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

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  Iran launches missile attack on Israel moments after Trump threat

  by MI on April 2, 2026

  Iran launched a missile attack on Israel in its first military move just moments after a speech by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday evening, in which he threatened to destroy Iran. Israel’s Home Front Command said sirens were activated widely across northern Israel, including the Upper and Lower Galilee, Haifa Bay, and large parts of the Golan, Mount Carmel and the Jezreel Valley (Marj ibn Amir), after missiles were detected heading towards these areas. Alerts were reported in major cities including Haifa, Acre, Nazareth, Tiberias and Safed, as well as dozens of towns and residential areas. Warning times ranged between 15 seconds and one and a half minutes, indicating a large-scale missile attack. The developments come amid ongoing escalation,

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  Iraqi Islamic Resistance claims 41 attacks on US bases in Iraq and region

  by MI on April 2, 2026

  The group calling itself the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” said its fighters carried out 41 attacks on what it described as “occupation bases” in Iraq and the wider region on Wednesday. In a statement, the group said: “The fighters of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq carried out 41 operations today, Wednesday, 1st April 2026, using dozens of drones targeting occupation bases in Iraq and the region.” Its military media also released footage showing the launch of drones towards those bases. US forces in Iraq have recently faced a sharp increase in attacks using drones and rockets, mainly targeting bases in Baghdad and Erbil. The group and Iran say these operations are part of their response to what they describe as

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  Oil prices rise after Trump speech as gold and silver fall

  by MI on April 2, 2026

  Oil prices surged by more than four dollars after US President Donald Trump said the United States would continue its strikes on Iran, including energy and oil targets, in the coming weeks, without setting a clear timeline for ending the war. Brent crude futures rose by $4.88, or 4.8 percent, to $106.04 a barrel by 2am GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures climbed $4.17, or 4.2 percent, to $104.29 a barrel. The gains came after both benchmarks had fallen by more than one dollar earlier today, Thursday, ahead of Trump’s speech, and had also declined at the close of the previous session. In a televised address to the nation, Trump said the US military was close to completing its

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  Is America still a democracy, or just a power with democratic branding?

  by MI on April 2, 2026

  The crisis unfolding around Iran is not simply another Middle Eastern confrontation. It has become something far more profound – a test of whether the democratic world still believes in its own values, or whether those values have quietly been replaced by brute power dressed up as principle. The document Democracy at the Edge of Empire captures a grim truth: the world is no longer convinced by the moral narrative once championed by Washington and its closest partners. Across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, public opinion has shifted dramatically. A GeoPoll survey cited in the article shows that 43 per cent of respondents in countries such as Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa now view the United States less

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  Gaza universities resume in-person learning, restoring hope amid displacement

  by MI on April 2, 2026

  A pilot project to restart in-person university education has begun in a displacement area in southern Gaza, in a move aimed at restoring academic life after a long disruption caused by the war. The “university campus” has been set up in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, offering students a chance to return to face-to-face learning after more than two years of relying on online education. At the site entrance, students showed clear signs of joy, with many saying it felt like their first real university experience. One student said entering a classroom was an exceptional moment that restored her sense of belonging to university life, away from screens and the difficult conditions of the war, according to Al Jazeera Net.

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  PLO calls on UNRWA to reverse dismissal of Gaza health workers

  by MI on April 2, 2026

  The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) has urged the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, to reverse its decision to terminate the contracts of dozens of health workers in the Gaza Strip. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the PLO’s Department of Refugee Affairs rejected the move, saying it undermines the core of humanitarian and healthcare work in the territory. Earlier the same day, the Arab Employees Union at UNRWA in Gaza said it was surprised by new austerity measures, including the suspension of 87 health staff working on daily contracts. It warned that the step would further complicate an already severe humanitarian situation. The PLO said the decision affects around 87 healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, some of whom

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  ‘Torture and degrading treatment’ — The case of Dr Abu Safiya and Gaza’s broken medical system

  by MI on April 2, 2026

  “Israel must immediately release Gazan doctor Dr Hussam Abu Safiya,” UN experts said in a recent statement, in unequivocal terms. Dr Abu Safiya was “subjected to torture and other cruel and degrading treatment,” they said. His health condition is “dire.” Many are already familiar with the iconic Palestinian doctor from Gaza. But the deserved and urgent focus on his case should not end with him. Rather, it should illuminate the broader catastrophe afflicting Gaza’s health sector — one deliberately dismantled as part of the ongoing genocide that began on 7th October 2023. Palestinians and others continue to refer to the genocide as ‘ongoing’. This is not hyperbole. Though the rate of killing by bombs has decreased, the genocide remains in

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  Thousands of Syrians protest against law to execute Palestinian prisoners

  by MI on April 2, 2026

  Thousands of Syrians staged protests across several parts of the country, rejecting a law passed by the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners. According to an Anadolu Agency correspondent and videos circulating on social media, large demonstrations took place on Tuesday and Wednesday in multiple areas. Protesters chanted slogans condemning the Israeli decision and expressing support for Palestinian detainees and the Gaza Strip, which they said has been subjected to a genocide by Tel Aviv for two years since October 2023. The protests were reported in various regions, including Damascus and its countryside, Daraa and Quneitra in the south, Homs and Hama in central Syria, Latakia in the west, and Aleppo and Idlib in the north,

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  The West Wing takeover: Replacing Libyan democracy with transactionalism

  by MI on April 2, 2026

  The shift in American priorities regarding Libya was laid bare on 18th February 2026, during the UN Security Council’s 60-day briefing. Libya observers including myself, expected the usual diplomatic platitudes from the US State Department, the microphone was instead taken by Massad Boulos. As the Senior Advisor to President Trump for Arab and African Affairs, Boulos’s appearance was a stark departure from protocol. He is not a career diplomat from “Foggy Bottom,” but a direct extension of the West Wing. By having Boulos deliver the US comments following the briefing—rather than the U.S. Permanent Representative—the Trump administration signalled that the “Libya File” has been officially annexed by the White House. This is more than a mere change of face; it

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  Most Americans want Iran war ended quickly, oppose ground troops: Polls

  by MI on April 1, 2026

  A majority of Americans want the war against Iran brought to a swift close and strongly oppose sending ground troops, according to three major polls, as the US-Israeli offensive enters its second month, Anadolu reports. Reuters/Ipsos found that 66% of Americans favor an expedited end to the war, even if objectives are not fully met, while an Economist/YouGov survey put overall opposition to the war at 59%, with 28% in support. An AP-NORC poll found 60% believe US military action has already gone too far. Opposition to ground deployment is even more pronounced. Across the three polls, between 62% and 76% of respondents opposed sending American soldiers into Iran, with 86% in the Ipsos survey expressing concern about the risk

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  Poland condemns Israeli death penalty law on Palestinian prisoners

  by MI on April 1, 2026

  Poland strongly criticized on Wednesday an Israeli death penalty law concerning Palestinian prisoners, warning that it raises serious concerns about the use of capital punishment and adherence to international legal standards, Anadolu reports. Polish officials said they “oppose the death penalty in all cases and circumstances,” describing it as incompatible with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law. The government added that applying the penalty in a way that could be seen as discriminatory against individuals of a particular nationality was “completely unacceptable.” READ: Israeli Knesset passes law mandating death penalty for Palestinian prisoners Poland urged Israel to exercise restraint. “Due to our particular historical sensitivity, we call on Israel to maintain a moratorium both on carrying

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  Amazon’s cloud operation in Bahrain damaged in Iran strike: Report

  by MI on April 1, 2026

  Amazon’s cloud computing operation in Bahrain was damaged in an Iranian strike, according to a report Wednesday by the Financial Times, which cited someone familiar with the matter. Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said earlier that civil defense teams were “extinguishing a fire in a facility of a company as a result of the Iranian aggression,” but did not identify the company or provide details on the extent of the damage. Amazon declined to comment on any specific strike, according to the report. The attack is the latest sign that the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran is spilling into the Gulf’s commercial technology infrastructure. READ: Iranian drones strike Amazon data centres in Bahrain, UAE The development came one day after Iran’s

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  The US offers up to $3M reward for info on attacks targeting diplomatic facilities in Iraq

  by MI on April 1, 2026

  The US State Department’s Rewards for Justice Program said Wednesday it is offering a reward of up to $3 million for information on attacks against American diplomatic facilities in Iraq, Anadolu reports. “Help us stop terrorist attacks on the US Embassy in Baghdad and elsewhere,” the program wrote on US social media platform X. The announcement came after repeated attacks by Iranian-aligned militia groups or others targeting facilities, including the US Embassy in Baghdad, the US Consulate General in Erbil and the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center. READ: Iraqi factions announce carrying out 23 military operations targeting US bases The State Department said individuals who provide credible information may be eligible for relocation as well as a financial reward. The attacks came

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  US says over 12,300 targets hit in Iran as military operation continues

  by MI on April 1, 2026

  US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Wednesday said it has struck more than 12,300 targets inside Iran, including dozens of naval vessels, as part of an ongoing military operation, which began on Feb. 28, Anadolu reports. According to a fact sheet from CENTCOM, the US has damaged or destroyed more than 155 vessels. The US military said a wide range of air, naval and ground systems have been employed in the operation, including strategic bombers, fighter aircraft, drones and missile defense systems. Regional tensions have escalated since Feb. 28, when the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran that has killed more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting

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  Israeli law to execute Palestinian prisoners reflects far-right dominance: Israeli daily

  by MI on April 1, 2026

  The approval of a law allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners reflects the dominance of the far right in Israel, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz said on Wednesday, suggesting the Supreme Court is likely to overturn it, Anadolu reports. The newspaper said the Knesset’s approval of the law on Monday shows how what it described as a “Kahanist revolution” has taken over Israeli society. “Kahanism” in Israel refers to an extremist right-wing ideology attributed to Rabbi Meir Kahane, whose Kach movement was designated as a terrorist organization in 1994 due to its calls and activities involving the killing and expulsion of Palestinians. Haaretz described the law as “a clear populist tool serving (far-right National Security Minister) Itamar Ben Gvir.” It added:

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  Iran says US-Israeli attacks ‘amount to genocide’

  by MI on April 1, 2026

  Iran on Wednesday said that US-Israeli attacks “amount to genocide,” accusing both countries of carrying out systematic strikes on civilian infrastructure, Anadolu reports. In a statement posted on the US social media company X, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the attacks are part of a broader pattern of unlawful warfare against Iran. “This is not an isolated act of cruelty — it is part of a systematic and brutal pattern of illegal warfare against Iran,” he said. He added that more than 600 schools and educational centers have been deliberately targeted over the past 33 days, citing examples of the Shajareh Tayyebeh School in Minab and the Lamerd Sports Hall. “The term ‘war crime’ falls far short of adequately

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  Gazans rally to protest Israeli execution law targeting Palestinian prisoners

  by MI on April 1, 2026

  A large number of people, including community leaders, dignitaries, and prisoners’ families, gathered on Wednesday in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza to condemn Israel’s approval of a law allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners, Anadolu reports. The rally took place after Israel’s parliament, or Knesset, passed legislation that enraged not only international leaders and human rights organizations but also Gazans, who turned out in large numbers to protest what they described as “racist legislation.” Participants held up photos of prisoners and banners stressing that harming them is a “red line,” and urged immediate global action to prevent the law from being implemented. Ali al-Shashniya, spokesperson for tribes and popular committees in Bureij, told Anadolu that the protest aimed

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  Trump discusses Iran ceasefire talks with Saudi crown prince: Report

  by MI on April 1, 2026

  President Donald Trump spoke by phone Wednesday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the US-Israeli war against Iran and efforts for a possible ceasefire, Axios reported. Citing two sources with knowledge of the call, Axios said Trump briefed the crown prince on “talks over a possible ceasefire”. The White House has not responded to Anadolu’s inquiry on the reported call. The US has sent Iran a proposal to end the war via Pakistan, reportedly including steps on Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. READ: Trump claims Iran’s ‘new regime’ president asked US for ceasefire Iran has denied holding direct talks with the US, insisting that contacts have been limited

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  Israeli attacks kill 50 more people in Lebanon in past 24 hours: Health Ministry

  by MI on April 1, 2026

  With 50 more deaths, the death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2 has risen to 1,318, with thousands more wounded, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday, Anadolu reports. In a statement carried by the National News Agency, the ministry said the number of injured has reached 3,935 over the same period. It added that in the past 24 hours alone, 50 people were killed and 185 others wounded. Israel has carried out airstrikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon since a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2, despite a ceasefire that took effect in November 2024. Hezbollah has fired barrages of rockets into Israel since early March, saying the attacks are in response to continued

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  Trump claims Iran’s ‘new regime’ president asked US for ceasefire

  by MI on April 1, 2026

  US President Donald Trump claimed Wednesday that Iran’s new leadership had asked Washington for a ceasefire, saying the US would consider the request only if the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, Anadolu reports. “Iran’s new regime president, much less radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a ceasefire,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. Washington would consider the request only when the strait is “open, free, and clear,” he said, warning it would continue striking Iran “into oblivion or, as they say, back to the stone ages” in the meantime. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei rejected Trump’s claim, saying Tehran asking for a ceasefire does not

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  UK calls for accountability into 2024 Israeli strike that killed 7 aid workers

  by MI on April 1, 2026

  Two years after an Israeli strike in Gaza killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including three British citizens, the UK government has renewed its call for transparency and accountability, Anadolu reports. Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said the families of Armed Forces veterans John Chapman, James Henderson, and James Kirby have spent two years seeking answers about the attack, which targeted a convoy delivering food to civilians. “For two years, the families have sought answers. The UK government has pressed Israel at the highest level for answers. Israel has a responsibility to provide these,” Falconer said in a statement published on Wednesday. Falconer described the attack as “appalling” and emphasized that no aid worker should be killed

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  Israeli forces target Syrian TV crew, journalists in Quneitra countryside

  by MI on April 1, 2026

  Israeli forces targeted a Syrian television crew and several journalists in the countryside of Quneitra on Wednesday while they were covering the falling of an Iranian drone, Syria’s Al-Ikhbariyah TV reported. The journalists were reporting on the drone after it was brought down by Israeli air defenses when they came under direct fire, the outlet said. No injuries were reported among the journalists, the channel said. The development comes amid heightened regional tensions, as the US and Israel have been carrying out airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people so far, according to Iranian authorities. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military

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  Israeli gov’t primarily responsible for ‘unlawful war’ on Iran: Turkish president

  by MI on April 1, 2026

  The Israeli government is primarily responsible for the ongoing “unlawful war” on Iran, said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, Anadolu reports. “The Israeli government bears primary responsibility for this unlawful war, which has not only turned our region into a zone of conflict but has also imposed an economic burden on all of humanity,” Erdogan said, addressing his Justice and Development (AK) Party’s parliamentary group meeting in the capital Ankara. “It must not be forgotten that every drop of blood shed in the war will prolong (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu’s political survival,” he said. Erdogan said that the conflict that began on Feb. 28 in the region has completed its first month and continues with an increasing

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  Iran’s security council approves 6 Bangladeshi fuel ships to pass Strait of Hormuz

  by MI on April 1, 2026

  Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has approved the passing of six Bangladeshi fuel ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid a serious fuel crisis in the South Asian country during the US–Israel war against Iran, the Iranian envoy in Dhaka said on Wednesday, Anadolu reports. Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi said at a news conference in the capital of Dhaka that there is no problem in the movement of Bangladeshi fuel ships through this route. The approval came in response to Bangladesh’s request that Iran allow oil ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Later, the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka asked the government to provide advance information on its fuel-carrying vessels. Last week, Iranian Foreign Minister

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  Iran fires largest missile salvo toward Israel since start of war: Media

  by MI on April 1, 2026

  Iran launched its largest missile salvo since the start of the war, firing roughly 10 ballistic missiles toward central Israel, Israeli media reported Wednesday. The Times of Israel said sirens sounded across central Israel as the missiles were detected, with rescue teams responding to reports of impacts in several areas, possibly caused by falling debris. One missile reportedly carried a “cluster warhead,” dispersing bomblets over the region. The Yedioth Ahronoth daily added that residents heard explosions across central Israel, while sirens were activated in Tel Aviv, the Shephelah, and nearby areas. Additional launches were later reported toward central Israel, the north, and the Jerusalem area. No casualties have been confirmed so far. The Israeli military said its air force began

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  Two leaders, two quagmires

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  The unravelling of America’s Iran policy began with a single act of demolition. When Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in May 2018, he dismantled a framework that — whatever its imperfections — had extended Iran’s nuclear breakout time from two to three months to well over a year. The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation estimated that, after the US withdrawal, the breakout time would collapse to just a couple of weeks. The deal was gone; the danger was not. What replaced it was a posture dressed up as strategy: “maximum pressure,” a campaign that squeezed Tehran while simultaneously narrowing Washington’s own options. Iran’s proximity to a nuclear weapons capability gradually increased, and the Trump administration’s

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  From the margins to the middle: Pakistan’s role in the Iran war

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  When the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt landed in Islamabad on March 29, 2026, much of the international media reached for the same word: unexpected. The AP wire described Pakistan as an “unexpected mediator.” Foreign Policy’s Michael Kugelman, an otherwise careful South Asia analyst, opened his piece with the caveat that “Pakistan might seem an unlikely mediator.” Pakistani analyst Zahid Hussain went further, demoting Islamabad to a “messenger rather than a mediator.” The framing is consistent across the commentary, and it is wrong in a way that tells us more about the analytical blind spots of those applying it than about Pakistan itself. Pakistan has never not been relevant to Gulf and regional politics. What has changed

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  How Hormuz could become the US and Israel’s Suez | Palestine This Week with Mouin Rabbani

  by MI on April 1, 2026

  In this episode, we discuss the shocking abuse of toddler Karim Abu Nassar in Gaza, Israel’s proposed death penalty law for Palestinians, the rise of Kahanism and signs of internal crisis within Israel. We also examine growing anti-Zionism among US Jews, whether the Strait of Hormuz could become America’s Suez and why Israel’s tactical gains may be masking a deeper strategic defeat.   WATCH: Trump, Iran and Israel’s War Without End | Palestine This Week with Mouin Rabbani

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  The killing of three Indonesian soldiers in Lebanon should remind Jakarta that Israel does not want peace

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  Three Indonesian soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon in less than 48 hours. They were not fighters. They were part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL). They were stationed in known positions. And still, they died. This is not a tragic accident. It is a clear signal. The sequence of events matters. On 29th March, a projectile struck a UN position near Adchit al-Qusayr, killing one Indonesian peacekeeper and critically injuring another. Hours later, a second incident—an explosion that destroyed a UN vehicle near Bani Hayyan—killed two more. Three dead. In uniform. Under a UN flag. The Israeli military says it is “reviewing” what happened and emphasises that these deaths occurred in an “active combat zone.” But that explanation

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  Energy Diplomacy or Energy Security?

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  Energy in today’s Middle East is no longer merely an economic resource; it has become a central instrument of power, deterrence and geopolitical confrontation. As more than a month has passed since Iran, the United States and Israel entered into direct war, a critical question has come to the forefront: is the region moving towards energy diplomacy, or is it sliding into the full securitization of energy? Energy diplomacy in the Middle East has always been fragile. While there have been periods of cooperation—ranging from oil market coordination to gas projects—such efforts have rarely overcome entrenched security rivalries. Now, in the midst of direct war, energy is increasingly framed not as a platform for cooperation, but as a tool of

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  Turkish intelligence chief meets Hamas negotiation head

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  The head of Turkey’s intelligence service, Ibrahim Kalin, met on Tuesday with Khalil al-Hayya, head of the Hamas political bureau’s negotiating delegation, along with his accompanying team, Anadolu Agency reported. According to Turkish security sources cited by the agency, the meeting in Ankara addressed Israel’s ongoing attacks on the Gaza Strip and the continuing humanitarian crisis in the territory. The two sides also discussed settler violence in the West Bank and restrictions imposed on Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Both sides stressed the need for Israel to fulfil its commitments arising from the first phase of the Gaza peace plan. They also held detailed talks on the implementation of the second phase of the plan. In the same context, the Hamas

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  Israeli army warns of imminent crisis over troop shortage

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  The Israeli army said on Tuesday evening that the current situation has become “unbearable” due to a shortage of soldiers, calling for legislation to allow the recruitment of more personnel. While the army is continuing air strikes on Iran using its aircraft since 28th February, it is also deploying four military divisions to southern Lebanon. It has large forces stationed in the occupied West Bank, in addition to those already operating in the Gaza Strip. During a press conference, Army spokesman Effie Defrin said that “there is a shortage of soldiers, and the situation has become unbearable for us”, according to Hebrew Channel 12. He added: “We are facing a shortfall of between 12,000 and 15,000 soldiers, and we need a

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  The Lion of Batna: A general who out-marched power

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  Courage and integrity are rarely mentioned in the same breath when it comes to discussing Arab rulers and what are essential qualities of leadership. The current crop at the top tend not to measure up in terms of either of them. As if the war in Gaza wasn’t a daily reminder of the lack of moral fibre across the Arab world, I was given a sharp reminder today upon learning of the death of Liamine Zéroual. Unlike most Arab rulers who are so addicted to power that they cannot walk away from the job, Zéroual had no such qualms when he quit as President of Algeria in April 1999. This man was defined by the Algerian Revolution; his spirit burned

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  Pakistan and China put forward five-point plan to ease Middle East tensions

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  Pakistan and China have announced a joint five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Middle East following the escalation triggered by US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The initiative was unveiled after a meeting between Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Wang Yi in Beijing, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. Both sides stressed the urgency of an immediate cessation of hostilities, warning against further escalation and calling for enhanced efforts to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to affected areas. The proposed initiative includes an immediate ceasefire, the prompt launch of peace negotiations, the protection of civilians, the safeguarding of shipping lanes, and adherence to the principles of the UN Charter. READ: Lebanon rejects Israeli plans

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  Lebanon rejects Israeli plans for ‘security zone’ in south

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  Lebanon’s defence minister said Tuesday the country rejects any Israeli attempt to establish a “security zone” in the country’s south or prevent displaced residents from returning to their homes, Anadolu agency reported. Michel Menassa said in a statement he strongly condemns remarks by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, warning they reflect “a clear intention to impose a new occupation of Lebanese territory.” He said the Israeli statements go beyond threats and point to “plans for forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians and the systematic destruction of southern villages and towns.” Lebanon “categorically and absolutely rejects” these threats, Menassa said, calling them a “flagrant and unprecedented violation” of the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law. “Preventing Lebanese citizens from returning

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  American journalist kidnapped by gunmen in Baghdad

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  An American journalist, Shelly Kittleson, was kidnapped in the Iraqi capital by armed gunmen, according to Iraqi media reports and official statements. The incident reportedly occurred near a hotel in Baghdad under circumstances that remain unclear. Iraqi security forces launched an immediate search operation following the abduction. The Iraqi Ministry of Interior confirmed the kidnapping of a foreign journalist and stated that security forces acted swiftly based on intelligence information. According to the ministry, authorities tracked the movements of the kidnappers, leading to the discovery of a vehicle used in the operation that had overturned during an attempted escape. Security forces were able to arrest one suspect and seize one of the vehicles believed to have been involved in the

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  Netanyahu claims regional alliance with Arab states reaching “practical stage”

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the ongoing Israeli-American war on Iran has created what he described as a “rare opportunity” to form a regional alliance with Arab states, according to Israeli media reports. Speaking during a Security Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Netanyahu said that “a rapprochement between Israel and regional states has reached a practical stage,” as reported by the Hebrew newspaper Maariv. He further claimed that Israel is “forming alliances with Arab states that are talking about fighting alongside us,” adding that previous secret discussions with Arab leaders had focused on warning them about Iran’s regional ambitions. Since February 28, Tel Aviv and Washington have been carrying out attacks on Iran, resulting in thousands of victims and wounded, as well

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  Gaza ceasefire “formal” as suffering persists, UNRWA chief warns

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  The Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, stated that the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza continues despite what he described as a “formal” ceasefire, warning that civilians are still being killed while facing severe shortages of water and food and a growing spread of disease, Anadolu reports. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Lazzarini said that UNRWA remains the only agency capable of delivering large-scale services in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the absence of any viable alternative to carry out its responsibilities. He also pointed to what he described as a “silent war” in the West Bank, citing settler attacks and demolitions, including incidents targeting UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem. He warned that the agency is facing a severe funding crisis,

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  FIFA confirms Iran’s participation in 2026 tournament despite tensions

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  Gianni Infantino confirmed that the Iranian national team will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that its matches will be held in the United States according to the official tournament schedule. Speaking to reporters following Iran’s 5–0 friendly victory over Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey, Infantino said: “Iran will be at the World Cup. We are very happy because they are a very strong team.” He added that matches would take place in their designated venues based on the tournament draw, noting that he had met with the players and coaching staff and that “everything is fine.” In parallel, Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, first vice president of the Iranian Football Federation, affirmed that Iran would comply with FIFA regulations

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  Protest in Gaza against Israeli death penalty law for Palestinian prisoners

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  IMAGES: Young artists of Gaza tell their story

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  Drone explodes inside US Diplomatic Support Centre at Baghdad airport

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  A drone packed with explosives detonated inside the US Diplomatic Support Centre at Baghdad International Airport early on Wednesday, causing no casualties, according to Iraqi media reports. The Iraqi news website Shafaq News reported that the explosive-laden drone exploded within the facility. A security source told the outlet that the attack resulted in no injuries, without providing further details. The US Diplomatic Support Centre at Baghdad airport serves as a logistical and administrative hub for American diplomats and staff in Iraq. It includes administrative offices, residential facilities, warehouses and secure zones, and is used to facilitate the movement of diplomatic delegations, staff transport and logistical support for the US embassy in Baghdad. Since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on

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  Israel uses “non-designed” air defence systems to intercept Iranian missiles, Hebrew media reports

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  An Israeli television channel reported on Tuesday evening that Israel has begun using air defence systems not originally designed to intercept Iranian missiles, amid growing challenges to its interception capabilities. Channel 13 said the Israeli army is relying on US-made interception systems, alongside lower-tier defence systems such as “David’s Sling”, to intercept some missiles, even though these systems were not initially intended to deal with such threats, unlike more advanced systems such as “Arrow 3”. The report comes as air defence systems face increasing pressure due to the intensity and variety of attacks. According to the channel, the Israeli government did not fund the establishment of an additional production line for interceptor missiles due to financial disputes between the defence

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  Yedioth Ahronoth: US begins emergency evacuation of 60,000 Americans from Egypt

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  The United States has begun an emergency evacuation of around 60,000 American citizens from Egypt, according to a report by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth. In a report published on Tuesday, the paper said that about 60,000 US nationals are currently in Egypt and have been advised to leave immediately. It added that Washington has arranged special charter flights for those wishing to depart. According to Yedioth Ahronoth, Americans were urged to “leave immediately”, although it did not specify how many have responded to the call. The report also referred to wider evacuation operations in the Middle East in recent months, including the evacuation of more than 36,000 to 40,000 US citizens from countries in the region. The paper added

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  Iran’s revolutionary guard threatens to target US firms in retaliation for attacks

  by Marwa A on April 1, 2026

  Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened to target American companies operating in neighbouring countries in response to what it described as US-Israeli attacks on Iran. According to Iranian media reports, the IRGC said it would begin targeting companies such as Google and Apple from the start of April. The list of 18 companies mentioned in the threat reportedly includes Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla and Boeing. In its statement, the IRGC described US companies in the region as “spy companies”, accusing them of being involved in assassinations and of “actively participating in planning terrorism”. It said these firms would be considered “legitimate targets” from now on. The statement added: “These companies should expect the destruction of their

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  Iran seeks no ceasefire but complete end to war: Foreign minister​​​​​​​

  by MI on March 31, 2026

  Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday that Iran is not seeking a ceasefire but a complete end to the war across the region, stressing that any resolution must include guarantees against future attacks and compensation for damages, Anadolu reports. He said contacts with the US do not constitute negotiations, but are limited to the exchange of messages — directly or through regional intermediaries. Araghchi told Al Jazeera he continues to receive messages from US envoy Steve Witkoff, as in the past, but stressed that it should not be interpreted as formal negotiations. He said the messages are conveyed through the Foreign Ministry, with some communication between security bodies, adding that there are no talks with any specific entity inside

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  UN rights chief urges Israel to repeal death penalty law, warns about war crimes

  by MI on March 31, 2026

  The UN human rights chief urged Israel on Tuesday to revoke its death penalty law, warning against legislative steps targeting Palestinians in violation of international law, Anadolu reports. Volker Turk encouraged Tel Aviv to step back from the controversial law, which applies “almost exclusively to Palestinians.” “It is deeply disappointing that this bill has been approved by the Knesset,” he said, highlighting that it is patently inconsistent with Israel’s international law obligations, including in relation to the right to life. “It raises serious concerns about due process violations, is deeply discriminatory, and must be promptly repealed,” said Turk. Noting that the controversial law provides that the death sentences, once imposed, must be carried out within 90 days, Turk warned that

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  Ex-Trump adviser Bannon calls for Netanyahu’s son to be deported from Miami, sent to Iran war

  by MI on March 31, 2026

  Steve Bannon, a former adviser to US President Donald Trump, has called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son Yair Netanyahu to be expelled from the United States and sent to fight on the front lines as the two countries’ joint strikes on Iran continue, Anadolu reports. Speaking on right-wing streaming service “Real America’s Voice,” Bannon questioned why Yair was vacationing in Miami while the US-Israeli attacks on Iran were underway. “Netanyahu’s kid down in Miami, turf him out tomorrow,” he said, calling on the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to act. “Where’s DHS when you need them? Get him back there. Put a uniform on him. Let’s have him in the first wave,” Bannon added. READ: Iranian president slams

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  Israel kills 3, injures 13 others across Gaza

  by MI on March 31, 2026

  Three Palestinians were killed and 13 others injured on Tuesday in Israeli strikes across northern and southern Gaza, continuing violations of the ceasefire in place since October 2025, Anadolu reports. Medical sources told Anadolu that two Palestinians were killed and three injured after an Israeli drone struck a civilian gathering south of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. In Gaza City, two civilians were injured in a drone strike targeting the Tuffah neighborhood, according to Al-Ahli Hospital. Another source at Nasser Hospital said nine Palestinians were injured, one critically, in a drone strike on a civilian gathering in the Mawasi area northwest of Rafah. READ: Protest held in Gaza to mark 50th anniversary of Palestinian Land Day Earlier on Tuesday, one civilian

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  Poland rejects sending Patriot batteries to Mideast despite US request

  by MI on March 31, 2026

  Poland will not send any of its Patriot air-defense batteries to the Middle East, Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said on Tuesday, after reports that the United States had informally asked Warsaw to consider doing so, Anadolu reports. Polish daily Rzeczpospolita reported on Tuesday that Washington had unofficially sounded out Poland about deploying one of its two Patriot batteries amid the escalating conflict with Iran and rising missile attacks on US forces and allies in the region. Kosiniak-Kamysz quickly rejected the idea, writing on X that Poland’s Patriots “serve to protect Polish skies and NATO’s eastern flank.” “Nothing is changing in this regard, and we are not planning to relocate them anywhere,” he wrote. “Our allies understand perfectly well how important

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  Israeli police disperse protest in Jerusalem for demonstrating against Palestinian prisoner execution law

  by MI on March 31, 2026

  Israeli police forcibly dispersed a protest Tuesday outside the Knesset in West Jerusalem for demonstrating against the passage of a law allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners, according to Israeli sources, Anadolu reports. Police said two people were arrested as officers cleared demonstrators from outside the parliament building. Hundreds took part in the protest, according to Israel’s public broadcaster KAN. Video published by the outlet showed police using foul-smelling water to disperse protesters. The Knesset passed the law Monday in a 62-48 vote. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voted in support. The law mandates executions by hanging to be carried out by prison guards appointed by the Israeli Prison Service, while granting those involved anonymity and legal immunity. READ: Israeli Knesset passes