How big can Biden administration go with aid to Gaza? A World Bank economic strategy for the West Bank and Gaza released just before the recent Israel-Hamas exchange deserves a closer look. Palestine
Iraq ramps up border security via tunnels, surveillance Iraq focuses on preventing terrorist organizations from entering its territories, after they have used the border areas to conduct operations and move between Syria and Iraq. By Adnan Abu Zeed
Turkish president unveils new mosque in heart of Istanbul Building the mosque in the center of Turkey’s largest city has symbolic value regarding the struggle between secularism and Islamic conservatism in the country. News Brief
With ties with West strained, Turkey gets lifeline from Poland Drawing on his rapport with the Polish president and a landmark drone deal with Warsaw, Erdogan seems to be aiming at two goals — strengthening his hand in NATO and having a close ally within the European Union. Turkey
Syria's Assad wins fourth term in election US calls fraudulent By the regime's count, President Bashar al-Assad won 95.1% of the vote, handing him another seven-year term. News Brief
Volunteers clear rubble from Gaza's streets In cooperation with community associations and with masses of individual volunteers, the Gaza City municipality is leading a massive effort to clear the enclave of rubble left by the recent Israeli airstrikes. Palestine
Israeli campaign in Gaza worsens water crisis Gazans were already suffering from water scarcity even before the Israel escalation that damaged most of the water plants and pipelines. Palestine
Gaza reconstruction deepens PA-Hamas dispute The Palestinian Authority wants to handle the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip through international funds, which Hamas rejects. Palestine
Hamas gains support, little else in battle with Israel Many Gazans are now questioning what they first celebrated as a victory for Hamas. Palestine
Israel fears Hamas, Hezbollah coordinating attacks The IDF worries about the simultaneous speeches this week of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas Gaza commander Yahya Sinwar, as both groups could launch simultaneous and coordinated attacks against Israel Israel
How Egyptians are using an ancient Arabic script to evade censors Egyptian and other Arab social media users have turned to an older version of Arabic script to evade censorship on Facebook and Twitter as they post about the latest conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Egypt
Female journalists speak from Gaza front lines Journalists in Gaza, including many women reporters, remained dedicated to their work documenting violations against civilians despite the dangers and difficulties they faced. Palestine
Jordan picks up regional diplomacy following Blinken, Bin Zayed visits US Secretary of State Antony Blinken referred to Jordan as a key partner and friend in his recent visit to Amman, yet the Hashemite kingdom is facing a new geopolitical reality making it’s diplomatic role in Mideast peace more challenging. Jordan
US diplomat: 'There is an absence of political will’ in Nile River dam dispute A State Department official told the Senate on Thursday that the Biden administration supports a "two-stage process" to diplomatically resolve the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam dispute between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan. United States
Netanyahu blasts UN right council's probe as 'shameful' The UN Human Rights Council voted on Thursday to establish a “Commission of Inquiry” to investigate rights violations in Israel and the Palestinian territories. Israel
Ethiopia’s reported filling of Nile dam heats up tensions with Egypt, Sudan Cairo is ramping up pressure on Addis Ababa again in tandem with Khartoum's forces. Sudan
