Egypt to repatriate citizens stuck in Morocco Morocco has had a passenger flight ban in place for months. News Brief
France reports 'bits of progress' in Iran nuclear talks French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said he remained convinced a deal is still possible, but warned "time is of the essence." Iran
Egyptian Church takes initiative on climate ahead of COP27 The Egyptian Coptic Church launched an initiative to plant trees in the grounds of all its affiliated churches and parishes to raise awareness of the issue of climate change, in preparation for Egypt hosting COP27. Egypt
Hamas holds memorial tribute for Soleimani in Gaza Hamas still depends on Iran for support. Palestine
Ethiopia to generate electricity from GERD amid negotiations deadlock Ethiopia will produce energy from the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in a move likely to heighten existing tensions with Egypt and Sudan. Egypt
Israeli environmentalists, neighbors blast plan for new town in Negev Despite Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked's enthusiasm, both green groups and neighboring towns are unhappy with a plan to build a new village near the Gaza border. Israel
Kataib Hezbollah member’s family massacred in Baghdad An assassination attempt on a member of the Popular Mobilization Units and the massacre of his wife and children have raised questions about security in the Iraqi capital amid continuing US-Iran geopolitical tension in the region. Iraq
Hamas plans to continue using cryptocurrencies for operations Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed an order to seize more than $800,000 on cryptocurrency on its way to Hamas, but a spokesperson for the movement said that the Israeli announcement was exaggerated. Palestine
Israel angles for benefits from new deal with Iran Having reached the conclusion that a new Iran deal is inevitable, Israel is now focusing on getting tactical assurances and military support from the United States. Israel
Israel greenlights surrogacy for same-sex couples, single men In a historic move, Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz announced last week that as of Jan. 11, surrogacy procedures will be open for everyone in the country, same-sex couples, single men and transgender people included. Israel
Poverty forces Syrian children to skip school, collect ordnance For several child workers in the Idlib countryside, the detritus of war has become their livelihood. Syria
Nubians demand repatriation during Sisi visit Nubians in Upper Egypt still seek return to the land of their ancestors, after years of forced displacement, amid complaints of political and cultural marginalization. Egypt
Sultan Qaboos’ environmental legacy hits economic roadblock in Oman Strict environmental laws protected Oman’s pristine ecosystems, benefited public health and strengthened tourism’s value proposition, but will it last? Gulf
Israel ends restrictions on international travel Israel is currently reporting a record number of COVID-19 cases, but very few deaths. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey, Iran react to Kazakhstan unrest Diplomats from both countries have refrained from making powerful statements on the situation in the Central Asian country. News Brief
US man charged with gathering files on opponents of Egyptian government The Justice Department said Pierre Girgis used his connections with local law enforcement collect information about US-based critics of the Egyptian government. News Brief
