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

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  UN official refuses calls to resign, denounces states’ silence over genocide in Palestine

  by MI on February 13, 2026

  The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, has refused calls to resign and rejected criticism from states that fail to condemn genocide in Palestine. She stressed that she will not accept “lessons from countries that violate international law and fail to condemn genocide.” Earlier on Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called for the resignation of the UN rapporteur over comments she made allegedly targeting Israel at a conference on Gaza.  In an interview with Al Jazeera Mubasher, she urged Western governments to discuss the reports she has submitted on alleged Israeli violations, rather than target her personally. She said the debate should focus on the content of her reports, not on her as

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  Separatists demand removal of Saudi adviser from Aden

  by MI on February 13, 2026

  Separatists backed by Abu Dhabi have called for the expulsion of a Saudi military official from Aden, as hundreds gathered in a protest in the city on Thursday. The demonstrators, affiliated with the dissolved Southern Transitional Council, staged a rally in Yemen’s temporary capital, Aden, in the south of the country. The protest was directed against the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia, which supports it. Protesters chanted slogans demanding the removal of Falah Al-Shahrani, adviser at the Saudi Royal Court and adviser to the commander of the Joint Forces, from Aden. READ: UAE weaponised antisemitism in Washington in its feud with Saudi Arabia Al-Shahrani is overseeing efforts to reorganise the security and military situation in southern Yemen, including in the temporary

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  IMEC vs INSTC: The emerging battle over Middle Eastern energy corridors

  by MI on February 13, 2026

  The Middle East is no longer merely a producer of energy; it is fast becoming the epicentre of a new geopolitical contest over corridors, connectivity and control. The launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) has signalled more than an infrastructure project. It represents a strategic attempt to redraw trade and energy routes in ways that could alter the region’s geoeconomic balance for decades. At the same time, the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), in which Iran plays a pivotal role, offers an alternative model of connectivity linking India to Russia and Europe via Iranian territory. What we are witnessing is not simply competition between logistics networks. It is a corridor war with profound implications for energy diplomacy, regional

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  Trump says Israeli president should be ashamed over Netanyahu pardon, Herzog responds: “Israel operates by the Law”

  by MI on February 13, 2026

  US President Donald Trump criticised Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Thursday evening for not granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption trial, prompting a firm reply from the Israeli president’s office. Speaking to reporters about Netanyahu’s visit to Washington and other political and security issues, Trump said: “President Herzog should be ashamed of himself, a pardon over this trial that’s going on. The president of Israel, the primary power he’s got is the power to give pardons.” Repeating his criticism, Trump added: “he said he’s given it five different times, but he doesn’t want to do it, because I guess he loses his power. I think the people of Israel should really shame him. He

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  Sudan urges African Union to end suspension of its membership

  by MI on February 13, 2026

  Sudanese Foreign Minister Muhi al-Din Salem Ahmed renewed his call on Thursday for the African Union (AU) to end the suspension of his country’s membership in the bloc, Anadolu agency reported. Speaking at a session of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, Salem said the conflict in Sudan has reached its end. “War is not our goal and we will continue to seek peace,” the top diplomat said in his comments cited by Sudanese media, stressing that the Sudanese government continues its efforts to achieve lasting peace in the country. He accused certain foreign actors of fuelling the conflict in Sudan, without naming them, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of unlawfully exploiting

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  Moscow declines participation in first session of US-led Peace Council

  by MI on February 13, 2026

  Russia will not participate in the first session of the Peace Council chaired by US President Donald Trump, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said. Responding to a question about whether Russian diplomats would attend the council’s inaugural meeting, scheduled for 19th February, Zakharova stated: “Russia will not attend, and work is under way to formulate its position.” Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow was still assessing its stance on the initiative, taking into account the cautious approach shown by a number of countries in both the West and the East, including permanent members of the UN Security Council. READ: Pakistani premier to attend Board of Peace inaugural meeting in Washington On 22nd January, representatives of 19 countries signed

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  Iranian president says his salary now worth about $1,000 amid currency decline

  by MI on February 13, 2026

  Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said the value of salaries in Iran has sharply declined, citing his own income as an example of the country’s currency devaluation and reduced purchasing power. Speaking at a meeting on Thursday, Pezeshkian said that he previously earned a salary of 6,000 tomans, which he said was equivalent to $6,000 at the time. “Now, as president, I receive the equivalent of only about $1,000,” he said, underscoring the impact of inflation and currency depreciation. During the same meeting, which included families of victims and those injured in December’s protests, Pezeshkian said the government was working to mitigate the consequences of the unrest. He said officials were closely monitoring the situation of affected families and seeking

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  Why Iran–US talks in Oman matter for global nuclear security

  by MI on February 13, 2026

  The resumption of Iran–US nuclear negotiations in Oman represents a pivotal moment for global nuclear safety. The airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan in June 2025 showed the vulnerability of global nuclear infrastructure. It is the need of the hour that the diplomacy goes beyond uranium enrichment limits and verification measures and includes enforceable legal, technical, and operational protections. The central question is whether the Oman negotiations can create a framework that ensures nuclear security, prevents coercive military action, and preserves the credibility of the global nonproliferation regime. The Oman talks mark the significant diplomatic contact between Tehran and Washington since efforts to revive the JCPOA collapsed. Iran and the United States resumed nuclear negotiations in

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  Prisoners’ office reveals assault on Abdullah Barghouti in Israeli jail

  by MI on February 13, 2026

  The Palestinian Prisoners’ Media Office said on Thursday that detainee Abdullah Barghouti was injured during a suppression operation at Gilboa prison a day earlier. In a statement, the office said Barghouti appeared exhausted during a family visit and had a visible injury to his left eye. It claimed he had struck his head against a door while being taken to the visit as prison authorities launched the operation inside the facility. The statement added that Barghouti has suffered severe weight loss, reportedly dropping from 110kg to 60kg, a dangerous indicator of deteriorating health due to neglect and malnutrition, as well as a lack of basic necessities. READ: Number of Palestinian female prisoners in Israeli jails rises to 59, Hamas office says

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  Swiss lawyers file ICC complaint accusing government of complicity over Gaza

  by MI on February 13, 2026

  A group of Swiss lawyers has filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court, accusing their government of failing to meet its international legal obligations in relation to Israel’s genocide in the Gaza Strip. The complaint relies on reports issued by United Nations bodies and independent international human rights organisations in characterising events in Gaza as genocide. According to sources familiar with the filing, the complaint places particular emphasis on Switzerland’s status as the depositary state of the Geneva Conventions, arguing that this role carries heightened legal and moral responsibilities. The plaintiffs include 25 lawyers from both French- and German-speaking regions of Switzerland, a move they say reflects broad concern within parts of the country’s legal community. READ: Legal case in

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  US sent thousands of Starlink terminals to Iran after January protest crackdown: Report

  by MI on February 12, 2026

  The US covertly smuggled 6,000 Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran following nationwide protests in January, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday, citing officials, Anadolu reports. The operation marked the first time Washington directly facilitated the transfer of Starlink systems into Iran. The shipments came after Iranian authorities imposed a sweeping internet shutdown during unrest driven by economic hardship and currency depreciation, according to the report. Officials said the State Department purchased nearly 7,000 terminals in recent months, most in January, after senior officials decided to redirect funds from existing internet-freedom initiatives inside Iran to acquire the satellite systems. President Donald Trump was aware of the deliveries, they said, though it was unclear whether he personally approved the plan. The

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  Saudi, Pakistan defense chiefs reaffirm strategic partnership in bilateral talks

  by MI on February 12, 2026

  Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman on Thursday held talks in Riyadh with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, reaffirming strong relations between the two countries and their strategic defense partnership, Anadolu reports. In a post on US social media company X, Prince Khalid said the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral military ties and advancing joint efforts to promote global peace and security in line with the shared interests of Riyadh and Islamabad. The talks come amid heightened regional tensions, as Riyadh and Islamabad maintain close coordination across defense and security matters. READ: Turkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agree to increase trilateral defence cooperation

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  2026 will be ‘toughest financially’ due to Israel’s withholding of tax revenues: Palestine

  by MI on February 12, 2026

  Palestinian Finance Minister Istifan Salameh warned Thursday that the Palestinian Authority is facing an “existential threat” due to Israel’s continued withholding of tax revenues, stressing that 2026 will be its most difficult financial year, Anadolu reports. Speaking at a press conference in Ramallah, Salameh said Israel has seized around 70% of Palestinian revenues, exacerbating the fiscal deficit and undermining the government’s ability to meet its obligations, foremost among them paying salaries and providing basic services. He said 2026 would be the most financially challenging year in the history of the Palestinian Authority, warning that the Israeli policies toward Palestinians amount to “playing with fire.” Salameh warned of the repercussions of these measures on financial and banking stability, as well as

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  Beyond Oslo: Engineering a new reality in Palestine

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  It has become clear that Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing government are seeking to leverage their current alignment with the administration of US President Donald Trump, a government that strongly backs Israeli policies, to cement a reality in Palestine that will be difficult to reverse in the future. Under Israeli law, general elections are ordinarily held in October of the fourth year of the Knesset’s term, unless the Knesset is dissolved earlier. Although the term can, in theory, be extended, such a step is subject to strict and exceptional conditions, such as a full-scale war or a grave security emergency that makes elections impossible. A postponement cannot be effected through government emergency regulations, nor through an administrative decision suspending the

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  US completes withdrawal from al-Tanf base in Syria: CENTCOM

  by MI on February 12, 2026

  The US military has completed its withdrawal from the al-Tanf base in southern Syria after nearly a decade, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Thursday, Anadolu reports. “U.S. forces remain poised to respond to any ISIS threats that arise in the region as we support partner-led efforts to prevent the terrorist network’s resurgence,” CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said in a statement. “Maintaining pressure on ISIS is essential to protecting the U.S. homeland and strengthening regional security,” he added. READ: Syrian president meets US envoy in Damascus to discuss regional developments CENTCOM said the departure from al-Tanf Garrison was completed on Feb. 11 as part of a “deliberate and conditions-based transition” under Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve

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  Pakistani premier to attend Board of Peace inaugural meeting in Washington

  by MI on February 12, 2026

  Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace (BoP), scheduled for Feb. 19 in Washington, the Foreign Ministry said Thursday, Anadolu reports. “I can confirm that the prime minister will attend the upcoming BoP meeting. He will be accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister-Foreign Minister [Ishaq Dar],” spokesman Tahir Andrab told reporters in Islamabad. He did not share details about Sharif’s engagements in Washington but said that “we will inform you in due course of time.” Andrab said Pakistan will join eight other Muslim nations to raise a voice for the rights of Palestinians at the meeting. READ: Pakistan accepts Trump’s invitation to join ‘Board of Peace’ on Gaza “We will continue to strive

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  Mr President: Do not relinquish Somalia’s future, let the constitutional process continue

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  Somalia is at a defining moment. After decades of conflict and fragile governance, the Federal Government’s ongoing constitutional amendment process offers a historic opportunity: to reclaim political legitimacy, strengthen democratic institutions, and return power to the Somali people. Yet, rather than supporting this essential reform, opposition leaders are attempting to derail it — prioritising political expediency over national interest. An historic opportunity for Somalia Under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the constitutional review has moved steadily and deliberately. Its goal is clear: introduce universal suffrage, clarify the separation of powers, and dismantle the clan-based electoral system that has long entrenched elite dominance. These are not abstract reforms; they are foundational steps toward a government that reflects the will of the people

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  Palestinian mother, daughter recount strip searches, harsh conditions in Israeli detention

  by MI on February 12, 2026

  Two Palestinian women detained by Israel have detailed mistreatment in custody, including strip searches, prolonged interrogation and severe detention conditions, according to the Palestinian Commission of Detainees Affairs, Anadolu reports. The commission said Thursday that Amina Suweilim, 55, and her daughter Ayat, 22, from Nablus in the occupied West Bank, have been held in Damon prison since their arrest on Nov. 3, 2025. Their accounts were conveyed following a legal visit conducted by a commission lawyer. According to a statement by the commission, Israeli forces forcibly entered the family home in Nablus, detained the two women and transferred them separately in military vehicles. Amina said she was made to sit on the floor of a military vehicle during transfer, resulting

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  Lebanese army closes ‘illegal’ crossings with Syria

  by MI on February 12, 2026

  The Lebanese army said Thursday that it had closed several “illegal” crossings with Syria in the northern Bekaa region in eastern Lebanon, as part of efforts to combat smuggling, Anadolu reports. A military statement said the “illegal” crossings were shut in the areas of Martisa and Mikyal Farah in northern Bekaa. The statement did not provide further details about the crossings. There was no immediate comment from the Syrian side. The Lebanese-Syrian border is geographically intertwined, consisting of mountains, valleys and plains without clearly marked boundary signs separating the two countries. This overlap and the rugged terrain have facilitated the establishment of illegal crossings used by smugglers and drug traffickers to move goods between the two countries. In recent months,

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  Gaza government calls on national committee to ‘urgently’ enter enclave

  by MI on February 12, 2026

  Gaza’s Government Media Office on Thursday called on the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to “urgently” enter the enclave and begin carrying out its duties, affirming that government institutions and employees are fully prepared to cooperate, Anadolu reports. “In light of the ongoing political and administrative developments, and out of keenness to ensure the regular functioning of institutional work and the continuity of essential services, we renew our welcome to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and stress the importance of its urgent presence to assume its tasks and national responsibilities,” the office said in a statement. It affirmed its “full readiness to transfer relevant powers and to take all necessary measures within professional and legal

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  Saudi king issues royal decrees reshuffling key ministerial, judicial posts

  by MI on February 12, 2026

  Saudi king Salman on Thursday announced a series of royal decrees introducing changes at the ministerial and judicial levels, including the appointment of a new investment minister and a restructuring of senior prosecution and oversight posts, the state news agency SPA reported. Under the decrees, Khalid Al-Falih was relieved of his duties as minister of investment and appointed minister of state and member of the Council of Ministers. Fahd Abduljalil Al-Saif was named the new investment minister. In the judicial sphere, Public Prosecutor Saud Al-Mu’jab was relieved of his post and appointed adviser at the Royal Court with ministerial rank. Khalid Al-Yousef, previously head of the Board of Grievances, was designated as the new public prosecutor, also with ministerial rank.

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  China opposes new illegal Israeli settlements in occupied West Bank

  by MI on February 12, 2026

  China on Thursday opposed Israel’s new illegal settlements and new rules aimed at strengthening control on the occupied West Bank, according to state-run media. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that Gaza and the West Bank are “inseparable” parts of the Palestinian territory, and the two-state solution is the fundamental way to resolve the Palestinian question, Global Times reported. “China has consistently opposed the construction of new settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory and all attempts to annex or encroach upon Palestinian territory and to undermine the political foundation of the two-state solution,” Lin told reporters in Beijing. He added that the current situation in Gaza remains highly fragile, and relevant parties should refrain from taking any actions that

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  Jerusalem Post platforms Tommy Robinson as he seeks to distance Epstein from Zionism

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  The Jerusalem Post, one of Israel’s biggest newspapers, has given a platform to far-right British activist Tommy Robinson, despite his long record of anti-Muslim rhetoric and previous condemnation by leading British Jewish organisations. Robinson, who was once described by the Board of Deputies of British Jews as a “thug” that represents “the very worst of Britain,” used the platform to argue that Jeffrey Epstein was not ideologically aligned with Zionism or the Israeli state. In his article, Robinson wrote: “Epstein did not live or behave like someone ideologically committed to the Jewish state. In fact, much of his fascination pointed elsewhere.” Instead, Robinson suggested Epstein had stronger connections with Saudi Arabia — a country he has recently criticised — and

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  Greece: Shipwreck raises questions over Europe’s border enforcement model

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  The fatal encounter off the coast of Chios on February  3 2026  in which at least fifteen people died and dozens more -including pregnant women and children-  were injured when a small vessel carrying people on the move collided with a Greek coast guard patrol boat has been rapidly reframed in official rhetoric as yet another tragic consequence of “smugglers” killing their own passengers. As the European Commission reiterated in Brussels, “every life lost at sea is a tragedy caused by traffickers” and thus enforcement must continue in partnership with third-country actors. (Eunews) Nevertheless, this framing obscures a far more troubling political logic where the construction of anti-smuggling enforcement functions as a liability shield and depoliticizes state violence while strategically

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  UAE weaponised antisemitism in Washington in its feud with Saudi Arabia

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  The UAE sought to weaponise allegations of antisemitism in Washington as part of its escalating rivalry with Saudi Arabia, according to current and former US officials cited by Middle East Eye. Officials said Abu Dhabi approached prominent American Jewish organisations and encouraged them to raise concerns about alleged antisemitic rhetoric in Saudi Arabia — a move seen as an attempt to influence how Riyadh is perceived in US policy circles. Among the groups contacted was the American Jewish Committee (AJC), which maintains deep bipartisan ties in Washington and is led by former Democratic Congressman Ted Deutch. The AJC opened a satellite office in Abu Dhabi in 2021 following the Abraham Accords, formalising its relationship with the Emirati government. While the

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  Australia should not provide a platform for Israel’s security narrative

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia was largely tied to the Bondi memorial. However, in a Q&A session with Jewish students attending Moriah College in Sydney, the tone shifted to Israel’s security narrative. “I know that the demonstrators and protesters who are cursing us, saying the biggest lies and affirmations against our nation, do not want to hear this, but I believe that the silent majority of Australians definitely want to hear and move back on track,” Herzog stated, conflating criticism of Israel and opposition to Israel’s genocide with antisemitism. Opposition to Herzog’s visit has been weeks in the making. Referencing Herzog’s statements that incite genocide against Palestinians, the Jewish Council of Australia issued a statement partly reading, “We

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  Khartoum wake-up call, how Riyadh will stabilise Sudan

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  In Geneva last October, Saudi Arabia did something rare in the long agony of Sudan’s war. It spoke plainly. Before diplomats and humanitarian officials, Riyadh’s envoy condemned the Rapid Support Forces’ assault on El Fasher as ‘grave’, demanding immediate humanitarian access and denouncing attacks on civilians, aid workers and infrastructure. The language echoed warnings from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, who had already pleaded for urgent action to prevent mass atrocities after more than 500 days of siege in North Darfur. Markets bombed. Mosques struck. Camps for the displaced were raided. Tens of thousands uprooted again in a land long scarred by militia violence. For Sudan, it was another chapter in a familiar tragedy. For Saudi

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  Israeli commentators warn Gaza devastation could strengthen Hamas

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  Concerns are emerging in Israel that continued devastation in Gaza could ultimately drive more support towards Hamas, even as members of the right-wing government in Israel press for an intensification of military operations. According to commentary published in the Israeli newspaper Maariv, some analysts argue that leaving Gaza in ruins could lead to the rise of a more radical iteration of Hamas, making reconstruction a strategic interest for all sides. Jacky Hugi, Arab affairs editor at Israeli army radio, wrote that Israeli policy and media coverage of Gaza appear to be reverting to patterns seen before the 7th October attack. He suggested that public and media attention to Palestinian affairs has once again diminished. Hugi recalled that on 12th September

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  The choice between freedom and death: Why the resistance does not seek validation from the idle

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  In an era of profound global imbalances, where the scales of justice are discarded and “might” dictates “right”, a question arises whether resistance is an act of folly and recklessness? Should the victim be responsible for the wrath of the oppressor? Today, we are witnessing a narrative that seeks, consciously or otherwise, to flip the truth on its head; where the defender of home and honour is branded reckless, while the brutal aggressor is framed as a fact of life that should to be tolerated. The deception of victim bashing: A partnership in depravity The primary lapse in consciousness we see today is the attempt to blame the victim for the atrocities thereupon inflicted. Commentators emerge, analysing the scene with

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  Gaza: Efforts underway to rebuild 900-year-old bathhouse

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  The ancient Al-Samra Bathhouse, a model bathhouse in the heart of Gaza’s Old City, was established 900 years ago. This bathhouse is considered a testament to the rich history of bathhouses, having flourished under various civilizations, including the Ottoman period, and continuing into modern times. It remains a popular destination, attracting many visitors not only for its tranquillity, but also for its role in pre-wedding rituals, customs, and as a place for grooms to bathe before their weddings. It also offers massages and exposure to hot water of varying temperatures, all within a traditional setting, its walls constructed of marble and ancient stones. Salim Al-Wazir, who has worked at and owned the bathhouse for 55 years, inheriting it from his

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  Israel allows Abu Shabab militia to take part in Rafah crossing inspections

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  Israeli authorities have allowed members of the Abu Shabab militia to help inspect Palestinians entering and leaving the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, the official Israeli broadcaster reported on Wednesday evening. Kan TV said the militia hopes to take over this task on a permanent basis. A photo taken earlier this week on the Gaza side of the crossing showed Ghassan al-Dahini, the leader of the Abu Shabab militia, alongside several of his members. Reports indicate that the militia operates around the crossing, which is under Israeli responsibility, and does so with Israeli approval. The report added that the militia may also be allowed to carry out body searches on suspected individuals entering Gaza through the crossing. On

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  UN: Syria’s president, 2 ministers targeted in 5 assassination attempts last year

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  The UN Secretary-General said on Wednesday, in a report on threats posed by Islamic State (IS) militants, that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, along with the interior and foreign ministers, had been the targets of five assassination attempts over the past year. The report noted that al- Sharaa was targeted in northern Aleppo, the country’s most populous province, and southern Daraa by a group known as Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, believed to be a front for IS. Prepared by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, the report by Secretary-General António Guterres did not provide dates or details of the attempts against al- Sharaa — the main target — or Interior Minister Anas Hassan Khattab and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. The document stated that

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  Israeli media say Netanyahu entered White House through back entrance amid protests

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  Israeli media have reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu entered the White House through a rear entrance on Wednesday as pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered nearby ahead of his meeting with US President Donald Trump. The newspaper Yediot Aharonot said the meeting between the two leaders had begun at the White House, adding that chants from protesters could be heard in the area. It reported that a pro-Palestinian demonstration was taking place near the building at the same time. Haaretz also reported that Netanyahu used a back entrance and that no official photographs were taken upon his arrival. According to Israeli media, discussions between the two leaders are expected to focus primarily on Iran, while also addressing developments in the Gaza Strip.

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  Egypt and Turkey boost military presence in Somalia amid regional tensions

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  The Horn of Africa is witnessing notable military activity as Somalia deepens defence cooperation with both Egypt and Turkey. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended a deployment parade in Cairo on Wednesday for Egyptian forces participating in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), aimed at supporting Somalia’s unity, security and territorial integrity. According to a statement from the Egyptian military spokesperson, the event included a briefing on preparations and equipment for the mission, alongside training demonstrations and a display of vehicles. The spokesperson said the participating units had reached a high level of operational readiness following an intensive professional training programme. Meanwhile, in Mogadishu, Somalia received units from the Turkish Navy, including the landing ship TCG Sancaktar, as part

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  Iran insists talks with US limited to nuclear issue

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on Wednesday that Tehran has not received any specific proposal from the United States amid ongoing negotiations between the two countries. In remarks broadcast on Iranian television, Larijani said the talks are strictly confined to the nuclear file and do not extend to other issues, stressing that Iran will not engage in negotiations on non-nuclear matters. He confirmed that discussions remain under way and noted that some regional countries are seeking to help steer the process towards tangible results. Larijani said Iran is adhering to a policy of “positive negotiation”, adding that Washington had taken a “rational approach” by entering the talks. However, he ruled out any agreement requiring a

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  Number of Palestinian female prisoners in Israeli jails rises to 59, Hamas office says

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  The Prisoners’ Media Office affiliated with Hamas has said the number of Palestinian women held in Israeli prisons has risen to 59, following more than 680 arrests of women since 7th October 2023. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the office said the total includes minors and noted that the figure does not account for detainees from Gaza whose whereabouts are reportedly unknown in military detention facilities. According to the statement, among the 59 female prisoners are two women diagnosed with cancer, two minors and one detainee who gave birth while in custody. It added that most of the women are facing charges of “incitement”, while around one-third are being held under administrative detention without formal charge. The office alleged

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  US surveillance aircraft operate near Iranian border amid tensions

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  Two US military aircraft have operated near Iranian airspace after taking off from bases in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, according to flight tracking data cited by Russian outlet Novosti. The report said a US Navy P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft departed from Bahrain and flew over the Strait of Hormuz, marking its second such mission in recent days. At the same time, an MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone, manufactured by Northrop Grumman, reportedly took off from Abu Dhabi and operated over the Gulf of Oman. Flight paths showed the Poseidon circling above the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway, while the drone conducted surveillance flights near the Iranian border. The developments come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.

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  Gathering in shame to honour the US President

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  Has there ever been a worse time for the Irish to venerate and celebrate the President of the United States? With human rights being eroded, innocent people being shot dead for daring to stand up to armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on US streets, and shackled prisoners being renditioned through Shannon Airport, this seems to be a strange time to decide to honour the first citizen of the US. But it’s happening in Galway this week. Right now, an Irish man who has been living in the United States for almost two decades is sitting in a detention centre in Texas, almost 4,000km from his Boston home. Even though he had a valid work permit and no criminal record,

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  Four murders within hours in Arab towns in Israel

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  Four people were killed overnight and at dawn on Thursday in separate shooting incidents in Arab towns in Israel, within about eight hours. The killings are the latest in a continuing rise in violent crime in the Arab community, amid accusations that Israeli police have failed to act effectively and have been complicit with organised crime gangs. At dawn on Thursday, the body of 22-year-old Mukhtar Abu Mdeghim was found inside his vehicle in the city of Rahat. He had been shot dead. He was the son of the former mayor of Rahat. His father, Ata Abu Mdeghim wrote on Facebook: “Mukhtar, my son, was killed by treacherous bullets. God is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer

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  Iran at 47: An anniversary or an obituary?

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  As the sun rose over Tehran yesterday, 11th February, the familiar echoes of revolutionary slogans filled Azadi Square, marking the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution not its collapse. For decades, observers have peered through the fog of sanctions and social unrest, wondering if each anniversary might be the Republic’s last. Yet, as the 47th year arrives, the expected “obituary” has once again been shelved in favour of a complex “celebration.” This year, the stakes are uniquely high. While internal pressures and the memory of recent domestic crackdowns linger, the external landscape has shifted back to a familiar, albeit more volatile, theatrical stage. With Donald Trump back in the Oval Office, the world is braced for “Maximum Pressure 2.0.”

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  Hamas official says Netanyahu joining ‘peace council’ is a farce

  by Marwa A on February 12, 2026

  Osama Hamdan, a leader in the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), said on Wednesday that the joining of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, to the so-called “Peace Council” represents “the farce of the era.” In remarks broadcast by Al Jazeera, Hamdan said the movement had not received from mediators any draft or official proposals concerning the weapons of the resistance. He stressed that Hamas has not officially adopted any decision regarding freezing its weapons, and that its national position is firm in considering resistance a legitimate right as long as the occupation exists. Hamdan stressed that the Palestinian people reject any form of external guardianship and cannot accept international forces replacing the Israeli

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  Trump’s religious liberty commissioner removed after Zionism dispute

  by Marwa A on February 11, 2026

  Carrie Prejean Boller, a former Miss California, was removed Wednesday from President Donald Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission following a contentious hearing on antisemitism for what she claimed were efforts to “force” commissioners to affirm Zionism, Anadolu reports. Commission Chair Dan Patrick wrote on US social media platform X that the decision to remove Boller was his, accusing her of pursuing a “personal and political agenda” during a hearing Monday. “No member of the Commission has the right to hijack a hearing for their own personal and political agenda on any issue,” Patrick wrote, adding that what happened was “clearly, without question” grounds for her removal. Boller wrote in a statement Tuesday that she would not resign and rejected accusations that

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  Trump says he insisted on further Iran talks during meeting with Netanyahu

  by Marwa A on February 11, 2026

  US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that there was no concrete result from his closed-door meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but said he insisted on further talks with Iran, Anadolu reports. “There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a deal can be consummated. If it can, I let the prime minister know that will be a preference,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform after sitting down with Netanyahu for roughly two-and-a-half hours. “If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be. Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a deal, and they were hit with Midnight

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  Israeli army reinforces border security after civilian trucks approach Egypt fence: Media

  by Marwa A on February 11, 2026

  The Israeli army reinforced security along its border with Egypt on Wednesday after small Egyptian civilian trucks approached the frontier fence, Israeli media reported, Anadolu reports. Channel 12 said the vehicles reached an area roughly 100 meters from the Israeli settlement of Shlomit in the Negev desert, around 700 meters from the Egyptian border, prompting the military to dispatch additional troops, tanks and combat helicopters to the scene. The army said the trucks were carrying civilians and that no security incident had occurred. It added that the deployment was carried out in coordination with the Egyptian side. Residents in nearby communities were informed that the border remains stable and that the incident does not pose a threat, according to statements

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  Dozens of Palestinians cross Rafah back into Gaza, families reunited

  by Marwa A on February 11, 2026

  Forty-one Palestinians returned to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing on Wednesday (Feb. 11) reuniting with relatives after being stranded outside the enclave for a long time, Anadolu reports. Relatives waited at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis as vehicles carrying… pic.twitter.com/VsPpC43aea — Middle East Monitor (@MiddleEastMnt) February 11, 2026 Forty-one Palestinians returned to the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing on Wednesday (Feb. 11) reuniting with relatives after being stranded outside the enclave for a long time, Anadolu reports. Relatives waited at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis as vehicles carrying the returnees arrived. Emotional scenes followed as families came together after months of separation under Israeli restrictions. Under extremely tight Israeli restrictions, Israel reopened the Palestinian side

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  The predicted ‘collapse of Israel before its centenary’ | Palestine This Week with Mouin Rabbani

  by MI on February 11, 2026

  Is Israel collapsing before its centenary? In this episode of Palestine This Week, we examine warnings from a former Israeli major general that the state may not exist by 2048, citing internal fracture and growing international isolation. We analyse how the language of ceasefire now functions to manage, rather than end, Palestinian death and destruction, while dismantling Israeli claims used to justify the high civilian toll. The episode investigates evidence that prohibited weapons have erased thousands of bodies in Gaza, the killing of a 14-year-old boy left to bleed to death in the illegally occupied West Bank amid accelerated settler expansion, signs of democratic retrenchment in the UK through the criminalisation of Palestine solidarity, and a looming scandal inside Human

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  UN rights chief calls deepening Israeli control over Palestinian lands violation of self-determination

  by Marwa A on February 11, 2026

  The UN human rights chief warned Wednesday that recent Israeli decisions to expand land expropriation in the occupied West Bank violate Palestinians’ right to self-determination and risk deepening annexation, Anadolu reports. Volker Turk said decisions approved by the Israeli security cabinet are “the latest in a series of measures to annex Palestinian lands in flagrant breach of the right to self-determination.” “This is yet another step by the Israeli authorities towards rendering a viable Palestinian state impossible, in violation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination,” he said in a statement. Turk warned that if implemented, the measures would “accelerate the dispossession of Palestinians and their forcible transfer, and lead to the creation of more illegal Israeli settlements,” while depriving

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  Netanyahu joins Board of Peace ahead of Trump meeting in Washington

  by Marwa A on February 11, 2026

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially joined the Board of Peace on Wednesday ahead of a meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC, Anadolu reports. Netanyahu signed as a member of the board at Blair House, the US president’s official guest residence, during a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Footage of the signing was posted by media outlets via US social media company X. On Jan. 22, representatives of 19 countries signed the Charter of the Board of Peace on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The Board of Peace was created within the framework of peaceful settlement efforts in Gaza. Washington has said additional states have since joined the initiative. The

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  First Gaza, then the world: The global danger of Israeli exceptionalism

  by MI on February 11, 2026

  While many nations occasionally resort to a “state of exception” to deal with temporary crises, Israel exists in a permanent state of exception. This Israeli exceptionalism is the very essence of the instability that plagues the Middle East. The concept of the state of exception dates back to the Roman justitium, a legal mechanism for suspending law during times of civil unrest. However, the modern understanding was shaped by the German jurist Carl Schmitt, who famously wrote that the “sovereign is he who decides on the exception.” While Schmitt’s own history as a jurist for the Third Reich serves as a chilling reminder of where such theories can lead, his work provides an undeniably accurate anatomy of raw power: it

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  Instagram suspends Track AIPAC, watchdog tracking pro-Israel lobby spending

  by MI on February 11, 2026

  Instagram has suspended the account of Track AIPAC, a widely followed watchdog project that tracks political spending by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and related pro-Israel lobbying groups. The social media giant cited alleged violations of the platform’s intellectual property and trademark rules. The suspension places the account at risk of permanent deletion unless successfully appealed within 180 days. Track AIPAC — also known as AIPAC Tracker — was launched in 2024 by Cory Archibald and Casey Kennedy as a transparency and advocacy platform documenting AIPAC’s political donations, endorsements and influence on US elections. The project publishes Federal Election Commission data on pro-Israel political spending, highlights which lawmakers receive the most support, and endorses opponents of candidates reliant