Gulf thaw with Syria gains steam: UAE sends envoy, Saudi diplomats plan visit The reports about the Saudi visit come after the UAE’s first ambassador to Syria in more than a decade took up his post. Syria
Hamas claims stir debate over UN’s aid lifeline to Gaza The Biden administration is under mounting pressure to urgently resume funding for UNRWA, without which aid agencies say humanitarian conditions will further deteriorate in the Gaza Strip. Israel
Analysis Why did Kataib Hezbollah suspend attacks on US forces in Iraq? The Iraqi militia’s announcement was the result of Iranian influence and Iraqi political developments, analysts say, ahead of a looming US military response to the killing of American soldiers in Jordan. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Mideast corruption rankings: UAE least corrupt, Lebanon & Iran close to bottom Arab states’ average corruption score dropped to an all-time low in 2023, as did Turkey’s, the corruption index shows. Turkey
Will Biden listen to Congress progressives, condition aid to Israel? More Democratic senators are asking the White House to condition military support to Israel as the war in Gaza drags on and the humanitarian situation grows more dire. Palestine
Analysis What's holding up Israel-Hamas hostage release, cease-fire deal? Reports indicate that Israel would have to release thousands of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of murder, in exchange for the release of the roughly 136 hostages held in Gaza. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
What we know about attempted attack in Sweden outside Israeli Embassy Israeli Ambassador to Sweden Zin Nevo Kulman thanked Stockholm police for thwarting an attempted attack by neutralizing a suspected explosive device. Israel
Starbucks feels Gaza boycott heat, cuts sales forecast as BDS targets Chevron The two companies are being targeted by campaigners over perceived support for sides in the Israel-Hamas war. Israel
