, allowing them to visit the Schengen area (the EU’s 27 member states as well as Bulgaria and Romania) and move freely between them. Saudi Arabia
In divided Cyprus, century-old bookshop brings people together Located in Europe's last divided city, a bookshop in Nicosia, Cyprus, has been weathering volatility since its inception in 1937. Turkey
Paris police arrest man in Iran consulate incident The motivation of the unidentified man remains unclear. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
