Iraq hails Turkiye as ‘important partner’ in securing stability in region – Middle East Monitor

Israel's ongoing war in Gaza, now in its twenty-second month, has intensified political and social divisions, with families and friends split over calls for a ceasefire and the need to secure hostage releases. While peace activists push for a halt to the conflict, right-wing factions advocate for territorial expansion, leading to increased polarization and critiques of Prime Minister Netanyahu's motives amidst mounting international pressure. Want More Context? 🔎

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Kuwaiti Finance Minister Noora al-Fassam resigned, with Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad accepting her resignation and appointing Electricity Minister Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem as interim replacement. Fassam, who took office in August 2024 during a Cabinet reshuffle, was part of a government formed after parliamentary elections in April 2024 under the new emir, following political turmoil. Want More Context? 🔎

Around 1,500 people in Gaza have been killed since May while seeking humanitarian aid, according to the UN, which highlighted ongoing violence along aid routes. An Israeli airstrike on Sunday also killed a healthcare worker in Khan Yunus, with criticism mounting over a US- and Israeli-supported aid scheme deemed ineffective and dangerous. Want More Context? 🔎

The Trump administration announced it may withhold approximately $1.9 billion in disaster preparedness funding from states and cities that endorse boycotts against Israel or Israeli businesses. FEMA's grant conditions stipulate that applicants must not support any actions that limit commercial relations with Israeli entities, as detailed in the terms for the 2025 fiscal year. Want More Context? 🔎

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to fully occupy the Gaza Strip and expand military operations, despite opposition from the security establishment, according to local media. This marks a significant shift in Israel's Gaza strategy, with expected operations in densely populated areas, following reported approval from US President Donald Trump. Want More Context? 🔎