Analysis Iraq still without parliament speaker five months after Halbusi’s ouster Previous parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi was removed from office in November, and parliament has yet to agree on a successor amid political controversies, including allegations related to former ruler Saddam Hussein. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Saudi Arabia hosts Palestinian PM as Gaza cease-fire talks advance Mohammed Mustafa’s visit to Saudi Arabia comes after he stopped in Jordan and Egypt in the past days as mediators are pushing for a Gaza cease-fire. Palestine
Analysis What Netanyahu's abrupt Gaza withdrawal means for Israel, Rafah op While negotiations continue for a hostage release and cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is busy currying favor with his far-right ministers, promising them a military operation in Rafah. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Turkey restricts exports of 54 products to Israel until Gaza cease-fire As Israel pledged to retaliate, analysts believe the move is aiming to allay growing dismay among Turkey's Islamists for the government’s refusal to sever trade ties with the Middle Eastern country over the Gaza conflict. Turkey
Netanuyahu says date set for Rafah operation as Cairo talks enter new round The Israeli prime minister's announcement came as the US dialed up pressure on Hamas to accept a cease-fire proposal tabled by CIA Director Bill Burns in Cairo over the weekend. Palestine
Israeli gas exports to Egypt grow despite tensions over Gaza war David Rosenberg In Tel Aviv, reporting on business and tech
Lawmakers urge Biden to help free Princeton researcher kidnapped in Iraq The State Department says it has urged senior Iraqi officials to locate and secure the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian researcher believed to be held by Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah. Iraq