Democrats urge US to press Egypt, Israel on Gaza border restrictions A letter signed by 53 House Democrats described the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip as "untenable." By Al-Monitor Staff
Fires in northern Lebanon caused by high temperatures, winds Lebanon has experienced several wildfires this summer, as have other countries in the region. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkish airstrike kills members of US-backed Kurdish force in Syria A Turkish airstrike has killed four members of a US-backed Syrian Kurdish force. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Ahead of Bennett’s visit to Washington, Israel tightens cooperation with Egypt The invitation to visit Cairo and the agreement over the transfer of Qatari money to Gaza are important milestones for Prime Minister Naftali Bennett ahead of his visit to the White House. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israeli prime minister receives vaccine booster As infections rise once again, Israel is pioneering vaccine booster shots, though the World Health Organization has warned that offering a third dose could contribute to vaccine inequity. By Al-Monitor Staff
Lebanese commemorate Beirut port explosion anniversary with statue, music Activists and families of the victims of the deadly Beirut port blast have criticized a statue that was erected at the explosion site, saying they need to get to the truth behind the explosion before holding any memorial. By Hanan Hamdan
UNRWA calls out Hamas, Israel for actions during Israel-Gaza war UNRWA has called on Hamas and Israel to respect the sanctity of its installations in order to ensure that it continues to safely provide its services to refugees. By Mai Abu Hasaneen
In Israel, campaign for vaccinating in schools becomes political Against the opinion of Education Minister Yifat Shasha-Biton, the Ministry of Health decided to open vaccination sites in schools. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Israel reportedly bombs Syria for second time this week Syrian state media said Israeli missiles targeted areas near the capital, Damascus, and the western city of Homs. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey offers to mediate disputes between Sudan, Ethiopia Erdogan also said he stands behind a peaceful resolution to the violence in Tigray. By Al-Monitor Staff
Hamas welcomes Taliban’s triumph in Afghanistan Hamas published an official statement in which it congratulated its victory and praised its performance. By Entsar Abu Jahal
Israel, Qatar reach deal on resumed cash payments to Gaza Families in the Gaza Strip will again receive monthly cash payments that were frozen in the wake of Israel's 11-day conflict with Hamas. By Al-Monitor Staff
Ship that blocked the Suez Canal to try again Ever Given will enter Egypt’s Port Said and then traverse the Suez Canal for the first time since getting stuck and then unstuck there in March. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran's art community fears 'Stalin era' under Raisi President Ebrahim Raisi's pick for the post of culture minister has drawn a furious backlash from Iran's art community members, who fear there will be a return to stifling cultural restrictions. By Al-Monitor Staff