Category: Middle East
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the military to launch “powerful” strikes on Gaza, following renewed tensions with Hamas over the handling of a hostage handover. Israel’s government said a coffin delivered by Hamas on Monday (Oct. 27) did not contain the body of a deceased hostage, calling it a “clear violation” of the…
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The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has announced the withdrawal of its fighters from Türkiye to northern Iraq, marking a major step in the ongoing peace process with Ankara. The group formally ended its 40-year armed campaign in May, which claimed around 50,000 lives. In a statement read in the Qandil Mountains, the PKK confirmed that…
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Iran is fast-tracking solar power projects to ease nationwide electricity shortages worsened by ageing infrastructure and US sanctions. Despite holding vast oil and gas reserves, the country has faced rolling blackouts and fuel shortages in recent years. Deputy Energy Minister Mohsen Tarztalab described renewable energy as a “strategic necessity,” emphasising its role in achieving energy…
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Israel’s parliament has given preliminary approval to a bill extending Israeli law to the occupied West Bank — a move widely viewed as de facto annexation of land sought by Palestinians for a future state. The vote, held as U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited Israel, passed narrowly by 25–24. A separate bill proposing annexation…
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Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, has urged the complete implementation of the Iran–Iraq security agreement signed in 2023, emphasising stronger cooperation in defence, politics, and economics to bolster regional stability. The statement follows renewed regional tensions and what Tehran describes as continued US and Israeli provocations. Iran considers its…
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US Vice President JD Vance met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem as the United States works to maintain the fragile ceasefire in Gaza. The visit came amid growing debate in Israel over Washington’s influence on its military decisions. The meeting follows a series of high-level US visits, including Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff,…
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Rebuilding Syria after more than a decade of civil war is projected to cost around $216 billion (€185 billion) — nearly ten times the country’s 2024 GDP — according to a new World Bank assessment. • The total recovery bill is estimated between $140–345 billion, with infrastructure repair alone costing $82 billion. • Damage to…
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Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed that a limited number of US military advisers will stay in Iraq beyond the planned September withdrawal, citing security developments in neighbouring Syria. He said between 250 and 350 advisers would remain at the Ain al-Asad air base, coordinating with US forces at al-Tanf in Syria to prevent…
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The week-old Gaza ceasefire showed signs of strain on Sunday (Oct. 19) after Israeli air strikes targeted southern Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes were in response to “multiple attacks” by Hamas, including sniper and RPG fire east of the designated withdrawal zone. Hamas denied breaching the truce, accusing Israel of using…
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Iran has accused Israel of repeatedly breaching the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, calling recent airstrikes in southern Lebanon a “clear violation” of Lebanese sovereignty. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei criticised France and the United States, guarantors of the truce, for their “continued inaction and appeasement” towards Israel. • Lebanese officials reported one death and seven…
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