Microsoft confirms AI, cloud services to Israeli Defense Ministry amid Gaza war scrutiny – Middle East Monitor

Mohammed Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, was confirmed killed on May 13, 2025. Despite losing key leadership, including multiple brigade and battalion commanders, Hamas continues to maintain control in areas like Nuseirat and Gaza City, demonstrating resilience and ongoing recruitment. Israel's tactical successes in eliminating leaders have not translated into a strategic collapse of Hamas, which persists in its operations and hostage negotiations, revealing a complex dynamic that challenges the effectiveness of Israel's...

Hamas has responded to a U.S. ceasefire proposal, offering to release 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 deceased ones in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners, while demanding a permanent truce, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and continuous humanitarian aid—none of which are included in the current U.S. framework, which Israel has accepted. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff deemed Hamas's response unacceptable, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu insists on the right to resume hostilities unless...

Hamas has submitted its response to a US-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal, which was deemed "totally unacceptable" by US negotiator Steve Witkoff and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Hamas expressed a positive outlook, it emphasized the necessity for a permanent ceasefire, a point of contention for Israel, which is focused on defeating Hamas following the October 2023 attacks. The ongoing conflict has led to dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with the UN warning of famine...

Iran has significantly increased its production of highly enriched uranium, with a UN report indicating a stockpile of 408.6 kg enriched to 60%, heightening concerns over its nuclear program. Despite receiving US proposals for a potential nuclear deal, Iran rejected the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) report as politically motivated and accused Israel of providing misleading information. The IAEA expressed serious concern over Iran's enriched uranium levels, which exceed the limits set by the 2015...

SummaryHamas announced it submitted a response to a ceasefire proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff, agreeing to release 10 hostages from Gaza, although it did not confirm acceptance of the full deal, which includes a 60-day truce. The proposal involves an initial exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, but negotiations have stalled since a previous ceasefire collapsed. Amid rising humanitarian concerns in Gaza, Israel continues its military campaign against Hamas, emphasizing the need to defeat...

SummarySaudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan will lead an Arab-Islamic ministerial committee delegation to Ramallah on Sunday, marking the first visit by a top Saudi diplomat to Palestinian territory since 1967. The visit aims to mobilize international efforts to end the Israeli war on Gaza and discuss a two-state solution at an upcoming UN conference. The delegation's trip follows a Madrid meeting where members emphasized implementing a two-state solution based on 1967 borders,...