Middle East braces for Trump’s tariffs: Gulf gains, North Africa strains as both hedge

British singer Yusuf Islam criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, condemning the use of starvation as a tactic and highlighting the suffering of children, particularly referencing a malnourished two-year-old. The Gaza Health Ministry reports 154 deaths from famine and malnutrition since October 7, amid ongoing blockades that hinder aid delivery. Want More Context? 🔎

France is suspending its program to receive Palestinians from Gaza pending an investigation into a student's antisemitic social media posts, leading to her expulsion from the country. French officials confirmed that all Gazans in France will undergo additional screening as the country has facilitated the evacuation of over 500 individuals since the recent conflict began. Want More Context? 🔎

Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, criticized German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul for advocating the recognition of a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution, arguing that such recognition should follow negotiations. Wadephul warned of potential unilateral actions from Germany if Israel continued its resistance, citing growing diplomatic isolation and concerns over annexation threats from the Israeli government. Want More Context? 🔎

The BBC World Service reported on the tragic cases of Layan al-Majdalawi, two, and Mira Tanboura, six, both killed in Gaza amid IDF operations in November 2023, part of over 160 child casualties documented. The IDF stated these incidents would be investigated, emphasizing that intentional harm to civilians is prohibited, while the International Committee of the Red Cross condemned the normalization of such violence against children. Want More Context? 🔎

Burhanettin Bulut, a senior leader of Turkey's main opposition party CHP, accused President Erdogan's government of fabricating enemies and conducting politically motivated crackdowns following the opposition's electoral defeat, exemplified by the recent detention of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. He criticized the government's strategy of polarization and arrests as a means to distract from societal issues like poverty and injustice, asserting that such actions threaten Turkey's democratic foundations. Want More Context? 🔎

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo convened their first joint oversight committee meeting to advance a peace deal reached in Washington last month, aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts and facilitating Rwandan troop withdrawal from eastern Congo. Despite some delays in implementing specific commitments, U.S. officials maintain that progress is on track, noting the establishment of a security coordination mechanism is forthcoming. Want More Context? 🔎