Turkish president meets with Syrian counterpart in Istanbul – Middle East Monitor

Summary Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria called for an immediate end to the escalation in Libya and urged for simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections during a trilateral meeting in Cairo. The foreign ministers emphasized the need for restraint among Libyan parties amid renewed clashes in Tripoli, highlighting the importance of advancing Libya’s political process and unifying institutions. This meeting aims to reactivate a previously suspended tripartite coordination mechanism to support peace and stability in Libya, with...

Illegal Israeli settlers have begun establishing a new outpost in Khilet al-Daba, south of Hebron, on the site of a Palestinian home recently demolished by the Israeli army. Mohammad Rab’i, the village council head, stated that this outpost is part of a broader campaign aimed at displacing residents to facilitate illegal settler expansion. Following the mass demolition of 25 structures in May, the area, which Israel claims as a "firing zone," faces significant threats of...

The US has proposed a new nuclear deal to Iran, confirmed by the White House after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi received elements of the proposal from Oman's foreign minister. This comes amid concerns from a UN report indicating Iran's enriched uranium production has increased, now exceeding 400kg at 60% purity, sufficient for about 10 nuclear weapons if further refined. Although both sides are optimistic, they remain divided on key issues, particularly Iran's ability to...

Mohammed Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, was confirmed killed on May 13, 2025. Despite losing key leadership, including multiple brigade and battalion commanders, Hamas continues to maintain control in areas like Nuseirat and Gaza City, demonstrating resilience and ongoing recruitment. Israel's tactical successes in eliminating leaders have not translated into a strategic collapse of Hamas, which persists in its operations and hostage negotiations, revealing a complex dynamic that challenges the effectiveness of Israel's...

Hamas has responded to a U.S. ceasefire proposal, offering to release 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 deceased ones in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners, while demanding a permanent truce, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and continuous humanitarian aid—none of which are included in the current U.S. framework, which Israel has accepted. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff deemed Hamas's response unacceptable, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu insists on the right to resume hostilities unless...

Hamas has submitted its response to a US-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal, which was deemed "totally unacceptable" by US negotiator Steve Witkoff and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Hamas expressed a positive outlook, it emphasized the necessity for a permanent ceasefire, a point of contention for Israel, which is focused on defeating Hamas following the October 2023 attacks. The ongoing conflict has led to dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, with the UN warning of famine...