Israel restricts Christians’ access to Holy Saturday celebrations in Jerusalem – Middle East Monitor

At least 47 civilians were killed and dozens injured in artillery shelling by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El-Fasher, North Darfur State, as the group fired about 250 shells into the city. The military reported the destruction of an RSF artillery platform and noted that clashes have continued since May 2024, with the RSF claiming control of the Zamzam refugee camp. Since April 15, 2023, fighting between the RSF and the Sudanese army...

On Wednesday, Gaza's civil defense agency reported 17 fatalities from Israeli airstrikes, including 11 at a school sheltering displaced individuals. Germany, France, and Britain called on Israel to lift its blockade on humanitarian aid, citing risks of starvation and disease, as the UN warned that community kitchens are closing due to dwindling supplies. Since the war's escalation on October 7, 2023, over 51,266 people have died in Gaza, while aid agencies report the majority of...

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Oman's Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Al-Said to discuss Iran's nuclear program amid ongoing negotiations between Iran and the U.S., as reported by Kremlin officials. Oman is mediating these talks, with President Trump threatening military action if a deal is not reached, while Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons. Putin emphasized Russia's commitment to supporting Iran and indicated that Russian energy companies are interested in enhancing relations with Oman, following his...

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the Israeli government is considering re-arresting Palestinian prisoners released in prior exchanges with Hamas to pressure the group into agreeing to a new ceasefire and prisoner swap. This comes amid Israel's recent actions, including blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza and cutting electricity in certain areas. The cabinet is set to discuss this proposal and may shift its strategy to escalate military action against Hamas if an agreement is not reached...

As Israel maintains its blockade of Gaza, Palestinians are engaged in repairing water tanks damaged by tank shells and bombs, with significant impact noted by plumber Ihab Abdel Bari, who highlights the vulnerability of these tanks on rooftops. The scarcity of water makes these tanks crucial for storage, yet the lack of available repair equipment due to the blockade raises costs, with a 500-litre tank's price skyrocketing from $20 to over $140. Rights groups assert...

Newly discovered British documents indicate that Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE, doubted the U.S. commitment to protect its Arab allies amid popular uprisings, expressing these concerns to British MP Julian Amery in 1986. During a meeting, Zayed and his Chief of Staff highlighted the U.S. administration's failure to secure arms sales for friendly Arab nations as a sign of impotence, questioning America's reliability as an ally. They referenced historical instances...