News Briefing

Breaking News

• Gaza Ceasefire Talks Collapse — High-stakes negotiations in Doha and Cairo collapsed overnight after Israel refused to discuss a complete withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor, with Palestinian delegates walking out over restrictions on the return of displaced civilians. Mediators accused Israeli negotiators of intransigence. →

• Israeli Airstrike Kills 12 at Gaza School Shelter — An Israeli F-16 struck the Abu Jarad school in the al-Shati refugee camp early Thursday, killing at least 12 Palestinians including four children and wounding 30, as the school sheltered over 1,200 displaced families. →

• Hezbollah Launches Drone Swarm, Israel Strikes Deep in Beqaa — Hezbollah launched two dozen surveillance and attack drones targeting Israeli outposts near Kiryat Shmona early Thursday. In response, Israeli warplanes struck near Baalbek in the Beqaa Valley, killing three farmers. →

• Houthis Claim Hypersonic Missile Attack on Tel Aviv — Yemen's Ansar Allah announced it launched the new "Palestine-2" hypersonic ballistic missile toward Tel Aviv, claiming it bypassed interception systems. The Israeli military admitted an attempted interception near Modi'in with no casualties reported. →

• Iran Warns of Retaliation After Israeli Nuclear Threats — Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani warned that Iran will defend its sovereignty and nuclear facilities, responding to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's remarks about updated strike plans on Iran's nuclear sites. →

• Ben Gvir Storms Al-Aqsa During Jerusalem Day Flag March — Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir led some 1,500 settlers in storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under heavy police protection, as ultranationalists chanted "Death to Arabs" during the annual Flag March through Jerusalem's Old City. →

• Israel Launches Largest Jenin Raid Since July 2023 — Over 100 Israeli military vehicles entered the Jenin refugee camp and Tulkarem in a coordinated overnight raid, detaining 30 Palestinians and sparking clashes with resistance fighters, with water and electricity cut to entire neighborhoods. →

• Lebanon-Israel Direct Talks Open in Washington — A new round of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel began in Washington on Thursday, brokered by the Trump administration, as Israeli forces continued firing on southern Lebanese towns and Hezbollah rejected the talks as "free concessions." →

Stories at a Glance

• Yemen's warring parties sign largest prisoner swap deal, agreeing to release 1,600 detainees, as the UN welcomes the agreement. →

• UNICEF reports 200 children killed in Lebanon since March 2 due to Israeli attacks, with 23 children killed and 93 injured since the April 17 ceasefire — calling it a "stark reminder of ongoing risks." →

• President Abbas re-elected Fatah leader at the movement's Eighth Congress in Ramallah, pledging elections and reform amid waning legitimacy and deep internal disarray. →

• Trump claims Xi Jinping promised not to supply military equipment to Iran during their Beijing summit, and that China wants the Strait of Hormuz to remain open. →

• IMF warns of "worst-case scenario" global economic impact if the Iran war continues, citing risks of low growth and high inflation. →

• Saudi Arabia floats non-aggression pact between Iran and regional states, modeled on the 1975 Helsinki Accords, gaining European support but facing uncertainty over US and Israeli backing. →

• Iraqi parliament approves Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's government, which vows a state monopoly on weapons, amid US pressure to dismantle Iran-backed groups. →

• Iranian foreign minister accuses UAE of being "active partner" in US-Israeli war, while Iran's FM Araghchi also meets with Russian FM Lavrov in New Delhi on the BRICS sidelines. →

• UN announces $1.8 billion in additional humanitarian funding from the US, but critics say it falls short of past commitments. →

• Ghent University in Belgium withdraws from five EU research projects involving Israeli partners, citing the situation in Gaza. →

• Danish police use batons on activists protesting Maersk over alleged Israel-linked cargo during the "Mask off Maersk" campaign. →

• US lawmaker Rashida Tlaib reintroduces Nakba resolution recognizing the 78th anniversary and reaffirming Palestinian right of return. →

• Israel begins illegal settlement construction on historic Hebron municipality building, in violation of international law. →

• Chinese ships pass through Strait of Hormuz under Iran's "management protocol" as 30 vessels transit since Wednesday night, according to Iranian media. →

Key Takeaways

• The collapse of Gaza ceasefire talks signals a deliberate Israeli strategy to avoid a permanent end to the war. Netanyahu's insistence on maintaining military control over the Philadelphi Corridor and refusal to allow unrestricted return of displaced civilians confirms that Israel is not interested in a sustainable truce. The Palestinian delegation's walkout underscores the widening gap between the two sides.
• The scale of violence across multiple fronts is intensifying simultaneously. From the school bombing in Gaza to the drone swarm in Lebanon, the hypersonic missile test from Yemen, and the largest Jenin raid in years, Israel and its adversaries are escalating on every axis. This multi-front war is stretching Israeli military resources and testing its air defense systems.
• The US-Israeli war on Iran is generating profound economic and diplomatic ripple effects. The IMF's "worst-case scenario" warning, Saudi Arabia's non-aggression pact proposal, and China's public refusal to arm Iran all indicate that regional and global powers are scrambling to contain the fallout. The war is depleting US weapons stocks and straining alliances, as seen in Spain's denial of basing rights.
• The Trump administration is using the Beijing summit to rebalance alliances, but with mixed results. While securing a promise from Xi not to supply military equipment to Iran and to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, the US is struggling to maintain a united front with NATO allies and is losing credibility in the Arab world, as Saudi Arabia pursues its own mediation track.
• The normalization of far-right Israeli violence is reaching new heights. The storming of Al-Aqsa by Ben Gvir on Jerusalem Day, accompanied by chants of "Death to Arabs," and the Israeli defense minister attacking a teenage footballer for waving a Palestinian flag, show that the Israeli government is actively promoting and celebrating anti-Palestinian racism.
• International institutions and civil society are incrementally moving toward accountability, but too slowly. UNICEF's documentation of child deaths in Lebanon and the West Bank, university divestment movements, and the reintroduction of the Nakba resolution in the US Congress represent small steps, but they remain far from halting the genocide or imposing meaningful consequences on Israel.

Gaza & Palestine

Photo: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attends the eighth Fatah Conference in Ramallah on 14 May 2026 (Jaafar Ashtiyeh/AFP).

Gaza Ceasefire Talks Collapse After Israel Refuses Philadelphi Withdrawal

High-stakes ceasefire negotiations in Doha and Cairo collapsed overnight after Israeli negotiators refused to discuss a complete withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, according to Al Jazeera Arabic. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar, supported by the US, had proposed a phased withdrawal over 30 days, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted on maintaining a permanent military presence. Palestinian delegates walked out after Israel rejected a clause guaranteeing the return of displaced civilians to northern Gaza without restrictions. An Egyptian security source told Mada Masr that Israeli delegation chief Ronen Bar "offered no new concessions," adding that "Hamas is now holding firm on its July 2 position." Al Jazeera Arabic sources also revealed that Hamas's main demand remains an end to the blockade and full implementation of the July 2 framework, while Egypt has sent messages to UN envoy Nikolay Mladenov warning that his plan for Gaza's governance cannot proceed without Palestinian consensus.

Israeli Airstrike Kills 12 at School Shelter in al-Shati Camp

At least 12 Palestinians were killed and 30 wounded early Thursday when an Israeli F-16 struck the Abu Jarad school in the al-Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City. The school, run by UNRWA, was sheltering over 1,200 displaced families. Wafa News Agency reported that the bomb destroyed three classrooms on the upper floor, burying families sleeping there. The Israeli military claimed, without providing evidence, that the school was being used as a "command and control center for a Hamas battalion." Gaza's Civil Defense said rescue teams have been unable to reach the fourth floor due to the building's structural instability. Separately, at least four Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes on northern Gaza, with several children among the wounded, according to Middle East Eye citing hospital sources.

Abbas Re-elected Fatah Leader at Eighth Congress, Pledges Reform

President Mahmoud Abbas was unanimously re-elected as head and general commander of the Fatah movement on Thursday during its Eighth Congress in Ramallah, with simultaneous sessions in Cairo and Beirut attended by 2,500 participants. Abbas pledged elections and reform, but as Mondoweiss reports, insiders describe the movement as being in "disarray" amid waning legitimacy and an inability to confront Israel's intensified attacks on Palestinian statehood. The vote was the first in a decade. Al Jazeera English noted that the conference comes at a time of deep political crisis. RT Arabic commented that the movement is convening amidst profound geopolitical transformations.

US Lawmaker Tlaib Reintroduces Nakba Resolution

US Representative Rashida Tlaib reintroduced a resolution on Thursday recognizing the 78th anniversary of the Nakba and reaffirming the right of return for Palestinian refugees, as reported by Middle East Monitor. "The Nakba never ended," Tlaib said. "Today, the Israeli apartheid regime is committing genocide in Gaza, violently erasing entire communities across the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem, and bombing Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. It is a campaign to erase Palestinians from existence." The resolution comes ahead of the May 15 anniversary.

Israel Begins Settlement Construction on Hebron Municipality Building

Israel began illegal settlement construction works atop the historic Hebron municipality building in the southern West Bank, municipal authorities said Thursday. In a statement reported by Middle East Monitor, the Hebron Municipality said Israeli authorities began building on the roof of its old headquarters in the Ein Al-Askar area of the Old City. The municipality described the works as an effort to "impose a new status quo in violation of local and international laws," noting that the building has been closed for years under an Israeli military order.

Lebanon

Photo: A funeral in southern Lebanon for victims of an Israeli attack (Anadolu).

Hezbollah Drone Swarm and Israeli Deep Strike in Beqaa

Hezbollah announced it launched a coordinated swarm of two dozen surveillance and attack drones targeting Israeli surveillance outposts near the Kiryat Shmona settlement in the occupied Shebaa Farms early Thursday. In response, Israeli warplanes carried out their deepest strike in eastern Lebanon in weeks, bombing an area near Baalbek in the Beqaa Valley, 100 km from the border. According to Al Mayadeen, the Beqaa strike hit a civilian vehicle, killing three farmers and wounding two others. The Israeli military said it was targeting "rocket launch infrastructure," but did not provide evidence. Hezbollah's al-Manar TV released footage showing drone optics locking onto Israeli radar dishes before the attack. In a separate incident, RT Arabic reported that Israeli forces fired phosphorous shells on the towns of Yahmar al-Shaqif and Kfar Tebnit in southern Lebanon on Thursday evening.

Lebanon-Israel Direct Talks in Washington as Fighting Continues

A new round of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel began in Washington on Thursday, brokered by the Trump administration, as Israeli forces continued firing on southern Lebanese towns. The talks are being held at the US State Department, according to RT Arabic, with the Lebanese public pinning hopes on a ceasefire to stop the human and material losses. However, Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Ammar told Middle East Eye that the discussions amount to "free concessions" to Israel given the scale of ongoing Israeli attacks despite the apparent ceasefire arrangement. The Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri has also expressed skepticism.

UNICEF: 200 Children Killed in Lebanon Since March 2

At least 200 children have been killed in Lebanon as a result of Israeli attacks since March 2, UNICEF said Thursday, according to Middle East Monitor. "Children in Lebanon continue to be at the sharp end of ongoing violence, displacement and exposure to traumatic events," the UN organization said. UNICEF noted that at least 59 children were killed or injured in the past week alone, despite a ceasefire agreement in effect since April 17. Since April 17, 23 children have been killed and 93 injured — figures the agency described as "a stark reminder of the ongoing risks children continue to face."

Hezbollah Says It Targeted Israeli Troops in Northern Israel

Hezbollah said Thursday that it launched a drone attack on Israeli soldiers in northern Israel as the Washington talks were underway, according to Middle East Eye. The Israeli army stated earlier that "several Israeli civilians were injured and evacuated to receive medical treatment" after an "explosive drone" fell near the Israel-Lebanon border. Hezbollah's operations continue despite the parallel diplomatic track.

West Bank & Jerusalem

Photo: Israeli settlers take part in the Jerusalem Day parade at Damascus Gate on 14 May 2026 (Ilia Yefimovich/AFP).

West Bank: Israel Launches Largest Jenin Raid Since July 2023

Over 100 Israeli military vehicles, including armored D9 bulldozers, entered the Jenin refugee camp and the city of Tulkarem in a coordinated overnight raid that lasted until dawn Thursday. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that 30 Palestinians were detained, including 12 from Tulkarem. In Jenin, resistance fighters from the Jenin Battalion engaged Israeli forces with small arms fire and planted roadside IEDs, according to Al-Quds Al-Arabi. The Israeli military said it "destroyed five explosive laboratories and seized a weapons cache," but did not release evidence. Local journalist Muhammad Abu Salim told Al Jazeera that the raid was the largest in Jenin since July 2023, with water and electricity cut to entire neighborhoods during the operation.

Ben Gvir Storms Al-Aqsa During Jerusalem Day Flag March

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir led around 1,500 settlers in storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under heavy military protection on Thursday, coinciding with the annual Jerusalem Day Flag March. According to Al Jazeera English, ultranationalist participants chanted "Death to Arabs" and "May your villages burn" as they marched through the Old City. Palestinian-owned shops were forced to close, and residents barricaded themselves indoors. Israeli forces violently blocked Palestinian Muslims from accessing Al-Aqsa earlier in the day. RT Arabic reported that the incursion took place on the 59th anniversary of the occupation of East Jerusalem.

Child Injured in Silwan by Settlers; UNICEF Reports Children Shot, Stabbed, Pepper-Sprayed in West Bank

A child was injured by Israeli settlers in the Silwan neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem under Israeli police protection, local sources told Wafa news agency, as reported by Middle East Eye. Separately, UNICEF spokesperson James Elder told reporters in Geneva that Israeli forces and armed Jewish settlers are carrying out increasingly coordinated attacks on Palestinian children across the occupied West Bank. According to Middle East Monitor, documented incidents include shootings, stabbings, beatings, and pepper spray. At least 70 Palestinian children have been killed in the West Bank since January 2025 — an average of one a week — and a further 850 have been injured, the vast majority by live Israeli ammunition.

Iran & Regional Conflict

Photo: US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet in Beijing on 14 May 2026 (Anadolu).

Iran Warns of Retaliation After Israeli Threats to Nuclear Sites

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani stated in a press conference in Tehran that the Islamic Republic "is not seeking war but will not hesitate to defend its sovereignty and nuclear facilities under any circumstances," as reported by IRNA. The statement was a direct response to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's remarks on Wednesday that the Israeli military had "updated operational plans for a strike on Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities." Kanaani described Gallant's comments as "psychological warfare" and reaffirmed Iran's "doctrinal obligation" to respond to any attack on its territory. The warning follows a week of intensified rhetoric on both sides since the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Houthis Claim Hypersonic Missile Attack on Tel Aviv

Yemen's Ansar Allah (Houthi) movement claimed early Thursday that it launched a new hypersonic ballistic missile, the "Palestine-2," toward Tel Aviv, targeting the Ben Gurion Airport area. The Houthi military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, said in a statement carried by SABA News Agency that the missile "successfully bypassed all enemy interception systems." The Israeli military admitted to "an attempted interception" near the city of Modi'in, but its statement was vague — saying only that "shrapnel fell in an open area." No casualties were reported. The Houthis say this was the first operational test of the new hypersonic variant.

Yemen Signs Largest Prisoner Swap Deal with 1,600 Detainees

Parties to the conflict in Yemen signed an agreement on Thursday to implement the largest prisoner swap to date, involving the release of 1,600 detainees held over the 12-year conflict. Al Jazeera Arabic provided a detailed breakdown of the deal. The UN welcomed the agreement, with a UN official telling Anadolu Agency that they continue to call for the release of all those arbitrarily detained by the Houthis.

Saudi Arabia Floats Non-Aggression Pact Between Iran and Regional States

Saudi Arabia has floated a non-aggression pact between Iran and Middle Eastern states based on the 1975 Helsinki Accords, according to a report by Middle East Eye citing the Financial Times. The kingdom is modeling its framework on the Cold War-era agreement that reduced tensions between the US, Europe, and the Soviet Union. The effort has gained support from European capitals and EU institutions, but it is unclear if Israel and the US would back it. The UAE has taken a hawkish position on Iran and has moved substantially closer to Israel since the war began.

Chinese Ships Pass Hormuz Under Iran Management Protocol; Trump Claims Xi Won't Arm Iran

Chinese ships have been passing through the Strait of Hormuz under Iran's "management protocol," with 30 vessels transiting since Wednesday night, according to Iranian media cited by Anadolu Agency. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump claimed after his meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing that the Chinese leader promised not to supply military equipment to Iran and expressed support for keeping the Strait open. Trump told Fox News: "He said he's not going to give military equipment. That's a big statement." The White House also said Beijing would buy more oil from the US to reduce dependence on Gulf supplies, according to Middle East Eye.

Iran Accuses UAE as Active Partner in War, FM Meets Russian Counterpart in Delhi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United Arab Emirates of being an "active partner" in the US-Israeli aggression against Iran, in a Telegram post Thursday, reported by Middle East Eye. Araghchi referred to a reported "secret" meeting between Israel and the UAE, which Abu Dhabi denied. "I must say that the UAE was directly involved in the act of aggression against my country," Araghchi said. He also met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi to discuss regional developments, according to Anadolu Agency.

Iraqi Parliament Approves New Government; Zaidi Vows Weapons Monopoly

The Iraqi parliament on Thursday approved the government of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and its ministerial program, with 14 ministers granted confidence. According to Middle East Monitor, Zaidi took the constitutional oath and his program includes "reforming the security apparatus by restricting weapons to state control" — a key demand from the US to dismantle Iran-backed groups. US diplomat Tom Barrack said Washington was ready to work with Zaidi "to advance our shared goals of prosperity for the Iraqi people and the elimination of terrorism." Iranian FM Araghchi congratulated the new government, calling the expansion of ties between Tehran and Baghdad one of Iran's "top priorities."

US CENTCOM Head Claims Iran Had Highly Enriched Uranium Before War

Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday that Iran possessed uranium enriched up to 60% before the US-Israeli war began. According to Middle East Monitor, Cooper maintained that there is no civilian use for uranium enriched to that threshold and said the war has increased the time it would take for Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. He declined to comment on whether securing nuclear material would require US boots on the ground in Iran.

International Response & Economics

IMF Warns Worst-Case Economic Scenario if Iran War Continues

The International Monetary Fund warned on Thursday that continued disruptions related to the war in the Middle East risk an "unfavorable" global economic situation. According to Middle East Eye, IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack stated: "We are heading towards the worst-case scenario" if the war continues, citing risks of low growth and high inflation.

US Announces $1.8 Billion in Humanitarian Aid to UN

The Trump administration pledged an additional $1.8 billion in humanitarian funding to support UN-led relief efforts, US envoy Mike Waltz announced Thursday, as reported by Anadolu Agency. The funds come on top of $2 billion announced in December but fall short of past US commitments. Waltz said the money will "save more lives around the world" and drive forward reforms for efficiency and accountability.

Ghent University Withdraws from Five EU Projects with Israeli Partners

Ghent University (UGent) in Belgium plans to withdraw simultaneously from five remaining EU Horizon research projects involving Israeli partners, rector Petra De Sutter said Thursday, according to Middle East Monitor. "These are the last five major Horizon projects with Israeli partners from which UGent had previously decided to withdraw," she said. Three other collaborations will expire before any formal exit procedure. The university will use the same approach as its withdrawal from the OSTEONET project to avoid compensation claims.

Danish Police Baton Charge Activists Protesting Maersk Over Israel Cargo

Danish police used batons and detained activists during a protest outside the headquarters of shipping giant Maersk in Copenhagen, as demonstrators demanded the company halt shipments allegedly linked to Israel. Middle East Monitor reported that around 100 police officers were deployed to disperse activists attempting to blockade the entrances. The protest was organized under the "Mask off Maersk" campaign, which accuses the company of transporting weapons and goods connected to Israel.

US Secretary of State Questions NATO After Spain Denies Basing

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised questions regarding NATO's value amid the war with Iran, criticizing Spain for denying US aircraft access to its bases. In an interview with Fox News reported by Middle East Monitor, Rubio said: "One of the reasons why I supported NATO was because it gave us basing rights... So when you have NATO partners denying you the use of those bases – when the primary reason why NATO is good for America is now being denied to us by Spain, as an example – then what's the purpose of having an alliance like NATO?"

Hezbollah Discusses Drone Capabilities; Israeli Soldiers Pray for Survival

A report from Al Jazeera Arabic highlighted how Hezbollah's drones, using fiber optics and low-altitude flight, have emerged as a strategic dilemma for Israel, frustrating the Iron Dome and neutralizing Israeli technology. The report notes that hobbyist-level drones have become a "nightmare" haunting Israeli occupation soldiers, who are said to pray for survival against them.

Other Developments

Acute Hunger Grips Nearly 20 Million in Sudan: IPC

Nearly 20 million people in war-battered Sudan are facing acute hunger, according to a new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report cited by Al Jazeera English. A lack of access to food and health facilities will lead to death for many, warned the Norwegian Refugee Council.

Cuba's Fuel Crisis Deepens Amid 22-Hour Blackouts

Cuba plunged deeper into a fuel crisis, with the country completely out of diesel and fuel oil, officials said. Cuban President Diaz-Canel stated that Washington's $100 million aid offer is "inconsistent" and called the US blockade "collective punishment," according to Anadolu Agency. The UN warned of a deepening energy crisis, saying the situation has "deteriorated" in recent days as fuel reserves are "largely exhausted."

Israel's Oct 7 Narrative Under Fresh Scrutiny After Army Accused of Deleting Footage

The Israeli army secretly seized and deleted parts of the October 7 security camera footage from Kibbutz Be'eri, according to a report by Israel Hayom cited by Middle East Monitor. A classified reserve unit arrived on the evening of October 9, 2023, and demanded the device storing all security camera recordings, promising to use the material "to bring the hostages home." The footage has never been returned, and former members of the kibbutz's rapid-response squad have expressed deep suspicion about the official account of events.

Israel Signs $35 Million Deal to Extend F-35 Range

Israel's Defense Ministry announced the signing of a contract worth over $34 million with Cyclone, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, to develop an extended-range capability for the F-35 Adir fighter jet, as reported by Middle East Monitor. The deal covers the development and integration of external fuel tanks based on an existing design for the F-16, expected to extend operational range and reduce reliance on aerial refueling.

US Coast Guard Seizes $45.8 Million Worth of Cocaine Off Colombia

The US Coast Guard seized $45.8 million worth of cocaine in an operation off the coast of Colombia, according to Anadolu Agency. A statement said the seizure represents 2.3 million potentially lethal doses of cocaine that will not reach American streets.

Russian Foreign Minister Meets Thai, Egyptian Counterparts at BRICS

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with his Thai and Egyptian counterparts on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi to discuss multilateral cooperation, according to Anadolu Agency.

No Updates Yet

• Germany seeks probe of Israeli torture allegations — Germany on Wednesday called for an investigation following a New York Times report about alleged Israeli torture and mistreatment of Palestinian detainees. See previous report →
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• US judge suspends sanctions on UN rights expert Francesca Albanese — A federal judge in Washington on Wednesday temporarily halted U.S. See previous report →
• Republican senators break ranks on Iran war powers — The U.S. See previous report →
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• WFP scales back food aid in Syria — The World Food Programme (WFP) announced it is reducing emergency food assistance in Syria by half and halting a nationwide bread subsidy program due to funding shortages, according to Anadolu Agency. See previous report →
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• Turkey’s maritime jurisdiction bill escalates Eastern Mediterranean dispute — Turkey is reportedly preparing to submit a bill to parliament asserting maritime jurisdiction over disputed areas of the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean believed to contain natural gas resources. See previous report →
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• Israeli Forces Demolish 14 Homes in Masafer Yatta — Haaretz (supplementary source) reported that Israeli military bulldozers escorted by armed forces entered the hamlet of Khirbet al-Mufaqqara in the Masafer Yatta area of the occupied West Bank on Wedn… See previous report →