Five takeaways from the G20 summit in Rio

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visited the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, symbolizing Syria's renewed connection with the Sunni Arab states and its Islamic heritage. This rapprochement has led to economic cooperation, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar pledging joint financial support for Syrian state employees, while contrasting with the ongoing violence in Gaza. As international engagement grows in Syria, it may isolate Israel further, highlighting a shift in...

The Palestinian group Hamas has submitted its response to a Gaza ceasefire proposal by US envoy Steve Witkoff, calling for a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and guarantees for ongoing humanitarian aid. While Hamas suggested a prisoner exchange involving the release of 10 Israeli captives and the return of 18 bodies in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, it did not explicitly approve the proposal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted the outline, which...

Summary Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria called for an immediate end to the escalation in Libya and urged for simultaneous parliamentary and presidential elections during a trilateral meeting in Cairo. The foreign ministers emphasized the need for restraint among Libyan parties amid renewed clashes in Tripoli, highlighting the importance of advancing Libya’s political process and unifying institutions. This meeting aims to reactivate a previously suspended tripartite coordination mechanism to support peace and stability in Libya, with...

Illegal Israeli settlers have begun establishing a new outpost in Khilet al-Daba, south of Hebron, on the site of a Palestinian home recently demolished by the Israeli army. Mohammad Rab’i, the village council head, stated that this outpost is part of a broader campaign aimed at displacing residents to facilitate illegal settler expansion. Following the mass demolition of 25 structures in May, the area, which Israel claims as a "firing zone," faces significant threats of...

The US has proposed a new nuclear deal to Iran, confirmed by the White House after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi received elements of the proposal from Oman's foreign minister. This comes amid concerns from a UN report indicating Iran's enriched uranium production has increased, now exceeding 400kg at 60% purity, sufficient for about 10 nuclear weapons if further refined. Although both sides are optimistic, they remain divided on key issues, particularly Iran's ability to...

Mohammed Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, was confirmed killed on May 13, 2025. Despite losing key leadership, including multiple brigade and battalion commanders, Hamas continues to maintain control in areas like Nuseirat and Gaza City, demonstrating resilience and ongoing recruitment. Israel's tactical successes in eliminating leaders have not translated into a strategic collapse of Hamas, which persists in its operations and hostage negotiations, revealing a complex dynamic that challenges the effectiveness of Israel's...