Trump’s Attempts to Resolve Global Conflicts Quickly Face Diplomatic Reality

Israeli forces expanded their offensive in Gaza, taking control of more territory and issuing new evacuation orders for residents. The death toll in Gaza surpassed 50,000 people, with 39 killed in Israeli bombardments. The military advanced into Beit Hanoun and Rafah, leading to thousands fleeing on foot amid severe shortages and casualties, including the death of a senior Hamas member and civilians in a hospital strike. Full Article

The Israeli cabinet passed a no-confidence motion against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, accusing her of undermining the government. This move, along with the firing of the intelligence chief, has sparked protests over concerns of curbing judiciary independence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces backlash for allegedly trying to remove checks on his power and dismiss officials he deems disloyal, including Ms. Baharav-Miara, whose removal process is expected to be lengthy due to legal protections. Full Article

Turkish authorities temporarily suspended Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, along with two other district mayors, from their duties following their arrest on corruption and terrorism charges. Imamoglu's arrest sparked mass protests across Turkey, with the Istanbul Municipal Council set to elect a deputy to replace him as the main opposition candidate for the 2028 presidential election. Entry restrictions to Istanbul remain in place, with hundreds of protesters detained and social media platforms restricted. Full Article

A Turkish court jailed Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, pending his corruption trial, hindering his potential presidential bid and challenging President Erdogan's top rival. Imamoglu faces accusations of leading a criminal organization, bribery, and supporting terrorism, with other legal challenges possibly barring him from politics. Despite protests against his detention, the main opposition party designated him as their presidential candidate, while Erdogan's potential re-election and the disruption of Istanbul's administration loom large amid widespread unrest and...

In a message from Gaza, Fatah called on Hamas to relinquish power in order to protect the existence of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Hamas, who seized power in 2007, has expressed willingness to step down post-war but refuses to disarm. Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have resumed following disagreements over a ceasefire, with Defence Minister Israel Katz threatening to annex parts of Gaza unless remaining hostages from Hamas's October 7 attack are released. Full...

Sudan's military took control of key buildings in central Khartoum from paramilitary forces following the recapture of the presidential palace, with the army chief promising "full liberation." Despite the military's advances in the capital, the country remains divided, with the army holding the east and north, while the RSF controls western regions. The army's push to retake Khartoum's city center continues, with ongoing battles near the airport and in other strategic locations. Full Article