‘Living in a cage’: West Bank checkpoints proliferate after Gaza truce

Israel’s far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was set to speak at Yale University after being honored at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, where he discussed harsh measures against Palestinian prisoners. Despite a controversial past and being condemned by the Biden administration, Ben-Gvir emphasized support for military actions in Gaza during his visit, which sparked protests from Yale students. His presence in the U.S. raises concerns about the alignment of the GOP with extremist elements in Israeli...

As the US escalates its bombing campaign and economic sanctions in Yemen, the Iran-backed Huthi rebels are leveraging the situation for propaganda and recruitment, notably releasing a promotional video showcasing their forces. Following recent US strikes that killed 80 people, the Huthis have portrayed themselves as defenders of Gaza, while the US has intensified its airstrikes and designated the group as a terrorist organization, resulting in significant casualties and damage to Huthi military capabilities. Despite...

SummaryJordan's government has banned the Muslim Brotherhood following the arrest of 16 members suspected of planning attacks on national security, including rocket and drone operations. Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya announced the closure of the Brotherhood's offices and confiscation of its assets, calling any related activities illegal, while the group's political arm, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), claimed independence and commitment to the law. The Brotherhood, which has denied links to the alleged plots, continues to...

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency called on Iran to clarify the purpose of newly constructed tunnels near its Natanz nuclear site, while expressing optimism about ongoing US-Iran negotiations. Rafael Grossi, director general of the IAEA, highlighted Iran's refusal to inform the agency about its nuclear facilities, stating that experts from both sides would meet soon to discuss reinstalling monitoring cameras. Despite tensions, there is a general expectation for a diplomatic resolution, with...

Lebanon's Finance Minister Yassine Jaber announced preliminary approval to increase a World Bank reconstruction loan from $250 million to $400 million during a meeting in Washington. The expanded financial package will include allocations for electricity, water, agriculture, and social affairs, with loans offered on concessional terms over a repayment period of up to 50 years. Amid ongoing economic crises and calls for reforms, Jaber emphasized the Lebanese government's commitment to necessary changes for the nation's...

Jordan has imposed a blanket ban on the Muslim Brotherhood, accusing the group of planning attacks, which may threaten the Islamic Action Front, its political arm. This decision follows the arrest of 16 individuals allegedly linked to the Brotherhood who were accused of plotting against national security. The ban reflects both internal and external pressures, including concerns over domestic unrest related to the Gaza conflict and a growing rift within the Brotherhood between moderate and...