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

• 
  Gaza’s Dr Hussam Abu Safiya may not survive and is in ‘imminent danger’, MAP warns

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) has demanded the immediate release of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, warning that his life is in “imminent danger” in Israeli custody.  The UK-based medical charity issued the appeal after a lawyer visited Dr Abu Safiya on 2 July 2026 at the Rakefet facility in Nitzan Prison. According to lawyer Nasser Odeh, Dr Abu Safiya showed signs of severe physical deterioration, including visible injuries, extreme weakness, breathing difficulties and psychological distress. He appeared at times close to losing consciousness and feared that he would not survive detention.  Dr Abu Safiya has been detained by Israeli authorities since 27 December 2024 without charge or trial under the Unlawful

• 
  Ali Khamenei and Palestine as the enduring axis of the Islamic revolution

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  For Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the defence of Palestine was never a circumstantial matter of foreign policy. Rather, it constituted the enduring axis of his political, diplomatic and strategic vision throughout nearly four decades as Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Palestinian cause has ceased to be merely a regional issue, becoming instead one of the founding principles of the Iranian state. Under Khamenei’s leadership, this commitment was deepened and consolidated as an expression of the struggle against colonialism, occupation and foreign hegemony in the Middle East. In Khamenei’s view, Palestine represented the greatest contemporary injustice inflicted upon a people deprived of their land, sovereignty and right to self-determination. For this reason, he

• 
  5 more Palestinians killed, 25 injured in Israeli strikes across Gaza despite ceasefire

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Five Palestinians were killed and 25 others injured in Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip since dawn Monday, amid daily violations of the ceasefire agreement in effect since Oct. 10, 2025, Anadolu Agency reports. Medical sources said two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli strike targeting a displacement tent on Roni Street in the Al-Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. A Palestinian was also killed and 16 others were injured in an Israeli strike on a vehicle in Al-Mawasi, the sources added. The Israeli army also targeted a second vehicle near the Al-Matahin junction north of Khan Younis, with no injuries reported, eyewitnesses told Anadolu Agency. READ: Netanyahu says Gaza reconstruction depends on Hamas disarmament In Gaza City,

• 
  Germany says Iran should pay for mine clearance in Strait of Hormuz

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Germany’s foreign minister said on Monday Iran must ultimately bear the cost of any international operation to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, Anadolu reports. Johann Wadephul made the remarks in an interview with the Handelsblatt newspaper after being asked whether European countries might offer Iran financial incentives to secure Tehran’s consent for a mine-clearing mission. “We do not need to offer Tehran anything at all; quite the contrary: Iran has unlawfully mined an international shipping lane,” Wadephul said. “If we clear it together with other European partners, we do not intend to charge a fee for doing so at this stage,” he added. “In principle, however, it would be justified, and Iran ought to foot the bill, since we

• 
  Israeli documents undermine claim Iran and Hezbollah helped plan 7 October attack

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Secret Hamas documents summarised by the Israeli site OSINT613 appear to undermine one of Israel’s central narratives about 7 October: that the attack was a closely coordinated operation planned with Iran and Hezbollah. The documents, first revealed by Israel Army Radio correspondent Doron Kadosh and analysed by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, were presented by Israeli sources as evidence of years of contact between Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. However, the same material indicates that neither Hezbollah nor Iran was informed in advance of the timing or operational launch of the 7 October attack.  According to the Israeli site OSINT613, Hamas had spent years seeking a broader multi-front confrontation with Israel and repeatedly tried to persuade Hezbollah Secretary-General

• 
  Israeli, Greek air forces resume joint drills

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Israeli and Greek air forces have resumed joint military exercises after a long pause over Israeli wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, according to Israeli media on Monday, Anadolu reports. “The Air Force has returned to training with the Hellenic Air Force after a long period in which joint trainings did not take place due to the fighting,” Channel 12 said. It added that footage released by the Greek air force showed Israeli aircraft refueling Greek F-16 fighter jets during a flight over the Aegean Sea. “The cooperation between the Israeli and Greek air forces is not a random choice. It is part of a broader strategic plan taking shape in the region,” the channel said. The Israeli army has killed

• 
  Israeli defense minister threatens Iranian leaders as Iranians mourn Khamenei

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened Monday that Israel will “thwart” any future Iranian leader who seeks to attack his country, Anadolu reports. His comments came as thousands filled the streets of Tehran on Monday for a massive procession of Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli strike on Feb. 28. “Any Iranian leader who tries to promote plans to destroy Israel again will also be thwarted,” Katz said in comments carried by The Jerusalem Post newspaper. He claimed that US-Israeli attacks against Iran “removed the immediate threat of destruction from Israel and severely damaged Iran’s strategic capabilities.” “Israel is prepared to once again defend itself on its own at any time and against any

• 
  UK MPs urge sanctions on Netanyahu and Israeli justice minister over torture of Palestinians

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Dozens of British parliamentarians have urged the UK government to impose sanctions on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his justice minister, Yariv Levin, over the “systematic and well-documented torture” of Palestinian civilians in Israeli detention. According to Sky News, 71 cross-party MPs and peers signed a letter to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper calling on Britain to “help end this impunity” by targeting Netanyahu and Levin, who also serves as deputy prime minister, interior minister and religious services minister.  The letter, led by Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan, argues that responsibility for the alleged abuse of Palestinian detainees “lies with the government of Israel, including Prime Minister Netanyahu”. It follows the UK’s decision last year to sanction Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir

• 
  Khamenei’s funeral makes clear the global order is moving on

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  The United States turned 250 on July 4. The celebrations were spectacular: 850,000 fireworks launched from ten sites across Washington, military flyovers every hour, a speech from a president who promised it would be the “largest fireworks show in history”. At Mount Rushmore the night before, Donald Trump declared America “the most extraordinary republic ever, ever, ever”. But anniversaries have a way of exposing what lies beneath the pageantry. And beneath this one, the foundations are crumbling. While Trump spoke of American greatness, Iran began a six-day national mourning for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28. The timing was not incidental. The casket of the slain leader lay in state on the very

• 
  Gaza hospital director’s health deteriorates in Israeli detention, shows signs of torture, rights activists say

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Rights activists and a lawyer said on Sunday that Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Gaza Strip, is facing a serious risk to his health while in Israeli detention. Abu Safiya was arrested around 18 months ago during the Gaza war. Israel has accused him of having links to the Palestinian group Hamas. Following a visit to Abu Safiya last Thursday, his lawyer, Nasser Odeh, said his client’s health had deteriorated severely. The visit took place at the Rakefet underground interrogation facility inside Nitzan Prison. Physicians for Human Rights Israel   The Israeli rights group Physicians for Human Rights Israel and lawyer Odeh called for Abu Safiya to be transferred immediately from the facility and for

• 
  UAE allocates $30m in emergency aid for Sudan’s El Obeid city

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  The United Arab Emirates has announced an emergency humanitarian response worth $30 million to support civilians affected by the worsening situation in the Sudanese city of El Obeid, in North Kordofan State, under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to the official WAM news agency, the aid will be delivered through the UAE Aid Agency as part of the country’s long-standing humanitarian approach and its continued commitment to supporting the Sudanese people. The response comes after a sharp deterioration in the humanitarian situation in El Obeid and surrounding areas, where civilians and displaced people face growing needs for food, healthcare, clean drinking water and shelter. The UAE stressed the need for urgent and coordinated humanitarian

• 
  Iraq seeks strongest strategic ties with Saudi Arabia, says president

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Iraqi President Nizar Amidi said on Sunday that Iraq is seeking to build the strongest possible strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia across all sectors, stressing that limiting the possession of weapons to the state remains the government’s top priority. In an interview with Al Arabiya, Amidi said Saudi Arabia plays a major role in the region, describing the Kingdom as a neighbouring country with an active and influential economic role. He also said Iraq’s security situation remains fragile, adding that Baghdad rejects the use of its territory to launch attacks against neighbouring countries. READ: Iraq detains politicians, officials in anti-corruption crackdown “The security of the Gulf is part of Iraq’s security, and Iraq’s security is part of the region’s security,” he

• 
  US to urge Israel to curb violence against Palestinians in West Bank – Israeli media

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  The US administration intends to present “official demands” to Israel, including a halt to settler attacks and a cessation of violence committed by Israeli soldiers against Palestinians in the West Bank, Israel’s Channel 13 reported on Sunday. Quoting unnamed US sources, the broadcaster said Washington was “deeply concerned” about what it described as a rise in “nationalistically motivated crimes” in the West Bank, as well as repeated reports documenting violence by Israeli soldiers against Palestinians. According to the report, the requests will be raised during an expected meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington next week. The report added that the United States will ask Israel to provide explanations and reports on law

• 
  Iranian parliament speaker: We have no peace with US and will not recognise Israel

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said his country is not at peace with the United States, describing Washington as an unreliable party. Speaking during a meeting in Tehran on Sunday with Mohammad Darwish, chairman of the Hamas Shoura Council, Ghalibaf also said Iran would never recognise Israel. He said Iran would continue to support Muslims and the resistance axis, providing missiles when needed and political backing whenever required. On negotiations, Ghalibaf said Iran had set clear red lines and maintained them throughout the talks, adding that the axis of resistance and Lebanon were among those red lines. He also pledged to closely follow the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire process. Ghalibaf said Iran had not abandoned its

• 
  10 countries ban Ben-Gvir, Smotrich from entering their territories

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Ten European and Western countries have barred Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering their territories, according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry. The ministry said the ten countries had imposed entry bans on the two far-right ministers, who have faced widespread criticism over statements seen as advocating the extermination of the Palestinian people. In a statement, the ministry said it was monitoring the diplomatic development and urged the countries to reconsider what it described as their “unjustified” decisions. The countries that have imposed the bans are the UK, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Norway, Ireland, New Zealand and France. Ben-Gvir was already banned from entering France and Ireland at the end of May after publishing a video showing

• 
  Netanyahu says Gaza reconstruction depends on Hamas disarmament

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that reconstruction of the Gaza Strip will not begin unless Hamas is disarmed, reaffirming Israel’s position amid reports of differences with the United States over post-war plans for the territory. Speaking during a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said Gaza’s reconstruction must be linked to the dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities. “There will be no reconstruction in Gaza without the disarmament of Hamas,” he said. His comments followed a report by the Israeli news outlet Ynet, which claimed the US administration had decided to drop Hamas’s disarmament as a precondition for reconstruction. Netanyahu did not directly deny the report but insisted that Israel’s position remains unchanged. The Israeli prime minister also said Palestinians in

• 
  Report: Israeli army plans to discharge 10,000 reservists by end of July amid budget crunch

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  The Israeli military is preparing to release around 10,000 reservists by the end of July as it grapples with mounting financial pressures, according to local media on Sunday. The Israel Hayom newspaper said the number of reservists on active duty is expected to decline from about 60,000 to around 50,000, reflecting growing strain on the military’s budget. It added that a final decision has yet to be made and is expected in the coming days. According to the report, the move comes as Israel’s military faces a severe funding crisis following an unprecedented surge in military spending, resulting in a budget shortfall estimated at tens of billions of shekels. Israeli media, including Yedioth Ahronoth and Calcalist, reported that the planned

• 
  Israeli report says Hamas leader met Trump adviser in Qatar as commentators warn group is regrouping

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Israeli state broadcaster Kan reported on Sunday that senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya recently met with an adviser to US President Donald Trump in Qatar, citing senior political sources in Washington and Tel Aviv. The report did not identify the adviser or provide further details about the meeting, and there was no immediate confirmation from Hamas or US officials. The report comes amid an ongoing debate in Israel over the outcome of the war in Gaza and Hamas’s future capabilities. Writing in Yedioth Ahronoth, Israeli commentator Avi Issacharoff argued that, despite nearly three years of war, Hamas has retained political control over the Gaza Strip and is rebuilding its military capabilities. Issacharoff wrote that, following the 7th October 2023 attack,

• 
  IOM warns El Obeid risks becoming ‘another El Fasher’ as fighting intensifies in Sudan

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that the Sudanese city of El Obeid could face a humanitarian catastrophe similar to that experienced in El Fasher if the conflict continues to escalate. In a video message published on Sunday on the organization’s X account, IOM Sudan Chief of Mission Mohamed Rifaat expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State. “We are concerned that El Obeid will become like El Fasher, and if we do nothing, we will see another El Fasher,” Rifaat said. For about a month, El Obeid has been subjected to repeated drone attacks attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), targeting the city’s main power station, fuel facilities

• 
  Infant dies after delay at Israeli checkpoint; teenager killed during raid on Qalandiya Camp

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  A four-month-old Palestinian infant died on Sunday after his family prevented from reaching a hospital by Israeli forces at a military checkpoint west of Ramallah, according to Palestinian officials. Separately, a 16-year-old Palestinian was killed during an Israeli military raid on Qalandiya refugee camp, north of Jerusalem. Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governor Laila Ghannam said doctors at the Arab Specialized Hospital declared the death of Ahmed Marouf Zeid, a four-month-old infant, after Israeli forces delayed his family’s passage for more than an hour at a military checkpoint at the entrance to the village of Deir Ammar. According to Ghannam, the infant was being transported for urgent medical treatment when Israeli soldiers prevented the family from passing through the checkpoint. She further

• 
  Rights groups raise concerns over theft during Israeli military raids in the West Bank

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations say they have documented a growing number of incidents in which Israeli soldiers have stolen money, jewellery and other personal belongings during military raids on Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank. According to testimonies collected by rights groups, incidents reported during Israeli military searches increasingly involve not only arrests and property damage but also the disappearance of cash, gold jewellery and other valuables. The organizations say the number of such allegations has risen significantly since October 2023, while victims report that complaints have not resulted in the return of their property or disciplinary action. Human rights groups state they have documented hundreds of cases in which Palestinian families reported discovering money, jewellery or

• 
  Israel’s relentless quest for a next enemy

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  For most of the past year, Israeli officials have described the aftermath of the war with Iran in confident, almost triumphant terms: a weakened adversary, its nuclear program set back, its regional proxies dismantled one by one. But even before that campaign had fully wound down, a new threat was already being sketched out in Jerusalem, in terms once reserved almost exclusively for Tehran. This one is harder to define, has no single capital, and, unlike Iran, comprises states that field some of the world’s most capable conventional militaries. The shift in language was deliberate, and it came from the top. On 17 February, Naftali Bennett, the former prime minister who is widely expected to challenge Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel’s

• 
  Israeli army launches air, artillery attacks in southern Lebanon despite ceasefire

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  The Israeli army carried out an airstrike and artillery shelling in southern Lebanon on Sunday, in the latest violation of an ongoing ceasefire agreement, Lebanese media reported. The state news agency NNA said Israeli warplanes struck the Al-Hariq neighborhood between the towns of Kfartebnit and Nabatieh al-Fawqa in southern Lebanon. No information was yet available about injuries. According to the agency, Israeli artillery shelled the outskirts of the southern town of Qantara, while an Israeli drone dropped a stun grenade on the town of Mansouri in the Tyre district. Israeli forces also carried out an explosion in the town of Tayri in the Bint Jbeil district. The NNA also reported intensive Israeli drone flights over villages and towns surrounding the

• 
  2 Gazans killed in Israeli drone strike in new ceasefire violation

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  Two Palestinians were killed and several others injured in an Israeli drone strike in Gaza City on Sunday, in a new violation of an ongoing ceasefire deal, the Civil Defense said, Anadolu reports. In a statement, the agency said a drone struck a group of civilians outside a water distribution station in the Al-Samer area, east of Gaza City, causing the casualties, the agency said in a statement. The Israeli army has continued daily attacks across the Gaza Strip despite the ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10, 2025. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks have killed 1,066 people and injured 3,445 others since the ceasefire. Israel has also expanded its occupation to around 70% of Gaza’s territory, confining

• 
  Israeli forces raided Al-Aqsa Mosque 26 times in June, Palestinian ministry says

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  Israeli forces raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem 26 times in June, while authorities prevented the call to prayer at the Ibrahimi Mosque in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron on 84 occasions, the Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs said on Sunday, Anadolu reports. The figures were included in the ministry’s monthly report documenting Israeli violations against the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Ibrahimi Mosque last month. According to the report, as many as 4,212 Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa compound through the Mughrabi Gate during morning and afternoon visits under Israeli police protection. The ministry said “Temple Mount” groups continued to call for intensified incursions into the compound and the imposition of “a new

• 
  Could Israel aid mission open the door to renewed Venezuela-Israel relations?

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  The arrival of an Israeli aid delegation from the humanitarian organization NATAN in Venezuela, following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country on 24th June, has triggered political controversy, particularly after images circulated showing members of the team wearing military uniforms and carrying the Israeli flag. The deployment is notable because Venezuela has had no formal diplomatic relations with Israel since 2009. Caracas has also been among the most prominent political and diplomatic supporters of South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, where Israel is accused of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. “Immediately after landing, the delegation members began a series of working meetings with local authorities, emergency services and other partners to assess the

• 
  Right to breathe: Unfiltered messages from Gaza to President Catherine Connolly

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  I recently had the chance to send a message to the President of Ireland, Her Excellency Catherine Connolly. President Connolly is a vocal supporter of Palestine and remains one of the few European heads of state to explicitly accuse Israel of carrying out a genocide in Gaza. She has a long history of this advocacy; while previously serving as a member of the Dáil Éireann—the lower house of the Irish Parliament—she famously argued that if Ireland couldn’t recognize Israel as a “terrorist state,” then the country was “in serious trouble.” The President’s sister, Dr. Margaret Connolly also joined the Global Sumud Flotilla—a multi-boat humanitarian convoy carrying medical supplies and food attempting to break the siege on Gaza.  In May 2026,

• 
  Israel releases 9 Palestinian detainees through Kerem Abu Salem crossing

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  Israel released nine Palestinian detainees it had held from the blockaded Gaza Strip through the Kerem Abu Salem border crossing on July 5, Anadolu reports. The detainees were handed over to teams from the International Committee of the Red Cross. They were then transferred to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza for medical checks. The released Palestinians were reunited with their families at the hospital, where emotional scenes unfolded as relatives welcomed them back. Since the ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, Israeli forces have continued carrying out airstrikes, shootings and demolitions across Gaza. Israel has expanded its control to around 70% of Gaza’s territory, confining Palestinians to less than 30% of the strip, according to local

• 
  Iranian parliament speaker says implementing memorandum ‘difficult but possible’

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who headed negotiations with Washington, said on Sunday that implementing the memorandum of understanding with the US is “difficult but possible,” stressing diplomacy must preserve battlefield gains. Qalibaf made the remarks at a meeting with Mohammed Darwish, head of Hamas’ Leadership Council, on the sidelines of farewell ceremonies for slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran, according to Iranian Students News Agency. He said diplomacy and negotiations should be able to resolve military deadlocks while preserving and consolidating what he described as the achievements of resistance forces. “This can only happen when the country remains fully prepared for defense alongside diplomacy,” Qalibaf said. Referring to the memorandum with Washington, he said negotiations reached

• 
  Cholera, measles, food shortages put 200,000 at risk in Sudan’s North Kordofan: Medics

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  More than 200,000 people, including over 20,000 children, are facing a worsening humanitarian and public health crisis in western Bara in Sudan’s North Kordofan State amid cholera and measles outbreaks and acute shortages of food and medicine, a Sudanese medical group warned Sunday, Anadolu reports. “More than 200,000 people, including over 20,000 children, are facing extremely harsh humanitarian conditions due to severe shortages of food and medicine, compounded by outbreaks of measles and cholera,” the Sudan Doctors Network said in a statement. The group said more than 100 cases of measles have been recorded among children at several health centers in Bara, in addition to 45 cholera cases, amid a sharp decline in health services and the absence of essential medical

• 
  Israeli government says it will not respect High Court verdict on broadcast regulator

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  Israel’s government said Sunday it will not recognize decisions made by the Council of the Second Authority, the country’s commercial broadcasting regulator, in defiance of a recent High Court ruling allowing the body to continue operating despite lacking a legal quorum, Anadolu reports. The Cabinet approved a declaration proposed by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Justice Minister Yariv Levin stating that the government would not respect decisions, approvals, appointments or actions taken by the council in its current composition, according to The Times of Israel news website. The move could trigger a constitutional crisis by creating a situation in which the High Court considers the council’s decisions valid while the government refuses to implement them. In its resolution, the government argued

• 
  Qatar, France discuss Lebanon, regional developments

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani received a phone call on Sunday from French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, during which the two sides discussed bilateral relations and the latest regional developments, particularly in Lebanon, Anadolu reports. According to a statement by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, the call reviewed cooperation between Doha and Paris and ways to support and strengthen ties. The two officials also discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in the region, particularly after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran to end their military conflict. The talks also touched on the latest developments in Lebanon and a number of issues of mutual interest,

• 
  Netanyahu denies Trump restricted Israeli strikes in Lebanon

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied reports Sunday that the US had restricted Israeli military operations in Lebanon, Anadolu reports. “I heard it was said in the media that President Trump asked not to act against terror tunnels in Lebanon. This is a legend, fake news. He didn’t say anything to me about it, and I didn’t ask him. We operate according to our considerations,” Netanyahu said during a weekly Cabinet meeting. His remarks contradicted an earlier report by Israel’s public broadcaster KAN late last month that Israel had provided US officials with detailed intelligence on alleged Hezbollah tunnels in the Ali al-Taher Heights in southern Lebanon in an effort to obtain US approval for military operations in the area. The

• 
  Israeli army chief threatens Lebanon with ‘swift offensive’ from occupied Beaufort Castle

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir on Sunday threatened Lebanon with a “swift offensive” in the event of any violation of an ongoing ceasefire agreement, during a field visit to the occupied Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, Anadolu reports. In a statement, the Israeli army said Zamir toured forces stationed in the Beaufort area, known in Arabic as Qalaat al-Shaqif, alongside senior military commanders. During the visit, Zamir called for transitioning to a “swift offensive” if the ceasefire agreement is breached. The statement quoted him as describing Beaufort Castle as a “strategic point dominating its surroundings” and claimed the area was “full of terrorist infrastructure.” Ignoring Israel’s near-daily violations of the ceasefire, Zamir also urged the Lebanese army to fulfill its

• 
  French President Macron to visit Syria, Syrian presidency says

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit Syria to discuss bilateral ties and address issues of mutual interest, Syria’s presidential media directorate said on Sunday, Anadolu reports. Macron will be accompanied by a delegation of investors and representatives of French companies, the directorate added in a statement carried by the SANA news agency. Macron and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will hold a roundtable meeting with their respective delegations during the visit, it added, without specifying a date for the trip. If confirmed, the visit will be the first by the French president to Syria since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024. READ: Syria reassures Lebanon it has no intention of military intervention

• 
  Iran, Qatar resume maritime trade after 5-month hiatus

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  Iran and Qatar have resumed their maritime trade following roughly five months of suspension, Iran’s commercial attaché in Doha said on Sunday, Anadolu reports. Maritime shipping between Iran’s Dayyer Port and Qatar’s Al Ruwais Port resumed following coordination between the Iranian Embassy in Doha and Qatari authorities, Abbas Abdolkhani added in statements carried by Iran’s state news agency IRNA. Tensions have escalated in the Middle East after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in February. Tehran retaliated with strikes on Israel and other regional countries hosting US assets, including Qatar. The fighting stopped on April 8 when Pakistan secured a ceasefire, and an initial memorandum was signed in June. Mediators, including Qatar, continue talks for a final deal. READ: Qatar

• 
  Cholera outbreak kills 30, infects 800 in West Kordofan: Sudanese group

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  A Sudanese relief group on Sunday reported 30 deaths from a cholera outbreak in West Kordofan state in western Sudan since June 20, Anadolu reports. In a statement, Dar Hamar Emergency Room said 800 people have also been infected with the disease during the same period. The organization said the outbreak was recorded in Wad Banda and Al-Nahud localities as well as neighboring villages in the state. “Statistics to date show 30 deaths and 800 cholera infections across more than 25 villages,” it said, appealing to humanitarian organizations and health authorities to intervene urgently to provide the medicines, intravenous fluids, and medical supplies needed to contain the epidemic. On Tuesday, the Sudanese Health Ministry said that 911 cholera cases, including

• 
  Israeli occupiers burn down restaurant in occupied West Bank

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  Israeli occupiers set fire to a restaurant in the occupied West Bank on Sunday after stealing money from there, local sources told Anadolu Agency. A group of occupiers broke into the restaurant near Al-Zaytouna University, between the towns of Al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya and Ammuriya, south of Nablus, the sources said. They smashed its doors, stole money, and set it on fire, completely destroying it, the sources stated, adding that the attack occurred under the protection of the Israeli army. The sources added that the restaurant served university students, and estimated the losses from the fire at around $300,000. In the central West Bank, Israeli occupiers, accompanied by their livestock, attacked an area surrounding Palestinian homes in the northern part of Sinjil,

• 
  Cargo vessel comes under attack off Yemen’s Red Sea coast, British maritime agency says

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  A cargo ship came under attack on Sunday off Yemen’s Red Sea coast, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center said, Anadolu reports. UKMTO said it has received a report of an incident 30 nautical miles southwest of Al Hudaydah. “A cargo vessel has triggered a distress alert stating that they are under attack by unknown armed assailants,” it added on US social media company X. Authorities are investigating the incident, the agency said, urging vessels operating in the area to exercise caution and report “any suspicious activity.” No further details were immediately available. READ: Houthis declare ‘total’ ban on Israeli maritime navigation in Red Sea

• 
  Egypt rules out ‘popular normalization’ with Israel without just peace, Palestinian state

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said there will be “no popular normalization” with Israel unless a just peace is achieved that ends the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and leads to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Sisi’s remarks came during a Saturday speech at the inauguration ceremony for the State Strategic Command headquarters in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital east of Cairo, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency. “There will be no lasting peace, no true stability, and no popular normalization except with a just peace that ends the occupation, puts an end to injustice and aggression, restores rights to their rightful owners, and provides security for all,” the president said. A just peace would provide

• 
  Qatar resumes all maritime activity after week-long pause

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  Qatar announced on Sunday that all maritime navigation activities would resume with immediate effect after nearly a week of suspension, Anadolu reports. “Maritime navigation activities can now resume normally for all types of maritime vessels & ships, as of the date of this announcement,” the Transport Ministry said on the US social media company X. It also called on “everyone to abide by the maritime regulations & instructions in effect, to ensure highest levels of safety & security for all trips.” The move reverses a June 29 advisory that suspended sailing and fishing activities until further notice while exempting commercial shipping. Doha did not explain the reasons for the June 29 measure. However, it came a day after the Qatari

• 
  Jailed Gaza hospital director faces life-threatening condition, lawyer says

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Gaza Strip, who has been detained by Israel since 2024, is facing an immediate threat to his life, Physicians for Human Rights said Saturday. Physicians for Human Rights said its lawyer, Nasser Odeh, documented serious injuries, signs of physical abuse, breathing difficulties and repeated episodes of loss of consciousness during a July 2 visit to Abu Safiya at the Rakefet detention facility in Nitzan Prison, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA on Saturday. Abu Safiya was brought to the meeting shackled at both hands and feet and escorted by masked prison guards, Odeh said. He reportedly showed fresh injuries and severe bruising around his head, eyes, ears and neck,

• 
  Israel’s Ben-Gvir to skip UN police summit in New York amid legal pressure: Reports

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is planning to skip a UN police chiefs conference in New York this week amid legal pressure over his prison policies and “involvement in war crimes,” Israeli media reported. Ben-Gvir’s office has yet to confirm the cancellation of the visit, the Jerusalem Post reported Saturday. The report came a day after the Israeli daily Haaretz, citing ministry officials, said the decision was made amid planned demonstrations against Ben-Gvir’s visit and growing calls by human rights groups for his investigation and arrest. Earlier in the week, the Hind Rajab Foundation, a Belgium-based group known for filing legal cases against Israeli soldiers and officials around the world, urged US authorities to detain and prosecute Ben-Gvir over

• 
  Trump says Netanyahu asked for meeting at White House

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  US President Donald Trump told Axios on Saturday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked him for a meeting at the White House and it could take place as early as next week, Anadolu reports. “We get along very good. (Netanyahu) knows who the boss is,” Trump said in a brief phone interview. This would be the first meeting between the two leaders since their February Situation Room meeting, when Netanyahu presented his plan for a joint war against Iran. An Israeli official said next week could be too soon because of Trump’s trip to Türkiye for the NATO summit on July 7-8, saying the meeting “might take place the week after.” Netanyahu’s office said the prime minister called Trump

• 
  Iran holds mass funeral prayer for slain supreme leader

  by Mehdi Editor on July 5, 2026

  A mass funeral prayer was held in Iran’s capital Tehran on Sunday for the country’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at Imam Khomeini Mosalla Mosque, Anadolu reports. The funeral ceremony for Khamenei and his family members drew hundreds of thousands of mourners, many of whom arrived at the venue in the early hours of the morning carrying Iranian flags. The prayer at the major prayer complex was led by Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, senior military and political officials, and religious figures were among those attending the ceremony. Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on Feb. 28 and were followed by Iranian retaliation. READ: Medvedev says Strait of Hormuz gives Iran leverage comparable to ‘nuclear

• 
  Moroccans celebrate historic World Cup quarterfinal berth after 3-0 win over Canada

  by Marwa A on July 4, 2026

  Moroccans at home and abroad celebrated on Saturday after their national team’s 3-0 victory over Canada in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Houston, sending the Atlas Lions into the quarterfinals, Anadolu reports. The win over Canada, one of the tournament’s three co-hosts alongside the US and Mexico, made Morocco the first African side to reach the World Cup quarterfinals in back-to-back tournaments. Fans waving Moroccan flags and chanting “Dima Maghreb” – meaning “Always Morocco” – flooded major streets and squares in Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakesh and Fez, while celebrations also erupted at the Houston Stadium. – ‘My heart will always be in Morocco’ Manal Elfakir, a Moroccan architect living in Istanbul, told Anadolu that

• 
  Iranian president criticises international silence over Israeli actions

  by Marwa A on July 4, 2026

  Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday criticised international institutions for what he described as their failure to stop Israeli actions in the region, saying global bodies have remained silent while Israel openly speaks of assassinations and targeted killings, Anadolu reports. Speaking at a conference in Tehran’s Summit Hall held in commemoration of slain former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Pezeshkian said international organisations and human rights advocates were expected to prevent such actions, but instead political and logistical support was being provided. He said Israel attacked multiple countries in the region and was responsible for many of the crises and instability across the Middle East, adding that Muslim countries had not initiated such aggression. Pezeshkian also referred to the beginning of

• 
  Israeli strike kills Palestinian in Gaza as army continues demolitions

  by Marwa A on July 4, 2026

  At least one Palestinian was killed and several others injured in an Israeli strike on Gaza City on Saturday, while the Israeli army continued demolishing buildings and shelling areas across the enclave in the latest reported violations of the ceasefire in force since October 2025, Anadolu reports. The developments came hours after the Palestinian presidency warned that Israel’s “daily killing policy” in the Gaza Strip, along with settler attacks in the occupied West Bank, could lead to an “uncontrollable explosion” of the situation. A medical source told Anadolu that the body of Mohammad Najib Ashour and several wounded were taken to Al-Shifa Hospital and Al-Ahli Arab Hospital after an Israeli drone strike targeted a young man riding a bicycle near

• 
  Lebanon says 400,000 displaced people have returned south as government prepares reconstruction plan

  by Marwa A on July 4, 2026

  Lebanese Social Affairs Minister Haneen El Sayed said Saturday that around 400,000 displaced people have returned to their areas in southern Lebanon, while many others remain unable to go back because of widespread destruction or lack of access to their homes, Anadolu reports. El Sayed made the remarks during a visit to the southern city of Tyre, where she met officials from the Union of Municipalities of Tyre district and the region’s disaster management unit, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. She said the ceasefire remains fragile, but noted that southern Lebanon has begun witnessing the return of displaced residents. El Sayed said the purpose of her visit was to assess the situation on the ground and hear about the

• 
  Medvedev says Strait of Hormuz gives Iran leverage comparable to ‘nuclear weapon’

  by Marwa A on July 4, 2026

  Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said Iran’s influence over the Strait of Hormuz gives it leverage comparable to a “nuclear weapon,” arguing that restricting passage through the waterway showed Tehran’s strategic reach, Anadolu reports. Speaking to journalists after a visit to Iran, Medvedev said Tehran could disrupt shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the event of a wider regional conflict, warning that such a move could halt oil and commercial transport. “I hope it does not come to that, but all countries seeking conflict in the region should remember this,” he said. Medvedev also criticized recent US strikes on Iran, calling them “completely unprovoked” and arguing that Tehran posed no threat to the US while negotiations between