UK PM Starmer meets Italy’s Meloni for illegal immigration talks

SummaryThe Syrian Identification Centre, led by Dr. Anas al-Hourani, is tasked with identifying victims from mass graves, many of whom are believed to be recent casualties of the Assad regime, which has killed hundreds of thousands during the civil war. Identification relies on limited resources, including a single DNA testing center, with financial support from the International Committee of the Red Cross, leading to prolonged identification processes. Eyewitness Abu Ali recounts transporting lorry-loads of tortured...

US envoy Steve Witkoff briefed the UN Security Council on various topics, including Gaza, following his recent swearing-in as President Trump's special envoy for the Middle East. During the informal meeting, details of which remained confidential, Witkoff, a close Trump ally and real estate developer, discussed major disputes such as the Israel-Hamas war and Iran's nuclear program. Witkoff also held discussions with Israel's UN ambassador, emphasizing ongoing cooperation between the US and Israel amidst a...

Royal Jordanian Airlines has resumed direct passenger flights between Amman and Aleppo for the first time in over a decade, now scheduling three flights weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This follows a trial flight in March to evaluate Aleppo International Airport's readiness and aims to enhance the airline's regional presence, support Syria's reconstruction, and improve economic ties between Jordan and Syria. Despite ongoing instability in parts of Syria, improved coordination between Jordanian and Syrian...

Israeli Border Police have acknowledged conducting operations inside Syrian territory for the first time, citing an “operational mission” linked to recent regional developments. This follows a volatile security situation in southern Syria, where clashes among armed groups have occurred, prompting Israel to justify airstrikes aimed at "protecting Druze communities." Despite a recent agreement to ease tensions and a reaffirmation from Druze leaders of a unified Syria, Israel has intensified its military actions, including bombings near...

Summary US Special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will brief the UN Security Council on Washington's Gaza policy, focusing on a new aid plan proposed by the US and Israel, which involves private US security contractors delivering aid. The plan has been rejected by the UN and aid groups for violating humanitarian principles, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasizing the need for unimpeded access. The briefing precedes Trump's Middle East tour, aimed at garnering support...

The UN has issued a grave warning about the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, highlighting a total depletion of malnutrition prevention supplements and ongoing aid access restrictions imposed by Israel. Spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay emphasized that the situation is worsening daily, with current stocks of malnutrition treatment also at risk of depletion unless cargo crossings are reopened. Furthermore, reports indicate Israeli attacks on schools sheltering displaced civilians, exacerbating the already dire conditions in the...