News Briefing
News Briefing: May 17, 2026
Breaking News
International Criminal Court issued secret arrest warrants for five Israeli officials, including three politicians and two military personnel, according to a Haaretz report Sunday. The warrants — separate from the November 2024 arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant — would bring to seven the total number of Israeli officials facing ICC prosecution. The Hague-based court has not yet confirmed the report. →
US has outlined five key conditions for a deal with Iran, including allowing only one Iranian nuclear facility to remain operational, refusing compensation payments, demanding transfer of 400 kilograms of Iranian uranium to the US, withholding release of frozen assets, and conditioning any halt to war on negotiations outcome, reported Iran's semi-official Fars news agency Sunday. Iran's counter-conditions include ending the war on all fronts, lifting sanctions, and recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. →
A drone strike sparked a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra Region on Sunday, Emirati officials confirmed. The fire broke out in an electrical generator outside the plant's inner perimeter; authorities reported no injuries and no impact on radiological safety levels. The Arab League and Arab Parliament condemned the attack as a "dangerous escalation." →
Hezbollah announced it targeted Israeli forces and vehicles in southern Lebanon on Sunday in response to what the group described as Israel's continuing "bloody violations" of the ceasefire agreement. The Israeli military claimed four soldiers were wounded by an explosive device. An Israeli army captain, Maoz Israel Recanati, 24, was killed by a drone strike — the 20th Israeli soldier killed in Lebanon since February 28. →
Israel's economy contracted by 3.3% in the first quarter of 2026 on an annualized basis, according to Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics, citing the economic fallout from the war on Iran. The contraction marks a significant deterioration in Israel's economic outlook amid the multi-front conflict. →
Jerusalem Governorate warned of an Israeli plan to seize approximately 20 properties near the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Bab al-Silsila neighborhood, describing the move as a "new colonial escalation." The targeted area includes buildings and Islamic endowments dating back to the Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods. Israeli authorities are expected to approve the plan on Sunday. →
Massive protests swept Spanish cities on the 78th anniversary of the Nakba, with demonstrators demanding sanctions on Israel. Al Jazeera Arabic reported a "human tsunami" in Spanish streets, with prominent figures including Barcelona star Lamine Yamal raising the Palestinian flag. The protests coincided with government-level solidarity positions. →
Stories at a Glance
Gaza's cemetery crisis deepens as graves overflow and are bulldozed, leaving families unable to bury their dead. Al Jazeera Arabic reported that death is no longer the greatest tragedy for Gazans — finding burial space has become an additional ordeal. →
Fatah's Eighth Congress concluded with imprisoned leader Marwan al-Barghouti again topping the central committee vote, while significant changes saw the departure of veteran figures including Abbas Zaki, Rouhi Fattouh, and Azzam al-Ahmad. Yasser Abbas, son of President Mahmoud Abbas, secured a seat despite residing primarily in Canada. →
A New York Times investigation by Nicholas Kristof alleging systematic torture and sexual violence against Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody has triggered a furious Israeli government smear campaign, according to Mondoweiss. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese confirmed Israel uses torture against Palestinian detainees. →
Israel came second at Eurovision amid widespread boycotts and protests over its war on Gaza. Bulgaria won the contest. Belgium's Flemish public broadcaster VRT said it may skip next year's event, calling for "more transparent" decision-making processes. →
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has been appointed as Tehran's special envoy to China, approved by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. The appointment carries a "different level of authority" compared to previous representatives, according to Tasnim news agency. →
US officials are pushing the UAE to seize Iran's Lavan Island, The Telegraph reported Saturday, citing a former senior US security official who said some in Trump's circle have proposed the UAE "go take 'em" — referring to the Gulf island. The report comes amid escalating US-Israel strikes on Iran since February 28. →
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese released a report titled "Torture and Genocide" for the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, documenting that torture has been a central part of Israel's dispossession of Palestinians since 1967. →
Key Takeaways
Israel is fighting a multi-front war with no endgame. The simultaneous escalation on the Lebanon front, continued operations in Gaza (now 60% controlled per Netanyahu), expanding West Bank raids, and the broader war with Iran indicate Israel is overextended militarily while its economy contracts by 3.3%. Hezbollah's ability to continue striking Israeli forces even during a supposed ceasefire suggests the resistance axis retains significant operational capability.
The ICC is intensifying legal pressure on Israeli officials, but enforcement remains the central question. The reported secret warrants for five additional officials — if confirmed — would mark an unprecedented escalation in international legal accountability. However, the US Senate's concurrent push to sanction the ICC demonstrates that Washington will actively protect Israeli officials from prosecution, creating a direct clash between international law and US policy.
Regional normalization efforts are accelerating alongside annexation and displacement plans. The reported US push for the UAE to seize Iranian territory, the Qatari-Saudi mediation efforts to ease tensions, and ongoing Saudi normalization talks with Israel represent competing geopolitical currents. Meanwhile, Israeli plans to seize Palestinian properties near Al-Aqsa, Ben-Gvir's settlement announcements in Lebanon, and expanding West Bank operations show that diplomatic tracks are proceeding in parallel with, and often enabling, territorial expansion.
The Iran-US confrontation is entering a new phase with complex diplomatic layers. Iran's appointment of a high-level envoy to China, China's hedging strategy in the Middle East, and the Qatari-Saudi mediation indicate the diplomatic front is expanding. The US's five conditions for Iran — particularly the demand to keep only one nuclear facility and transfer 400 kg of uranium — suggest Washington seeks maximum capitulation. Iran's counter-demands, including recognition of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, signal that Tehran is not prepared to negotiate from weakness.
International public opinion is increasingly disconnected from government policy. Massive Nakba protests in Spain and the UK, Eurovision boycotts, Belgium's threat to withdraw from the contest, and declining support for Israel among young conservatives in the US reflect a growing grassroots shift. However, government actions — Senate ICC sanctions legislation, continued arms deals, and normalization agreements — show that the transatlantic policy establishment remains largely aligned with Israeli positions.
Gaza & Palestine
Fatah Eighth Congress Concludes with Significant Leadership Changes
The Fatah movement's Eighth Congress has concluded with historic changes to its leadership structure. According to Al Quds Al Arabi, imprisoned leader Marwan al-Barghouti continued to top the central committee vote, demonstrating his enduring popularity and political weight. The congress saw significant departures of veteran figures including Abbas Zaki, Rouhi Fattouh, and Azzam al-Ahmad — representing a generational shift that saw the exit of roughly half the previous central committee members.
Al Jazeera English reported that Yasser Abbas, the 64-year-old businessman son of President Mahmoud Abbas, secured a seat on the central committee despite spending most of his time in Canada. His election has drawn internal criticism, with many within Fatah viewing it as a continuation of nepotism within the movement's leadership. The congress brought in younger and middle-generation leaders, reflecting pressure for renewal within the party that has dominated Palestinian politics for over five decades.
Mondoweiss reported that the congress was described by insiders as "the most competitive and change-oriented" in the movement's history. The conference took place amid ongoing Israeli military operations across the West Bank, the war in Gaza, and heightened regional tensions, adding urgency to discussions about Fatah's future direction and its role in the broader Palestinian national movement.
Israeli Forces Raid West Bank Schools, Target Children in Burqa
Al Jazeera English published video footage showing Palestinian children in Burqa village, northwest of Nablus, fleeing through streets after Israeli forces evacuated local schools. The incident occurred during an Israeli military raid in the area, with soldiers ordering schools to be cleared before searching the premises.
The footage shows children as young as six or seven years old running through residential streets, some crying, as sounds of military activity are heard in the background. Witnesses told Al Jazeera that Israeli forces entered the school compound without prior warning, forcing teachers to evacuate students abruptly. The raid is part of a broader escalation of Israeli military operations across the occupied West Bank, which has seen more than 23,000 Palestinians arrested since October 2023.
Jerusalem Governorate Warns of Israeli Plan to Seize Properties Near Al-Aqsa
Middle East Monitor reported that the Palestinian Jerusalem Governorate has warned of an Israeli government plan to seize approximately 20 properties near the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Bab al-Silsila neighborhood. In a statement, the governorate described the move as a "new colonial escalation" that targets buildings and Islamic endowments dating back to the Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods.
According to the statement, Israeli authorities are expected to approve the plan on Sunday. The targeted area includes between 15 and 20 Palestinian properties, including commercial shops whose owners would be evicted to make way for settlement expansion. The Bab al-Silsila neighborhood is described as "one of the most important entrances leading to the Al-Aqsa Mosque," making the seizure plan particularly sensitive.
The announcement coincides with reporting from Al Jazeera Arabic providing details of what it called a "new Israeli decision to Judaize the Al-Aqsa Mosque." According to the Jerusalem Governorate, the Israeli government approved implementation of a previous order to confiscate historical Palestinian properties near the mosque's Bab al-Silsila route to expand the "Jewish Quarter."
Gaza's Cemetery Crisis Deepens as Space Runs Out
Al Jazeera Arabic published a deeply reported piece on the cemetery crisis in Gaza, documenting how death itself has become a logistical nightmare. The report, titled "Because of the shortage of graves, death is no longer the greatest calamity for Gazans," describes families traveling long distances searching for any patch of earth to bury their dead.
Graves are being dug up and reused, with bodies stacked in layers. The Al Jazeera Arabic video report shows overcrowded cemeteries where new graves are dug next to, and sometimes on top of, older ones. Cemetery workers describe the psychological toll of repeatedly exhuming remains to make space for new burials.
The crisis reflects the broader humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where more than 72,000 people have been killed since October 2023, according to Palestinian health authorities, and where infrastructure — including cemeteries — has been systematically destroyed. The siege has prevented the entry of equipment needed to expand burial grounds, while the continuous death toll overwhelms existing capacity.
Israel's War on West Bank Comes for Palestinian Greenhouses
+972 Magazine reported that in Jayyous and neighboring villages, Palestinian farmers have been served dozens of new demolition orders intended to push them off their land. The orders target greenhouses and agricultural infrastructure, which are vital to the local economy.
The report details how Israeli authorities are systematically targeting agricultural structures under the guise of "illegal construction" in Area C, which remains under full Israeli military control under the Oslo Accords. Farmers told +972 that the demolition orders are part of a broader strategy to depopulate the area and pave the way for settlement expansion.
The situation in Jayyous reflects a wider pattern across the West Bank, where UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has documented that Israel's treatment of Palestinians amounts to systematic dispossession and collective punishment.
UN Rapporteur Releases "Torture and Genocide" Report on Israel's Treatment of Palestinians
Middle East Monitor reported that UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine Francesca Albanese released a report titled "Torture and Genocide" for the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council. The report examines the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories since 1967 and focuses on Israel's treatment of Palestinians since October 7, 2023.
The report concludes that torture has been a central part of Israel's dispossession of Palestinians. Albanese's findings align with a New York Times investigation by Nicholas Kristof that documented systematic torture and sexual violence against Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. The Mondoweiss report noted that the Israeli government launched an "ferocious smear campaign" in response to the Kristof investigation, accusing the Times of anti-Israel bias.
Albanese's report provides detailed documentation of interrogation methods, detention conditions, and medical evidence of abuse. It calls on the international community to hold Israel accountable under international law, including the Genocide Convention.
Israel Displaces Qalandia Refugee Camp Residents, Threatens Jenin-Style Destruction
Mondoweiss reported that residents of Qalandia refugee camp outside Ramallah say escalating Israeli raids now come with orders to leave their homes or suffer the same fate as Jenin camp. According to residents, Israeli soldiers have been using loudspeakers to warn families that their homes will be destroyed if they do not evacuate.
"Just saying 'Jenin' is enough," one resident told Mondoweiss. "Everyone knows what it means." The reference is to Israel's military operation in Jenin that destroyed large parts of the refugee camp, displacing thousands of residents. Israeli forces have conducted repeated raids on Qalandia camp, arresting dozens of residents and demolishing infrastructure.
The report highlights a pattern of forced displacement being implemented across West Bank refugee camps, with military operations increasingly resembling the large-scale destruction seen in Gaza.
ICC Issues Secret Arrest Warrants for Five Israeli Officials
Middle East Monitor reported, citing Haaretz, that the International Criminal Court has issued secret arrest warrants against five Israeli officials, including three politicians and two military personnel. The report came after the court had already issued arrest warrants in November 2024 against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
If confirmed, the number of Israeli officials facing ICC arrest warrants would rise to seven. The report noted that there has been no immediate statement from the ICC regarding the warrants. The Israeli army has killed more than 72,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 172,000 in the two-year war on Gaza since October 2023.
The timing of the reported warrants is significant, coming as the US Senate advances legislation to sanction the ICC. The proposed "Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act" would impose visa bans and asset freezes on ICC personnel investigating Americans or Israeli nationals.
Lebanon
Hezbollah Strikes Israeli Forces in Southern Lebanon; Israeli Captain Killed
Al Quds Al Arabi reported that Hezbollah announced on Sunday it targeted Israeli military vehicles and soldiers in southern Lebanon in response to what the group described as "Israel's continuing bloody violations of the ceasefire agreement." The Israeli military claimed four soldiers were wounded by an explosive device in southern Lebanon.
Middle East Monitor reported that an Israeli army captain, Maoz Israel Recanati, 24, a platoon commander in the Golani Brigade's 12th Battalion, was killed by a drone strike in southern Lebanon. Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Recanati was the 20th Israeli soldier killed in Lebanon since the war with Iran began on February 28 and the 7th since the ceasefire began on April 16.
RT Arabic reported that Israel continues its artillery shelling and airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon, despite the extension of the "truce" following the third round of Washington negotiations. Israeli media reported a push for "military coordination" in Lebanon.
Israeli Security Source: Hezbollah Arsenal Cannot be Destroyed Without Political Breakthrough
Middle East Monitor cited an Israeli security source quoted by Israeli public broadcaster KAN who acknowledged that Israel cannot destroy Hezbollah's weapons "even if it occupies the entire southern Lebanon" in the absence of a "political breakthrough."
"Even if we occupy all of southern Lebanon, as some suggest, these measures will not be able to destroy Hezbollah's arsenal," the source said. The Israeli security establishment believes Hezbollah can be "further weakened through targeted assassinations, infrastructure strikes, and additional operational measures," but acknowledges "there is no radical solution on the horizon that will eliminate the threat."
The admission is significant given Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon have continued since the ceasefire began, with Israeli forces conducting demolitions and ground operations. The source noted that Israeli operations in southern Lebanon are costing approximately $X million per week.
Lebanon Fatality Toll Reaches 2,988 Since March 2
Al Quds Al Arabi reported that Lebanon's Ministry of Health announced on Sunday that the fatality toll from Israeli aggression since March 2 has reached 2,988 martyrs and 9,210 wounded. The latest 24-hour period saw 19 martyrs and 98 wounded.
The figures document the devastating human cost of Israel's expanded military operations in Lebanon, which began on a new scale on March 2 after the collapse of earlier ceasefire arrangements. The health ministry continues to compile casualty data despite the challenges of operating during active hostilities.
Iran & Regional Conflict
US Outlines Five Conditions for Iran Deal; Iran Presents Counter-Demands
Middle East Monitor reported that the United States has outlined five key conditions for a deal with Tehran, according to Iran's semi-official Fars news agency. Washington's conditions include:
- Allowing only one Iranian nuclear facility to remain operational
- Refusing to pay any compensation or damages
- Demanding the transfer of 400 kilograms of Iranian uranium to the United States
- Withholding the release of even 25% of Iran's frozen assets
- Conditioning any halt to the war on all fronts on the outcome of negotiations
Iran's key counter-conditions include ending the war across all fronts, including in Lebanon, lifting sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian assets, compensating for war damage, and "recognition of Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz."
The US conditions represent a maximalist negotiating position that would effectively dismantle Iran's nuclear program without providing any sanctions relief or security guarantees. Iran's demand for sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz is particularly significant given the ongoing closure of the strait and its impact on global energy markets.
Drone Strike Targets Area Near UAE's Barakah Nuclear Plant
Al Jazeera English and Middle East Monitor reported that a fire broke out near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra Region on Sunday, caused by a drone strike. The Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed the fire occurred in an electrical generator outside the plant's inner perimeter, with no injuries and no impact on radiological safety levels.
"All precautionary measures have been implemented," the media office stated. The Arab League and Arab Parliament condemned the attack as a "dangerous escalation" and expressed full solidarity with the UAE.
The attack on a nuclear facility — even its periphery — represents a significant escalation in the regional conflict. The Barakah plant is the UAE's first nuclear power station and a key component of its energy diversification strategy. The incident raises serious questions about the protection of critical infrastructure in the context of the ongoing Iran-US-Israel war.
US Officials Pushing UAE to Seize Iranian Island: Report
Middle East Monitor reported that The Telegraph revealed US officials are encouraging the United Arab Emirates to seize Lavan Island, one of Iran's Gulf islands. A former senior US security official told the newspaper that some people within President Trump's circle have proposed the UAE seize the island, which was reportedly targeted in covert Emirati military strikes in early April.
"Go take 'em!" the official was quoted as saying, adding: "It would be UAE boots on the ground instead of US." The proposal reflects a strategy of using regional proxies to expand military operations against Iran without direct US ground involvement.
Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks, including strikes on Israeli targets and Gulf infrastructure.
Iran Appoints Parliament Speaker as Special Envoy to China
Al Jazeera Arabic and Middle East Monitor reported that Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has been appointed as Tehran's special envoy to China. The appointment was proposed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and approved by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
According to Tasnim news agency, Qalibaf "will serve as a coordinator of various national bodies in matters related to China." The appointment carries a "different level of authority compared to previous representatives," Tasnim noted, reflecting the strategic importance Tehran places on its relationship with Beijing.
The move comes as China has emerged as a key diplomatic player in the Iran crisis, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi holding multiple meetings with Iranian officials. Middle East Monitor published analysis noting that Iran has become part of Beijing's wider geopolitical calculation, "no longer merely a regional issue confined to Middle Eastern politics."
China's Quiet Hedging Strategy in the Middle East
Middle East Monitor published an analysis examining China's growing engagement with Iran, noting that recent meetings between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing "reflected more than routine bilateral diplomacy."
China has emphasized the importance of regional stability, the security of global energy routes, and the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for international trade. Discussions involving Iran and the broader Middle East have become "deeply intertwined with strategic conversations between China and the United States."
The analysis suggests China is pursuing a hedging strategy — maintaining ties with Iran while also hedging its bets by engaging with Gulf states and maintaining communication with Washington. This balancing act reflects China's economic interests in Middle Eastern energy supplies and its broader geopolitical positioning as a counterweight to US dominance.
Hezbollah Commander Assassination Prompts IRGC Response
RT Arabic reported that the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) , General Ahmad Vahidi, expressed condolences over the assassination of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, a senior commander of Hamas's al-Qassam Brigades. Al-Haddad was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike, with Israeli media describing him as the "ghost of al-Qassam."
Vahidi's statement signals continued IRGC support for Palestinian resistance factions and underscores the interconnected nature of the regional conflict. Al Jazeera English published analysis examining how al-Haddad's killing tests the Gaza ceasefire as the group pledges to adapt its operations.
Iranian Official Warns of Israel "Fabricating Operations" Against Regional States
RT Arabic quoted an informed Iranian military official who warned that Israel is attempting to "cover up its failures by fabricating military operations against regional states and attributing them to Iran." The official described a "systematic conspiracy" to inflame regional tensions.
The warning comes amid Israeli media reports of mysterious explosions and security incidents across the region. The Iranian official's statement suggests Tehran believes Tel Aviv is deliberately escalating to draw other regional actors into the conflict or to justify continued military operations against Iran.
International Response
Massive Nakba Protests Erupt in Spain
Al Jazeera Arabic reported that Spanish cities witnessed a "human tsunami" of protests on the 78th anniversary of the Nakba, with demonstrators demanding sanctions on Israel. The protests were described as both popular and official, with government-level support for solidarity positions.
Prominent figures including Barcelona star Lamine Yamal raised the Palestinian flag, drawing international attention. The Spanish government has been among the most vocal European critics of Israel's actions in Gaza, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently defending Spain's boycott of Eurovision citing Israel's "illegal war and genocide."
The massive turnout in Spanish cities reflects growing public anger in Europe over Israel's military operations and the failure of diplomatic efforts to halt the violence.
43 Arrested in Central London During Rival Protests
Middle East Monitor reported that 43 people were arrested on Saturday during a large public order operation in central London involving more than 4,000 police officers. The Metropolitan Police operation was designed to create a "sterile zone" between two opposing demonstrations: a rally organized by Islamophobic activist Tommy Robinson and a pro-Palestinian protest.
According to police, 20 of those arrested were linked to the "Unite the Kingdom" protest, 12 to the "Nakba" protest, and 11 were either unrelated to either group or could not be identified. 11 of the arrests related to hate crime offenses — two linked to the Nakba protest and nine to the Unite the Kingdom group.
The competing demonstrations highlighted the polarized atmosphere in the UK around the Israel-Palestine issue, with both far-right and pro-Palestinian mobilizations drawing significant crowds.
Israel Places Second at Eurovision Amid Boycotts and Protests
Al Jazeera English reported that Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest, pushing Israel into second place amid widespread boycotts and protests over Israel's war on Gaza and Lebanon. The contest was marked by significant security presence and multiple countries considering withdrawal.
Anadolu Agency reported that Belgium's Flemish public broadcaster VRT said it may skip next year's Eurovision, calling for "more transparent mechanisms in decision-making processes" and a "direct vote among EBU members." The Belgian broadcaster's statement reflects growing discomfort among European public broadcasters with Israel's participation.
Spain had already boycotted the contest, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stating the country could not remain silent over Israel's actions. The Eurovision controversy has become a proxy battleground for broader debates about cultural boycotts and international complicity.
US Senate Advances Bill to Sanction ICC
Reuters reported that the US Senate voted 43-42 to advance a bill authorizing sanctions against the International Criminal Court, but the measure faces significant opposition from both Democrats and Republicans. The proposed "Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act" would impose visa bans and asset freezes on ICC personnel investigating Americans or Israeli nationals.
The vote came hours after ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan confirmed the active investigation into Israeli officials for war crimes in Gaza. Opponents of the bill argued it would undermine US credibility and damage relations with European allies.
The narrow margin of the procedural vote — 43-42 — suggests the bill faces an uncertain path to final passage. The legislation represents the Trump administration's effort to shield Israel from international legal accountability while also protecting US personnel from prosecution.
US, Qatari, Saudi Diplomacy Intensifies on Multiple Fronts
Middle East Monitor reported that Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed the situation in the Middle East, including the US-Iran war, in a phone call on Sunday. The Qatari Foreign Ministry said the discussions addressed efforts to "ease tensions and promote stability and security across the region."
Sheikh Mohammed stressed "the importance of all parties responding positively to the ongoing mediation efforts, which would pave the way for addressing the root causes of the crisis through peaceful means and dialogue."
The Qatari-Saudi coordination reflects Gulf states' attempt to mediate between regional powers while also protecting their own security interests. Middle East Monitor also reported on a Saudi push to pull Europe toward a "Gulf Helsinki" deal with Iran, arguing that Washington has failed to manage regional security.
UK Deploys Low-Cost Anti-Drone System to Middle East
Middle East Monitor reported that Britain has deployed a new low-cost missile system to the Middle East to strengthen protection against drone attacks targeting "UK forces, citizens and regional partners." The Ministry of Defense said the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) has been fitted to RAF Typhoon fighter jets operating in the region.
"The system has now been deployed on operations in the Middle East with sorties flown by 9 Squadron RAF Typhoon fighter jets as part of the missions to defend British people, interests and partners from threats," the ministry noted.
The deployment is a response to the increasing use of drones in regional conflicts, including attacks on Gulf infrastructure and shipping. The APKWS system is significantly cheaper than traditional missile systems, allowing for more sustained operations.
Other Developments
DR Congo, Uganda: WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak a Global Health Emergency
Anadolu Agency and Al Jazeera English reported that the World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a global health emergency. The health agency warned the outbreak, linked to the Bundibugyo strain, could be larger than currently detected as cases spread across both countries.
Anadolu Agency previously reported 65 deaths from 246 suspected cases in Ituri province, DR Congo. The declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) triggers increased international coordination and funding for containment efforts. The outbreak is the latest in a series of Ebola epidemics in the region, which has struggled with inadequate healthcare infrastructure and ongoing conflict.
Sudan: Nearly 20 Million Face Acute Hunger
The crisis in Sudan continues to deepen, with nearly 20 million people facing acute hunger, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) destruction of the strategic Manaqil bridge in central Sudan has severed the main road linking Khartoum to Darfur state, cutting off humanitarian aid deliveries to millions of displaced people where famine conditions have been reported.
International aid groups condemned the destruction as a violation of international humanitarian law, calling it a "deliberate effort to starve civilians." The war between the Sudanese army and the RSF has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with widespread displacement, sexual violence, and destruction of infrastructure.
Ukraine-Russia War: Large-Scale Drone Attacks Reported
Anadolu Agency reported that Russia said Ukrainian drones killed 4 people as Moscow faced its "largest" drone attack in over a year. Ukraine also accused Russia of launching over 280 drones overnight, killing 1 and injuring 25 people over the past 24 hours. The reciprocal drone attacks represent an escalation in the war, with both sides increasingly relying on drone warfare to strike infrastructure and military targets deep behind enemy lines.
Germany: Massive WWII Bomb Disposal Forces Evacuation
RT Arabic reported that authorities in the city of Pforzheim in southwestern Germany successfully defused a World War II bomb on Sunday afternoon after evacuating tens of thousands of residents. The operation was conducted without incident. The discovery of unexploded ordnance from World War II remains common in German cities, decades after the war ended, and such evacuations have become routine.
Taiwan: Xi's Summit Sparks Fears of Chinese Invasion
RT Arabic reported, citing Axios, that some close to President Trump fear the most significant outcome of his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping could be "increased risk of an invasion of Taiwan in the next five years." The assessment reflects concerns that the summit's lack of practical results on security issues may give Beijing the green light to pursue reunification by force.
Al Quds Al Arabi reported that Taiwan on Saturday affirmed its status as an independent and sovereign state, hours after President Trump warned it against any formal declaration of independence. The contradiction between Taiwan's assertion and Trump's warning highlights the ongoing ambiguity in US policy toward the island.
Cuba: Electricity Restored After Massive Blackout, Energy Crisis Deepens
Al Quds Al Arabi reported that electricity was restored across Cuba on Friday after a massive blackout, but the island's energy crisis remains severe as oil supplies are depleted. The blackout affected millions of Cubans and highlighted the country's deteriorating infrastructure amid the ongoing US embargo and economic crisis.
No Updates Yet
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- Ukraine: Russian forces claim control of 85% of Krasny Liman — Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov stated that Russian forces control 85% of the city of Krasny Liman in Donetsk and are advancing in the Kharkiv region, according to RT Arabic. See previous report →
- Ukraine: Plane carrying explosives to Libya stopped in Trinidad and Tobago — A Ukrainian aircraft carrying explosives bound for Libya was temporarily stopped in Trinidad and Tobago before being allowed to depart, according to Al Quds Al Arabi. See previous report →
- Poland plays down US troop pause as doubts grow over Europe commitment — Poland downplayed a pause in US troop deployments as doubts grow about America's long-term commitment to European security under President Trump, according to Anadolu Agency. See previous report →
- Russia: US noticed anti-American sentiments in German Chancellor Merz — Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, said the US noticed anti-American sentiments in German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, according to RT Arabic. See previous report →
- Libya: Football riot spreads to government building — Violence at a football match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Suwaihli in Libya on Thursday spread from the Tarhuna stadium to the capital Tripoli, where part of the Prime Ministry headquarters was set on fi… See previous report →
- Ben Gvir Storms Al-Aqsa; Jordan, Egypt Condemn — Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir led hundreds of settlers in storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under heavy Israeli police protection on Thursday, coinciding with the annual Jerusa… See previous report →