Middle East

The Israeli military has expanded its offensive in the Gaza Strip, displacing thousands of families from the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood in Rafah, many of whom had recently returned after months of displacement. Renewed airstrikes have resulted in dozens of casualties, including a journalist, amidst ongoing violence that has endangered the lives of nearly 50,000 people in the area. Families forced to flee once again are left without shelter, questioning when they will be able to return home. Full Article

Israeli forces expanded their offensive in Gaza, taking control of more territory and issuing new evacuation orders for residents. The death toll in Gaza surpassed 50,000 people, with 39 killed in Israeli bombardments. The military advanced into Beit Hanoun and Rafah, leading to thousands fleeing on foot amid severe shortages and casualties, including the death of a senior Hamas member and civilians in a hospital strike. Full Article

The Israeli cabinet passed a no-confidence motion against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, accusing her of undermining the government. This move, along with the firing of the intelligence chief, has sparked protests over concerns of curbing judiciary independence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces backlash for allegedly trying to remove checks on his power and dismiss officials he deems disloyal, including Ms. Baharav-Miara, whose removal process is expected to be lengthy due to legal protections. Full Article

Turkish authorities temporarily suspended Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, along with two other district mayors, from their duties following their arrest on corruption and terrorism charges. Imamoglu's arrest sparked mass protests across Turkey, with the Istanbul Municipal Council set to elect a deputy to replace him as the main opposition candidate for the 2028 presidential election. Entry restrictions to Istanbul remain in place, with hundreds of protesters detained and social media platforms restricted. Full Article

A Turkish court jailed Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, pending his corruption trial, hindering his potential presidential bid and challenging President Erdogan's top rival. Imamoglu faces accusations of leading a criminal organization, bribery, and supporting terrorism, with other legal challenges possibly barring him from politics. Despite protests against his detention, the main opposition party designated him as their presidential candidate, while Erdogan's potential re-election and the disruption of Istanbul's administration loom large amid widespread unrest and government crackdowns on dissent. Full Article

In a message from Gaza, Fatah called on Hamas to relinquish power in order to protect the existence of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Hamas, who seized power in 2007, has expressed willingness to step down post-war but refuses to disarm. Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have resumed following disagreements over a ceasefire, with Defence Minister Israel Katz threatening to annex parts of Gaza unless remaining hostages from Hamas's October 7 attack are released. Full Article

Sudan's military took control of key buildings in central Khartoum from paramilitary forces following the recapture of the presidential palace, with the army chief promising "full liberation." Despite the military's advances in the capital, the country remains divided, with the army holding the east and north, while the RSF controls western regions. The army's push to retake Khartoum's city center continues, with ongoing battles near the airport and in other strategic locations. Full Article

Rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israel for the first time in months, prompting Israeli forces to strike back at sites in southern Lebanon linked to Hezbollah. The attacks disrupted months of calm in northern Israel, following renewed Israeli offensive in Gaza against Hamas. Lebanese leaders condemned the violence and the Lebanese Army dismantled rocket launchers in southern Lebanon, as tensions escalate across the Middle East. Full Article

Israel launched new strikes on Lebanon in response to a rocket attack from Hezbollah, denying involvement, resulting in casualties. Lebanese officials condemned the escalation, while the UN expressed alarm. Israel also intensified its offensive against Hamas in Gaza, leading to casualties and territorial gains, amid failed ceasefire negotiations. Full Article

Israel launched air strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon after intercepting rocket fire from Lebanon, resulting in the death of a woman. The Israeli military said three rockets were fired into northern Israel, prompting air raid sirens in the region. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned of the risk of a new war, as Israeli defence chiefs held the Lebanese government responsible for attacks from its territory and vowed to respond severely. Full Article