US talks directly with Syria on missing American but White House a ‘holdup,’ family says The family of Majd Kamalmaz is pleading with the White House to build on previous engagement with Damascus, saying the Syrians have demanded to speak with a high-level US official. Syria
Israeli legislator promotes new 'Peace Authority' Emilie Moatti, head of the Knesset's subcommittee on foreign affairs, is busily planning meetings on advancing cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians. Israel
Arab-Israelis, ultra-Orthodox, Palestinians shape future of Israeli tech Starving for experienced workers, Israeli authorities and high-tech companies are investing in training young Palestinians and young people from the Israeli-Arab sector and the ultra-Orthodox community. Israel
Rise in price of falafel leaves Palestinians hangry The price hike of a falafel sandwich, a popular street food once available to all, has stirred wide resentment amid the increase of prices of other foodstuffs. Palestine
Is Iran behind spread of Shiism in Gaza? The people of the Gaza Strip fear Iran’s support for Hamas aims to spread Shiism in the Sunni-majority enclave. Palestine
Gazan engineer creates solar food dehydrator Engineer Hanadi Abu Harbid from the Gaza Strip has developed a food dehydrator that relies on solar power and locally available resources. Palestine
AU summit in Addis Ababa ignores Nile dam crisis The 35th African Union Summit was held in Addis Ababa to discuss peace and security issues in Africa, but the Grand Ethiopian Renassiance Dam was not on the agenda. Egypt
Egypt backs Libyan PM-designate to form new government Egypt pins hope on Prime Minister-designate Fathi Bashagha to secure the exit of all foreign forces from Libya and prepare for holding elections in the war-torn country. Egypt
Violence on rise in Syria’s Suwayda Residents of Syria’s southern city of Suwayda accuse the Syrian government of supporting gangs and the spread of weapons, which encourage violence within the community. Syria
Strains on ancient Mesopotamian marshes imperil ecology, way of life The marshes in southern Iraq have a unique ecosystem but face dangers due to climate change, dams built upstream and decades of war and mismanagement. Iraq
Russia voices support for new Libyan PM Moscow is throwing its support behind new Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha and its belief that he can "unite Libyan society." Russia
Analysis The Takeaway: Differences persist as clock ticks on Vienna talks Islamic State and Turkey; HTS's role in Islamic State leader's killing; Iran's message for Iraq; Gaza's dangerous landfills; Egypt's climate action; and more. By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti , Joe Snell
