Israel encourages Gazans to leave Former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked has confirmed reports about Israeli plans to urge residents of Gaza to leave the Strip and never return. Palestine
Tourism rebounds in Turkey as visitor profile shifts east Turkey’s tourism sector is recovering from the 2016 downturn as more visitors arrive from Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Turkey
Russia ready to fund Palestinian industrial zone Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh discussed with the Russian ambassador the possibility of establishing an industrial zone in Nablus in light of Palestine’s ongoing efforts to promote its local economy and disengage from Israel. Palestine
Palestinian events banned in East Jerusalem Israel has stepped up efforts to block Palestinian activities in East Jerusalem and is closing major institutions in the city. Palestine
Turkey’s military base in Qatar to expand with air, naval elements Turkey and Qatar have agreed to expand the Qatar-Turkey Combined Joint Force Command in Doha with aerial and naval components as stakes grow higher in the Gulf region. Qatar
Do Saudi Arabia, UAE seek perpetual chaos in Yemen? Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are seeking to divide power and influence in Yemen, which is clear following the recent UAE-backed advances of the southern separatists' militia amid Saudi silence. Saudi Arabia
Why Lebanon's largest artificial lake is turning green Lake Qaraoun suffers from industrial pollution from the factories on its banks and agricultural pesticides and no project, local or international, seems to stop it. Lebanon
Three princes compete for Yazidi leadership to succeed late prince Following the appointment of a new Yazidi emir, two other Yazidi leaders announced themselves as new emirs. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Saudi Arabia selling the Aramco IPO, yet again Saudi Arabia is again preparing an initial public offering, but would a deal with China be better? Saudi Arabia
Labor proposes taking Israel back to social-democrat economy According to the economic pre-election agenda presented by Labor head Amir Peretz, the party wants to increase Israel's external debt in order to pay for social projects. Israel
Hamas takes advantage of pre-election restraint to needle Israel Convinced that Israel will not engage in a large-scale military operation before the September elections, Hamas seems to be allowing sporadic attacks from Gaza to escalate. Palestine
Israeli society, ultra-Orthodox torn over gender separation The issue of gender separation is not only an area of disagreement between the ultra-Orthodox and secular society in Israel, it is also a raging debate within ultra-Orthodox society itself. Israel
Denied visit to Israel, US congresswomen tour Palestinian reality The plight of two US lawmakers offers a glimpse into Israel’s 52-year control over the fate of millions of people living outside its sovereign territory and its undermining of Palestinian civilians' right to move freely throughout the territories. Palestine
Intel: Deadly airstrike on Turkish convoy tests Ankara-Moscow ties Syrian jets hit a Turkish military convoy today in Syria’s Idlib, killing three civilians and injuring 12 others in an attack that likely could not have occurred without Moscow's knowledge. Syria
Turkey ousts three more pro-Kurdish mayors The mayors of Turkey's Diyarbakir, Mardin and Van have been replaced by state appointees in the latest move against a major pro-Kurdish party. Turkey
Iran calls for compensation for Gibraltar tanker seizure Iranian officials have welcomed the release of the Iranian tanker seized by the UK. United States
