Israel’s Netanyahu chooses ‘obscure’ US firm for Gaza aid distribution ‘behind back of security agencies’ – Middle East Monitor

The head of the U.N. Palestinian Refugee Agency, Philippe Lazzarini, reported that staff, doctors, and humanitarian workers in Gaza are fainting from hunger and exhaustion amid ongoing conflict with Israel. He criticized the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation for its aid distribution scheme, which has allegedly led to over 1,000 deaths near aid points since May, while denying the accusations of Hamas looting aid shipments. Want More Context? 🔎

Amnesty International has called for a war crimes investigation into Israel's airstrike on Tehran's Evin prison during last month's conflict, which killed 79 people and damaged the complex known for holding political prisoners. The organization deemed the attack a serious violation of international humanitarian law, asserting that Evin prison was not a legitimate military target and urging accountability for the resultant civilian casualties. Want More Context? 🔎

King Abdullah of Jordan urged Arab leaders to initiate reforms or face external imposition, as revealed in newly declassified UK documents from early 2004. The US and UK saw Jordan as a model for reform, emphasizing that progress should not be delayed by the Palestinian issue, while Abdullah stressed the need for a home-grown reform process during discussions with UK officials. Want More Context? 🔎

Egypt’s General Authority for Tunnels is seeking a EGP 150 billion loan from Gulf and Egyptian banks to fund its investment plan for 2025-2026, with commitments from Qatar National Bank, National Bank of Kuwait, and Commercial International Bank. The Ministry of Finance has guaranteed these loans, which will support around 14 projects, including a light rail train and metro lines, with repayment scheduled over 25 years. Want More Context? 🔎

The BBC reports on ongoing sectarian clashes in southern Syria's Suweida, where a fragile ceasefire follows violence between Druze fighters and Bedouin militias, resulting in over 1,000 deaths. Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high, with armed Bedouin threatening to resume fighting and the Syrian Red Crescent facing critical shortages in medical aid for the wounded. Want More Context? 🔎

In Turkey's Hakkari province, Kurdish livestock owners are gradually returning to their farms after decades of conflict with the Turkish army, as highlighted by a recent peace process and a weapons destruction ceremony for the PKK. Despite the improved situation, challenges remain, with younger generations showing less interest in traditional animal husbandry, raising concerns about the future of this way of life. Want More Context? 🔎