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

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  Podcast by Jasim Al-Azzawi with Richard Dalton: The Escalation Trap: How Long Can It Go On?

  by Marwa A on August 1, 2026

  WATCH: Podcast by Jasim Al-Azzawi with former CIA analyst Ray McGovern & Larry Johnson 

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  The long shadow of 1973: Why “energy memory” is reshaping global diplomacy

  by Marwa A on August 1, 2026

  Crises end. Institutions remember. On an autumn morning in October 1973, motorists across Europe and North America queued for hours outside petrol stations, uncertain whether fuel would still be available. Governments imposed rationing, reduced speed limits and introduced emergency measures that reshaped economic life. Although the immediate crisis faded, the institutions and strategic doctrines created in response continue to influence global energy policy more than fifty years later. The legacy of the 1973 oil embargo extends far beyond temporary shortages or price shocks. It fundamentally altered how governments understood vulnerability. Energy crises rarely disappear when markets stabilise; they survive in strategic reserves, infrastructure, alliances and national security doctrines. States do not simply recover from existential shocks—they institutionalise them. This article

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  Israeli airstrike destroys medical warehouses near hospital in central Gaza

  by Marwa A on August 1, 2026

  Israeli fighter jets struck medical warehouses near a hospital in the central Gaza Strip early Saturday, destroying at least half of the facilities and extensively damaging nearby tents sheltering displaced Palestinians, witnesses said. Witnesses told Anadolu that the Israeli army targeted the warehouses next to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, completely destroying two of them and the critical medical supplies within and setting fire to dozens of tents erected nearby. The attack caused fear and panic among patients, displaced people, and residents in the vicinity of the hospital, they added. There were no immediate reports of casualties. According to the witnesses, the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning for the area only minutes before the strike. READ: US Embassy

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  US Embassy in Jordan urges citizens to consider leaving Middle East

  by Marwa A on August 1, 2026

  The US Embassy in Jordan on Saturday urged Americans to consider leaving the Middle East if regional tensions escalate. “Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions,” the embassy said in a security alert on US social media company X. It also advised Americans outside the Middle East to “seriously reconsider travel to and through the region.” The embassy warned that “Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas” and described the situation in the Middle East as “fluid.” “U.S. Embassy Amman advises all Americans to avoid travel to military bases in Jordan,” it added, urging citizens to

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  Palestinian Resistance Literature Under Occupation: 1948 – 1968

  by Marwa A on August 1, 2026

  Assassinated in Lebanon by Israel in 1972, Palestinian intellectual Ghassan Kanafani is mostly renowned for his anti-colonial resistance, political writings and works of literary fiction. Palestinian Resistance Literature Under Occupation: 1948 – 1968 (Verso Books, 2026) brings another aspect of Kanafani’s work to an English-speaking public; a deep historical critique of Palestinian literature in the first two decades since Israel established its colonial presence on Palestinian land. Drawing upon several Palestinian writers, their poetry, short stories and plays, Kanafani provides an analysis of cultural resistance in Palestinian literature, and shows that it is just as vital as armed struggle against colonial rule. In the foreword, Rashid Khalidi  notes that despite Kanafani’s distance from occupied Palestinian lands in 1948 as he

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  Iran’s missile campaign exposed the limits of Western deterrence

  by Marwa A on August 1, 2026

  On 28th February, 2026, Iran launched Operation “True Promise-4,” a wave of ballistic missiles and drones into Israeli airspace. The strikes were in response to the US and Israeli attacks on Iranian territory, which saturated the most heavily protected skies until even success became unaffordable for their adversaries. Iran went into the war with the most sophisticated ballistic missile arsenal in the Middle East, including the solid-fuel Fateh family, hypersonic-adjacent Fattah-1 and older Shahab-3 variants. It fired over one hundred heavy missiles in each wave; analysts called it “volumetric saturation”– overwhelming the target with more missiles than any interceptor network could handle. Israel’s Iron Dome, David’s Sling and long-range Arrow defence systems had created the most multi-layered air-defence system ever

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  RSF unit surrenders to Sudanese army with full military equipment

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  A unit of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) surrendered to the army on Friday, handing over its personnel and full military equipment, according to the state-run Sudan News Agency (SUNA). The agency said the force belonged to the RSF’s “Group 26” but did not specify the number of fighters involved or the type of equipment surrendered. It said the group was received by Al-Nour Ahmed Adam, known as Al-Nour al-Qubba, alongside senior officers from the Sudanese army and the General Intelligence Service. Al-Nour al-Qubba, one of the RSF’s founding members, defected to the army in April after previously serving among the paramilitary’s senior commanders and taking part in the battles for El Fasher, capital of North Darfur state, which

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  Spain says over 48,300 migrants have returned to Morocco from Ceuta

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  More than 48,300 of the approximately 50,000 migrants who entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta since early Thursday have returned to Morocco by Friday afternoon, Spain’s Interior Ministry said, according to EFE news agency. EFE reported that the figures, compiled as of 3.30 pm local time (1330GMT), followed an earlier ministry statement that returns from Ceuta to Morocco were taking place at a rate of about 150 people per minute. Despite the large number of departures, thousands of migrants remained in different neighborhoods of Ceuta with no clear destination, according to the report. READ: Ceuta crisis sparks online speculation over Israel’s role in pressuring Spain EFE said hundreds of migrants were heading toward the border Friday afternoon to return to Morocco,

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  UK welcomes Gaza disarmament deal, urges Israeli withdrawal

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Britain on Friday welcomed the agreement on the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza and called for the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza, Anadolu reports. “The focus must now be on implementing the 20-Point Plan in full. This includes the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza, and respect for the ceasefire by all parties,” Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said in a statement. Miliband said conditions for people in Gaza remain “appalling.” “Israel must immediately end the unacceptable restrictions on aid so that more food, medicine and support can reach those who need it,” he said. Miliband said the international community must work toward a viable peace, with the State of Palestine and the State

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  Trump says US will hit Iran ‘very hard,’ wants to ‘win’ war

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  US President Donald Trump on Friday said that Washington will continue striking Iran “very hard,” adding that the US wants to “win” the war, Anadolu reports. Speaking to reporters during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David in Maryland, Trump said: “We just want to win. We’re doing very well. We’re trying to be as nice as you can be in a situation like that. But they’re being decimated.” “It’s very simple,” he said, adding: “Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.” “We’ll be hitting Iran very hard, and at some point, they’re going to say, ‘We just can’t take it anymore’,” Trump added. READ: Axios: Reported rift between Vance and Netanyahu deepened over Iran diplomacy and war The US president also

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  Lebanese president says Israeli blasts at Beaufort Castle threaten framework agreement

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday condemned continued Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon, saying powerful explosions at the historic Beaufort Castle constituted a dangerous escalation that directly threatened the implementation of the US-mediated framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, Anadolu reports. In a statement carried by Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), Aoun denounced what he described as ongoing Israeli violations, particularly explosions targeting infrastructure and archaeological sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, saying they caused extensive damage across southern Lebanese villages and endangered civilians. He said the powerful explosions recorded Friday at Beaufort Castle generated seismic waves equivalent to a 3.8-magnitude earthquake, according to Lebanon’s National Center for Geophysics. Aoun described the blasts as “a highly dangerous escalation” and

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  UN chief urges Israel, Hamas to implement Trump-announced Gaza deal without delay

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged Israel and Hamas to fully implement the Gaza agreement announced by US President Donald Trump, Anadolu reports. “The only good news in recent days is the announcement by the US president of an agreement for Hamas to relinquish their weapons and for Israel to withdraw its forces from Gaza,” Guterres said at a news conference in New York. His remarks came after Trump and the Board of Peace announced an agreement on implementing the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire, with the Board saying Hamas had approved a detailed roadmap. Israel has yet to officially endorse it. Responding to a question about reports that Israel remains skeptical of the arrangement and has indicated

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  US military rejects Iranian claim that Strait of Hormuz is closed

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Friday rejected Iran’s claims that Tehran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, calling the assertion “false,” Anadolu reports. “Once again, the Iranian government claims it has closed the Strait of Hormuz. This is false,” CENTCOM said on the US social media platform X. The command said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial vessel traffic and stressed that Iran does not control the vital maritime passage. “The Strait of Hormuz remains open for commercial vessel transit. Iran does not control it. Thousands of ships have sailed through the international waterway over the past four months.” READ: Axios: Reported rift between Vance and Netanyahu deepened over Iran diplomacy and war

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  Israeli defense minister says government approved 104 illegal settlements in the West Bank since 2022

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Friday that his government has approved the establishment of 104 illegal settlements and around 160 settlement farms in the occupied West Bank since it was formed in November 2022, Israel’s Channel 7 reported. Speaking during a meeting with leaders of the ruling Likud party in Jerusalem, Katz said the government had taken “a series of important decisions regarding settlement expansion in Judea and Samaria,” using Israel’s term for the West Bank. “We are not only strengthening security, but also strengthening settlement,” Katz said. “The government approved the establishment of 104 new settlements in Judea and Samaria, along with nearly 160 new farms,” he added. Katz described the move as “an unprecedented step that reflects

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  Ex-Israeli army chief says any Gaza deal failing to dismantle Hamas would be ‘complete failure’

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Former Israeli army chief and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot said Friday that any agreement on Gaza that fails to dismantle Hamas’ military and governing capabilities would constitute a “complete failure” for the Israeli government, Anadolu reports. Eisenkot’s remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump and the Board of Peace announced an agreement on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire, which Israel has yet to officially endorse. In a post on the US social media platform X, Eisenkot questioned whether Israel had participated in negotiating the agreement. “There are major question marks as to whether Israel was a partner to this agreement or whether it was once again imposed on it without its participation,” he wrote. He criticized

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  Ceuta crisis sparks online speculation over Israel’s role in pressuring Spain

  by Marwa A on July 31, 2026

  The emergency in Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta has sparked an intense online debate over Israel’s possible role in efforts to punish Madrid over its outspoken support for Palestine. The speculation intensified after social media users resurfaced articles published earlier this year by pro-Israel analysts who argued that Israel and the US should aid Morocco over its claim to Ceuta and Melilla as a means of pressuring Spain. Israeli sources revealed that in March, Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, called on Morocco to organise a new “Green March” into the Spanish enclaves. Writing for the US-based Middle East Forum, Rubin suggested that Moroccans approach Ceuta and Melilla with bulldozers, cross into the territories unarmed

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  Board of Peace sets $400M limit for Gaza administration’s financial commitments

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  The Board of Peace (BoP) said Friday that the future National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) will review and address legitimate financial commitments to suppliers, contractors and other parties totaling up to $400 million under its roadmap for implementing US President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza, Anadolu reports. According to the roadmap, the committee will assess legitimate commitments to suppliers, contractors and other parties amounting to no more than $400 million and take steps to address them. The document said the measures would be implemented gradually over a three-year period in line with priorities set by the NCAG. It added that any unresolved financial rights, liabilities or claims would be addressed later through a broader Palestinian

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  Lebanese president urges Palestinians to comply with state monopoly on arms

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday stressed the importance of Palestinians in Lebanon complying with a government decision to place weapons solely under state authority and cooperating with Lebanese security agencies, Anadolu reports. Aoun made the remarks during a meeting with a Palestinian delegation headed by Yasser Abbas, the special representative of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and a member of Fatah’s Central Committee, at the presidential palace in Beirut, according to a statement from Aoun’s media office. The president stressed “the importance of the Palestinian side’s commitment to the decision on the exclusivity of weapons, cooperation with Lebanese security agencies and implementation of the steps taken by the Cabinet in this regard,” the statement said. He also underlined “the importance

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  For the first time, money is not the issue

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  In modern history, rarely has there been a moment of global consensus quite like this: an absolute, unified rejection by football confederations around the world of FIFA’s plan to sell a commercial stake in its tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors through a newly proposed $20 billion entity, “FIFA Forward Enterprise.” Yet, in a world dominated by market imperatives and relentless capital accumulation, the most remarkable aspect of this rebellion is that money is not the issue. This rare exception gives the moment a profound historical and philosophical resonance. Since the rise of globalized capitalism and the hyper-commodification of society, humanity has grown accustomed to watching values, principles, and national dignity erode before the lure of capital. Today,

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  ‘Constructive step toward peace’: EU welcomes Gaza disarmament agreement

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Friday welcomed the reported agreement on the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, saying the plan could be a “constructive step towards peace,” Anadolu reports. In a statement shared on the US social media platform X, Kallas said the implementation of the plan would depend on the “full commitment of all parties” involved. “A lot needs to fall in place for this to work. Success depends on the full commitment of all parties. Verifying Hamas’ compliance will be a significant challenge. Israel would need to eventually withdraw from Gaza,” she said. Kallas said the EU was ready to support the next stages of the agreement, including the deployment of the National

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  Saudi says Iraq strike followed exhausted diplomacy, months of restraint: Report

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  A Saudi official source said Friday that the kingdom’s strike in Iraq came after “all diplomatic and political measures had been exhausted” and after Riyadh had exercised “maximum restraint” over recent months, Saudi state TV reported, Anadolu reports. “The kingdom is keen on its relationship with Iraq, government and people,” the source told Al-Ekhbariya TV, adding that the airstrike “was not directed against the Iraqi government or the Iraqi people.” “The Saudi response came after all diplomatic and political measures were exhausted and after the highest levels of restraint were exercised over the past months,” the source said. “The operation targeted the capabilities of militias that threatened the kingdom’s security and targeted its vital civilian and economic facilities,” the source added.

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  Hamas says Israel must halt attacks to advance Gaza ceasefire’s 2nd phase

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Palestinian group Hamas said Friday that Israel’s commitment to stop the killings and end its attacks is “the essential gateway” to advancing implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and setting a timeline for measures agreed under its second phase, Anadolu reports. In a statement on Telegram, the group said it and other Palestinian factions had engaged “responsibly and positively” with negotiations and mediators’ proposals to complete implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, describing the process as the result of “Palestinian national consensus.” “The occupation’s commitment to stopping the killing and ending its attacks is the essential gateway and the first step toward moving forward with implementation and establishing the framework and timetable for what has been agreed,” Hamas

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  Belgium welcomes reported Gaza disarmament agreement, urges swift implementation

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot on Friday welcomed the reported agreement on the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, calling it a potential step toward ending the conflict and advancing lasting peace, Anadolu reports. “I welcome the reported agreement on the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. If implemented in full and by all parties, it could mark an important step towards ending the conflict and towards lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” Prevot said on US social media platform X. He praised the mediation efforts led by US President Donald Trump, Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye, as well as the facilitation efforts of former UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace

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  Hamas says it agrees to written Gaza ceasefire deal for 2nd phase tied to Israeli compliance

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  The Palestinian group Hamas has agreed to a written agreement for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire based on a “comprehensive package” of reciprocal and simultaneous commitments, conditional on Israel’s full implementation of the first phase, senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad told Anadolu on Friday. Hamad, a member of Hamas’ political bureau and its negotiating delegation, said the group had approved a “clear, written agreement” covering Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, reconstruction, the deployment of international forces, the assumption of duties by the National Committee for Administration of Gaza, and weapons arrangements. He said implementation of the second phase depends on Israel first fulfilling all of its obligations under the first phase, adding that the agreement should be

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  Israeli occupiers raid areas near Nablus, army arrests 14 Palestinians in raids across West Bank

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Israeli occupiers, under army protection, raided areas west of the occupied West Bank city of Nablus and the nearby town of Tell on Friday morning, while the army arrested 14 Palestinians and injured 11 others during multiple raids in multiple cities. An Anadolu Agency correspondent said dozens of occupiers entered the Ain al-Mazrab area of Tell, as well as the al-Ameriya area and its surroundings west of Nablus, under the protection of Israeli forces. The occupiers left less than 30 minutes after arriving. The raid came after occupier groups called for a mass march to Tell on Friday. It also came a day after the Israeli army turned four homes in the town into military outposts. The latest raid follows

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  Malaysia’s Israel ban policy is not Washington’s to dictate

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently made it clear that any Israeli nationals found in Malaysia would be deported immediately. This comes after reports emerged that Israelis using second passports had entered the country to participate in activities linked to the Network School in Forest City, Johor. Malaysian authorities are now investigating whether dual citizenship was used to bypass long-standing restrictions on Israeli passport holders. Instead of respecting Malaysia’s sovereign right to investigate potential breaches of its immigration laws, eight US Democratic lawmakers—Greg Landsman, Josh Gottheimer, Jimmy Panetta, Dan Goldman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Jared Moskowitz, Brad Sherman and Jake Auchincloss reacted by urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review security and economic ties with Malaysia.  They even proposed suspending Malaysia’s

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  Gaza administration committee says it is ready to govern enclave after ceasefire progress

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) welcomed progress announced on the roadmap for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire on Friday, saying it is fully prepared to assume responsibility for administering the enclave, Anadolu reports. In a statement posted on X, the committee described the development as “an important milestone” for Gaza’s residents after years of conflict, destruction and uncertainty, and said the priority is to translate the progress into practical measures that improve daily life. The NCAG said it has completed “extensive institutional and operational preparations” in recent months to take over Gaza’s administration, restore essential public services, strengthen the rule of law, facilitate humanitarian aid delivery, and lead recovery and reconstruction. It said rebuilding

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  Nearly 49,000 migrants from Morocco recently entered Spanish enclave Ceuta, estimates show

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Around 49,000 irregular migrants from Morocco entered Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta in recent days, initial estimates released Friday indicated, according to EFE news agency, Anadolu reports. According to the news agency, the figure is a provisional estimate for the moment as government sources said that there are no official figures yet. Meanwhile, public broadcaster RTVE reported that the government confirmed the estimated figures. Spanish daily El Pais said that the estimate represents an almost 50% increase in the enclave’s population, which officially stands at more than 80,000. READ: Algeria arrests 18 Moroccan nationals over alleged international migrant smuggling network Meanwhile, thousands of migrants who entered Ceuta irregularly in recent hours reportedly began returning to Morocco. El Pais noted that the

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  Islamic Jihad says reported deal between Palestinian factions, Israel ‘inaccurate’

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  The Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement said Friday that the announced agreement between Palestinian factions and Israel was “inaccurate,” adding that it has reservations over the deal in its current form, Anadolu reports. In a statement, the movement’s spokesperson said: “What has been announced regarding an agreement between the Palestinian factions and the enemy (Israel) is inaccurate, and we have reservations about it in its currently circulated form.” The Palestinian group’s statement came after US President Donald Trump announced that an agreement had been reached for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, with Israeli forces set to withdraw in phases as the process moves forward. READ: Israel rejects mediators’ Gaza proposal, insists on Hamas disarmament: Yedioth Ahronoth

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  Data shows Indonesia is still importing from Israel, in the middle of a genocide, until now

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Indonesia’s own Ministry of Trade has published data showing the country is still importing goods from Israel today, in 2026, almost three years into a genocide the world has watched unfold in Gaza. This is happening in the country with the largest Muslim population on earth, a country whose own citizens have spent the last three years marching, boycotting, and demanding their government cut ties with Israel. Government trade data, from Indonesia’s own Ministry of Trade, shows imports from Israel never really stopped. They went up. From about 22 million US dollars in 2023 to over 54 million dollars in 2024 — the same year Gaza’s hospitals were being flattened and its children pulled out of rubble. In 2025 imports

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  Britain ‘losing the plot’ over pro-Palestine crackdown

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Britain is “losing the plot” and is on course to becoming a “dictatorship” over its treatment of pro-Palestine protesters, the country has been warned, as the Labour government comes under mounting criticism over authoritarian policies used to crack down on critics of the apartheid state of Israel. Police arrested veteran environmental campaigner Sir Jonathon Porritt outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court in central London yesterday after he publicly declared his support for Palestine Action, which the British government proscribed as a terrorist organisation in July 2025. The Metropolitan Police said officers arrested 117 people during the demonstration, most of them for allegedly expressing support for a proscribed organisation. Many of those detained were elderly, including an 87-year-old woman who uses a wheelchair. 

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  Rights group releases major report on conditions in Egyptian prisons

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  The Association of Families of Egyptian Detainees (FIDA) has published a new report on the humanitarian conditions in Egyptian prisons. The report highlights conditions of extreme overcrowding used as an instrument of psychological and health punishment by the authorities. The report “inquires whether this phenomenon has been transformed – within a specific political and social context – from a transient administrative shortcoming into a systematic pattern amounting to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment within the meaning established under international human rights law.” The total number of detainees in Egypt is estimated at 120,000 persons according to a 2022 estimate drawn from the report of the US Department of State. Of this number, an approximate 80,000 are convicted persons while 40,000

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  Sudan resumes voluntary return convoys from Egypt as 1,200 citizens travel home

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Sudan’s Hope Committee for Voluntary Return resumed organized voluntary return convoys from Egypt on Thursday, with approximately 1,200 Sudanese citizens traveling home aboard 24 buses, following new measures introduced by Sudanese authorities to facilitate their return. According to the state-run Sudan News Agency (SUNA), the convoy was organized under the auspices of the General Secretariat of the Zakat Chamber as part of an ongoing voluntary repatriation program. The resumption follows a decision by Babiker Samra Mustafa, Director General of the Sudanese Police Forces, to waive fees for emergency travel documents and allow the use of expired passports to facilitate the return of Sudanese nationals. The Hope Committee for Voluntary Return, a humanitarian initiative that coordinates with Sudanese government institutions, said

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  Egypt says investigation continues into Damietta Port fire caused by suspected drone

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Thursday that authorities are continuing to investigate the fire that broke out aboard two ships at Damietta Port, after preliminary findings indicated it was caused by an unidentified drone. Chairing a cabinet meeting, Madbouly said the government was taking the necessary measures to safeguard Egypt’s national security and interests, while emphasizing that operations at the port have continued without disruption. According to a government statement, the prime minister briefed ministers on the latest developments, saying preliminary investigations by the relevant authorities indicated that the fire was caused by a drone. He added that investigations remain ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Madbouly said port operations remain stable, with vessel arrivals

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  Axios: Reported rift between Vance and Netanyahu deepened over Iran diplomacy and war

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Disagreements between US Vice President J.D. Vance and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over diplomacy with Iran and the conduct of the conflict reportedly escalated into personal tensions, according to a report by Axios. Citing US and Israeli officials, Axios reported that friction between the two leaders had been building behind the scenes for several months. According to the report, Netanyahu was frustrated by Vance’s public criticism of Israeli policy, while Vance believed Netanyahu was allowing aides and allies in pro-Netanyahu media outlets in Israel and the United States to criticize him and undermine his political standing. Axios reported that Vance privately accused Netanyahu of attempting to derail a US-Iran memorandum of understanding and questioned the Israeli prime minister’s loyalty

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  Israel Hayom profiles Egyptian activist, Dalia Ziada, following her departure from Egypt

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom has published an interview with Egyptian activist Dalia Ziada, who left Egypt after facing criticism over her public positions on Israel and the conflict in Gaza. According to the newspaper, Ziada departed Egypt shortly after publicly expressing views supportive of Israel and describing Palestinian armed groups as terrorist organizations. The report said she later relocated to the United States. The article states that Ziada faced widespread criticism in Egypt following her statements. According to Israel Hayom, she was accused by critics of harming Egypt’s national interests and was the subject of allegations related to contacts with Israel. The newspaper did not provide evidence to substantiate those allegations. READ: Egypt says Middle East peace depends on Palestinian state

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  Erdogan says Turkey ready to support reconstruction in southern Lebanon

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey is prepared to contribute to reconstruction efforts in southern Lebanon and will continue its support for the Lebanese Armed Forces. Speaking on Thursday, Erdogan said Lebanon stands to benefit from greater regional stability and cooperation, adding that he had discussed with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun the forms of assistance Ankara could provide. Erdogan also expressed support for continued dialogue between Lebanon and Syria, saying stronger relations between the two neighbouring countries would be beneficial and that Turkey is ready to assist efforts to develop bilateral ties. READ: Turkey’s Fidan meets new Hamas political chief Khalil al-Hayya on first foreign visit since election The Turkish president said Ankara is willing to participate in initiatives aimed

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  Israeli soldiers stage mutiny at Sde Teiman base over removal of memorial display

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Dozens of Israeli soldiers staged what Israeli media described as a mutiny on Thursday after leaving the Sde Teiman military base in southern Israel in protest against orders to remove a memorial display linked to battles they had fought in. The soldiers later returned to the base. Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that dozens of soldiers from the Tsavar Battalion of the Givati Brigade walked out of the Sde Teiman base chanting: “To hell with all the officers.” The newspaper said the soldiers were protesting after their commanders removed signs and symbols they had installed. According to the report, the battalion commander had ordered the removal of a memorial corner inside the base containing flags and items commemorating battles in

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  FIFA has a Gianni Infantino problem

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  There are sentences one never expected to write. Here is one: Sepp Blatter is beginning to look good. That is quite an accomplishment by Gianni Infantino. Blatter presided over FIFA when corruption became so synonymous with international football that the organisation occasionally resembled a criminal enterprise with a sporting division. Eventually, American prosecutors arrived. In 2015, the United States indicted nine FIFA officials and five corporate executives on racketeering, wire fraud and money-laundering charges arising from what prosecutors described as a 24-year corruption scheme. Two serving FIFA vice-presidents were among those charged. The scandal engulfed the organisation and helped end Blatter’s presidency. There was always an exquisite irony about America’s sudden missionary zeal concerning FIFA governance. Five years earlier, the

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  Egypt imposes new departure fee for travellers

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Egypt has introduced new fees for people leaving the country and for cement production under amendments to the state’s financial resource development law. The amendments were published in the country’s official gazette 28 July 2026 through a presidential decree and will take effect the day after publication. Under the new law, a fee of 100 Egyptian pounds will be charged on departures from Egypt. The measure exempts Egyptian and foreign drivers of public passenger and freight vehicles, as well as workers on cross-border truck routes. READ: Egypt announces annual reshuffle of senior security leadership The law also introduces a fee of 35 Egyptian pounds for every tonne of cement produced, regardless of type. Cement manufacturers will be required to pay the

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  Lebanese Army chief says Israel seeks to fuel internal strife

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal said Israel was seeking to stir internal divisions in Lebanon, urging national unity to counter such efforts. Haykal said creating internal strife was “one of the objectives of the Israeli occupation” and stressed the need for awareness and unity to confront such attempts. He said the military was facing major challenges during the current period, adding: “The challenges before us are great, and we have no choice but to continue making sacrifices and giving our best.” Haykal said the army would continue carrying out its duties to preserve security and stability and protect the country amid the region’s sensitive circumstances. READ: UN rights chief says office has documented possible war crimes during conflict in Lebanon

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  Iraq denies Trump’s claim of prior knowledge of US-Saudi strikes

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  The Iraqi government said on Thursday it had no prior knowledge of the US and Saudi strikes on positions of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella group that includes Iran-backed armed factions, contradicting US President Donald Trump’s statement that the operation had been coordinated with Baghdad. Government spokesperson Haider Al-Aboudi said in a media interview that the government “had no knowledge of the strikes and did not give approval to any party to carry out these attacks”. He stressed that the government “will not allow Iraqi territory to become a stage for military operations without its knowledge and without the approval of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces”. The PMF said on Wednesday that 20 of its members, including

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  Israel rejects mediators’ Gaza proposal, insists on Hamas disarmament: Yedioth Ahronoth

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  The Israeli government has rejected a proposal reached by mediators in Cairo with Palestinian factions and is insisting on the complete disarmament of Hamas as a key condition for any progress on US President Donald Trump’s plan, according to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth. Citing a source, the newspaper said the 15-point document currently under discussion “does not sufficiently meet Israel’s demands”, adding that Israel had informed former UK prime minister Tony Blair, acting as an envoy, of its objections. The report said Israel has made clear it will not withdraw from the so-called Yellow Line until Hamas is fully disarmed and the Gaza Strip is completely demilitarised. READ: New Hamas chief outlines 6 priorities topped by ending Israeli offensive in

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  Iran’s Araghchi: Egypt is an important friend, its security is of utmost importance, warns of ‘Israeli conspiracy’

  by Mehdi Editor on July 31, 2026

  Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday that Tehran was not responsible for the strike that targeted two Egyptian vessels at Damietta Port. In a post on his official X account, Araghchi said: “Egypt is an important friend and partner in the region, and its security is of utmost importance to us.”     He urged vigilance against “Israeli plots and false-flag operations designed to undermine regional peace.”       He added that “the threat is clear, mutual, and fearful of Muslim solidarity,” calling on countries in the region to remain alert to attempts to drag them into further escalation.  READ: Yemen’s Houthis deny drone attack on gas vessels at Egypt’s Damietta Port Araghchi used the term “false flag”, which refers to operations carried

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  US sanctions global networks supporting Iran’s Mahan Air, Revolutionary Guards

  by Mehdi Editor on July 30, 2026

  The US imposed sanctions on six individuals and entities Thursday in four nations for their roles in supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its primary transport network, Mahan Air, Anadolu reports. “The United States today sanctioned six entities and individuals in China, India, Russia, and Iran that enable the Iranian regime’s … IRGC,” said State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott. The move targets the “Mahan Air Network,” which Pigott identified as the IRGC’s “airline of choice” for transporting weapons, military personnel and equipment worldwide. READ: CENTCOM chief proposes 2-week air campaign against Iran following killing of service members: Report The Treasury Department accused Mahan Air of facilitating military training and procuring drone systems by providing travel services for IRGC‑Qods Force.

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  Iranian army says drones target key US facilities at Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa Air Base

  by Mehdi Editor on July 30, 2026

  Iran’s army said Thursday it targeted key US military facilities at Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa Air Base with one-way attack drones amid an exchange of attacks between Tehran and Washington across the Middle East region. In a statement, the army’s public relations office said the operation was carried out in retaliation for the killing of an Iranian Air Force Su-24 pilot at the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran in February, the official IRNA news agency reported. It said the drones struck power generators, navigation systems and administrative and support buildings used by what it described as the US military at Sheikh Isa Air Base. READ: CENTCOM chief proposes 2-week air campaign against Iran following killing of service members: Report The

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  UK’s top court greenlights appeal of Palestine Action ban

  by Mehdi Editor on July 30, 2026

  The UK’s highest court granted permission on Thursday for Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori to challenge a Court of Appeal ruling upholding a ban on the group, Anadolu reports. Ammori has been fighting to have the decision overturned amid a mass civil pro-Palestine campaign. The top court said Ammori could appeal the Court of Appeal decision, and that the case would be heard in the final quarter of 2026. “We will be arguing in the Supreme Court that the ban is unlawful, as it is disproportionate to free speech and the right to protest. The fight continues,” Ammori wrote on US social media company X. The Defend Our Juries group, meanwhile, said 70 people have been arrested under the terrorism

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  Pakistan, Saudi Arabia welcome Jordan proposal for Arab-Islamic meeting on Palestine

  by Mehdi Editor on July 30, 2026

  Pakistan and Saudi Arabia welcomed Jordan’s proposal to convene a meeting of Arab and Islamic countries to address the worsening situation in Palestine, particularly in occupied East Jerusalem, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said Thursday, Anadolu reports. The announcement came after Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, a ministry statement said. According to the ministry, the two foreign ministers exchanged views on regional and international developments, including recent developments in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. It said the two sides welcomed Jordan’s initiative to bring together Arab and Islamic countries to discuss the situation in Palestine, particularly occupied East Jerusalem, and agreed to remain

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  Saudi Arabia hosts international meeting to create multinational maritime defense alliance for Bab al-Mandab

  by Mehdi Editor on July 30, 2026

  Saudi Arabia said Thursday it hosted an international meeting in Riyadh to finalize the creation of a multinational maritime defense alliance aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, Anadolu reports. In a statement, the Saudi Defense Ministry said the meeting was attended by chiefs of staff and representatives from 43 countries, as well as a delegation from the European Union to discuss ways of enhancing the security of international maritime routes and counter threats to global navigation and trade. It said the meeting addressed the growing threats to maritime security, including the security of commercial vessels, oil tankers, and maritime infrastructure. It also explored ways to strengthen multilateral defense cooperation to protect supply chains

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  Palestinian Football Association files complaints over Israeli claims against slain Gaza football figures

  by Mehdi Editor on July 30, 2026

  The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) said Thursday that it had filed formal complaints with international and continental football governing bodies over Israeli military allegations against 12 Palestinian football figures killed during the war in Gaza. Last week, the Israeli military alleged that the 12, including a FIFA-accredited international assistant referee, were members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad group. The PFA rejected the allegations, saying they were made only after the victims had been killed and were unsupported by independently verifiable evidence. In a statement, the association said it had submitted complaints to FIFA, UEFA and the Asian Football Confederation. “Taking people’s lives and then accusing them without any evidence, legal process or opportunity to defend themselves is an utterly disgraceful