In south Lebanon, schools resume classes as displaced shelter inside Hezbollah steps in as municipalities struggle to respond to the growing number of displaced. Lebanon
Qatar Foundation blames 'disinformation' for Texas A&M closure The US university decided to to close its branch in the Gulf state due to “heightened instability” in the region amid the war in the Gaza Strip. Gulf
Analysis Iran's use of 2 UK banks to evade sanctions tests West's financial systems The Financial Times reported earlier this week that Lloyds Bank and Santander UK provided accounts to companies with links to Iran’s intelligence services. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis Israel weighs bad options in Rafah as hunt for Sinwar continues The Israeli military is still focused on fighting in Khan Younis but could shift into an operation in Rafah, and international observers are panicked. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Jordan's King Abdullah set to meet Biden as Gaza tests ties King Abdullah II must balance Jordan's dependence on the United States with public anger over US support for Israel's war in Gaza. Israel
Suspected Israeli strikes in Syria amid escalation with Hezbollah in Lebanon A Hezbollah commander in Lebanon was injured in an Israeli strike as foreign diplomats worked to de-escalate tensions on the Israel-Lebanon border. Syria
What does Saudi Arabia’s position on Palestinian state signal to US, Israel? The kingdom's statement released on Wednesday attempts to send multiple messages, some directed at Saudi Arabia's internal public opinion, others to the Biden administration and Netanyahu government. Gulf
US sanctions UAE entities for allegedly violating Russian oil price cap The US Treasury Department also moved to crack down on entities buying diamonds from Russia, a key revenue stream for Moscow amid its war against Ukraine. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Netanyahu wants 'total victory' — will it cost Saudi normalization, US support? The Israeli prime minister is not on the same page as the Biden administration or the Saudi leadership, risking his diplomatic and war aims. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense