We don’t need Israel’s permission to make a deal with Houthis – Middle East Monitor

Saudi Arabia is set to host a Gulf-US summit in mid-May, coinciding with President Donald Trump's second-term visit, following a previous summit in May 2017. Anticipated topics include significant announcements on security, military, and technology deals, along with a potential declaration recognizing the State of Palestine, which could shift the Middle Eastern power balance. All Gulf leaders are expected to attend, except for King Salman due to health issues, while major economic agreements and Saudi...

Since 7 October 2023, Israeli occupation forces have killed approximately 1,000 Palestinians in the West Bank, with 6,989 injured and over 17,779 arrested. The report from the Palestinian Information Centre also noted 18,121 military checkpoints imposed, 5,643 shooting incidents, and 1,156 homes demolished, alongside 410 documented settlement expansion activities and 3,721 settler attacks. This period has seen significant military incursions and restrictions, leading to the displacement of 85 Palestinians and widespread property destruction. Full Article

SummaryTurkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan disclosed that he survived an assassination attempt during his time as head of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) four or five years ago, stating he was poisoned with arsenic and mercury. In an interview, he noted that the attempt was part of a broader political struggle and hinted it occurred abroad, without specifying the perpetrators. Fidan, who served as MIT chief from 2010 until June 2023, characterized the incident...

Summary Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell criticized the EU for its inaction regarding Israel's military campaign in Gaza, stating that “half of the bombs falling on Gaza are supplied by us,” and describing the situation as “genocide” and the largest ethnic cleansing since World War II. He urged Europe to enhance financial and military integration to prevent a collapse of European civilization, while also emphasizing the need for a more proactive approach in...

Israel will not participate in food distribution under a US-led plan for Gaza but will provide necessary military security, according to Ambassador Mike Huckabee. Despite Israel's blockade of aid aimed at Hamas, Huckabee acknowledged a humanitarian crisis, urging the involvement of the UN and NGOs in the new initiative, which has drawn international criticism for sidelining existing organizations. Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza are facing dire food shortages, with many struggling to find basic essentials as...

Israel's commitment to defending the Syrian Druze serves a strategic goal of weakening Syria, as indicated by Israeli leaders. Following clashes in Syria, Israel justified military strikes, claiming to protect the Druze community, with Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasizing a refusal to allow threats against them. Analysts suggest Israel uses Druze concerns as a pretext for its military presence in Syria, while the Israeli Druze population remains loyal to Israel, contrasting with their Syrian counterparts who...