The mysterious death of a Libyan activist – Middle East Monitor

A provision in the US Senate's draft defense spending bill would require the Pentagon to report to lawmakers before reducing troop levels in Syria, ensuring that any changes meet the mission's objectives against ISIS. This measure aims to prevent a potential withdrawal during Syria's volatile transition, as tensions rise between Kurdish forces and the Assad regime over political autonomy and integration. Want More Context? 🔎

A pair of Turkmen dissident bloggers, Alisher Sakhatov and Abdulla Orusov, have been missing in Turkey since July 24, raising concerns they may be targeted by Turkmen intelligence after their release from a deportation center. Rights groups warn they could face physical harm or secret expulsion to Turkmenistan, where they risk torture and persecution due to their criticism of the Turkmen regime. Want More Context? 🔎

Former Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has been appointed as the head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) by President Masoud Pezeshkian, tasked with overseeing national security issues, especially emerging threats. This leadership change follows a recent war with Israel that resulted in over 1,000 Iranian casualties, and Larijani replaces Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, who will become Pezeshkian's deputy. Want More Context? 🔎

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi condemned the Israeli war on Gaza as a systematic genocide aimed at starving Palestinians and erasing their cause, emphasizing that Egypt will not facilitate their displacement. With over 5,000 aid trucks ready to enter Gaza, he criticized the inadequate aid response and highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis, including the deaths of over 188 individuals from starvation since October 2023. Want More Context? 🔎

UN special rapporteurs urged the immediate dismantling of the Israel- and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, claiming it exploits aid for military agendas and violates international law. They highlighted the urgent need for oversight, citing over 1,000 Palestinian deaths linked to GHF operations and calling for experienced humanitarian actors to manage aid instead. Want More Context? 🔎

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir with dismissal if he rejects a plan for full military occupation of Gaza, reflecting escalating internal disputes over the war's management. Concurrently, the Israeli army announced measures to alleviate troop pressure, including ending a state of emergency and withdrawing platoons from active duty for rest after prolonged service. Want More Context? 🔎