As Gaza war resumes, can Israel's plan to limit civilian harm succeed? Under pressure from Washington, Israeli military officials say they are implementing options to limit further harm to civilians as they expand the military campaign to southern Gaza. Israel
What is scope of Iran-Oman joint military drill near Hormuz? The drill was held only days after the Pentagon dispatched one of its largest aircraft carriers to the strategic waters, causing unease in Tehran amid risks of potential confrontations stemming from the Israel-Hamas war. Iran
Will US pressure on Turkey over Hamas, Russia access to finance matter much? Washington’s high-level warnings over Hamas financial activity in the country come at a time when Turkey’s economy management is trying to overcome its currency crunch by gaining the confidence of foreign investors. Turkey
Who are the main Palestinian prisoners released by Israel during Gaza truce? A total of 71 women and 169 children were released from Israeli jails under a Hamas-Israel swap agreement that collapsed on Friday. Palestine
In first, Israeli-Qatari handshake at COP28 as Herzog cancels speech A climate summit photo of Herzog and the Qatari leader marks the first time the emir has publicly shaken hands with an Israeli official, as their countries don’t have official diplomatic relations. Israel
Gaza overshadows COP28 as Turkey’s Erdogan blasts ’Israeli aggression' The leaders of Iraq, Jordan and Turkey acknowledged the plight of the Palestinians, which took the attention off the country's climate targets. United Arab Emirates
Why COP28 will likely end in compromise on phasing down some fossil fuels Karim Elgendy In Woking, reporting on regional politics
How significant is Aras corridor for Iran, Azerbaijan to gain Black Sea foothold? A railway agreement in October between Iran and Azerbaijan has given a major boost to the potential of establishing the Aras corridor, offering Tehran a potential inroad into the Black Sea. By Rahim Rahimov In Baku, reporting on Middle East-Caucasus ties