Moscow looks to expand role in Mideast peace process Official Russian statements on the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas indicate Moscow is looking for a larger diplomatic role. Russia
Documentaries explore Cairo’s old neighborhoods, alleyways An Egyptian archaeologist has launched an initiative to shed light on Cairo’s heritage by filming short documentaries about the various alleys and streets in the capital. Culture
Ramadan series revives debate on verbal divorce, marital rape in Egypt One of the most watched Ramadan series renews the debate on verbal divorce and marital rape in Egypt. Culture
Libyan LGBTQ+ activists speak out on violence by extremist militias In Libya, amid the ongoing conflict and chaos, the country's first LGBTQ+ platform is fighting for a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals. North Africa
Israeli-Palestinian conflict forces Biden to put Mideast on agenda Egyptian and Palestinian Authority leaders are back at center stage of US regional diplomacy. Israel
US pledges additional support for Lebanon’s army amid financial collapse Lebanon's armed forces are to receive an additional $15 million in US aid. Lebanon
Iran rejects Canadian court's decision on responsibility for downed passenger plane A court in Ontario, Canada, ruled that Iran's 2020 shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, which killed 55 Canadians, was a terrorist act. Iran
A ‘new level of force’: Netanyahu warns against further Hamas attacks “If Hamas thinks we will tolerate a drizzle of rockets, it is wrong,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the cease-fire took effect. Israel
Biden administration poised to ax US oil company’s waiver for Kurdish-led northeast Syria The decision to withdraw the waiver to produce and sell oil in Syria has been presented by administration officials as a policy correction, not a shift. Syria
WhatsApp denies privacy update will not apply in Turkey There were reports in Turkish media that Facebook-owned messaging service's controversial privacy update, following a backlash, would not come to Turkey. Turkey
Erdogan in hot spot as Turks question 'mafiazation' of politics Erdogan risks a major political setback unless he manages to contain an unprecedented scandal sparked by a mobster claiming close links with government figures. Turkey
Turkish court begins retrial of philanthropist Osman Kavala Businessman and philanthropist Osman Kavala, who has remained in prison without a conviction since 2017, was denied release on Friday. Turkey
Israeli police raid Temple Mount following Israel-Hamas cease-fire Clashes took place between Palestinians and Israeli police in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, but the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas was still holding. News Brief
Cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian factions enters into force The cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip entered into force at 2 a.m. May 21, ending a round of fighting that lasted 11 days, claimed the lives of more than 240 people and destroyed many properties. Palestine
World leaders react to Israel-Hamas cease-fire, pledge to rebuild In a White House address, President Joe Biden pledged to rally international support for reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip. Israel
Israel-Hamas conflict exposes Turkey’s irrelevance in region Turkey’s apparent exclusion from cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas shows President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s foreign policy is in tatters. Turkey
