Israel, China seek new accommodation as fissures grow over Gaza war As Israel and China navigate shifting geopolitical realities and differences over Gaza, they will need to continually reassess the boundaries of their partnership balancing between confrontation and cooperation. By Dale Aluf In Amsterdam, reporting on China in the Middle East
Quick Take Heat, old age, heart conditions blamed for over 1,000 deaths at Hajj Many of those who died were unregistered users who suffered from the intense heat in Saudi Arabia, according to regional authorities. Saudi Arabia
Regional View As Houthis sink second vessel, shipping industry calls for Red Sea protection A shipping salvage firm confirmed on Wednesday that the M/V Tutor, a Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, had sunk after being hit by two Houthi cruise missiles on June 12. The attack killed one crew member from the Philippines. Yemen
Quick Take Russia, Iran inaugurate Rasht-Caspian Railway: What we know The railway was launched at a ceremony attended by Iran's acting president, Mohammad Mokhber, Minister of Transport and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash, and senior Russian and Azerbaijani officials. Iran
Salvo of rockets fired from Lebanon into Israel as Cyprus responds to Hezbollah Hezbollah fired a new round of rockets on Israel hours after its leader warned Cyprus against military coordination with Israel if war breaks out with Lebanon. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
Does China have favorite in Iran's presidential election? The question of whether Iran's next president will maintain the country's current anti-West, anti-US position while pursuing improved relations with Beijing is foremost in China's mind. By Yun Sun In Washington, DC, reporting on China-Middle East ties
Sudan: Darfur graveyards swell threefold as 25.6M suffer food shortage Sudan is witnessing one of the worst humanitarian crises in decades as rights groups are sounding the alarm over the deteriorating conditions and looming famine. By Beatrice Farhat In Beirut, reporting on regional news, culture, conflict
What's behind Taliban's decision to attend UN conference in Qatar? The attendance in and of itself signals progress and the possibility that the international community might find better ways to deal with the de facto rulers in Kabul. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran