In major reshuffle, former parliament speaker to head Iran’s top security body – Middle East Monitor

The United Nations expressed deep alarm over reports of Israel's potential expansion of military operations in Gaza, warning of catastrophic consequences and further risks to hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly considering a complete military takeover, while calls for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid access intensify, highlighted by a brother's emotional plea for the release of hostages. Want More Context? 🔎

The president of J Street, Jeremy Ben-Ami, has publicly acknowledged that Israel has violated the international genocide convention in Gaza, citing actions such as denying basic necessities and the destruction of infrastructure. He expressed a personal struggle with this realization, asserting that Israeli leaders will ultimately face accountability for their actions amid ongoing military offensives that have resulted in over 61,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023. Want More Context? 🔎

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? 🔎

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? 🔎