2 more Israeli soldiers killed in southern Gaza, army says – Middle East Monitor

US President Donald Trump has reportedly ended communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suspecting manipulation from Netanyahu, according to Israeli media. This decision follows a breakdown in their personal relations and Trump's disappointment in Netanyahu's actions, particularly after a meeting where Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister suggested what Trump "ought to do," angering the president. Trump plans to advance Middle East initiatives, including potential normalization with Saudi Arabia, without waiting for Netanyahu, whom he believes...

A UNRWA spokeswoman emphasized the crucial role of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, asserting it is "very difficult" to imagine such operations without them. The U.S. recently announced the formation of the "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation," sidelining the UN amid severe shortages caused by Israel's blockade, which has lasted two months. Critics, including UN officials, argue that Israel's plan to divert aid through Israeli hubs rather than the existing...

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has canceled his planned visit to Israel next week, which would have been his first since assuming office, as reported by The Jerusalem Post. He was set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Katz but will instead accompany President Donald Trump to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations, where discussions will occur regarding arms deals and nuclear cooperation, with Trump's stance softening on Saudi normalization with Israel....

The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has announced the holding of a congress in Iraqi Kurdistan from May 5-7, where it likely decided to dissolve itself and end its armed campaign against Turkey, which has lasted four decades. This development follows a call from the PKK's imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, on February 27, urging the group to disband, as he believes the insurgency has outlived its purpose. Ocalan's appeal came after months of secret talks with...

The Bolivian government has condemned Israel's recent military campaign in the Gaza Strip, labeling it a "massive invasion" and a serious violation of human rights. In a statement, Bolivia reiterated its support for the Palestinian people, urging the international community to take immediate action against what it calls a potential genocide. This condemnation follows Bolivia's history of severing diplomatic ties with Israel due to its military actions, with officials describing Israel's conduct as "crimes against...

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani affirmed Iraq's stance on designating the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) as a banned organization during a press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. He emphasized Iraq's commitment to preventing any group from using its territory to attack neighboring countries and highlighted the importance of security cooperation while respecting national sovereignty. Additionally, Al-Sudani addressed water management issues, noting ongoing discussions to establish a fair mechanism that benefits...