Middle East

The US embassy in Libya has denied reports of a plan to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Libya, following an NBC News claim that the Trump administration was considering resettling up to one million Palestinians. The embassy stated the report is false, while the internationally-recognized Government of National Unity in Tripoli did not comment. Palestinians strongly oppose such relocation ideas, equating them to the 1948 "Nakba," and previous proposals by Trump for resettlement in Egypt and Jordan faced global condemnation for potentially being ethnic cleansing. Full Article

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators clashed with riot police in Basel during the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday, protesting against Israel's participation amid its intensified military actions in Gaza. The confrontation began when police intervened to stop a disturbance involving pro-Israeli individuals, resulting in the use of tear gas and a water cannon to disperse crowds of demonstrators carrying signs like "No Music for Murder." As Israeli entrant Yuval Raphael performed, protests continued, reflecting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the heightened tensions surrounding the event. Full Article

Syria has announced the establishment of a national commission for missing persons and a transitional justice commission, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad over five months ago. These bodies are mandated to investigate and document the fates of missing individuals and address human rights violations committed under Assad's regime, promoting accountability and reconciliation. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa emphasized that these commissions will operate independently across Syrian territory, aiming to build a legal framework for justice and ensure victims' rights during a five-year transitional period. Full Article

Historic election opens new page in the VaticanAn-Nahar, Lebanon, May 9In a significant moment for the Catholic Church, the College of Cardinals elected American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV, signaling a commitment to reform and continuity. His background in the Augustinian Order and service in Peru shapes a focus on justice, migration, and peace, while promoting a balanced approach to modern challenges without abandoning traditional doctrine. As the first American pope, he faces the task of uniting a divided church amid evolving global and political landscapes. Full Article

SummaryPresident Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Turkiye's discovery of a new natural gas reserve of 75 billion cubic meters in the Black Sea, sufficient to meet residential demand for approximately 3.5 years. The discovery was made at the Goktepe-3 well using the 7th-generation drilling ship Abdulhamid Han, with operations starting on March 27. Erdogan reiterated Turkiye's commitment to achieving energy independence, stating that the country would persist in its efforts despite any criticism or obstacles encountered. Full Article

The UK’s Labour government has approved around $160 million in arms exports to Israel from October to December 2024, surpassing the total of $144 million during the previous Conservative government’s four-year tenure. This increase in military support has sparked criticism amid accusations of Israel committing genocide in Gaza, particularly as the UK defends its continued supply of F-35 components despite potential violations of international law. Human rights groups and the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) argue that such actions could make the UK complicit in the alleged atrocities, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Full Article

The 34th Arab League Summit commenced on May 17 in Baghdad, addressing regional issues such as conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Lebanon, while promoting Arab unity and the Palestinian cause. Iraq's Prime Minister Shia Al-Sudani announced contributions for the reconstruction of Gaza and Lebanon, emphasizing a balanced foreign policy and the rejection of foreign interference. Despite some absences from key leaders, the summit aimed to unify Arab positions and tackle internal divisions, particularly in Lebanon and Yemen, while recognizing the need for state power amidst ongoing conflicts. Full Article

SummaryIran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Iran will not abandon its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and has not received any proposals from the United States regarding negotiations. As the two countries consider a fifth round of indirect talks, Araghchi emphasized the need for mutual respect and the lifting of sanctions, while expressing dissatisfaction with US President Trump's recent comments and actions. Concurrently, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf is attending a conference aimed at strengthening ties with Islamic countries amidst regional tensions and ongoing diplomatic discourse. Full Article

Arab leaders at a Baghdad summit called for international pressure for a Gaza ceasefire amid Israel's military escalation against Hamas, and urged for funding to support their Gaza reconstruction plan. They firmly rejected any displacement of Palestinians, with Egyptian President al-Sisi and UN chief Guterres emphasizing the need for immediate humanitarian aid and an end to Israel's blockade. The summit followed US President Trump's controversial proposal regarding Gaza, prompting Arab leaders to offer a reconstruction alternative and Iraq's Prime Minister pledging $20 million for Gaza's recovery. Full Article

Hezbollah-affiliated singer Mohammad Hadi Saleh is facing trial for allegedly spying for Israel, with proceedings beginning after his recent arrest. He is accused of having collaborated with Israel for several months, reportedly receiving $23,000 in exchange, and authorities began investigating him after he committed fraud and fell into debt. Saleh is also linked to the deaths of several Hezbollah figures and has been photographed with intended targets of Israeli strikes, although these claims have been denied by media and Hezbollah supporters. Full Article