Gazans repair water tanks punctured by Israel’s shells – Middle East Monitor

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani expressed strong support for Cardinal Louis Sako to succeed Pope Francis as the head of the Roman Catholic Church. He highlighted Sako's respect and contributions to peace and interfaith tolerance, emphasizing Iraq's historical significance as a homeland for Christians. Following the announcement of Pope Francis's death at 88, Al-Sudani reiterated that Iraq embodies unity among various religious communities, with Sako being the sole nominee from the Middle East for...

At least 47 civilians were killed and dozens injured in artillery shelling by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El-Fasher, North Darfur State, as the group fired about 250 shells into the city. The military reported the destruction of an RSF artillery platform and noted that clashes have continued since May 2024, with the RSF claiming control of the Zamzam refugee camp. Since April 15, 2023, fighting between the RSF and the Sudanese army...

On Wednesday, Gaza's civil defense agency reported 17 fatalities from Israeli airstrikes, including 11 at a school sheltering displaced individuals. Germany, France, and Britain called on Israel to lift its blockade on humanitarian aid, citing risks of starvation and disease, as the UN warned that community kitchens are closing due to dwindling supplies. Since the war's escalation on October 7, 2023, over 51,266 people have died in Gaza, while aid agencies report the majority of...

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Oman's Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Al-Said to discuss Iran's nuclear program amid ongoing negotiations between Iran and the U.S., as reported by Kremlin officials. Oman is mediating these talks, with President Trump threatening military action if a deal is not reached, while Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons. Putin emphasized Russia's commitment to supporting Iran and indicated that Russian energy companies are interested in enhancing relations with Oman, following his...

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the Israeli government is considering re-arresting Palestinian prisoners released in prior exchanges with Hamas to pressure the group into agreeing to a new ceasefire and prisoner swap. This comes amid Israel's recent actions, including blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza and cutting electricity in certain areas. The cabinet is set to discuss this proposal and may shift its strategy to escalate military action against Hamas if an agreement is not reached...

Newly discovered British documents indicate that Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE, doubted the U.S. commitment to protect its Arab allies amid popular uprisings, expressing these concerns to British MP Julian Amery in 1986. During a meeting, Zayed and his Chief of Staff highlighted the U.S. administration's failure to secure arms sales for friendly Arab nations as a sign of impotence, questioning America's reliability as an ally. They referenced historical instances...