Israel loosens restrictions on trade, travel from Gaza Israel is reopening the Erez pedestrian crossing to merchants and businesspeople after closing over coronavirus concerns last year. News Brief
More US troops arrive at Kabul airport to bolster Turkish mission Pentagon says forces could potentially remain in Kabul beyond original withdrawal deadline. Washington Pulse
38 dead as floods ravage Turkey's northern coast The floods in Turkey's Black Sea region forced more than 1,700 people to evacuate, many of whom are now sleeping in student dorms. Turkey
Militant clashes kill nine Egyptian soldiers in Sinai Egypt's military said nine soldiers were killed in counterterror operations. Egypt
Israel's coalition government holds to center Two months in, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid remain both partners and rivals as the new government passes a budget, grapples with COVID-19 and Iran and seeks to strengthen already warm ties with the Biden administration. Israel
Turkey sees opportunity in Iran-West faceoff under Raisi Raisi’s hard-line approach may further sharpen disagreements between Ankara and Tehran over Syria and Iraq, but Ankara also sees new opportunities under the new Iranian leadership. Turkey
Israel approves COVID-19 booster for ages 50+ Health care workers, prisoners and people with weak immune system are also eligible to receive a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Israel
Russian, UK envoys ignite fury in Iran with 'inappropriate' restaged photo A restaged version at the Russian Embassy in Tehran of the historic 1943 photo showing Soviet, American and British "Big Three" leaders at the then-Soviet Embassy angered many Iranians, who have historically seen the 1943 Tehran Conference as a bitter symbol of subordination to world powers. Iran
Iraq moves to protect state property The Iraqi government launched a campaign to remove encroachments in Iraq, which is more likely to anger political parties and armed groups whose huge influence has allowed their supporters to encroach on state-owned land. Iraq
Israel's Bennett works to boost ties with Biden administration Prime Minister Naftali Bennett learned from the mistakes of his predecessor, former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and is investing tremendous efforts into developing an intimate relationship with President Joe Biden. Israel
Drug use surges in opposition-controlled areas in northwest Syria Security forces in the countryside of Aleppo are combating the spread of narcotic substances, amid growing demands for cooperation by the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army factions. Syria
Human Rights Watch accuses Gaza groups of war crimes during May fighting Hamas and other Palestinian groups purposefully targeted population centers during the May war with Israel, according to Human Rights Watch. The organization also accused Israel of war crimes last month. News Brief
AIPAC doubles down on ad about US Rep. Omar The American Israel Public Affairs Committee has received criticism for an ad with Rep. Ilhan Omar's image reading "Stand AGAINST terrorists." The Muslim congresswoman receives frequent criticism for her views on Israel and US foreign policy. Washington Pulse
Turkey ‘still in lead’ as US surges troops back to Kabul airport for evacuation The Pentagon is readying as many as 8,000 troops to facilitate the withdrawal of American and Afghan personnel. United States
UN Syria envoy urges end to 'siege-like' situation in Daraa UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said Syrian civilians living under a government siege in the southwestern city are suffering from shortages of fuel, food and medicine. Syria
