Trump to unveil US-supervised initiative to end Gaza war – Middle East Monitor

Thousands attended a peace event in Jerusalem amid the ongoing Gaza war, with organizers emphasizing the need for an alternative future to the current extremist-driven reality. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and ex-Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Nasser al-Kidwa presented their two-state solution proposal, which includes a territory swap and shared sovereignty over Jerusalem's Old City. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens under an Israeli blockade, with significant civilian casualties on both sides following Hamas's...

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff stated that persuading Iran to voluntarily abandon its enrichment program is the most effective way to prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons. He supports President Trump's approach of resolving the Iranian conflict through dialogue, emphasizing that this method would lead to a significant change in Iran's nuclear strategy. Iran has agreed to a fourth round of indirect nuclear talks with the US in Oman, following a postponement due to...

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...