US changes tune on Gaza ‘cease-fire’ as Rafah fears grow Under pressure internationally and from Democratic voters, the Biden administration has begun to call for a "temporary cease-fire" in Gaza. Israel
Mossad, CIA, Qatar, Egypt reps to meet in Paris as Gaza deal talks advance The Biden administration is hoping that a deal for the release of hostage and a temporary ceasefire could be reached before the start of Ramadan, March 10. Israel
Analysis How Red Sea crisis is battering Egypt's manufacturing, textile industries The Suez Canal is a cornerstone of the Egytian economy, providing a vital source of foreign currency for the cash-strapped country. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Turkey confirms Somalia maritime security deal amid Somaliland tensions Somalia ratified a defense cooperation agreement signed with Turkey earlier this month that would see Ankara help Mogadishu secure its maritime interests. Turkey
WHO says aid agencies can’t fill 'critical gaps' in Gaza left by UNRWA cuts The World Health Organization’s regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean has warned that more cuts in funding to UNRWA would lead to "further catastrophic consequences for Gazans." Palestine
With voter apathy at 77%, what will Iran's elections bring next week? Next week's elections will be the first since the massive national protests were met with a violent crackdown. Iran
Analysis How Israeli Knesset’s rejection of Palestinian state shows far-right’s hold on Netanyahu While the Knesset overwhelmingly approved of the prime minister’s proposal to reject any “unilateral recognition" of a Palestinian state, the opposition accused Netanyahu of inventing “a threat that doesn’t exist.” By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Turkey’s Central Bank holds interest rates at 45%, first time in 8 months The move was widely expected as the bank signaled earlier this month that it would pause the hikes. Turkey
