US Treasury sanctions ISIS facilitators in Egypt, Turkey The Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a pair of cybersecurity experts in Egypt and a Turkey-based individual involved in transferring funds to individuals associated with the Islamic State. Egypt
Saudi efforts to revitalize Palestinian leadership as Gaza talks advance While negotiators from the United States, Israel, Qatar and Egypt work to iron out a deal for the release of Israeli hostages and a truce in Gaza, Fatah leaders are working to secure the organization's postwar role. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Why has Saudi Arabia ordered Aramco to halt its plan to raise oil production? The move may be simply a cost-cutting strategy, or it could be driven by a new, less optimistic outlook from the world's largest crude producer on future oil demand. Saudi Arabia
'Hamas won’t control Gaza,' Israel defense chief says, citing West Bank as model Reacting to statements by far-right ministers on Israel ruling Gaza, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel would need freedom to operate militarily in the enclave, but will not govern it. Israel
UK’s Cameron heads to Oman to discuss Houthi attacks, Red Sea escalation Ahead of the visit, the foreign minister told the Conservative Middle East Council that Britain is ready to bring forward the moment when it officially recognizes an independent Palestinian state. Oman
Pakistan foils separatist attack in Baluchistan hours after Iran FM visit Separatist rebels launched a coordinated attack against army and security forces in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province, hours after a visit to Islamabad by Iran’s top diplomat. Iran
Analysis Cautious optimism around Israel-Hamas deal but Netanyahu indecisive Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu knows that his far-right allies will give him hell, should he accept a hostage release deal that would set free thousands of Palestinian prisoners. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
