Syria confirms closure of camp for displaced, calls it end of ‘humanitarian tragedy’ – Middle East Monitor

A group called "Martyr Muhammad Deif Brigades," named after Hamas's military leader killed in an Israeli strike in 2024, has reportedly claimed responsibility for a recent shelling. However, Reuters was unable to independently verify this claim. The situation highlights ongoing tensions and the complexities surrounding military actions in the region. Full Article

SummaryIsraeli forces arrested at least 11 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including five in Bethlehem and others in Hebron and Jenin, while also extending the closure of Al Jazeera's office in Ramallah for another 60 days. Illegal settlers intensified their attacks by cutting down olive saplings and harassing Palestinian shepherds, with 1,691 reported attacks in May alone. Since the onset of the Gaza assault on October 7, 2023, at least 973 Palestinians have been...

SummaryShipping traffic has remained below pre-conflict levels, with only 20-23 ships daily reported in August 2023, compared to an average of 72-75 ships before the Houthis began their attacks in the Red Sea in November 2023. These attacks were part of a larger response in support of Palestinians amid Israel's ongoing war in Gaza. The situation highlights the impact of regional tensions on maritime activities, affecting global shipping routes and trade dynamics. Full Article

Iranian intelligence has reportedly acquired a significant cache of sensitive strategic documents from Israel, including information on the country's nuclear facilities and military projects, according to Iranian state media. The documents were obtained some time ago but were kept secret due to the complexities involved in securely transferring them to Iran, where they are now stored in designated secure sites. The volume of the documents is extensive, making it a lengthy process to review, and...

Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of UNRWA, condemned Israel’s ban on international journalists entering Gaza, labeling it an unprecedented act in modern conflict that restricts truth and fuels misinformation. He urged for independent reporting and support for local journalists, noting that nearly 200 have been killed since the war began. UNRWA also called for Israeli cooperation regarding unsubstantiated allegations against the agency and reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian assistance in Gaza, where over 54,700 Palestinians have been...

Even wars have rulesThe Geneva Conventions establish legal requirements to protect civilians during warfare, which both sides are obligated to follow, despite Israel's brutal surprise attack on 7 October 2023. Journalists face significant barriers in Gaza, where Israel controls information flow, complicating efforts to assess war impacts and violations of international law. Prime Minister Netanyahu may be prolonging the conflict for political gain, amid accusations of war crimes and a potential genocide case pending at...