Gaza tribal leader: 'We will not be substitute' for Hamas or Fatah in Strip In an interview with Al-Monitor, Akef al-Masry, head of the Supreme Authority for Palestinian Tribes in the Gaza Strip, speaks about the history of Gaza's clans and the desire for national unity. Palestine
Gulf firms set sights on Western airports with Investcorp, dnata deals The Emirati sovereign fund Mubadala is also reportedly considering an event in London’s Heathrow Airport — another sign of Gulf interest in the West’s airports. United Arab Emirates
Will China-Arab States Cooperation Forum summit help boost Beijing’s ties with Mideast? The 10th session of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum is due to be held on May 30 in Beijing — will it result in even stronger China-Arab relations? By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
At least two staff of Turkey-based aid group killed in explosion in Somalia Turkey-based humanitarian organization says it was targeted deliberately. Turkey
Biden conditions US support for Gaza war on 'concrete' steps to protect civilians For the first time in the ongoing Oct. 7 war, the White House signaled it would condition its support for Israel's campaign in Gaza if Israel does not take take "immediate" steps to protect civilians and humanitarian aid workers. Israel
US seeks off-ramp for Yemen's Houthis to end Red Sea attacks Will anything short of a Gaza cease-fire persuade Yemen’s Houthis to end their Red Sea attacks? Most analysts are doubtful. Yemen
Turkey, Iran launch talks on energy cooperation The talks, aiming to enhance energy cooperation between the two countries, kicked off in Tehran. Turkey
Al-Monitor/Premise poll finds Biden's unpopularity in Mideast makes room for China, Russia to outshine US Washington’s influence remains potent despite its perceived disengagement from the Middle East, but Russia and China are eagerly finding gaps to fill. Egypt
McDonald’s to buy its Israel franchise amid Gaza war, global backlash McDonald’s sales have been impacted by the Gaza war and its franchises in Israel and the Arab world are reeling from the conflict in different ways. Israel
IDF scrambles GPS systems in central Israel against potential Iranian reprisal The Israeli military is apparently behind disturbances to location-based applications in central Israel in an effort to thwart potential airstrikes from Iran and its proxy forces. Israel
