Smugglers find new ways to bring drugs into Gaza Smugglers in the Gaza Strip are using new and unconventional methods to bring in narcotics hidden inside various goods, as local authorities struggle to stop them amid lack of equipment due to the Israeli siege. Palestine
New Iraqi government moves to block porn sites Iraq's Ministry of Communication has ordered that pornographic websites be blocked across Iraq. Iraq
Israeli environment minister strives for regional cooperation at COP27 Outgoing Minister for Environmental Protection Tamar Zandberg calls on the new Israeli government not to give in to small politics, but continue engagement to battling climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing plastic pollution. Israel
Lebanese army conducts bank heist training The exercise follows several armed bank holdups in Lebanon by customers who are unable to access their savings. One Lebanese organization criticized the army for holding the training. Lebanon
Green hydrogen plant launches in Egypt during COP27's second day More side deals to reduce climate change are set to be announced during the COP27 summit in Egypt. Egypt
Erdogan unswayed by Swedish PM's charm offensive The Swedish prime minister met the Turkish president in Ankara amid the ongoing NATO dispute over Sweden and Finland's accession to the alliance. Turkey
Iran charges journalists amid mounting protest toll While the death toll from nearly two months of consistent protests continued to rise, the government was pushing to contain the unrest with severe judicial measures. Iran
Qatar World Cup ambassador says homosexuality is 'haram' Qatar’s human rights record is under scrutiny in the lead-up to the World Cup, particularly regarding the treatment of LGBTQ people and laborers. Gulf
