Tunisia: Lawyer defending ex-ministers arrested

SummarySyrian authorities have detained two senior members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Khaled Khaled and Yasser al-Zafari, for five days without explanation, as confirmed by the group and a Syrian official. Islamic Jihad, which participated in the October 2023 attacks on Israel, called for their release, highlighting concerns over the detentions. The arrests occur amidst shifting Syrian-Israeli relations, as Syria aims to rebuild ties and distance itself from Iranian influence, while the U.S. has set conditions...

A Hamas delegation has traveled to Cairo to explore "new ideas" for achieving a ceasefire in Gaza amid ongoing Israeli air strikes that killed 26 people on Tuesday. This initiative follows Hamas's rejection of Israel's recent hostage release proposal and comes after failed negotiations since the resumption of Israeli military action on March 18. The situation has worsened, with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees highlighting the deepening humanitarian crisis, while Israel's military campaign has...

Summary Egypt has condemned calls by Israeli settler groups to bomb the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, labeling the rhetoric as provocative and extremist. The Foreign Ministry of Egypt emphasized the need to stop violations at the site and warned against attacks on Islamic and Christian holy places in Jerusalem. Cairo urged the international community to take immediate action to prevent Israeli violations and maintain security and stability in the Middle East. Full...

US warplanes conducted air strikes in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, targeting the Faj Attan area and a sanitation project, amid ongoing military offensives against the Houthi group. The Houthi-affiliated media reported that recent US strikes have resulted in significant casualties, with claims of 205 civilians killed and 406 injured since March. US President Trump has emphasized a decisive military approach against the Houthis, who have also increased attacks on maritime targets in solidarity with Palestinians amid...

Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the highest authority in Shiite Islam in Iraq, expressed condolences on the death of Pope Francis, commending his efforts in promoting "peace and tolerance" and interfaith dialogue. Sistani, who met Francis during his historic 2021 visit to Iraq, noted the pontiff's significant role in advocating for the oppressed and fostering solidarity among different faiths. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani also mourned Francis, highlighting his dedication to humanity and the importance...

Following the death of Pope Francis at 88, regional church leaders and officials across the Middle East, including Egypt’s Al-Azhar, expressed condolences and highlighted his legacy of peace. Francis, who passed away after a prolonged respiratory illness, was remembered for his historic visit to Iraq in 2021 and his dedication to promoting interfaith dialogue, particularly in relation to Lebanon and the Palestinian issue. Leaders from Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Turkey, and Palestine praised his commitment to...