Searching for Syria’s Disappeared – The New York Times

The United States approved the sale of over $7.4 billion in bombs, missiles, and related equipment to Israel, aiming to enhance their defense capabilities. The State Department signed off on the sale of $6.75 billion in bombs and $660 million in Hellfire missiles, to strengthen Israel's ability to deter regional threats and defend its borders. The transactions still require approval from Congress, but are expected to move forward to support Israel, America's closest ally in...

President Trump's push for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords has hit a roadblock after his proposal to relocate two million Palestinians from Gaza was swiftly rejected by Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, which insisted on the establishment of a Palestinian state as a nonnegotiable precondition for normalization with Israel. The proposal, seen as tantamount to ethnic cleansing, has sparked suspicion and anger in Arab nations, complicating the prospect of a deal that was...

Hamas announced the names of three Israeli hostages for release in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, following a tense cease-fire deal with Israel. The hostages were abducted during a Hamas-led attack in 2023, sparking a deadly war. The truce has seen several crises, with both sides accusing each other of violations, as efforts continue to release remaining hostages and reach a lasting peace agreement. Full Article

US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court for targeting America and Israel, leading to asset freezes and travel bans against ICC officials, employees, and their associates. Despite the sanctions, the ICC vowed to continue its judicial work globally, while the UN and EU criticized Trump's move as a threat to the court's independence and international justice system. Previous US sanctions were lifted by President Joe Biden in 2021, but Trump's latest...

Rukaya al-Zubaidi tentatively tried skateboarding at Baghdad's new skatepark, a project spearheaded by three organisations after five years of negotiations with authorities. The park provides a much-needed escape for young Iraqis from the country's conflict-ridden past and conservative societal norms, offering inclusivity and community building opportunities. Skaters like Mohammad al-Qadi and Hussein Ali see skateboarding as a way to find solace, build friendships, and potentially even represent Iraq in future competitions, showcasing the positive impact...

President Trump has proposed displacing the entire Palestinian population of Gaza to establish it as a U.S. territory, effectively ending the long sought-after goal of a Palestinian state. The plan also includes openness to Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank. Trump's vision has sparked controversy and skepticism, with critics doubting the feasibility of a two-state solution and questioning the future of peace in the Middle East. Full Article