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

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  Report reveals Israeli-installed security system at Epstein-linked property

  by MI on February 20, 2026

  A report by the Washington-based investigative outlet DropSite News has claimed that a security system installed at a Manhattan apartment linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein was overseen by Israeli authorities. According to the report, which cites emails recently released by the United States Department of Justice, the security equipment was installed in early 2016 in a property at 301 East 66th Street in Manhattan. The building was reportedly used by several individuals connected to Epstein. The report states that former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak frequently stayed at the property. It further explains that emails show Epstein personally approved the installation of the security system and authorised meetings between his staff and Israeli security officials. READ: Israel’s Netanyahu attacks

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  Israel tightens entry restrictions to al-Aqsa on 1st Friday of Ramadan

  by MI on February 20, 2026

  Israel tightened restrictions Friday on Palestinian worshippers seeking to enter occupied East Jerusalem from the West Bank to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque on the first Friday of Ramadan, enforcing strict measures and requiring prior security approval for entry. Hundreds of Palestinians gathered early in the morning at military checkpoints surrounding Jerusalem in an attempt to reach the mosque, but Israeli forces barred many from entering despite some holding previously issued permits, an Anadolu correspondent reported. The Israeli army deployed large numbers of troops at checkpoints leading into the city, with senior military officers present and a heavy security presence in place. “Thousands of West Bank residents are crowded at the Qalandiya checkpoint, and the occupation authorities are refusing to allow

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  Indonesia’s trade deal with US risks straining its Middle East partnerships

  by MI on February 20, 2026

  This week, Indonesia and the United States signed the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. Most of the negotiation debate focused on tariffs and market access. Far less attention went to Article 5.1 and its geopolitical impact. That clause requires Indonesia to reflect US trade restrictions on third countries tied to American national security concerns. In practice, Jakarta could face sustained pressure to align with US sanctions. This creates friction with Indonesia’s long held free and active doctrine, which prioritises independence and active engagement across blocs. Article 5.1 complicates that balance in concrete ways. It introduces the possibility that Indonesia’s trade posture toward the Middle East and North Africa could shift in response to decisions made in Washington rather than Jakarta. Start

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  Ramadan under the rubble: Gaza welcomes the holy month amid ruin and unhealed wounds

  by MI on February 20, 2026

  Ramadan arrives in Gaza this year (2026) for the first time since the ceasefire that came into effect last October. Yet the word “ceasefire” feels painfully detached from reality. The bombs may have slowed, but the wounds remain open. The devastation is vast, the humanitarian catastrophe is over imagination, and daily life continues under the shadow of siege and recurring violations, bombs, and killing. For Palestinians in Gaza, Ramadan is not simply a month of fasting and prayer; it is a test of endurance, faith, and the stubborn will to survive. Across the Gaza Strip, entire neighborhoods remain flattened and severely damaged, rendering most of the buildings as uninhabitable. Concrete skeletons of homes stand as silent witnesses to a war

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  Israeli Health Ministry reviews hospital preparations amid possible conflict with Iran

  by MI on February 20, 2026

  An Israeli TV channel reported on Thursday that the Israeli Ministry of Health held an emergency meeting with hospital directors and health insurance funds to discuss preparations for a potential escalation with Iran. According to i24 News, senior officials from the ministry attended the meeting, where hospital directors were asked to present their readiness for a possible confrontation with Iran. The discussion focused on hospital preparedness, including protective measures, infrastructure, and medical equipment, in case the routine emergency system needs to shift to a full-scale emergency response. Guidelines shared during the meeting reportedly included plans to manage large numbers of casualties, operate from protected areas within hospitals, recall medical staff if needed, and reduce non-urgent medical activities. READ: Trump says Iran

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  Morocco jails 18 Senegalese fans for 3 months to 1 year over AFCON final violence

  by MI on February 20, 2026

  A Moroccan court on Thursday sentenced 18 Senegalese fans to prison terms ranging from three months to one year, following their arrest in connection with disturbances during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final held in the country, according to Anadolu Agency. The fans were detained on 18 January after causing trouble during the final between Senegal and Morocco in Rabat, which was won by the Senegalese national team, the “Lions of Teranga.” The court convicted them of “acts of rioting and violence, particularly against security forces, damaging sporting equipment, storming the pitch, and throwing projectiles.” All 18 received prison sentences between three and twelve months. Earlier on Thursday, the Moroccan public prosecutor at the Rabat First Instance Court had

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  Sawiris admits €500 million loss made in a fit of anger

  by MI on February 20, 2026

  Egyptian businessman Naguib Sawiris has revealed that he lost around €500 million after making an investment decision in a moment of anger. Speaking on the programme Billion Journey on Egypt’s Al-Nahar TV, Sawiris said he increased his stake in a company in which he already owned 10 per cent. He decided to buy an additional 10 per cent without sufficient study after becoming upset with someone involved. The move coincided with a global market downturn, and he said he lost the entire amount. Reflecting on the experience, Sawiris said it taught him a harsh lesson: no financial decisions should be made while angry. He added that he had also faced other losses during his career due to overconfidence, stressing that

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  UK Foreign Office responds to Gargash’s denial of UAE arming Sudan’s RSF

  by MI on February 20, 2026

  The UK Foreign Office has described the findings of a United Nations report on El Fasher as “truly shocking”, particularly its documentation of systematic starvation, torture, killings, rape and deliberate ethnic targeting at the height of the siege imposed by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The response came after UAE Minister of State Anwar Gargash claimed that remarks made by the British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper during the Munich Security Conference last Saturday had refuted allegations that the United Arab Emirates was supplying weapons to the RSF.  The foreign office instead called for an end to the flow of arms into Sudan. In a statement by Yvette Cooper, the office said: “We urgently need an end to arms flows. Reports

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  The final solution to Imran Khan

  by MI on February 20, 2026

  When a regime starts rationing a prisoner’s light, it is no longer governing — it is unravelling. If credible reports are accurate that Imran Khan’s eyesight has catastrophically deteriorated in custody, this is not bureaucratic failure, nor medical misfortune. It is escalation. It is the continuation — by more brutal means — of a four-year campaign of relentless state persecution against the most popular, electrifying, and historically singular political figure Pakistan has produced in its 78-year existence. The dimming of his vision is not incidental. It is terror by design. Custody is sovereign monopoly distilled. The state controls light, air, medicine, sleep, contact — the total architecture of human survival. Under such conditions, physical deterioration is not “neglect.” It is

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  Egypt says it is committed to training Palestinian police in Gaza

  by MI on February 20, 2026

  Egypt is committed to continuing the training of Palestinian police personnel to maintain security in Gaza, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Thursday during the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, DC, Anadolu reports. Madbouly said Egypt supports US President Donald Trump’s vision for “a new era of peace and coexistence” in the region in which Palestinians enjoy their right to self-determination and statehood in line with relevant international resolutions. Egypt appreciates Trump’s position rejecting the annexation of the West Bank and supports the mandate of the Board of Peace as a principal framework for governing the transitional period in Gaza, he added. Madbouly stressed the need to fully empower the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza

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  Al-Burhan: No truce in Sudan unless RSF withdraw from occupied areas

  by MI on February 20, 2026

  The head of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, said on Thursday evening that there would be no ceasefire unless the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) withdrew from what he described as areas they occupy and regrouped in designated locations. He made the remarks during a public event in Omdurman, west of the capital, Khartoum, according to the state-run Sudan News Agency (SUNA). Fighting between the army and the RSF has continued since April 2023 over a dispute about integrating the paramilitary force into the regular armed forces. The conflict has triggered famine in parts of the country, created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, killed tens of thousands of people and displaced around 13 million, according to international estimates.

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  Gaza’s resistance security claims it neutralised suspected collaborator cells

  by MI on February 20, 2026

  A security officer in the Rad’a Force, the field wing of the Resistance Security in the Gaza Strip, said on Thursday that specialised units had, over the past week, neutralised a number of members of what he described as collaborator gangs. The officer said investigations with those detained had revealed that individuals with extremist “takfiri” views had joined the groups as part of a plan aimed at destabilising the internal front and serving hostile agendas. He stressed the need for coordinated official and public efforts to confront what he termed the phenomenon of collaboration. READ: Gaza administration committee opens applications to form new police force The officer also called for cooperation with the security authorities and for reporting any suspicious activity,

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  Trump says Iran deal clarity coming ‘in 10 days,’ warns of further action

  by Marwa A on February 19, 2026

  US President Donald Trump said Thursday it would soon become clear whether a deal with Iran is possible, warning that Washington may be forced to escalate if negotiations fall short, Anadolu reports. “We may have to take it a step further, or we may not,” he said at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, adding that the situation would likely become clearer “over the next probably 10 days.” Trump said his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, built a solid working relationship with Iranian representatives and talks were progressing well. “Iran is a hotspot right now, and they’re meeting, and they have a good relationship with the representatives of Iran,” he said. “Good talks are being

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  Gaza administration committee opens applications to form new police force

  by Marwa A on February 19, 2026

  The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) announced Thursday that it has opened applications to establish a new Palestinian police force in the Gaza Strip, Anadolu reports. In a statement published on its website, the committee invited “qualified and committed individuals” to submit applications to serve the community and strengthen public security. It said it aims to recruit Palestinian men and women with “high professional competence and a commitment to maintaining order and stability, supporting the rule of law and protecting society with discipline and national responsibility.” The committee described joining the force as “a national duty and an active contribution to rebuilding trust and security within Gaza’s society.” It said the recruitment process targets individuals who demonstrate

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  Qatar pledges $1B in support for Board of Peace

  by Marwa A on February 19, 2026

  Qatar pledged $1 billion Thursday in support of the Board of Peace during the first meeting of the group in Washington, reaffirming its commitment to mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Anadolu reports. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said Doha “reaffirms its commitment to the Board of Peace as it was committed to the very first day of the mediation efforts.” “Our responsibility remains to achieve a just and lasting resolution,” he said, adding that the board, under the leadership of US President Donald Trump, “will advance the full implementation of the 20-point plan without delay, ensuring fairness and justice for both Palestinians and Israelis.” He said the plan seeks “to ensure

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  Uzbekistan to make a ‘meaningful contribution’ to Gaza reconstruction, says Uzbek president

  by Marwa A on February 19, 2026

  Uzbekistan is ready to make a “meaningful contribution” to the construction of residential buildings, kindergartens, schools and hospitals in the Gaza Strip, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said Thursday at the first Board of Peace meeting in Washington, Anadolu reports. Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that the boar’s work “will help create a favorable environment for the economic and social recovery of the Gaza Strip.” “Uzbekistan supported the peacekeeping initiative to establish the Board of Peace and firmly stated its intention to play a practical role in its successful implementation,” said Mirziyoyev, adding that the meeting reflects international solidarity, peacemaking and a shared desire to improve the situation in the Middle East. “We must use this historic opportunity to build a new Gaza

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  Israeli army forces detain child in Syria’s Quneitra

  by Marwa A on February 19, 2026

  The Israeli army detained a child west of Kodna village in Syria’s southern Quneitra province on Thursday, Anadolu reports. The state-run Alikhbariah TV reported that Israeli troops arrested the child in the western outskirts of the village and took him to an undisclosed location. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military regarding the reported detention. Damascus has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to the 1974 disengagement agreement between the two sides. Tel Aviv announced unilaterally that it was canceling the agreement after the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime on Dec. 8, 2024. Recent Israeli actions have included ground incursions, artillery shelling—particularly in the countryside of Quneitra and Daraa in southern Syria—arrests of civilians, the establishment of checkpoints to search

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  Indonesian president pledges 8,000 ‘or more’ troops to Gaza peacekeeping force

  by Marwa A on February 19, 2026

  Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday pledged 8,000 “or more” troops to the International Stabilization Force in Gaza at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington, Anadolu reports. Despite the obstacles and difficulties, “we are very optimistic that with the leadership of (US) President (Donald) Trump, this vision of real peace will be achieved,” he said. “There will be problems, but we will prevail.” “We will achieve our dream of peace in Palestine, a lasting and peaceful solution for the Palestinian problem, and in Gaza,” he added. The achievements of the ceasefire are “real.” Therefore, “we reaffirm our commitment to contribute a significant number of troops, up to 8000 or more, if necessary; we are prepared to contribute the

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  Gaza: On The Ground with Motasem A Dalloul | Week 16 Feb

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  MEMO spoke to Motasem A Dalloul, a survivor of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, in the first of a new series of regular updates from the ground. Dalloul describes the daily struggle to survive: hunger, cold, the collapse of healthcare, and ongoing Israeli violations despite the so-called ceasefire. WATCH: Gaza: On The Ground with Motasem A Dalloul | Week 2 Feb

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  Director of ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ declines award at Berlin event

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  The director of The Voice of Hind Rajab declined to accept an award at a Berlin event this week after an Israeli general was recognized at the same gathering, Anadolu reports. Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania chose not to receive the “Most Valuable Film” award at the “Cinema for Peace” gala event on Monday and left the trophy behind. In her remarks, she said she felt a sense of responsibility rather than gratitude, using the moment to make a statement about justice and accountability for Hind Rajab, a five-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed by Israeli soldiers in Gaza in 2024, while rescuers attempting to reach her were also fired upon. “Justice means accountability. Without accountability, there is no peace.

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  From coercion to negotiation – Why Washington now sits across from Tehran

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  For years, Washington addressed Tehran through pressure. Sanctions were tightened layer upon layer. Naval deployments in the Gulf were amplified. Political rhetoric framed Iran as a state that would eventually yield under economic suffocation. The assumption was that sustained coercion would fracture internal stability and compel compliance. That expectation has not materialised. The return to negotiations is not the product of generosity or strategic benevolence. It reflects the recognition that coercion, by itself, did not produce submission. The shift from maximum pressure to diplomatic engagement signals something more structural: the limits of imperial reflex in a world that is no longer unipolar. The Limits of Economic Warfare When the United States withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action under

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  Israeli army detains at least 37 Palestinians in raids across occupied West Bank

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  Israeli forces detained at least 37 Palestinians and injured one during a series of raids across the occupied West Bank on the second day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on Thursday, Anadolu reports. In the southern city of Hebron, Israeli troops stormed the town of Beit Ula, searching homes and commercial shops, eyewitnesses said. During the raid, soldiers opened fire and injured a Palestinian man, though the severity of his condition was not immediately known. In the Jabal Jales area of Hebron, the army carried out a separate operation, detaining 20 Palestinians and transferring them for interrogation, according to local sources. Residents said Israeli forces converted a residential building into a temporary military post and conducted field interrogations

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  Only one-third of expected travelers crossed Rafah since reopening: Gaza media office

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  Gaza’s government media office said Thursday that only 1,148 Palestinians have crossed the Rafah border crossing with Egypt since its limited reopening earlier this month, a figure it said represents roughly one-third of those expected to travel, Anadolu reports. In a statement, the office said 640 people departed Gaza and 508 returned between Feb. 2 and Feb. 18, while 26 others were turned back during attempts to leave. The total falls far short of the 3,400 travelers who were anticipated to pass through the crossing during that period, reflecting what the office described as about 33% Israeli compliance with understandings related to the Oct. 10 Gaza ceasefire. The statement did not clarify how the overall expected number of travelers was

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  Where is the international community’s accountability for Israel’s latest annexation phase?

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  The international community does not want to be held accountable  to history or its role in Israel’s colonisation of Palestine. With each violation, the UN and world leaders issue statements as if Israel is for the first time acting in violation of international law.  “The moves could lead to settlement expansion by removing bureaucratic barriers and easing land purchases and building permits,” UN Under Secretary General Rosemary di Carlo stated in response to Israel’s land registration process of the occupied West Bank. The approved proposal, put forth by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Defence Minister Israel Katz, will de-facto annex Area C of the occupied West Bank, making the Palestinian land property of Israel’s colonial enterprise.

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  Israeli army hits Gaza Strip with airstrikes, artillery shelling on 2nd day of Ramadan

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  The Israeli army launched intense airstrikes and heavy artillery shelling in the Gaza Strip on Thursday on the second day of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, despite the Oct. 10 ceasefire agreement, witnesses said. Israeli fighter jets carried out heavy strikes on eastern neighborhoods of Gaza City in the north, alongside artillery shelling in the surrounding areas, witnesses told Anadolu. The Israeli army also fired illumination flares east of the Shujaiya neighborhood in eastern Gaza City. In the southern cities of Khan Younis and Rafah, witnesses reported at least two Israeli airstrikes in eastern areas under Israeli military control. Artillery shelling also targeted the al-Mawasi area west of Rafah, the witnesses said. READ: Israeli army kills Palestinian in Gaza on

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  Tusk urges Polish citizens to leave Iran immediately amid conflict fears

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Thursday issued an urgent appeal for citizens to leave Iran immediately and warned against all travel to the country, citing the risk of an imminent military escalation, Anadolu reports. “Please leave Iran immediately and under no circumstances travel to this country,” Tusk told reporters in the town of Zielonka near Warsaw. “I do not want to alarm anyone, but we all know what I am referring to. The possibility of a conflict is very real.” The prime minister warned that the window for evacuation could close rapidly. “In a few, a dozen, or several dozen hours, evacuation may no longer be possible,” he said, urging Poles to take the warning seriously. Poland’s government has

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  Not forgetting the victims: Club Epstein and crimes against humanity

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  With a sex trafficking, flesh peddling empire of favours, logistics and the good time to be had by the powerful, the gigantic scale of Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal network continues to disturb.  The least savoury digital library on the planet, available through the offices of the US Justice Department as the Epstein Library, is being combed through with its 3.5 million items comprising 180,000 images, 2000 videos, email and text correspondence, not to mention an assortment of miscellaneous material. The combing process has come to displace the sheer gravity of Epstein’s dehumanising enterprise.  Like a gold mine of ill-repute, slime and crime, researchers, journalists, political hacks and the purely voyeuristic are fossicking for material about the next public figure to be

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  Notes on the draft constitution of the State of Palestine

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  Nearly seven months after President Mahmoud Abbas formed the constitutional drafting committee, the president moved a few days ago to release the draft “Interim Constitution of the State of Palestine” to the public and to relevant institutions for review and comment over a 60-day period. The designated committee is expected to receive, compile, and examine these submissions, then produce an initial report within two months. This would be followed by a detailed assessment of the findings and a set of recommendations, paving the way for a final version of the constitutional draft before it is put to a popular referendum. The question, however, remains unresolved: does this step amount to a genuine initiative to establish a constitution for the State

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  52 dead since start of year amid crime surge in Israel’s Arab communities

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  Since the start of the year, 52 people have been killed, including four young men shot dead on Wednesday evening in three separate incidents. One was shot by police in Kabul, in the Galilee region; another was killed in a shooting in Laqiya, in the Negev; and two young men were shot inside a shop in Haifa. This raises the number of people killed by police gunfire since the start of the year to four. National Security Minister, far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir, expressed support for the police officer involved, saying: “Anyone who endangers the police must be neutralised.” Overall, the total number of murder victims since the beginning of the year is 52, including 26 so far this month and

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  Iran closes large parts of its airspace ahead of missile drill

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority issued an unusual official notice to pilots (NOTAM) on Wednesday, announcing the closure of large sections of the country’s airspace. The notice said the closure is to allow a planned missile launch exercise tomorrow. It specified danger zones where flying will be completely banned due to military activity.  The move has caused serious concern among international airlines, many of which have already begun rerouting flights. READ: Netanyahu postpones security cabinet meeting amid expectations of Iran strike “within days” Following Iran’s announcement, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an urgent safety alert for civil aircraft operators. The FAA urged airlines to exercise a “higher level of caution” when flying over or near the area, warning that uncoordinated

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  Iraq says US warned of possible sanctions over al-Maliki nomination

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  Iraq’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday it had received a verbal message from the United States warning of possible sanctions on individuals and institutions if Nouri al-Maliki is nominated as prime minister. According to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the message contained two main points. The first included a clear indication that sanctions could be imposed on certain individuals and entities. The second set out conditions related to the nature of close cooperation with Washington, particularly concerning the formation of any new government and its mechanisms of work. The ministry said the message was received in Washington and warned that, should the largest parliamentary bloc insist on its current nominee, sanctions could follow. In an immediate response, the media office

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  24 European countries warn of humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  Twenty-four European and Western countries have voiced concern over the continued killing of civilians, destruction of infrastructure and targeting of humanitarian missions in Sudan. In a joint international statement, the countries said air strikes and drone attacks on displaced people, health facilities and food convoys had resulted in a high number of civilian deaths and injuries, and had disrupted the delivery of humanitarian aid. The statement said deliberate attacks on humanitarian workers or their vehicles “are contrary to international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes.” It stressed the need for prompt and independent investigations into the alleged violations and for those responsible to be held to account. READ: Over 529,000 refugees return to Sudan in two years, UN says

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  Presenter Tucker Carlson claims Israel detained him after interview with US ambassador

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  A new political row has erupted after conservative US broadcaster Tucker Carlson accused Israeli authorities of detaining him at Ben Gurion Airport on Wednesday following an interview with the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee.  Israeli officials and the US embassy in Tel Aviv swiftly rejected the claim, describing the incident as “routine procedures”. Carlson, who has been sharply critical of Israel over its war in Gaza and what he describes as the mistreatment of Christians, said individuals identifying themselves as airport security officers confiscated his passport and those of his team. He added that the executive producer of his programme was taken to a side room and questioned about the content of his discussion with the ambassador. READ: Israel prepares

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  Israeli dates allegedly being sold in European market under different labels

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  A significant portion of dates offered for sale in Europe allegedly enters the market through third countries while concealing their true origin, Anadolu reports. The rapid expansion of the global date trade and the complexity of supply chains have fueled debate over traceability and labeling transparency. Israel, currently facing boycott campaigns particularly in the Muslim world, has reportedly adopted labeling strategies to mitigate the impact of consumer boycotts in Europe. The global date market, valued at $32.7 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to $34.5 billion in 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.14%. The market is forecast to reach $55.58 billion by 2034. The Middle East and Africa region maintains a dominant position, with annual harvest

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  Netanyahu postpones security cabinet meeting amid expectations of Iran strike “within days”

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unexpectedly postponed a meeting of the country’s security cabinet, as estimates suggest a possible US attack on Iran could begin within days, Hebrew media reported on Wednesday. The Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth said assessments inside Israel indicate that US President Donald Trump is leaning towards launching a large-scale military strike on Iranian targets. This comes amid stalled negotiations and Tehran’s refusal to accept US demands. The newspaper reported: “in Israel, assessments indicate that US President Donald Trump is inclined to launch a large-scale military attack on Iran soon, given Tehran’s rejection of US demands in the negotiations.”     It added that the political-security cabinet meeting, which had been scheduled for Thursday, was postponed until next

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  Russia urges dialogue on Iran nuclear issue, dismisses threats

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  Russia has called for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue, warning that threats and pressure tactics will not advance negotiations. Speaking in Moscow on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow believes that acceptable solutions can only be achieved through “dialogue based on equality and respect”. “There is no reasonable alternative to this dialogue,” Zakharova said, expressing Russia’s readiness to contribute to resolving tensions between Iran and the United States by political and diplomatic means. She added: “We hope that reason will prevail and that the region will not be pushed into a new military adventure that would have devastating consequences.” Her remarks came amid renewed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. The Sultanate of Oman hosted a recent

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  Report links Somaliland recognition to rising Cairo–Tel Aviv tensions

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  An Israeli news platform has published an assessment warning of rising tensions between Egypt and Israel in the Horn of Africa, raising the possibility of indirect or even direct military confrontation on Somali territory. The Hebrew-language outlet Natsiv Net reported that developments up to February 2026 point to escalating rivalry between Cairo and Tel Aviv, particularly in light of their growing involvement in Somalia. According to the report, Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent entity marked a turning point. On 26th December 2025, Israel became the first country to formally recognise the breakaway region, a move that was strongly rejected by both Egypt and the Federal Government of Somalia. The platform said Cairo viewed the recognition as a

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  Pakistan PM Sharif to seek clarity on troops for Gaza in US visit, sources say

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  Before Pakistan commits to sending troops to Gaza as part of the International Stabilization Force it wants assurances from the United States that it will be a peacekeeping mission rather than tasked with disarming Hamas, three sources told Reuters. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to attend the first formal meeting of President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday, alongside delegations from at least 20 countries. Trump, who will chair the meeting, is expected to announce a multi-billion dollar reconstruction plan for Gaza and detailed plans for a UN- authorised stabilisation force for the Palestinian enclave. Three government sources said during the Washington visit Sharif wanted to better understand the goal of the ISF, what authority

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  Vatican declines to join Trump-led Peace Council on Gaza

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  The Vatican has announced it will not participate in the “Peace Council” initiative launched by US President Donald Trump to oversee post-war arrangements in Gaza. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s secretary of state and chief diplomat, said on Tuesday that the Vatican would not join the body, citing its distinctive role in international affairs. “We will not participate in the Peace Council because of its unique nature, which is of course different from that of other countries,” Parolin said. He added that the Vatican believes international crises should be managed through the United Nations. “One of our concerns is that, at the international level, it should be the United Nations that manages these crises, and this is one of

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  US judge overturns deportation order for Columbia student

  by MI on February 19, 2026

  A US federal judge has overturned a deportation order issued against a Palestinian student at Columbia University who took part in protests against the Israeli war in Gaza, according to US media reports. Muhsin Mahdawi, 34, was born in a Palestinian refugee camp in the occupied West Bank and has held a US permanent resident card, or “green card”, since 2015. He was detained by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on 14 April while attending a citizenship interview. Although he was released at the end of April following a court order, the deportation proceedings remained in place. Judge Nina Frois has now closed the case, citing a procedural error by government lawyers. Details of the ruling were disclosed

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  UN agency says Gaza rubble removal could take 7 years as 90% live in dangerous conditions

  by Marwa A on February 18, 2026

  The UN Development Program (UNDP) said on Tuesday that clearing Gaza’s rubble at the current pace could take seven years, as most residents continue to live in extremely hazardous conditions, Anadolu reports. In a virtual briefing from Jerusalem following a recent visit to the Gaza Strip, UNDP chief Alexander De Croo described the humanitarian situation as the worst he has seen in his years of development work. “This is the worst living conditions that I have ever seen, extremely painful conditions to live in,” De Croo said, adding that “90% of the people of Gaza today live in the middle of that rubble, which is extremely dangerous.” Noting that UNDP’s recovery efforts are focused on three main areas, he said

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  Israel prepares for possible US green light to strike Iran’s ballistic missile system: Public broadcaster

  by Marwa A on February 18, 2026

  Israel is preparing for the possibility of receiving a green light from the US to launch an attack on Iran’s ballistic missile system, Israel’s public broadcaster KAN said late Wednesday, Anadolu reports. The broadcaster noted that the scenario of Israel striking Iran’s ballistic missiles comes amid widespread focus on whether US President Donald Trump will order the attack on Iran. Israeli security establishment assessments over the past 24 hours indicate a rising likelihood of a US attack on Iran, following the latest round of talks between Washington and Tehran, Israeli daily Haaretz reported. READ: Trump urges UK not to give away Diego Garcia, says US may need island if Iran refuses deal

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  Trump urges UK not to give away Diego Garcia, says US may need island if Iran refuses deal

  by Marwa A on February 18, 2026

  US President Donald Trump urged the United Kingdom on Wednesday not to give away Diego Garcia, warning America may need the island and a British airfield if Iran refuses to make a deal, Anadolu reports. “Should Iran decide not to make a deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous regime,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. The US president said an attack would potentially be made on the UK and other “friendly countries.” Trump said America will always be ready, willing and able to fight for Britain but the UK must remain

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  ‘Regime cleavage’: How the ‘language of humiliation’ is engineering a second American civil war

  by Marwa A on February 18, 2026

  A January 2026 Gallup poll showed that 89 percent of all Americans expect high levels of political conflict this year, as the country heads toward one of its most decisive midterm elections ever. Gallup, however, was stating the obvious. It is a surprise that not all Americans feel this way, judging by the coarse, often outright racist discourse currently being normalized by top American officials. Some call this new rhetoric the “language of humiliation,” where officials refer to entire social and racial groups as ‘vermin’, ‘garbage’, or ‘invaders’. The aim of this language is not simply to insult, but to feed the “Rage Bait Cycle” – tellingly, Oxford’s 2025 Word of the Year: a high-ranking official attacks a whole community

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  Indonesia condemns West Bank annexation while sustaining a dangerous contradiction

  by Marwa A on February 18, 2026

  This week, Indonesia joined Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates in condemning Israel’s decision to designate large areas of the occupied West Bank as so-called state land. The joint statement called it a serious escalation. It cited violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention, United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. The details matter. Israeli media reported that the proposal came from Defense Minister Israel Katz, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Justice Minister Yariv Levin. Smotrich described it as a continuation of a settlement revolution to control all the land. Levin spoke of strengthening Israel’s grip on all its territories. The plan allows the state to

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  English Premier League to observe short breaks during matches in Ramadan

  by MI on February 18, 2026

  The English Premier League will pause matches to allow Muslim players to break their fast during Ramadan, according to British media reports. The BBC reported that before each match it will be determined whether any player is fasting. If so, the game will be briefly paused at iftar time to allow them to break their fast. The first such pause took place in April 2021 during a match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace. The game was temporarily stopped to allow Leicester’s Wesley Fofana and Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyate to break their fast. The players consumed liquids and energy gels before play resumed. Ramadan is a month centred on developing God-consciousness, self-discipline, and personal growth. From dawn to sunset, fast—not just

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  Gazans welcome Ramadan with destroyed mosques and weak market activity

  by Marwa A on February 18, 2026

  Gaza: Efforts underway to rebuild 900-year-old bathhouse

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  Israel’s not-so-subtle annexation plans in the West Bank

  by Marwa A on February 18, 2026

  Israel’s latest moves in the occupied West Bank are not being framed in dramatic language inside the country. There has been no formal declaration of annexation, no parliamentary ceremony proclaiming sovereignty over the hills and valleys east of the Green Line. Instead, the changes have come through cabinet decisions, legal revisions, and administrative transfers—quiet adjustments that, taken together, are reshaping the political geography of the territory captured in 1967. Earlier this week, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a package of measures expanding Israeli civilian authority in parts of the West Bank. On paper, the steps may appear technical: repealing restrictions that barred the sale of land in the occupied territory to Israeli citizens; reopening sealed land registration records; transferring planning and

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  ‘Common enemy’: the Epstein class behind Oslo’s failure | Palestine This Week with Mouin Rabbani

  by MI on February 18, 2026

  In this episode of Palestine This Week, we ask whether the two-state solution has finally run out of graves to bury it in. As Israel tightens its grip on the occupied West Bank and rewrites the Oslo framework in real time, we examine the collapse of diplomatic illusions and the rise of raw power politics. We unpack the shifting narrative around Gaza’s death toll, Israel’s parallel aid system, Netanyahu’s Washington visit and growing fractures inside the US conservative base over Israel. And in a deeper dive, we explore the idea of a “common enemy” — from the legacy of Oslo to the emergence of what some are calling the Epstein class — and what that says about the global networks

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  Israeli army kills Palestinian in Gaza on 1st day of Ramadan

  by MI on February 18, 2026

  The Israeli army killed a Palestinian man Wednesday in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, medics said. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis said in a brief statement that a young man was killed by Israeli gunfire near the Bani Suheila roundabout, east of the city. Israeli military vehicles stationed in eastern Khan Younis opened heavy fire since the early morning hours, witnesses told Anadolu. Israeli forces also fired near the Morag axis north of Rafah in southern Gaza, while artillery shelled eastern areas of the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, they added. READ: Gazans perform Taraweeh prayers on rubble in first Ramadan after the genocide war In Gaza