Despite terror wave, Israel determined to keep Al-Aqsa open for Ramadan Prime Minister Naftali Bennett decided to avoid collective punishment over the latest wave of terrorism, keeping Al-Aqsa Mosque open for Ramadan prayers and keeping the crossing points from Gaza and the West Bank operating as usual. Israel
Possible closure of Turkey-Syria crossing alarms aid groups Fears are mounting about a looming humanitarian catastrophe amid concerns that Russia will close the last border crossing through which UN and NGO aid passes to reach millions of needy in north Syria. Syria
Erdogan’s statements shake Tunisian-Turkish ties Diplomatic and economic relations between Tunisia and Turkey are at stake in the wake of statements by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan following President Kais Saied’s decision to dissolve parliament. Tunisia
Factional infighting escalates in northern Syria Infighting continues among the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army factions in light of a power and influence struggle, conflict over crossings and smuggling corridors, and the lack of a unified military institution. Syria
Israel's Ultra-Orthodox not ready to take down Bennett government Despite the political upset between the coalition and the opposition, the ultra-Orthodox seem in no hurry to topple the current government. Israel
Russia, Ukraine trade barbs over obstruction of wheat shipments to Egypt As Egypt’s strategic wheat reserves continue to decline, Russia and Ukraine exchanged accusations over obstructing the movement of a ship loaded with wheat and bound for Egyptian ports. Egypt
Human rights, dissenters face uphill struggle in Libya In a rare case brought against human rights activists, Libya’s Internal Security Agency accused seven activists of apostasy and contempt of Islam, resulting in condemnation by the United Nations and Amnesty International. North Africa
Analysis GOP senators warn Biden against taking Iran's IRGC off terror list The Republican letter comes as nuclear talks remain at a standstill over Iran's insistence that the United States delist the IRGC as a terrorist organization. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Israel condemns vandalization of Joseph’s Tomb by Palestinians The site of Joseph’s Tomb in the environs of the West Bank city of Nablus again at the center of violence between Palestinians and Israelis. Israel
