Middle East Monitor Latest news from the Middle East and North Africa

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  Global Sumud Flotilla continues journey toward Gaza

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  The Global Sumud Flotilla continued its journey toward Gaza on Friday, after setting sail from Barcelona, Anadolu reports. The flotilla was created to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, deliver humanitarian aid and draw international attention to the situation in the enclave. The mission includes around 70 vessels and nearly 1,000 participants from 70 countries, making it significantly larger than a previous mission in September 2025, which included 42 boats and 462 participants. READ: Global Sumud Flotilla sets sail again from Barcelona to Gaza with double participation

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  UK premier reiterates commitment to Lebanon’s security

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  Reiterating the UK’s commitment to Lebanon’s security, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday said it was important to use the current Israel-Lebanon truce as a gateway to a lasting peace agreement, Anadolu reports. Starmer on Friday had a phone call with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to convey his condolences over the loss of life in Lebanon during the recent conflict. Both leaders discussed the recently announced 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, Starmer’s office said in a statement. The prime minister said: “The UK would continue to support the Lebanese Armed Forces to ensure long-term stability in the country.” READ: Trump says Israel, Lebanon agree to 10-day ceasefire starting Thursday evening At least 2,196 people have been killed and 7,185

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  Trump claims Iran has agreed to indefinitely suspend its nuclear program

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  Iran has agreed to suspend its nuclear program indefinitely, and will not receive any of its funds frozen by the US, President Donald Trump said Friday, Anadolu reports. Trump told Bloomberg News that direct talks with Iran over a permanent end to the war will “probably” take place this weekend, but did not specify who would be leading the US delegation. The US president said he “may” travel to Pakistan to sign an agreement. “Most of the main points are finalized. It’ll go pretty quickly,” Trump said during a brief telephone interview with the news outlet. A previous round of discussions held last weekend ended without an agreement, despite hours of negotiations. A two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan is slated

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  US military completes handover of major bases in Syria, says Central Command

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  The US completed the transfer of all major military bases in Syria, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Friday, Anadolu reports. “US forces have completed turning over all of our major bases in Syria, as part of a deliberate and conditions-based transition by Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve,” spokesman Tim Hawkins told Anadolu. The US forces are still backing counterterrorism operations led by local partners, which Hawkins said are “essential” to sustaining ISIS (Daesh) defeat and improving security across the region. Syria’s Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ministry on Thursday welcomed the completed handover of military sites. READ: Britain sees ‘opportunity’ for Syria’s future after sanctions lifted: UK minister “The extension of Syrian state authority over areas that had previously

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  Unlawful attacks on Iran increased security risks in region: President Erdogan

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said unlawful attacks on Iran had increased security risks in the region, Anadolu reports. During his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the margins of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Erdogan said Turkiye would continue and intensify efforts to preserve the ceasefire and ensure lasting peace, according to Turkiye’s Communications Directorate. He also stated that the ongoing conflict in the region had demonstrated the need for a new and solidly grounded regional security architecture, adding that Turkiye would continue to discuss the issue comprehensively with the countries of the region. The three leaders also discussed the possible joint steps to achieve lasting and

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  UN chief welcomes Iran’s decision to keep Strait of Hormuz open during ceasefire

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday welcomed Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz will remain “completely open” for all commercial vessels for the remainder of the ceasefire, Anadolu Agency reports. “This is a step in the right direction,” the UN chief said in a statement. “The UN position remains clear: we need the full restoration of international navigational rights and freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz, respected by everyone,” Guterres said. Guterres also expressed hope that the decision, combined with the ceasefire, would help build confidence between the parties and strengthen ongoing diplomatic efforts facilitated by Pakistan. His spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters that Guterres remains “fully supportive” of the diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful path forward out

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  Netanyahu says Israel’s ‘mission’ against Hezbollah not over despite ceasefire with Lebanon

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that Israel’s “mission” against Hezbollah in Lebanon has not ended, despite a ceasefire that took effect earlier in the day, Anadolu reports. “There are things we plan to do regarding the remaining rocket threat and the drone threat, which I will not detail,” Netanyahu said in a televised statement. Addressing domestic criticism over the outcome of the northern front, Netanyahu said Israel had achieved “tremendous accomplishments.” “For the first time, we have established a broad security buffer zone along the entire northern border,” he said, adding that the zone stretches from Lebanon across the Golan Heights to Mount Hermon (Jabal al-Sheikh) and the Yarmouk area in southern Syria. He said the buffer, which

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  Britain sees ‘opportunity’ for Syria’s future after sanctions lifted: UK minister

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  The UK sees an “opportunity” for peace and prosperity in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 and the easing of sanctions, a senior British minister said on Friday, as Western governments step up engagement with the country’s new authorities, Anadolu reports. Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, British Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said the United Kingdom acted early to lift sanctions on Syria, arguing that they were imposed in response to “the foul deeds of the Assad regime” and were never intended to “strangle the new Syria.” Britain made “a number of decisions early on,” he said, adding that he is “glad” that those steps were taken and that other partners have

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  Hamas-US Cairo talks end ‘without tangible progress’ on Gaza ceasefire’s 2nd phase

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  Talks between Hamas and the United States held in Cairo ended “without tangible progress” on advancing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, two Palestinian sources said on Friday, Anadolu reports. The discussions, the first of their kind since the ceasefire took effect in Oct. 2025, brought together Hamas Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya, Egyptian officials, UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov, and US senior adviser Aryeh Lightstone, according to the sources, who spoke to Anadolu on condition of anonymity. One of the sources said “the talks ended without tangible progress toward moving to the second phase,” citing disagreements over key terms. The negotiations come as part of efforts to complete the ceasefire agreement under a plan proposed by US President Donald

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  Over 75,000 Palestinians attend Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa amid Israeli restrictions

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  More than 75,000 Palestinians offered weekly Friday prayers in congregation at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, despite ongoing Israeli restrictions imposed since October 2023, according to Islamic authorities, Anadolu reports. The Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem said in a statement that over 75,000 Muslim faithful were able to access the mosque compound. Hundreds of Israeli police officers were deployed around the Old City, including its alleys and at the external gates of the compound, witnesses said. Israeli police stopped several young Palestinians in the area and checked their identification documents, an Anadolu correspondent reported. Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, Israeli authorities have barred Palestinians from the occupied West Bank from entering Jerusalem to

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  Iran war and the bankruptcy of Bangladesh foreign policy

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  The US–Israel war on Iran has shaken the whole world. The surprising air attacks on February 28, amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations, came as a shocking development, drawing condemnations and muted responses from around the world. Bangladesh’s reactions to the war, crafted in measured words, condemned violations of sovereignty of the Gulf states by Iranian counterstrikes, but not Iran’s sovereignty violated by the US and Israel. The reference to Iran as the primary victim was missing, exposing not just economic vulnerability, which is widely acknowledged, but a deeper, structural weakness in Bangladesh’s foreign policy. The war has not created this weakness; it has simply revealed it. Bangladesh today finds itself scrambling to manage fuel shortages, rising prices, and diplomatic ambiguity while

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  Polish lawmaker says he is being punished for denouncing Israeli genocide

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  A Polish lawmaker who recently displayed an Israeli flag in which the Star of David was replaced with a Nazi swastika said Friday that he is being punished for speaking against Israeli genocide, Anadolu reports. “I have just been punished by the Marshal of the Sejm (parliament speaker), Wlodzimierz Czarzasty, for my recent speech on the genocide being carried out by Israel in the Middle East,” Konrad Berkowicz wrote on the US social media platform X. He noted that in addition to the financial penalty, the Czarzasty has also filed a request against him to the Prosecutor’s Office after he sparked outrage in parliament with a swastika-altered Israeli flag. READ: France under fire over alleged surveillance of pro-Palestine MEP “I am

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  ‘Enough is enough’: Trump says US prohibiting Israel from launching further attacks on Lebanon

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  US President Donald Trump said Friday that Washington is actively prohibiting Israel from carrying out additional attacks on Lebanon as a nascent ceasefire takes hold, Anadolu reports. “Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are prohibited from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He further maintained that the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire is completely detached from ongoing talks with Iran. He said Washington will continue to “work with Lebanon, and deal with the (Hezbollah) situation in an appropriate manner.” READ: Lebanese army reports Israeli breaches since start of truce Trump was referring to Lebanese Hezbollah, whose disarmament the US and Israel have long sought. Trump announced Thursday a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon

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  US mulls releasing $20B in frozen Iranian assets in lieu of its enriched uranium stockpile: Report

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  The US is considering releasing $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets in exchange for Iran relinquishing its stockpile of enriched uranium, the Axios news outlet reported on Friday, citing US officials. The report said that Washington and Tehran are in talks over a three-page framework aimed at ending the conflict that began on Feb. 28. Discussions have made consistent progress this week, though “significant gaps remain,” the report said. US President Donald Trump said Thursday that the US is “very close” to making a deal with Iran, as a two-week ceasefire between the two countries nears its expiration on April 22. The report mentioned that a top priority for the Trump administration is ensuring Iran cannot access the stockpile of

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  France under fire over alleged surveillance of pro-Palestine MEP

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  A French media report alleging that pro-Palestine member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan was subjected to months of police surveillance has sparked controversy in the country, Anadolu reports. Hassan had been under surveillance since January 2026, with authorities reportedly geolocating her phone and closely tracking her movements and daily schedule, reported Mediapart, a French investigative online newspaper. Opposition lawmakers have condemned the alleged surveillance as a “state scandal.” Antoine Leaument, a lawmaker from the left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI), called on Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin to provide an immediate explanation regarding the claims. The incident has fueled a broader debate in France over what critics describe as disproportionate police surveillance targeting pro-Palestinian politicians. READ: Pro-Palestinian French member of European

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  Iran announces Hormuz ‘completely open’ for commercial shipping after Israel-Lebanon ceasefire

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday declared the Strait of Hormuz “completely open” for all commercial vessels, linking it to the ceasefire in Lebanon, Anadolu reports. The decision was made “in line with the ceasefire in Lebanon,” Araghchi said in a statement on US social media company X. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. He said the passage will remain “open for the remaining period of ceasefire” on the “coordinated route” as already announced by the Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization. A senior Iranian military official also told Iranian state media IRIB that the transit of military vessels through the Strait of Hormuz remains prohibited, adding that only non-military vessels are

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  Israel’s return to FIDAE sparks outrage in Chile’s Palestinian community

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  In a development that has sparked significant backlash, Israel’s participation in the 2026 International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE) in Chile has triggered widespread anger within the Palestinian community in the country. The event, which takes place every two years, marks Israel’s return to the exhibition after a two-year ban imposed by the previous Chilean administration. The return of Israeli companies to the prestigious aerospace and defence expo has reignited debates about Chile’s foreign policy, human rights, and its historical stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This year’s FIDAE, which took place in Santiago, featured participation from over 440 companies and 35 countries, making it one of the largest gatherings of aerospace and defence professionals in Latin America.  Notably, the exhibition

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  The collapse is real – Lebanon ceasefire marks a historic strategic defeat

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  A ceasefire in Lebanon was announced on Thursday by US President Donald Trump, but its reality tells a very different story. The ceasefire was not the product of American diplomacy, nor Israeli strategic calculation. It was imposed—largely as a result of sustained Iranian pressure. Washington, Tel Aviv, and their allies—including some within Lebanon itself—will continue to deny this reality. Acknowledging Iran’s role would mean admitting that a historic precedent has been set: for the first time, forces opposing the United States and Israel have succeeded in imposing conditions on both. This is not a minor development. It is a strategic rupture. But it is not the only fundamental shift now underway: Israel’s very approach to war and diplomacy is itself

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  Iranian commander says Tehran warns of “harsh response” to any new aggression

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, stated on Thursday that all equipment used during the wars with the United States and Israel “was domestically manufactured,” emphasizing that “the armed forces are prepared for comprehensive defence in the event of any new aggression.” During his meeting with Asim Munir, Pakistani Army Chief, in Tehran, Abdollahi expressed appreciation for the support shown by the Pakistani government and people toward Iran during what he described as “the second and third imposed wars,” according to Al-Sharq News Channel. He added: “If the enemy makes any further mistake, it will face a harsh response from the Iranian armed forces.” For his part, Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir said: “We will continue our efforts

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  Hezbollah MP: Direct talks with Israel a “major blunder”

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  A Hezbollah member of the Lebanese Parliament, Hussein Hajj Hassan described direct negotiations with Israel as a “major blunder” by the Lebanese government, calling for an end to what he termed a “series of pointless concessions.” Speaking to AFP from his office in parliament, Hajj Hassan said that “direct negotiations with the enemy are a major sin and a huge fall from grace for the Lebanese government,” arguing that such talks serve “no interest of the nation, the citizens, or Lebanon.” His remarks followed a meeting in Washington between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors — the first such face-to-face talks in decades — where both sides agreed to hold direct negotiations at a later stage. The talks are being sponsored by

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  Israeli High Court ‘temporarily’ restricts powers of National Security Minister Ben-Gvir

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  The Israeli High Court on Thursday “temporarily” restricted some of the powers of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir after reviewing petitions seeking his dismissal for alleged interference in police affairs. “The High Court today issued temporary orders restricting the powers of the national security minister in a number of fields,” according to public broadcaster KAN. It added that the main areas affected include “appointments within law enforcement bodies and statements related to police use of force.” The report said that “the minister will not be able to proceed with senior appointments in law enforcement positions except upon police recommendation, and will be required to notify the government’s legal adviser (Gali Baharav-Miara) in advance.” READ: Israeli soldiers accused of sexually assaulting

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  “World is being ravaged by handful of tyrants,” says Pope Leo

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  Pope Leo XIV said Thursday that the world is being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants,” days after a public spat with US President Donald Trump, Anadolu Agency reported. “Masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet often a lifetime is often not enough to rebuild,” he said during an address in Cameroon. “They turn a blind eye to the fact that billions of dollars are spent on killing and devastation, yet the resources needed for healing, education and restoration are nowhere to be found.” Leo, the first pope from the US, also condemned leaders who invoke religion to justify war. “Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of

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  Explosive revelations link Labour Together leadership to former IDF soldier

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  Explosive revelations suggest that Labour Together, the think tank closely associated with former Downing Street Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney, now has an ex-IDF soldier in its leadership. The details were uncovered by parliamentary candidate and campaigner Jody McIntyre, who pointed to earlier reporting describing Labour peer Jonathan Kestenbaum as a former Israeli soldier. Labour Together remains one of the most politically sensitive organisations in the Starmer orbit: the Guardian has described it as closely linked to McSweeney and central to reshaping Labour after the Corbyn period. McIntyre, who has made a series of exclusive revelations about Labour and its pro-Israel networks, pointed to a 2010 Jewish Chronicle article describing Kestenbaum-nominated to the House of Lords by the Labour Party

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  Israeli soldiers accused of sexually assaulting Palestinian detainee reinstated to duty

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  Israeli Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir has approved the reinstatement of several soldiers to active reserve duty despite their being accused of sexually assaulting a Palestinian prisoner at the notorious Sde Teiman military base, according to reports. The case dates back to July 2024, when soldiers at the facility were accused of torturing and sexually assaulting a Palestinian detainee, resulting in serious injuries. According to Haaretz, the decision includes soldiers from Unit 100, despite their being accused of mistreating a Palestinian detainee from the Gaza Strip, and before the completion of an internal military investigation. The Israeli army stated that the ongoing investigation does not prevent reserve service, adding that the inquiry will be concluded as soon as possible. The

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  Red Ribbon Campaign issues statement to mark Palestinian Prisoners Day

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  On the occasion of Palestinian Prisoners’ Day, which observed annually on 17 April, the Red Ribbon Campaign has issued a call for wide public mobilisation on the weekend of 17–19 April with events in streets, public squares, and city centres across the world. A statement from the Campaign said; “This day comes as thousands of Palestinian prisoners and hostages remain held in Israeli occupation prisons, subjected to severe violations including torture, medical neglect, and administrative detention, alongside escalating policies within an entrenched system of apartheid.” According to the latest data from relevant human rights organisations there are: More than 9,600 prisoners/hostages 86 women Approximately 350 children (minors) 3,532 administrative detainees 1,251 classified under so-called “unlawful combatants” 326 martyrs among prisoners

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  “You are killing children” chants disrupt US vice president at right-wing event over Gaza, Iran

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  US Vice President JD Vance was repeatedly interrupted while speaking at an event organised by Turning Point USA in the state of Georgia, amid criticism of the Trump administration’s support for Israel in the war in Gaza and the US-Israeli war on Iran. The incident reflects growing discontent among part of the “MAGA” base, which believes promises of a “peace presidency” have not been fulfilled. During his remarks about his disagreement with Pope Leo XIV over criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies and what he described as an unprecedented “war-like approach”, a man in the audience at a venue near the University of Georgia in Athens shouted: “Christ does not support genocide!” Vance responded: “I agree. Christ certainly does

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  Is Sudan too far for the world to care

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  Silence, in international politics, is rarely neutral. In Sudan, it has become lethal. Three years into a civil war that has displaced more people than any other conflict on earth, the scale of devastation sits in jarring contrast with its absence from global consciousness. Since fighting erupted on 15 April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, nearly 12 million people have been forced from their homes, with around 7.7 million internally displaced and another four million pushed across borders. That is roughly one in four Sudanese — a demographic rupture that would dominate headlines if it unfolded anywhere closer to the geopolitical centre of gravity. Yet Sudan remains peripheral, spoken of in policy corridors with

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  The sadistic selfie: When occupation turns suffering into spectacle

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  A photograph is often described as a neutral record of reality. Yet, within the context of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory, a particular genre of imagery has emerged that is anything but neutral. Over the past two decades, a disturbing visual record has taken shape, not compiled by investigators or journalists, but by those in uniform themselves. From early digital images in the late 2000s to more recent high-resolution smartphone uploads, a pattern persists: Israeli soldiers posing beside Palestinian detainees, often women, who are blindfolded, restrained and rendered voiceless. The recurrence of such images raises questions that go far beyond individual conduct. This is not easily dismissed as a series of isolated incidents. Rather, it points to a deeper culture

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  Morocco raises transport sector support by 25% to face fuel price rises

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  Morocco announced on Thursday an increase of 25 per cent in direct financial support for workers in the transport sector, aiming to reduce the economic impact of the sharp rise in global fuel prices, in the context of the US-Israeli war on Iran and its wider effects on energy supplies. This came in a statement issued by the Moroccan Ministry of Transport, seen by Anadolu. The statement said: “The government has decided to launch a new tranche of support for road transport professionals, increasing its value by 25 per cent.” It added: “Registration for this additional support will begin on 22 April, through a dedicated electronic platform.” On 18 March, the Moroccan government decided to provide direct financial assistance to

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  Palestinian Authority hands over retired colonel to France over 1982 Paris attack

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  The family of retired Palestinian security officer Mahmoud Al-Adra, also known by the alias Hisham Harb, said the Palestinian Authority handed him over to French authorities on Thursday morning, following a months-long request from Paris. France suspects Al-Adra of overseeing a 1982 attack targeting a Jewish-owned restaurant in the capital. Palestinian police had arrested Al-Adra on 19 September 2025, just days before France officially recognised the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly. Family sources told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that a Ramallah Magistrates’ Court was due to consider France’s extradition request on Thursday, 16 April 2026. However, Al-Adra was not brought to the hearing, raising the likelihood that he had already been handed over before any Palestinian court ruling

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  Iran: Lebanon ceasefire part of broader understanding with US

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, saying it is part of a broader understanding between Tehran and Washington mediated by Pakistan. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the halt in fighting in Lebanon came within the framework of ceasefire understandings between Iran and the United States. He added that Tehran had, from the outset of its consultations with regional and international parties — including during talks in Islamabad — stressed the need for a simultaneous ceasefire across the region, including Lebanon, and for serious follow-up after those discussions, according to Saudi TV channel Asharq News. Baghaei praised Pakistan’s efforts, particularly over the past 24 hours, which led to the announcement of a 10-day

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  Israeli General: War with Iran does not serve Israel as global standing erodes over Gaza

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  A former Israeli General close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of the strategic and political consequences of the ongoing conflict, saying a military confrontation with Iran is not in Israel’s interest. Major General (res.) Giora Eiland, former head of Israel’s National Security Council, said in remarks reported by Israeli media platform Walla that Israel’s international standing has sharply declined over the past three years, adding that the war in Gaza is the main driver of this deterioration. He said the prevailing view among political circles in Europe and the United States is that Netanyahu has drawn Washington into an unnecessary confrontation. Eiland added that these tensions have caused tangible harm to the global economy and threatened its stability,

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  Lebanese army reports Israeli breaches since start of truce

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  The Lebanese army said early on Friday that it had recorded a number of Israeli breaches since the ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump on Thursday evening came into effect. In a statement received by RT, the army said that, following its earlier call for residents to follow instructions issued by deployed military units, it was renewing its appeal for people to delay returning to southern villages and towns due to ongoing violations of the agreement. The army added that it had documented several Israeli attacks, as well as intermittent shelling targeting a number of villages. It stressed the need for civilians to adhere to the guidance of military units to ensure their safety, particularly during the night, and

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  Iran’s UN envoy calls US maritime blockade ‘clear act of aggression’

  by Marwa A on April 16, 2026

  Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations said on Thursday that Washington’s maritime blockade against Tehran represents “a clear act of aggression” under international law, while signaling cautious hope that ongoing negotiations could still yield results, Anadolu reports. Speaking at the UN General Assembly’s veto debate over a draft resolution on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Amir Saeid Iravani defended the Chinese and Russian vetoes and charged the United States with triggering the crisis through military force. “The imposition of the maritime blockade announced by the United States constitutes a grave violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran,” Iravani said, calling it “a clear act of aggression on the international law.” He argued Washington’s actions harmed third

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  Netanyahu briefs Cabinet on Lebanon ceasefire ‘without vote’ as ministers fume about Trump announcement

  by Marwa A on April 16, 2026

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone meeting with members of his security cabinet Thursday to update them on a ceasefire in Lebanon, without holding a vote, according to Israeli media reports, Anadolu reports. The call lasted minutes and was limited to informing ministers of the decision, the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported, adding that Netanyahu said the ceasefire would take effect at midnight at the request of US President Donald Trump, while Israeli forces would remain in their positions. The newspaper said ministers were “furious” about not being informed in advance of Trump’s announcement. Israel’s public broadcaster KAN said Netanyahu did not have time to brief the Cabinet on details of the ceasefire. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized

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  Israeli strike kills 8, injures dozens in southern Lebanon after ceasefire announcement

  by Marwa A on April 16, 2026

  Eight people were killed and dozens injured in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, minutes after US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Beirut and Tel Aviv, Lebanese media reported, Anadolu reports. Israeli fighter jets struck the town of Ghazieh, south of Sidon, the state-run National News Agency said. The Health Ministry said the attack killed eight people and injured 33 others. The strike came minutes after Trump said Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a pause in fighting for 10 days starting midnight Friday local time. READ: Trump says Israel, Lebanon agree to 10-day ceasefire starting Thursday evening

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  Trump says Israel, Lebanon agree to 10-day ceasefire starting Thursday evening

  by Marwa A on April 16, 2026

  US President Donald Trump said Israel and Lebanon have agreed to begin a 10-day ceasefire starting at 2100 GMT on Thursday following recent talks in Washington, Anadolu reports. “I just had excellent conversations with the highly respected President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon, and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu of Israel,” Trump said in a statement, adding that the two leaders agreed to formally launch the truce in a bid to achieve peace between their countries. The announcement follows US-mediated talks between Lebanese and Israeli delegations that took place Tuesday at the State Department in Washington, DC. The Lebanese group Hezbollah was not represented in the meeting, and has rejected the move. He added that he has directed Vice President JD Vance,

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  Private Sins, Public Crimes: Policing, Punishment, and Authority in Iran

  by Marwa A on April 16, 2026

  In 1825, Fath Ali Shah, King of Iran, marched on Isfahan with his troops to bring an unruly tribesman to justice. The Shah had received complaints about a Lur tribesman named Hashim Khan, who had been involved in raiding people’s homes, extorting money, using torture, killing people including one sayyid or descendant from the family of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), sexually assaulting women. Despite these outrages, the governor of Isfahan was either unwilling or unable to act against him. Hence the Shah came to dispense justice in person by killing 200 of Khan’s supporters and detaining Khan. While being questioned by the Shah, Khan cursed him and said ‘the world does not remain without a sovereign, when one leaves another

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  How the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is reshaping global energy flows

  by MI on April 16, 2026

  The Strait of Hormuz is a single waterway that at its narrowest point is barely 33 kilometers, but its significance is understated as it can disrupt global energy flow and halt economies. After the United States and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran on 28th February 2026, to effect a regime change, Iran took retaliatory action by effectively blockading the Strait of Hormuz in March. This move resulted in a nightmare for states depending heavily on the Gulf States’ oil and gas. Now, after its closure, the Strait of Hormuz stands between the world and an energy catastrophe of historic proportions.  What began as a targeted military campaign to change the Iranian regime and neutralize its nuclear and missile program

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  Is the Strait of Hormuz the key to resolving the crisis?

  by MI on April 16, 2026

  Iran’s response to the American closure of the Strait of Hormuz, among other actions, was not arbitrary. Rather, it was a calculated reaction directed at US interests. A brief examination of the Strait of Hormuz’s importance to the United States, in particular, and its policy of containing the escalation with the Houthis in the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb at the end of 2023, helps to understand the recent developments in the region’s crisis. Although the Strait was not among the points of contention between the United States and Iran before the war, it has now become a priority, especially after the US imposed a blockade on Iranian ships and ports surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and demanded, during direct negotiations

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  Senate Democrats vote to block arms for Israel as base turns pro-Palestine

  by MI on April 16, 2026

  An overwhelming majority of Senate Democrats voted yesterday to block new US arms sales to Israel, in a significant sign of how far the party has moved away from its once near-unquestioned support for arming Israel.  Two resolutions introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders seeking to halt the sale of bulldozers and 1,000-pound bombs were defeated, but they won the backing of most Democrats in the chamber. The Senate voted 40-59 against blocking the bulldozer sale and 36-63 against blocking the sale of bombs. The measures targeted roughly $446.8 million in military sales, including $295 million in armoured bulldozers and $151.8 million in 1,000-pound bombs. Sanders said the weapons had been used in Gaza, Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories and

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  Progress without justice: why Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi’s killing is unlikely to reach a courtroom

  by MI on April 16, 2026

  Exactly 72 days have passed since the assassination of Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi. On 3 February 2026, in Zintan, a four-man hit squad eliminated the last “wild card” in Libya’s stagnant power play. The brazenness of the broad-daylight attack signalled a terrifying confidence, suggesting that the killers knew they had nothing to fear from the law. While initial headlines focused on “masked gunmen” and “disabled cameras”, the subsequent silence is more telling. In a country where every skirmish is live-streamed, the investigation into Saif’s murder has become a black hole. Despite the Prosecutor General’s Office identifying three suspects in March, the trail has since gone cold with clinical precision. The Prosecutor General claims the killers’ identities and route are known, yet

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  Iran has ‘high’ incentive to maintain ceasefire, US forces remain ‘postured’: US defense chief

  by MI on April 16, 2026

  US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday that Iran’s “motivation” to maintain the ceasefire is “very high,” while warning that US forces remain “maximally postured” to resume war if Tehran rejects a deal, Anadolu reports. “Our forces are maximally postured to restart combat operations, should this new Iranian regime choose poorly and not agree to a deal,” Hegseth said during a Pentagon briefing. He urged Iran to “choose wisely,” warning its military leadership that Washington is closely “watching” their actions. Hegseth said Iran’s command and control capabilities are “highly degraded,” limiting its ability to coordinate operations, but noted that its “motivation to want to stay in the ceasefire is very high.” “They understand that a violation of that ceasefire means a

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  Saudi Arabia extends $8B support to Pakistan amid UAE debt repayment

  by MI on April 16, 2026

  Saudi Arabia on Thursday announced a $3 billion additional deposit to Pakistan’s central bank and extended an existing $5 billion deposit, in a move aimed at supporting the country’s economy, Anadolu reports. According to the state news agency SPA, the financial support is intended to enhance Pakistan’s economic stability and strengthen its resilience in the face of global economic changes. The extension of the $5 billion deposit and the new $3 billion injection come as part of ongoing cooperation between the two countries and reflect Saudi Arabia’s continued backing of Pakistan, the agency said. Early Thursday, the State Bank of Pakistan said in a post on the US social media company X that it received $2 billion from Saudi Arabia’s Finance

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  France bars Palestinian rights group Al-Haq director from entry

  by MI on April 16, 2026

  France has denied entry to the general director of Al-Haq, preventing him from attending a series of high-level meetings in Europe, the Palestinian rights group said Thursday, Anadolu reports. In a statement, the group said Shawan Jabarin was refused a French visa at the “last minute,” blocking his participation in scheduled briefings with the French Parliament, the Foreign Ministry, and the Council of Europe. Jabarin was also expected to attend meetings at the European Parliament and Belgium’s Foreign Ministry as part of an advocacy tour focused on accountability and Palestinian rights. Although another Al-Haq representative attended engagements in Paris and Brussels, the organization said the decision “severely undermined essential human rights advocacy efforts.” It added that Jabarin later obtained a visa

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  The “Third Gulf War” and the collapse of the oil-for-security bargain

  by MI on April 16, 2026

  For more than forty years, the security setup in the Persian Gulf has basically rested on one straightforward bargain: the Arab oil-producing states keep the oil flowing steadily, and in exchange, the United States promises to protect them. This “oil for security” arrangement didn’t just shape America’s ties with its Arab partners—it also helped keep global energy markets relatively calm and predictable. But what we’re seeing now, in this so-called “Third Gulf War” between the U.S.–Israel side and Iran, has blown that old paradigm apart. And it might not be coming back. This isn’t just another flare-up in a region that’s no stranger to conflict. It feels more like a harsh wake-up call, one that lays bare the growing disconnect

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  ‘Zionism above all’: Telegraph takeover sparks fears over Israel loyalty test

  by MI on April 16, 2026

  Support for Israel is set to become a virtual purity test for Telegraph journalists after the newspaper’s takeover by German media giant Axel Springer, whose chief executive, Mathias Döpfner, has reportedly described his political credo as “Zionism above all”.  The acquisition, cleared by UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, puts one of Britain’s most influential newspapers under the control of a company that formally lists support for Israel as one of its core institutional values. According to details published by Owen Jones, Döpfner wrote to Telegraph staff to say they would operate within Axel Springer’s “Essentials”, a set of principles that the company presents as its editorial compass.  Among them is a commitment to support “the right of existence of the

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  When hegemony reaches its limits

  by MI on April 16, 2026

  The ceasefire between the United States and Iran is being interpreted through sharply contested narratives. Tehran has described it as an “unconditional surrender” by Washington – a claim that, while rhetorically charged, draws attention to a deeper structural reality: the inability of a dominant power to translate coercive intent into political outcome. This was not simply a war that ended without victory. It was a demonstration of how hegemonic power, when detached from strategic realism, falters – first in diplomacy, then in war, and finally in its attempt to control the narrative of its own actions. Coercive Diplomacy and Its Structural Limits The origins of this conflict lie not on the battlefield, but at the negotiating table. Prior to escalation,

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  Iran supreme leader’s adviser threatens to sink US ships in Strait of Hormuz

  by MI on April 16, 2026

  A military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader has warned that Iranian forces would sink US ships in the Strait of Hormuz if Washington acts as a “policeman” in the strategic waterway. The warning was made on Wednesday amid ongoing tensions in the region, where the United States has imposed a military blockade on Iranian ports after Iran disrupted maritime navigation in the strait during more than six weeks of fighting, now paused under a fragile two-week ceasefire. Mohsen Rezaei, a former commander-in-chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards who was appointed as a military adviser by Khamenei last month, criticised the US President in remarks broadcast on state television, according to AFP, saying: “Mr Trump wants to become the police of the

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  Bint Jbeil ablaze as close-range battles turn city into open military test ground

  by MI on April 16, 2026

  The southern Lebanese city of Bint Jbeil is witnessing a sharp military escalation, with what have been described as “fierce” clashes between Hezbollah fighters and the Israeli army, in one of the most intense rounds of fighting since the current escalation began. According to field reports and corroborating accounts, the fighting is taking place inside residential neighbourhoods and on the outskirts of the city. Military and media sources say the clashes involve direct engagements at close range, as Israeli forces attempt to advance into positions inside the city, facing resistance and repeated ambushes. Hebrew-language media outlets described the situation as “street-by-street battles”, noting that Israeli soldiers encountered unexpected resistance. Hezbollah fighters were reported to be emerging “from all directions” to