US softens objections to looming Israeli offensive in Rafah Despite President Joe Biden’s charge that Israel’s conduct in Gaza has been “over the top," the Biden administration has threatened no consequences for the Israeli military's impending assault on Rafah. Israel
Turkey’s Erdogan receives red-carpet reception in Egypt, calls Sisi 'brother' Libya, the Gaza war and bilateral ties are set to top Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's meeting during the first such visit since 2012. Turkey
Mossad chief leaves Cairo after talks with US, Egypt, Qatar on new Israel-Hamas deal The meeting in Cairo between Israeli, American, Egyptian and Qatari top officials ended after several hours of discussions in an attempt to advance a deal for the release of hostages and a cease-fire in Gaza. Israel
Kurdish journalists harassed, detained ahead of key municipal race in Turkey The detentions come amid ongoing demonstrations across the majority-Kurdish southeast region in the run-up to the 25th anniversary of the arrest of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party leader Abdullah Ocalan. Turkey
Turkey landslide leaves nine gold mine workers trapped As rescuers work to reach several people who have been trapped in the gold mine for more than six hours, observers are ringing alarm bells over the risk of contaminated soil entering the nearby Euphrates River. Turkey
Who are Abbas' main Palestinian PM contenders after Gaza war? Postwar governance of Gaza is the focus of increased diplomatic outreach in the Arab world, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas having in recent days visited Qatar to get Hamas' buy-in on the makeup of a new Palestinian government. Palestine
Cyberattack on Iran's parliament claimed by dissident group A group affiliated with a notorious Iranian dissident organization claimed credit for the attack as hacking incidents increase during the Gaza war. Iran
Turkey’s Erdogan in UAE, meets MBZ ahead of landmark Egypt visit Erdogan’s UAE and historic Egypt trips come as Ankara seeks to strengthen its ties with regional countries amid ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Turkey
85 journalists killed in Gaza war, deadliest for the press in 30 years The Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned the continued targeting of journalists in Gaza, coinciding with reports of Al Jazeera reporters sustaining serious injuries in an Israel strike in Rafah. Palestine
Analysis Hostages' rescue buys Netanyahu time as Israel braces for longer war in Gaza Prime Minister Netanyahu is patting himself on the back for the rescue operation of two Israeli hostages held in Rafah, and continues planning a military operation there despite US warnings. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Recovery for ailing Israeli tech sector looks distant David Rosenberg In Tel Aviv, reporting on business and tech