Hamas claims Israel uses military dolphins against Gaza The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military wing, published a video recorded by its secretive Frogmen Unit in the Mediterranean, claiming Israel was using dolphins to carry out espionage and combat missions off the shores of the Gaza Strip. Palestine
Egypt skeptical of Ethiopia call for cooperation on Nile dam Egypt sees Ethiopia’s latest call for cooperation over its controversial Nile dam as mere ink on paper, as Cairo continues to insist on resuming the negotiations to reach a legally binding agreement. Egypt
Israel, Emirates establish joint R&D, tech investment fund With the export of Israeli high tech surpassing the export of goods, the government invests in a joint fund with the Emirates for technologies and start-ups, and also supports investment funds for developing countries. Israel
Independent Turkey economists face court action over inflation figures that challenge official data ENAGrup is sued over calculations that put yearly price rises at 83% and told to halt work refuting state agency’s rate. Turkey
Syrian prison battle leaves hundreds dead and many IS free A massive attack on detention facilities in northeastern Syria under US-backed, Kurdish-led forces has ended after almost a week of fighting, though the fate of some hostages remains unclear. Iraq
Yemeni government forces make new gains in Marib UAE-backed forces are making sweeping gains against the Houthis despite the rebels' threats against Abu Dhabi. Yemen
The Takeaway: Kuwait takes lead in Gulf effort to solve Lebanon crisis Egypt, Iran, Iraq water crises; China and the Horn of Africa; Turkish pop queen under fire; Egypt’s Temple of Millions; and more … in less than 1,300 words. Lebanon
Palestinian-American died of heart attack after Israeli detention, autopsy finds A Palestinian autopsy found that Omar Abdalmajeed As'ad died from a “stress-induced sudden cardiac arrest due to external violence.” Palestine
Sudanese public widely rejects new UN initiative A number of Sudan's major civilian groups have shown skepticism toward UN efforts to help. Egypt
On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman Houthis should be part of Yemeni political solution, says Oman Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi
UK appeals court says woman in Syria unlawfully stripped of citizenship The woman, who is living in the Al-Roj camp in northeast Syria, had sought repatriation to the United Kingdom. Syria
Lebanon signs new electricity deal with Jordan, Syria A previously announced agreement to export Egyptian gas to Lebanon has yet to come to fruition. Lebanon
Human Rights Watch staffer hacked with Pegasus spyware A digital forensic analysis determined phones belonging Lama Fakih, HRW’s crisis and conflict director, were hacked between April and August 2021. News Brief
Saudi investment fund starts gaming group The fund, which is headed by the crown prince, will work on developing video game competitions with two European companies. News Brief
Israel’s Lapid warms to Palestinians After distancing himself from the issue, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid has started meeting with senior Palestinian officials in a possible attempt to lay the groundwork for negotiations after he becomes prime minister. Israel
Syria’s Kurdish-led forces regain control of Islamic State prison Some two dozen hostages were freed and more than a thousand IS detainees surrendered after a six-day firefight that left at least 200 dead. Syria