Ankara brushes off Iraqi first lady’s accusations labeling Turkey as ‘invader’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio bypassed Congress to send $4 billion in weapons to Israel under emergency authority, the second time in a month the Trump administration skirted congressional approval. The move raised concerns as some munitions were still under review and included bombs unsuitable for urban combat in Gaza. The statement from Rubio falsely claimed to reverse a Biden administration arms embargo on Israel, despite Biden approving most weapons orders and withholding licenses for...

Iran's parliament impeached and sacked finance minister Abdolnaser Hemmati over soaring inflation and currency depreciation, with 182 out of 273 parliamentarians supporting his removal. The Iranian rial was trading at over 920,000 to the US dollar on the black market, compared to less than 600,000 in mid-2024. President Masoud Pezeshkian defended Hemmati, citing economic warfare and blaming chronic inflation as the country's main economic challenge, leading to Hemmati's replacement by deputy economy minister Rahmatollah Akrami....

Critics and rights groups denounce the highly anticipated trial of Tunisian opposition figures accused of plotting against state security as unfair and politically motivated. The case involves around 40 defendants, including former diplomats, politicians, and media figures critical of President Kais Saied. The defendants face charges of plotting against state security and belonging to a terrorist group, with concerns raised about arbitrary detentions and a lack of fair trial procedures. Full Article

Israel proposed a temporary cease-fire extension in Gaza for the Ramadan and Passover holidays, as the initial phase of the truce was expiring, in an effort to clarify its negotiating position with Hamas. The proposal, attributed to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, involved releasing half of the remaining hostages held in Gaza on the first day of the agreement, with the rest to be returned if a permanent truce was reached by the end of the...

A red-covered table stretches through rubble in southern Gaza as families gather for the first day of Ramadan, breaking their fast amidst destruction caused by fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants. Despite uncertainty over the ceasefire negotiations, Gazans come together for communal meals, bringing joy back to their neighborhoods. The truce has allowed for aid flows into the devastated territory, but many still live in tents among the rubble, hoping for a more permanent end...

The return of food and goods to Gaza's shops and markets for Ramadan marks a contrast to the war's devastation, with street vendors refraining from their usual festive activities due to lingering trauma. Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the struggle for normalcy persists, as families like Maisa Arafa's mourn lost loved ones and face housing challenges. While more supplies are now available, financial hardships remain for many residents, reflecting a somber atmosphere that...