Shock Syria offensive complicates Biden’s Middle East push

Israel bombed Syrian military headquarters in Damascus after warning the Islamist-led government to stop attacks on the Druze minority in the Sweida region, where sectarian clashes have reportedly killed nearly 250 people. Tensions escalated as Syrian forces entered Sweida, allegedly joining Bedouin tribes in violent confrontations against Druze fighters, prompting Israeli officials to threaten increased military responses. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Israel bombed a Syrian military headquarters after warning the Syrian government...

In a notable shift, Iran has renamed a street previously honoring Khaled al-Islambouli to “Hassan Nasrallah Street” following the latter's death in an Israeli airstrike. This decision, aimed at mending historical tensions with Egypt, has been welcomed by Egyptian officials as a positive step towards improving bilateral relations, amid ongoing regional security concerns. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: In a big change, Iran has renamed a street that used to honor someone who...

Egypt has formally rejected a proposal from the U.S. and Israel to establish humanitarian camps in Rafah, citing concerns over potential violations of the peace treaty’s security arrangements. The plan is viewed as a threat to Egypt's national security and could lead to a reconsideration of regional arrangements, as Cairo warns of the dangers posed by relocating displaced Palestinians near the border. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Egypt has told the U.S. and...

Twenty people were killed during a chaotic surge for food at an aid distribution center in Khan Younis, Gaza, with reports indicating 19 were trampled and one stabbed, allegedly incited by Hamas-affiliated agitators. The UN has documented 674 killings near GHF aid sites in the past six weeks, amidst ongoing controversies regarding the safety and ethics of GHF's operations. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Twenty people trying to get food in Gaza were...

Israel has transferred certain administrative powers over the Ibrahimi Mosque from the Palestinian-run Hebron Municipality to the Israeli religious council of Kiryat Arba, marking a significant shift in the site's status quo. This move, described as historic, aims to facilitate structural changes at the mosque, which has been a focal point of tension since the 1994 division following a deadly attack by an Israeli settler. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Israel has taken...

For nearly 77 years, the Israeli perspective has dominated the narrative surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but the events of 7 October 2023 marked a turning point, exposing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and leading to international legal actions against Israeli leaders. This shift has prompted unprecedented global condemnation and a re-evaluation of diplomatic relations, with countries beginning to formally recognize Palestine amid growing accountability for Israel's actions. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: On...