Ramadan in the West Bank: Displacement and Despair

A senior official at U.S. Agency for International Development instructed employees to clear classified safes and personnel files through shredding or burning, as the agency faces dismantlement by the Trump administration. The destruction of documents, possibly relevant to ongoing court cases, has raised concerns about compliance with federal records preservation laws. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has overseen the firing of thousands of employees, cancellation of contracts, and relocation of the agency to the State...

Israel announced it killed a senior Hezbollah militant responsible for drones and missiles in Lebanon, while also releasing Lebanese prisoners as a "goodwill" gesture. Despite a ceasefire, Israel continued airstrikes to prevent Hezbollah from rearming. Lebanon reported casualties from Israeli strikes, as Israel agreed to release detainees and establish joint working groups to address border disputes in southern Lebanon. Full Article

The EU's foreign affairs chief condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a violation of international law during a UN Security Council meeting, urging respect for human rights globally. In response, Russia's UN ambassador criticized the EU as "Russophobic" and questioned the need for dialogue with them. Amid calls for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine, the EU also called on Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, highlighting the importance of non-politicized aid delivery. Full Article

Ukraine will propose a partial ceasefire with Russia to the United States in a high-level meeting in Jeddah, following a "massive" drone attack conducted by Ukraine. Trump's pressure on Ukraine to end the conflict has led to the suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing. Despite escalating attacks, Ukraine is willing to make concessions for peace, while Russia has retaken territory and discussed conditions for a permanent peace deal with Saudi Arabia. Rubio will bring...

The Kurdish-led militia in northeastern Syria agreed to merge with the country's new government, integrating all institutions and resources by the end of the year, while pledging to combat remnants of the Assad regime and ensure political representation for all Syrians. Despite concerns about the new leadership's inclusivity, the agreement brings a moment of relief amid violent clashes in the country, as Kurdish-led forces navigate shifting alliances and uncertainties about continued U.S. support. While questions...

Members of Syria's small Christian community in Latakia are living in fear following attacks that killed over 1,000 mostly Alawite civilians. Christians report feeling unprotected and targeted in the violence, with many considering migration as their only option. Despite efforts to reassure minorities, such as Christians, the ongoing conflict and uncertainty about the future continue to instill deep fears and anxiety among residents. Full Article