Middle East Monitor Latest news from the Middle East and North Africa

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  Israeli army facing ‘moral deterioration,’ reserve officer says

  by Marwa A on July 7, 2026

  The Israeli army is facing a moral deterioration playing out among soldiers amid a high state of fear, a reserve officer said, as Israel continued its war in the Gaza Strip, Anadolu reports. “I don’t want to write about the hardship of repeated reserve duty or about the damage it does to one’s body and soul, even though these important topics should be discussed more often,” the officer, who did not give his name, said in a letter published by Haaretz newspaper. “Rather, I want to discuss values, a problem I’m regrettably contending with as I witness a moral deterioration playing out within the army. Morality is the essence of our human nature and of our link to the divine.”

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  Arab League warns of looming humanitarian, security catastrophe in Sudan’s El-Obeid

  by Marwa A on July 7, 2026

  Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy on Tuesday called for intensified international efforts to prevent the Sudanese city of El-Obeid from sliding into a broader humanitarian and security catastrophe, accusing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of targeting civilian infrastructure, Anadolu reports. In a statement, Fahmy said he was following with “deep concern” the deteriorating situation in El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state. “More than 500,000 civilians, including tens of thousands of displaced people, are under siege and facing sustained drone attacks by the RSF targeting markets, schools, hospitals and water and electricity facilities,” he added. Fahmy warned that the continued military buildup and attacks on residential neighborhoods and civilian infrastructure risk repeating the atrocities witnessed in El-Fasher, despite repeated

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  Arab nations condemn twin explosions in Damascus, vow support for Syria’s stability

  by Marwa A on July 7, 2026

  Arab countries strongly denounced twin explosions that injured 18 people near Syria’s Tourism Ministry in central Damascus on Tuesday, reiterating support for Syria’s security and stability, Anadolu reports. In a statement on the US social media company X, the Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed Riyadh’s “strongest condemnation and denunciation of the cowardly terrorist attack.” “The Kingdom reiterates its categorical rejection of all terrorist and extremist acts to undermine the security and stability” of Syria, the ministry said. The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry called the explosions “a criminal act,” and expressed its solidarity with Damascus. Oman’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its rejection of “violence and terrorism in all their forms and manifestations.” Qatar condemned the blasts and voiced support for all measures taken by

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  NATO 3.0 and energy security: Rebalancing transatlantic defence in Ankara

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  The 2026 NATO Summit opens today, 7th July, in Ankara, at a critical moment for the Alliance as Russia’s war in Ukraine, pressure on European defense systems, and the U.S. strategic pivot toward the Indo-Pacific intensify debates over transatlantic burden-sharing. The emerging “NATO 3.0” framework would shift greater responsibility for conventional defense, logistics, procurement, and regional deterrence to European allies, while the United States maintains its nuclear umbrella and broader strategic support. This rebalancing has direct implications for alliance cohesion, deterrence credibility, and energy security, as attacks on Ukraine’s grid, undersea infrastructure sabotage, cyber threats, and risks to maritime routes show that energy infrastructure is now part of the modern battlespace.  Turkey’s role as host and as a key energy

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  Israeli flag spotted on strategic hill overlooking south Lebanon city

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  An Israeli flag was seen flying early Tuesday morning on Ali al-Taher Hill, a highly strategic vantage point that overlooks the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon, Anadolu reports. Aside from the presence of the flag, news agencies documented no active military maneuvers, Israeli soldiers, or combat vehicles in the immediate vicinity of the hillside. Situated north of the Litani River, Ali al-Taher Hill is considered one of the most important tactical positions in the border region due to its commanding elevation. The peak holds high military significance because it provides a wide-angle, unobstructed view of Nabatieh, its surrounding towns, and key regional transportation routes. Standing alongside the nearby Israeli-occupied Beaufort Fortress—known in Arabic as Qalaat al-Shaqif—the high ground offers

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  Iran targets 2 vessels in Strait of Hormuz: Report

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  Two commercial vessels were struck by Iranian missiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz late Monday, in an attack that could prompt US military retaliation, according to US media Axios. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center said it received a report that a tanker had been hit by an unknown projectile about 8 nautical miles east of Limah, off the coast of Oman. “A tanker has reported being hit by an unknown projectile on the port side, causing a fire, whilst travelling southbound,” the agency said in a warning notice. UKMTO said authorities were investigating the incident and advised vessels operating in the area to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity. No casualties or environmental damage were reported.

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  Iran says final deal talks with US will not start if ‘threats continue’

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday that negotiations on a final deal will not begin if “threats continue,” citing Paragraph 13 of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed last month with the US, Anadolu reports. “Para 13 of the MoU is clear: Negotiations on final Deal will not commence if threats continue Honor your signature,” Araghchi wrote on US social media platform X. The Islamabad memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Washington and Tehran, brokered by Pakistan, entered into force on June 18 after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump signed it electronically. The 14-point agreement initiated a 60-day period of diplomacy through indirect talks between Iran and the US aimed at reaching a lasting peace deal.

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  Like Israel’s colonial expansion, the UN’s narratives also place Palestinians at risk

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  Little exposure has been given to the Yellow Line and the Orange Line in Gaza. Given the genocide, Israel’s military occupation in Gaza should have generated equal scrutiny at the very least. However, Israel’s current presence in Gaza has followed the same pattern of oblivion as in the occupied West Bank. Colonialism in Palestine has become the norm, as is military occupation.  A recent brief report by the UN follows the same normalisation trajectory.  Last week, the UN warned that ongoing Israeli expansion is “shrinking the areas available to civilians”. However, the statement does not encompass the entire story. Decades before the genocide, Palestinians faced the same repercussions of forced displacement. The current Israeli military occupation of Gaza to facilitate

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  RSF attacks in Western Sudan reportedly destroy villages and displace thousands

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  Attacks attributed to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) near the country’s western border with Chad have destroyed several villages and forced thousands of civilians to flee, according to survivors and the United Nations. The violence occurred in North Darfur, where the RSF has been fighting the Sudanese Armed Forces since April 2023. The UN has previously accused the RSF of carrying out massacres against non-Arab communities in Darfur, including members of the Zaghawa ethnic group. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 3,500 people were displaced on Friday from the village of Wadi Fungo in the Um Buru area of North Darfur. Speaking to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Issa Ibrahim, 35, said dozens of RSF vehicles entered his

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  FIFA declines to sanction Egypt coach Hossam Hassan over Palestinian flag display

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  FIFA has decided not to take disciplinary action against Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan after he celebrated his team’s victory over Australia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup while holding a Palestinian flag, according to Israeli media reports and FIFA’s response to inquiries. The decision prompted criticism in some Israeli political and sporting circles, with the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom describing it as a setback for efforts to seek disciplinary measures against the Egyptian coach. The controversy arose after Egypt’s victory over Australia in the Round of 16, when Hassan celebrated on the pitch carrying a Palestinian flag and said, “My heart and soul are with the Palestinians,” while also dedicating the victory to both the Egyptian and Palestinian people.

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  Air France resumes Riyadh and Tel Aviv flights, extends Beirut suspension

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  Air France announced on Monday that it has resumed flights to and from Riyadh and Tel Aviv, while extending the suspension of its services to Beirut until 20th July. The airline did not provide further details on the decision but confirmed that flights to the Lebanese capital will remain suspended until the revised date. In a separate development, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, said the next round of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel is scheduled to take place in Rome on 15th-16th July. Speaking during a meeting with the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, Leiter said the talks would be held at the ambassadorial level as part of the

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  UAE proposes trilateral summit with Israel and Jordan on water and energy cooperation

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  The United Arab Emirates has proposed hosting a trilateral summit with Israel and Jordan to discuss a new regional water and energy agreement, alongside efforts to improve relations between Amman and Tel Aviv. According to the Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahronoth, Israel is considering the UAE initiative, which would bring together senior officials from the three countries in Abu Dhabi. One of the main issues on the agenda is a proposed water agreement under which Israel would supply Jordan with an additional 50 million cubic meters of water annually, on top of the 50 million cubic meters it already provides each year under the Israel-Jordan peace treaty. The summit is also expected to address the “Prosperity” initiative, which envisions Israel constructing

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  Netanyahu urges Trump to block Turkish access to F-35 Jets and fighter engines

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged US President Donald Trump not to approve the sale of advanced American military equipment to Turkey, arguing that providing Ankara with F-35 fighter jets or engines for its indigenous KAAN fighter would alter the regional balance of power. According to Axios and Israel’s Channel 12, Netanyahu raised the issue during a phone call with Trump on Friday. The reports state that Netanyahu asked the United States to refrain from supplying Turkey with weapons systems intended to modernize the Turkish Air Force. The issue comes ahead of Trump’s visit to Turkey for the NATO leaders’ summit in Ankara, where he is expected to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Among the topics expected to

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  Hamas delegation holds talks with Iranian officials during Khamenei funeral in Tehran

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  A senior Hamas delegation led by the movement’s chairman, Mohammad Darwish, attended the funeral ceremonies for Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran and held meetings with senior Iranian officials to discuss developments in Gaza and bilateral relations. According to a statement issued by Hamas, the delegation met with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, and several other Iranian officials on the sidelines of the funeral. The delegation conveyed its condolences to Iran’s leadership and people over Khamenei’s death and praised what it described as his longstanding support for the Palestinian cause and the resilience of the Palestinian people. Hamas said the discussions focused on the latest political and military developments related to the

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  Israel plans 40 new settlement outposts along Jordan border to address eastern security vulnerability

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  Israel has completed the establishment of its Eastern Region Directorate, aimed at leading what it described as a broad security and civilian initiative along its longest land border with Jordan, including plans to establish about 40 new settlement outposts. According to Maariv, the Israeli Defence Ministry set up the Eastern Region Directorate at the start of this year. The ministry said the body was established to coordinate and oversee the work of its various departments in the eastern region with government ministries and state authorities. In recent weeks, the directorate has conducted field tours of the area and held a strategic workshop attended by dozens of lawmakers and senior government officials. The ministry’s Director General, Major General (res.) Amir Baram,

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  World Cup Trump cards: Infantino, FIFA and the meddlesome US President

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  Yet again, FIFA, and its chief, Gianni Infantino, have distinguished the game of football by showing what it is all about.  Not glorious athletes representing code and country across the globe.  Not the sense of wellbeing that comes with exercise.  No: it’s all about corrupt manoeuvrings, opaque decisions, and scandalous meddling.  And who better to be at the centre of it than one of America’s most corrupt, self-enriching figures, one President Donald J. Trump? On 5th July, the one-game suspension for American striker Folarin Balogun was vacated in exchange for a one-year probation.  Balogun had received a contentious red card in the US match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup round of 32.  It was not a decision

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  Iran’s national security chief tells Trump to speak to Iranians with respect or face a response “in another language”

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr has responded to threats by US President Donald Trump, describing him as “the deluded American president who today threatened 91 million Iranians”. Zolqadr said Trump had previously used similar language, as president of a country with only 250 years of history, threatening to destroy Iran’s ancient civilisation, which he said stretches back thousands of years. He added that the outcome for Trump was “nothing but defeat and despair”, leading him to seek negotiations and a ceasefire. He also said “Iranians are unfamiliar with the language of threats, warning Trump to address the Iranian people with respect or “he will receive a response in another language”. The remarks came after Trump said

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  Algeria arrests 18 Moroccan nationals over alleged international migrant smuggling network

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  Algerian authorities on Monday arrested 18 Moroccan nationals in the city of Oran over their alleged involvement in what officials described as an international criminal network linked to illegal migration. The Algerian newspaper El Khabar reported that officers from the Oran Province’s Research and Intervention Brigade had dismantled an organised criminal network operating across international borders during an operation carried out last week. According to a statement from Algeria’s General Directorate of National Security, 23 people were arrested, including 18 Moroccan nationals. The network is accused of organising illegal sea crossings for migrants. The statement said the operation, conducted under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor, enabled investigators to uncover the network’s methods of gathering and transporting migrants. Five

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  Red Sea tensions rise as French report claims military base is being built in Somaliland

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  A report published by the French newspaper Le Monde says satellite image analysis indicates the gradual construction of a military base in the city of Berbera in the self-declared region of Somaliland. According to the report, the project is being supported by the United Arab Emirates and is intended to serve the interests of the United States and Israel. Le Monde said satellite images reviewed by the newspaper showed continued expansion of Berbera Airport since October 2025, including infrastructure development. The newspaper said the work suggests a new military facility is being built at a strategically important location near the southern entrance to the Red Sea. The report said Berbera has attracted growing interest from regional and international powers because

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  Hamas warns of Israeli efforts to create ‘administrative vacuum’ in Gaza

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  Hamas said on Monday that the dissolution of the Gaza government’s emergency committee is part of the arrangements to transfer administrative responsibilities to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), warning that Israel is trying to create an “administrative vacuum” in the territory. In a statement, the group said it remains “fully committed” to implementing all provisions of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and will continue to abide by it until the administration of the territory is fully transferred to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. Hamas said the dissolution of the emergency committee and the resignation of its head, Mohammed Abdel Khaleq Al-Farra, who also served as acting head of the Government Follow-up Committee, are part

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  Egypt coach Hossam Hassan: Anyone who does not feel for the Palestinian people ‘does not deserve to be human’

  by Mehdi Editor on July 7, 2026

  Egypt coach Hossam Hassan reaffirmed his support for the Palestinian people, calling for their right to live, after facing criticism from Israeli commentators for dedicating Egypt’s qualification for the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup to the Palestinians. Speaking at a press conference on the eve of Egypt’s last-16 match against Argentina on Tuesday, Hassan was asked about dedicating Egypt’s victory over Australia to the Palestinian people and raising the Palestinian flag after the match. Responding to a question from a Turkish journalist about whether he would renew his support for the Palestinians, Hassan said: “We welcome the Turkish people,” before adding: “Everyone has feelings, and if anyone in the world does not feel for the Palestinian people, they

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  Israel’s occupation of Lebanese territory hinders army deployment in south, president warns

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun warned Monday that Israel’s ongoing occupation of territory in the south prevents the army deployment in the area, Anadolu reports. “Israel must be pressured to withdraw from the areas it occupies in Lebanon,” Aoun said during a video call with American Task Force on Lebanon, as cited by a presidency statement. The Lebanese army and security forces “are the cornerstone of stability and security” in southern Lebanon and “are essential to enabling residents to return to their towns and homes,” he stressed. “There is no place for civil war in Lebanon, and its return is not on the table, despite attempts by some parties to rekindle sectarian strife,” Aoun said. Negotiation “is the only option left

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  Iraq prepares to reopen Syrian land route for oil exports to bypass Gulf

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Iraq is planning a new land route through Syria to diversify its oil exports after the rising security risks in the Strait of Hormuz paralyzed the global oil and energy market amid the Middle East crisis, Anadolu reports. Iraq exports most of its crude through southern terminals in Basra, but recent maritime tensions in the Gulf have prompted Baghdad to seek alternatives. Asim Jihad, an Iraqi oil expert, told Anadolu Agency that the Iraqi Oil Ministry’s main mitigation strategy is to increase shipments through Turkiye’s Port of Ceyhan from the current daily volume of 150,000-200,000 barrels to 300,000 barrels. Suspended shipments in the Strait of Hormuz are costing Iraq around 3.5 million barrels of oil per day. He said the

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  Trump says US prefers nuclear deal with Iran but warns military action remains an option

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  President Donald Trump said Monday that the US remains committed to reaching a nuclear agreement with Iran but warned that Washington is prepared to use military force if diplomacy fails, insisting Tehran must never acquire a nuclear weapon, Anadolu reports. “We’re either going to make a deal or we’re going to finish the job. Okay, and it won’t be tough to finish the job. I’d rather make a deal, because I don’t want to affect 91 million people,” Trump told reporters at the White House. Trump said the US has the capability to strike Iran’s infrastructure if necessary. “We can knock down their bridges in one hour, we can knock out their energy supply … They don’t have any money

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  The future of Gulf energy and trade routes after the Hormuz crisis

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  The significance of the Strait of Hormuz for global trade is beyond dispute. In the week preceding the US-Israel war on Iran, 38 per cent of global seaborne crude oil trade passed through the Strait, along with 29 per cent of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), 19 per cent each of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and refined oil products trade, and 13 per cent of chemicals trade, including fertilisers. A smaller share of container shipping and dry bulk cargo trade also passed through Hormuz. The de facto closure of the Strait reduced shipping flows through it by more than 90 per cent. The Strait’s two major bypass routes, through Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), could carry only less

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  Board of Peace envoy says Gaza governing body dissolution highlights need to finalize roadmap talks

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  The Board of Peace’s lead envoy for Gaza said Monday a government decision to dissolve its governing body underscores the importance of concluding negotiations to reach a roadmap for postwar administration in the territory, Anadolu reports. In a statement posted on the US social media company X, Nikolay Mladenov said the decision “underscores the importance of bringing the roadmap discussions to a successful conclusion.” “It is the bridge between declarations and implementation,” he added. Mladenov noted that once an agreement is reached on the remaining implementation provisions, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) will be able to assume its responsibilities. He said the completion of the roadmap would also allow the decommissioning of weapons to begin, facilitate

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  Lebanon says direct damage from Israeli war estimated at $3-4 billion

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos said Monday direct material damage from Israel’s war on Lebanon is estimated at between $3-4 billion, Anadolu reports. Speaking following a ministerial meeting, Morcos said the figures are preliminary and do not include economic losses or indirect damage, according to the state news agency NNA. The estimates come as the Israeli army continues daily violations of a US-mediated framework agreement signed with Beirut. On Monday, Israeli forces blew up homes and carried out explosions in two towns in southern Lebanon, and detonated explosives overnight in the town of Houla in Marjayoun district. Morcos said Monday’s ministerial meeting discussed the results of field visits by ministers to southern villages and towns, including ways to support the

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  Iraq seizes $20 million hidden in water bottles in corruption probe

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Iraqi authorities have seized about $20 million in cash and 5 kilograms of gold hidden inside plastic water bottles during an ongoing corruption investigation involving former Deputy Oil Minister for Refining Affairs Adnan Al-Jumaili, the country’s Supreme Judicial Council said Monday, Anadolu reports. An investigating judge at the Central Criminal Court for Combating Corruption ordered the seizure of an additional 25 billion Iraqi dinars (about $19 million) and $1 million in cash, the council said in a statement carried by the state news agency INA. Authorities also confiscated gold jewelry weighing about 5 kilograms as part of the investigation into Jumaili and other suspects linked to the case, the council said. The investigating judge said the operation followed an extensive

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  Syria’s longest-held detainee says joy over Assad’s fall surpassed release after 43 years

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Syria’s longest-held detainee, Ragheed Ahmad al-Tatari, says his joy over the downfall of the Bashar al-Assad regime was far greater than his joy of being freed from prison after 43 years behind bars, Anadolu reports. Tatari, 72, a former pilot, was held in several detention centers and prisons under the Assad regime, including Mezzeh Military Prison in Damascus, Tadmor in Homs countryside, Sednaya and Adra in Damascus countryside, Suwayda, and finally Tartous prison, from where he was released. Speaking with Anadolu in an interview, Tatari recounted decades of suffering behind bars before his long ordeal ended with Assad’s fall on Dec. 8, 2024. “The main reason for my arrest in 1981 was incitement not to carry out military orders,” Tatari

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  Gaza government dissolves governing body to facilitate transfer of administration

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Gaza’s government announced Monday the dissolution of its Emergency Committee and the resignation of its acting chairman as part of preparations to transfer the administration of the enclave to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), Anadolu reports. In a statement, the Gaza Government Media Office said it completed the administrative and legal arrangements necessary for the handover of the governmental system in Gaza. It said the preparations had been presented to a national team representing Palestinian factions and political forces, the Higher Committee of Clans and Tribes, and civil society organizations, in the presence of a UN observer. According to the statement, the acting head of the Government Follow-up Committee and chairman of the Emergency Committee, Mohammed

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  Gaza’s Dr Hussam Abu Safiya may not survive and is in ‘imminent danger’, MAP warns

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) has demanded the immediate release of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, warning that his life is in “imminent danger” in Israeli custody.  The UK-based medical charity issued the appeal after a lawyer visited Dr Abu Safiya on 2 July 2026 at the Rakefet facility in Nitzan Prison. According to lawyer Nasser Odeh, Dr Abu Safiya showed signs of severe physical deterioration, including visible injuries, extreme weakness, breathing difficulties and psychological distress. He appeared at times close to losing consciousness and feared that he would not survive detention.  Dr Abu Safiya has been detained by Israeli authorities since 27 December 2024 without charge or trial under the Unlawful

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  Ali Khamenei and Palestine as the enduring axis of the Islamic revolution

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  For Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the defence of Palestine was never a circumstantial matter of foreign policy. Rather, it constituted the enduring axis of his political, diplomatic and strategic vision throughout nearly four decades as Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Palestinian cause has ceased to be merely a regional issue, becoming instead one of the founding principles of the Iranian state. Under Khamenei’s leadership, this commitment was deepened and consolidated as an expression of the struggle against colonialism, occupation and foreign hegemony in the Middle East. In Khamenei’s view, Palestine represented the greatest contemporary injustice inflicted upon a people deprived of their land, sovereignty and right to self-determination. For this reason, he

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  5 more Palestinians killed, 25 injured in Israeli strikes across Gaza despite ceasefire

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Five Palestinians were killed and 25 others injured in Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip since dawn Monday, amid daily violations of the ceasefire agreement in effect since Oct. 10, 2025, Anadolu Agency reports. Medical sources said two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli strike targeting a displacement tent on Roni Street in the Al-Mawasi area west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. A Palestinian was also killed and 16 others were injured in an Israeli strike on a vehicle in Al-Mawasi, the sources added. The Israeli army also targeted a second vehicle near the Al-Matahin junction north of Khan Younis, with no injuries reported, eyewitnesses told Anadolu Agency. READ: Netanyahu says Gaza reconstruction depends on Hamas disarmament In Gaza City,

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  Germany says Iran should pay for mine clearance in Strait of Hormuz

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Germany’s foreign minister said on Monday Iran must ultimately bear the cost of any international operation to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, Anadolu reports. Johann Wadephul made the remarks in an interview with the Handelsblatt newspaper after being asked whether European countries might offer Iran financial incentives to secure Tehran’s consent for a mine-clearing mission. “We do not need to offer Tehran anything at all; quite the contrary: Iran has unlawfully mined an international shipping lane,” Wadephul said. “If we clear it together with other European partners, we do not intend to charge a fee for doing so at this stage,” he added. “In principle, however, it would be justified, and Iran ought to foot the bill, since we

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  Israeli documents undermine claim Iran and Hezbollah helped plan 7 October attack

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Secret Hamas documents summarised by the Israeli site OSINT613 appear to undermine one of Israel’s central narratives about 7 October: that the attack was a closely coordinated operation planned with Iran and Hezbollah. The documents, first revealed by Israel Army Radio correspondent Doron Kadosh and analysed by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, were presented by Israeli sources as evidence of years of contact between Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. However, the same material indicates that neither Hezbollah nor Iran was informed in advance of the timing or operational launch of the 7 October attack.  According to the Israeli site OSINT613, Hamas had spent years seeking a broader multi-front confrontation with Israel and repeatedly tried to persuade Hezbollah Secretary-General

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  Israeli, Greek air forces resume joint drills

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Israeli and Greek air forces have resumed joint military exercises after a long pause over Israeli wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, according to Israeli media on Monday, Anadolu reports. “The Air Force has returned to training with the Hellenic Air Force after a long period in which joint trainings did not take place due to the fighting,” Channel 12 said. It added that footage released by the Greek air force showed Israeli aircraft refueling Greek F-16 fighter jets during a flight over the Aegean Sea. “The cooperation between the Israeli and Greek air forces is not a random choice. It is part of a broader strategic plan taking shape in the region,” the channel said. The Israeli army has killed

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  Israeli defense minister threatens Iranian leaders as Iranians mourn Khamenei

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened Monday that Israel will “thwart” any future Iranian leader who seeks to attack his country, Anadolu reports. His comments came as thousands filled the streets of Tehran on Monday for a massive procession of Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli strike on Feb. 28. “Any Iranian leader who tries to promote plans to destroy Israel again will also be thwarted,” Katz said in comments carried by The Jerusalem Post newspaper. He claimed that US-Israeli attacks against Iran “removed the immediate threat of destruction from Israel and severely damaged Iran’s strategic capabilities.” “Israel is prepared to once again defend itself on its own at any time and against any

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  UK MPs urge sanctions on Netanyahu and Israeli justice minister over torture of Palestinians

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Dozens of British parliamentarians have urged the UK government to impose sanctions on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his justice minister, Yariv Levin, over the “systematic and well-documented torture” of Palestinian civilians in Israeli detention. According to Sky News, 71 cross-party MPs and peers signed a letter to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper calling on Britain to “help end this impunity” by targeting Netanyahu and Levin, who also serves as deputy prime minister, interior minister and religious services minister.  The letter, led by Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan, argues that responsibility for the alleged abuse of Palestinian detainees “lies with the government of Israel, including Prime Minister Netanyahu”. It follows the UK’s decision last year to sanction Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir

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  Khamenei’s funeral makes clear the global order is moving on

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  The United States turned 250 on July 4. The celebrations were spectacular: 850,000 fireworks launched from ten sites across Washington, military flyovers every hour, a speech from a president who promised it would be the “largest fireworks show in history”. At Mount Rushmore the night before, Donald Trump declared America “the most extraordinary republic ever, ever, ever”. But anniversaries have a way of exposing what lies beneath the pageantry. And beneath this one, the foundations are crumbling. While Trump spoke of American greatness, Iran began a six-day national mourning for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28. The timing was not incidental. The casket of the slain leader lay in state on the very

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  Gaza hospital director’s health deteriorates in Israeli detention, shows signs of torture, rights activists say

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Rights activists and a lawyer said on Sunday that Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Gaza Strip, is facing a serious risk to his health while in Israeli detention. Abu Safiya was arrested around 18 months ago during the Gaza war. Israel has accused him of having links to the Palestinian group Hamas. Following a visit to Abu Safiya last Thursday, his lawyer, Nasser Odeh, said his client’s health had deteriorated severely. The visit took place at the Rakefet underground interrogation facility inside Nitzan Prison. Physicians for Human Rights Israel   The Israeli rights group Physicians for Human Rights Israel and lawyer Odeh called for Abu Safiya to be transferred immediately from the facility and for

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  UAE allocates $30m in emergency aid for Sudan’s El Obeid city

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  The United Arab Emirates has announced an emergency humanitarian response worth $30 million to support civilians affected by the worsening situation in the Sudanese city of El Obeid, in North Kordofan State, under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to the official WAM news agency, the aid will be delivered through the UAE Aid Agency as part of the country’s long-standing humanitarian approach and its continued commitment to supporting the Sudanese people. The response comes after a sharp deterioration in the humanitarian situation in El Obeid and surrounding areas, where civilians and displaced people face growing needs for food, healthcare, clean drinking water and shelter. The UAE stressed the need for urgent and coordinated humanitarian

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  Iraq seeks strongest strategic ties with Saudi Arabia, says president

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Iraqi President Nizar Amidi said on Sunday that Iraq is seeking to build the strongest possible strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia across all sectors, stressing that limiting the possession of weapons to the state remains the government’s top priority. In an interview with Al Arabiya, Amidi said Saudi Arabia plays a major role in the region, describing the Kingdom as a neighbouring country with an active and influential economic role. He also said Iraq’s security situation remains fragile, adding that Baghdad rejects the use of its territory to launch attacks against neighbouring countries. READ: Iraq detains politicians, officials in anti-corruption crackdown “The security of the Gulf is part of Iraq’s security, and Iraq’s security is part of the region’s security,” he

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  US to urge Israel to curb violence against Palestinians in West Bank – Israeli media

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  The US administration intends to present “official demands” to Israel, including a halt to settler attacks and a cessation of violence committed by Israeli soldiers against Palestinians in the West Bank, Israel’s Channel 13 reported on Sunday. Quoting unnamed US sources, the broadcaster said Washington was “deeply concerned” about what it described as a rise in “nationalistically motivated crimes” in the West Bank, as well as repeated reports documenting violence by Israeli soldiers against Palestinians. According to the report, the requests will be raised during an expected meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington next week. The report added that the United States will ask Israel to provide explanations and reports on law

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  Iranian parliament speaker: We have no peace with US and will not recognise Israel

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said his country is not at peace with the United States, describing Washington as an unreliable party. Speaking during a meeting in Tehran on Sunday with Mohammad Darwish, chairman of the Hamas Shoura Council, Ghalibaf also said Iran would never recognise Israel. He said Iran would continue to support Muslims and the resistance axis, providing missiles when needed and political backing whenever required. On negotiations, Ghalibaf said Iran had set clear red lines and maintained them throughout the talks, adding that the axis of resistance and Lebanon were among those red lines. He also pledged to closely follow the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire process. Ghalibaf said Iran had not abandoned its

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  10 countries ban Ben-Gvir, Smotrich from entering their territories

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Ten European and Western countries have barred Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering their territories, according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry. The ministry said the ten countries had imposed entry bans on the two far-right ministers, who have faced widespread criticism over statements seen as advocating the extermination of the Palestinian people. In a statement, the ministry said it was monitoring the diplomatic development and urged the countries to reconsider what it described as their “unjustified” decisions. The countries that have imposed the bans are the UK, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Norway, Ireland, New Zealand and France. Ben-Gvir was already banned from entering France and Ireland at the end of May after publishing a video showing

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  Netanyahu says Gaza reconstruction depends on Hamas disarmament

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that reconstruction of the Gaza Strip will not begin unless Hamas is disarmed, reaffirming Israel’s position amid reports of differences with the United States over post-war plans for the territory. Speaking during a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said Gaza’s reconstruction must be linked to the dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities. “There will be no reconstruction in Gaza without the disarmament of Hamas,” he said. His comments followed a report by the Israeli news outlet Ynet, which claimed the US administration had decided to drop Hamas’s disarmament as a precondition for reconstruction. Netanyahu did not directly deny the report but insisted that Israel’s position remains unchanged. The Israeli prime minister also said Palestinians in

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  Report: Israeli army plans to discharge 10,000 reservists by end of July amid budget crunch

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  The Israeli military is preparing to release around 10,000 reservists by the end of July as it grapples with mounting financial pressures, according to local media on Sunday. The Israel Hayom newspaper said the number of reservists on active duty is expected to decline from about 60,000 to around 50,000, reflecting growing strain on the military’s budget. It added that a final decision has yet to be made and is expected in the coming days. According to the report, the move comes as Israel’s military faces a severe funding crisis following an unprecedented surge in military spending, resulting in a budget shortfall estimated at tens of billions of shekels. Israeli media, including Yedioth Ahronoth and Calcalist, reported that the planned

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  Israeli report says Hamas leader met Trump adviser in Qatar as commentators warn group is regrouping

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  Israeli state broadcaster Kan reported on Sunday that senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya recently met with an adviser to US President Donald Trump in Qatar, citing senior political sources in Washington and Tel Aviv. The report did not identify the adviser or provide further details about the meeting, and there was no immediate confirmation from Hamas or US officials. The report comes amid an ongoing debate in Israel over the outcome of the war in Gaza and Hamas’s future capabilities. Writing in Yedioth Ahronoth, Israeli commentator Avi Issacharoff argued that, despite nearly three years of war, Hamas has retained political control over the Gaza Strip and is rebuilding its military capabilities. Issacharoff wrote that, following the 7th October 2023 attack,

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  IOM warns El Obeid risks becoming ‘another El Fasher’ as fighting intensifies in Sudan

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that the Sudanese city of El Obeid could face a humanitarian catastrophe similar to that experienced in El Fasher if the conflict continues to escalate. In a video message published on Sunday on the organization’s X account, IOM Sudan Chief of Mission Mohamed Rifaat expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State. “We are concerned that El Obeid will become like El Fasher, and if we do nothing, we will see another El Fasher,” Rifaat said. For about a month, El Obeid has been subjected to repeated drone attacks attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), targeting the city’s main power station, fuel facilities

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  Infant dies after delay at Israeli checkpoint; teenager killed during raid on Qalandiya Camp

  by Mehdi Editor on July 6, 2026

  A four-month-old Palestinian infant died on Sunday after his family prevented from reaching a hospital by Israeli forces at a military checkpoint west of Ramallah, according to Palestinian officials. Separately, a 16-year-old Palestinian was killed during an Israeli military raid on Qalandiya refugee camp, north of Jerusalem. Ramallah and Al-Bireh Governor Laila Ghannam said doctors at the Arab Specialized Hospital declared the death of Ahmed Marouf Zeid, a four-month-old infant, after Israeli forces delayed his family’s passage for more than an hour at a military checkpoint at the entrance to the village of Deir Ammar. According to Ghannam, the infant was being transported for urgent medical treatment when Israeli soldiers prevented the family from passing through the checkpoint. She further