Iran’s Reformists face tough choice between participation or boycotting election While Reformists are hesitant to give legitimacy to what they believe to be a fraudulent vote, they are also aware that if they do not participate in the Friday election, it would be difficult for them to win in the next election four years later. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Gulf states want Iran deal talks to address Tehran’s missiles program, support for proxy groups The Gulf Cooperation Council’s statement on Wednesday echoed similar demands from members of Congress. By Al-Monitor Staff
Gaza holds summer camp for children traumatized by war The Gaza Ministry of Education has launched summer camps for children under 11 years old, to provide them with psychological support and games after the trauma they suffered during the latest Israeli escalation in the Gaza Strip. By Entsar Abu Jahal
Biden discusses imperiled Syrian aid at high-stakes Putin summit The two leaders met ahead of a looming UN Security Council deadline to renew a massive cross-border aid operation that Russia is intent on shutting down. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Qatar's emir hosts Venezuelan vice president for official visit Qatar's ally Turkey also has good relations with Venezuela. The US sanctions Venezuela and supports an opposition government in the South American country. By Al-Monitor Staff
Ethiopia rejects Arab League call for UN to intervene on Nile dam Ethiopia plans to fill the dam's reservoir again this summer despite Egypt's objections. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran's conservative candidates step aside to support Raisi Two conservative candidates have stepped aside to support front-runner Ebrahim Raisi. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey gives record 1.24 million vaccine doses in one day Long lines formed outside Turkish vaccination clinics this week after health officials ramped up the nation’s inoculation drive, administering a record 1.24 million vaccine doses Tuesday. By Diego Cupolo
Conflicting accounts emerge on West Bank shooting Israeli and Palestinian officials reported different information on a deadly shooting of a Palestinian woman outside of Jerusalem on Wednesday. By Al-Monitor Staff
Expanding settlements threaten Palestinian homes in Hebron Some 30 families in Khirbet al-Aida in Hebron have received notices that their houses will be demolished and their lands expropriated to expand Israeli settlements. By Aziza Nofal
Ancient fossilized fish found in Egypt that survived in hot waters Fossilized fish dating back 56 million years have been discovered in Egypt’s Eastern Desert, shedding light on a time period when Earth was experiencing massive warming. By Alaa Omran
Israeli women lead food tech revolution Israeli women researchers are developing award-winning projects in the fields of food tech and smart agriculture. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
HTS posts infographic on life and times of Syrian jihadist leader The fallout continues over the PBS documentary on Abu Mohammed al-Golani, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which controls Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib. By Khaled al-Khateb
Israeli minister condemns hate slogans during nationalist march After the controversial flag march in Jerusalem, new Foreign Minister Yair Lapid tweeted, "It is incomprehensible that people can hold the Israeli flag in one hand and shout 'Death to Arabs' at the same time." By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Israel strikes Gaza after incendiary balloons cause fires The arson attack followed an Israeli nationalist rally in disputed Jerusalem. The incident threatened the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and tested Israel’s new government. By Al-Monitor Staff
NATO looks to Qatar for base to train Afghan forces NATO is asking Qatar to host Afghan security forces for future training after withdrawal looms. By Al-Monitor Staff