UN chief warns Gaza faces ‘death and destruction without parallel’ – Middle East Monitor

Colombian President Gustavo Petro threatened to unilaterally modify Glencore’s concession contract if the company continues coal exports to Israel, which he has suspended due to the conflict in Gaza. Glencore stated it has already ceased shipments in compliance with Petro's decree, asserting that its last coal delivery occurred two weeks prior to the order's implementation. Want More Context? 🔎

Iran has agreed to a visit by a technical team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to Tehran in the next two to three weeks, although the team will not visit Iran's nuclear facilities. The discussions will focus on the framework of Iran’s cooperation with the UN nuclear agency under new circumstances, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. Want More Context? 🔎

Israel's President Isaac Herzog visited the Gaza Strip, discussing ongoing negotiations for the return of hostages and expressing hope for positive news soon, according to his spokesperson. The visit underscores the urgency of the situation as efforts continue to resolve the hostage crisis. Want More Context? 🔎

Karim Attiyeh, a Lebanese-born technologist and co-founder of Ramp, has been recognized by Forbes Middle East as a billionaire with a net worth of $1.3 billion, making him the youngest Arab-American billionaire in the US and the sixth Arab-born billionaire in the country. Attiyeh's fintech startup has rapidly grown, serving over 40,000 businesses and achieving a valuation of nearly $16 billion by 2025. Want More Context? 🔎

Saudi Arabia is set to sign investment deals worth approximately $4 billion with Syria during the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum in Damascus, attended by a delegation of over 120 Saudi investors. This initiative aims to enhance economic ties following recent violence in Syria, amid efforts to rebuild the country's economy and counter Iran's regional influence. Want More Context? 🔎

Voices of Resistance: Diaries of Genocide (Comma Press, 2025) features diary entries from four Palestinian women—Batool Abu Akleen, Sondos Sabra, Nahil Mohama, and Ala’a Obaid—chronicling their experiences during the genocide in Gaza from 2003 to 2025, highlighting themes of adaptation, displacement, and the impact of war on personal relationships and childhood amid ongoing violence. Want More Context? 🔎