Human rights

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress in the chamber of the House of Representatives at the US Capitol, on July 24, 2024, in Washington.

Analysis

From UNRWA to ICC, how Republican Congress would shift Middle East policy

Bills to cut aid for Palestinians and expedite arms sales to Israel faced Democratic pushback, but they could now easily become law.

Megan Mineiro

By Megan Mineiro

In Washington, DC, reporting on US Congress

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 20: President Donald Trump (R) holds up a chart of military hardware sales as he meets with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Oval Office at the White House on March 20, 2018 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch-Pool/Getty Images)

Analysis

Saudi Arabia to pursue two-track approach for Trump presidency

Riyadh is likely to compartmentalize business dealings with incoming President Donald Trump separately from its foreign policy engagements, where there is likely to be disagreement.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

DEBBIE HILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

ICC issues arrest warrants for Israel’s Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas' Deif

Six months after International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan submitted his request to prosecute them, the world court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi (C), Director the Security Agency Ronen Bar (C-R) and Israel's Chief of the Mossad David Barnea (R).

Shin Bet chief discusses Gaza truce in Turkey: What we know

The Israeli official's travel to Turkey marks a dramatic development considering that Ankara has not played a part in these negotiations over the past year and Israel-Turkey relations have significantly deteriorated amid the Gaza war.

Latest News

Canada foils Iranian plot to kill Jewish human rights leader: What we know

Irwin Cotler

Turkey’s proposed ‘foreign agent’ law threatens press freedom, critics say

Turkish members of parliament attend a session at the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, in Ankara, on Dec. 11, 2023.

Sign up to our Daily Briefing

Keep up with Al-Monitor's top stories with a morning digest from across the region.

Despite deteriorating human rights record, Egypt hopes for US support under Harris or Trump

EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/AFP via Getty Images

What's behind attack on UAE ambassador in Sudan?

Smoke billows during airstrikes in central Khartoum as the Sudanese army attacks positions held by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces throughout the capital, Khartoum, Sudan, Sept. 26, 2024.

United Arab Emirates

Elizabeth Whelan, sister of Paul Whelan, speaks during a press conference to launch the “Bring Our Families Home" campaign held by family members of hostages being held around the world, Washington, May 4, 2022.

Breaking | Last Updated: July 20, 2022, 7:18 am

Biden issues executive order on hostages amid pressure from families

The executive order will authorize government agencies to impose financial and travel sanctions on those involved in the wrongful detention of Americans.

ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images

Lebanese authorities crack down on LGBTQ community

Lebanon's increasingly homophobic public discourse is condemning queer people to living in fear and isolation.

Egypt beach

Egypt accommodates blind beachgoers

New roped-off space with trained lifeguards in Alexandria Governorate is one example of the nation's increasing attention to accommodating people with disabilities.

Meeting

Analysis

Families of Americans held in Saudi Arabia pin hopes on Biden visit

US families separated by punitive travel bans hope President Joe Biden will use his visit to secure the release of their loved ones.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

This picture taken on July 6, 2022, shows a mural depicting slain Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.

Senators seek answers on US review of Shireen Abu Akleh's death

Senators Van Hollen, Leahy, Murphy and Durbin said the US review “hardly constitutes an independent investigation into the overall circumstances of her killing.”

This photo shows the inside of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg, eastern France, on Feb. 7, 2019.

Europe’s top court reprimands Turkey for jailing philanthropist

Today’s decision by Europe's top rights court on Osman Kavala, who has kept behind bars for four and a half years in pre-detention and sentenced to life, inches Turkey closer to suspension of its voting rights or even membership in the Council of Europe.

JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images

Israeli court rejects cap on Ukrainian refugees

This week, Israel’s Supreme Court struck down the cap imposed by the Interior Ministry on the number of Ukrainian refugees allowed into the country.

Israel IHRA

Israel elected president of International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for 2025

2025 is an important time for Israel to assume the IHRA presidency as the world will mark 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Diyarbakir Kurds

Kurdish journalists in southeast Turkey still uncharged after week in jail

Colleagues of 20 detained journalists say they believe their arrests are tied to Turkey’s planned military operation against Syrian Kurdish militants.

Mohammad bin Salman

Biden to meet with Saudi crown prince in July visit

The president is expected to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah following a visit to Israel and the West Bank, a senior administration official said.

MARWAN NAAMANI/AFP via Getty Images

Rights groups say Iranian prisoners face finger amputations

The eight men are expected to have their fingers amputated using a guillotine machine soon, Amnesty International reports.

Participants chant slogans as they march during the annual Jerusalem Pride Parade.

Knesset speaker participates, addresses gay pride parade in Jerusalem

Knesset speaker Micky Levy participated today at the gay pride parade in Jerusalem, condemning death threats that were sent earlier this week to an organizer of the parade and several legislators.