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

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  Pakistan PM: US-Iran memorandum excludes ballistic missile issue

  by Marwa A on June 24, 2026

  Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran, with Pakistani mediation, does not include any provisions related to Iran’s ballistic missiles. Sharif made the remarks during a delegation-level meeting held as part of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Pakistan. “There are no ballistic missiles in the Islamabad memorandum of understanding (MoU). The issue was never on the table, was never part of the agenda, and the Iranian side never even wanted to discuss it,” Sharif said. He claimed that some parties around the world are seeking to scuttle the agreement. “They don’t want the Iranian nation, a great nation, to come out of the ashes of war and

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  Iran air defence forces on full alert, senior commander says

  by Marwa A on June 24, 2026

  Iran’s air defence forces remain at the highest level of operational readiness and are fully prepared to protect the country’s airspace, a senior military commander said on Tuesday. According to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Brigadier General Ali Reza Elhami, commander of the Joint Air Defence Unit at the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, made the remarks during a visit to the Army’s northwestern air defence zone on the occasion of Air Defence Martyrs’ Day. Elhami praised the performance of Iran’s air defence personnel, describing their role as a source of national pride. “The courage and bravery of the Army and Revolutionary Guard air defence personnel throughout the Islamic Republic of Iran are a source of pride,” he said. He

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  Gaza officials warn of ‘silent famine’ as aid deliveries fall far below planned levels

  by Marwa A on June 24, 2026

  Gaza’s Ministry of Social Development has warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis, saying the territory is experiencing a “silent famine” amid a sharp decline in the flow of humanitarian assistance. Aziza al-Kahlout, spokesperson for the ministry, said on Tuesday that living conditions across the Gaza Strip have deteriorated significantly as aid deliveries continue to fall well below projected needs. “The Gaza Strip is going through a critical phase,” al-Kahlout said, describing the situation as a “silent famine” that is gradually spreading across the territory. She added that the humanitarian crisis extends beyond the direct impact of military operations, pointing to the growing difficulty many residents face in accessing food, clean water and essential services. According to figures cited by the

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  Moroccan Army officers arrive in Israel to join Gaza stabilisation force

  by Marwa A on June 24, 2026

  Israeli media reported on Tuesday that representatives associated with Moroccan participation in the proposed international stabilisation force for Gaza have arrived in southern Israel, although no official confirmation has been issued by Rabat. According to Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, an initial group of representatives linked to the Moroccan Armed Forces arrived at the Civil-Military Coordination Center in southern Israel, where preparations related to the international stabilization force are reportedly being coordinated. The broadcaster said the representatives arrived at the US-operated headquarters in Kiryat Gat as part of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF), a component of the broader framework envisioned under the Gaza post-war plan backed by US President Donald Trump. Kan reported that the delegation’s arrival marks the first publicly

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  Human Rights Watch urges Jordan to reinstate death penalty moratorium after six executions

  by Marwa A on June 24, 2026

  Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Jordan to reinstate its moratorium on the death penalty and end the trial of civilians before military courts after authorities carried out the execution of six prisoners convicted in security-related and criminal cases. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the New York-based rights group described the executions as a setback for human rights protections in the kingdom and urged the government to halt further use of capital punishment. “Jordan should renew its moratorium on the death penalty and end the trial of civilians before military courts,” the organisation said. The statement quoted Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East director at HRW, as criticising the executions, which marked the first known implementation of death sentences

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  Iran says Israeli strikes on Lebanon delayed next round of US talks

  by Marwa A on June 24, 2026

  Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva has accused Israel of attempting to undermine understandings reached between Tehran and Washington by continuing military operations in Lebanon. Speaking to reporters at the United Nations Office in Geneva on Tuesday, Ali Bahreini, Iran’s permanent representative, said Israeli attacks on Lebanon had delayed the next round of negotiations between Iran and the United States. Bahreini argued that a ceasefire across all regional fronts, including Lebanon, formed a key component of the Memorandum of Understanding recently signed between Tehran and Washington. According to the Iranian diplomat, Israel’s actions complicated efforts to advance the agreement and postponed the resumption of talks. “Israel did not acknowledge or implement the first clause of the agreement,” Bahreini

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  Israeli fears grow over soldier capture attempt in southern Lebanon

  by Marwa A on June 24, 2026

  Amid Israeli reports that dozens of Hezbollah members are trapped inside tunnel networks in the southern Lebanese village of Kfartebnit, Israeli news website Walla has reported growing concerns that an attempt could be made to capture Israeli soldiers for use in a prisoner exchange. According to Walla, messages have been conveyed to Israel through several mediators requesting safe passage for the besieged Hezbollah fighters. However, a security source said Israel’s response to all mediators was clear: “Surrender or be killed inside the tunnel network.” At the same time, concern is increasing among Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon that Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force may seek retaliation by carrying out an operation to capture Israeli soldiers and use them as leverage

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  Israeli soldiers’ parents demand end to Lebanon fighting and return of troops

  by Marwa A on June 24, 2026

  Parents of dozens of Israeli soldiers serving in Lebanon have said they will not allow their sons to be “sacrificed for external considerations”, calling for an end to the fighting and the immediate return of troops. The appeal came in an “urgent” letter sent to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Israel Katz, and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, according to Israel’s Channel 12 television on Tuesday evening, as reported by Anadolu Agency. In the letter, the parents said: “Our soldiers in Lebanon are operating with their hands tied, and it appears that external factors are dictating the course of events. We will not allow our soldiers to be sacrificed because of external considerations or indifference on the part

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  Netanyahu to hold meeting on Israeli concerns over possible Syrian role in Lebanon

  by Marwa A on June 24, 2026

  Israel is increasingly concerned about a growing Syrian role in Lebanon amid the rapid rapprochement between US President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and the possibility of regional arrangements that could give Damascus greater influence in Lebanese affairs. According to Israel’s Channel 12 on Tuesday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to hold a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss developments related to Syria and their implications for Lebanon. The report said the meeting follows recent remarks by Trump, who said he was “close” to assigning responsibility for dealing with Hezbollah to the Syrian authorities. According to the channel, Israel does not view Trump’s comments as merely rhetorical, but believes discussions and arrangements may be taking

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  Palestinian Authority urges international action over Israel’s withholding of $11 billion

  by Marwa A on June 24, 2026

  The Palestinian Authority on Tuesday called for international action after Israel withheld around $11 billion in Palestinian funds, warning that the move poses a serious threat to the ability of Palestinian institutions to continue operating. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa made the remarks during a meeting in Ramallah with European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica, EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process Christophe Bigot, and the EU Representative to Palestine Alexandre Stutzmann. According to a statement from his office, Mustafa said that Israel is withholding around $6 billion in Palestinian tax revenues, known as “clearance revenues”, in addition to $5 billion in frozen banking funds. Clearance revenues are one of the Palestinian Authority’s main sources of income.

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  UN warns of dire conditions in Gaza displacement sites as 1.7M Palestinians face shortages

  by Marwa A on June 23, 2026

  The UN warned on Tuesday that nearly 1.7 million displaced Palestinians, about 80% of Gaza’s population, are living in extremely poor conditions across nearly 1,600 displacement sites, with acute shortages of water, shelter, and basic services, Anadolu reports. Citing the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a news conference that “shelling, gunfire, bombing, and airstrikes continue to harm civilians across the Gaza Strip.” He noted that UNICEF announced in a social media post that a 17-year-old girl, one of its Youth Champions, was killed while on her way to sit for her high school exam. “We reiterate that civilians, including children, must always be protected,” Dujarric said. He said that a newly released

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  Fresh Israeli attacks kill 2 Palestinians in Gaza despite ceasefire

  by Marwa A on June 23, 2026

  Two Palestinians were killed on Tuesday in fresh Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip amid continued violations of a ceasefire in effect since last October, a medical source said, Anadolu reports. The source stated that an Israeli drone struck a tent sheltering displaced people in Bir Ayyad in the southern city of Khan Younis, killing one person and injuring another. Another Palestinian was killed and several people were injured in a drone strike targeting a motorcycle west of Khan Younis, the source added. Since the ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, Israeli attacks have killed at least 1,027 people and injured 3,280 others, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ceasefire was reached after two years of a genocidal war

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  New survey finds decline in trust of US among key allies under Trump

  by Marwa A on June 23, 2026

  Confidence in the United States as a reliable partner has fallen sharply among many of Washington’s closest allies, a new survey found on Tuesday, with President Donald Trump receiving lower trust ratings than Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Anadolu reports. The Pew Research Center survey, which covered 42,151 adults in 36 countries between Feb. 8 and May 13, 2026, found that only a median of 23% of respondents expressed confidence in Trump to “do the right thing regarding world affairs,” while 76% said they had no confidence in him. Trump ranked below French President Emmanuel Macron (43%), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (35%), Xi (34%) and Putin (31%) in the global confidence comparison. Only Israeli Prime Minister

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  Iran reopens western part of country’s airspace

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  Iran’s civil aviation authority said Tuesday it reopened the western part of the country’s airspace, Anadolu reports. “The western airspace of the country, like the eastern airspace, has been activated operationally and 24 hours a day,” Iran’s state-run broadcaster IRIB said, citing the authority. It said the necessary conditions have been put in place to allow domestic and transit flights over Iranian airspace. “All airports in the country are allowed to operate in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP),” it added. The aviation authority explained that Kish and Asaluyeh airports in southern Iran will also operate from sunrise to sunset. READ: US temporarily eases sanctions on Iranian oil sector under new understanding with

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  Egypt-Turkey defence partnership could help stabilise the region

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  Joint air and naval exercises, military co-production projects, and growing security, intelligence and diplomatic coordination between Egypt and Turkey are taking place amid mounting regional tensions and geopolitical shifts, particularly in the aftermath of the US-Israeli war on Iran. Developments in Egyptian-Turkish relations across multiple fronts have been significant and striking. They represent a strategic shift that could open the door to a reconfiguration of regional alliances and may signal the emergence of a defence partnership between the two countries—or even a wider regional alliance should other states join—capable of reshaping the balance of power in the region. This growing rapprochement has reportedly raised concerns in both Israeli and American circles, amid reports that Washington has sought clarification regarding the

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  Oman, Iran form ‘joint working group’ on future management of Strait of Hormuz

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  Oman and Iran have agreed to establish “a joint working group” to negotiate the future management of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement issued Tuesday by Oman’s Foreign Ministry, Anadolu reports. The statement came following talks in the Omani capital Muscat during a visit by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. During the visit, the Iranian delegation met with Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and also held discussions with Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. The two countries, which share coastlines along the Strait of Hormuz, affirmed their commitment to guaranteeing safe passage through the waterway in accordance with international law, while emphasizing their sovereignty and sovereign rights over their territorial waters in

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  Trump says released Iranian funds to be used to buy US goods

  by Marwa A on June 23, 2026

   US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said any Iranian funds released by the US Treasury will be strictly controlled and limited to the purchase of American-made humanitarian goods, Anadolu reports. “The money and/or sanctions that the U.S. Treasury is releasing goes into escrow, controlled by the U.S.A., and will be used for the purchase of food and medical supplies, exclusively from the United States,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. He noted that the funds would support American farmers through the export of corn, wheat, and soybeans, which he claimed “are desperately needed” by Iran because of “a humanitarian crisis.” The directive follows the Treasury Department’s issuance of a temporary 60-day license for Iranian oil sales as

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  Sexual violence used as ‘weapon of war’ in Sudan conflict: UN report

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  Sexual violence has been systematically used as a “weapon of war” throughout Sudan’s conflict, with hundreds of verified cases representing only a fraction of the actual scale of abuses, according to a UN human rights report released Tuesday. The report by the UN Human Rights Office documented 546 incidents of conflict-related sexual violence across 16 of Sudan’s 18 states between the start of the conflict in April 2023 and mid-April 2026, affecting at least 838 victims, including 539 women, 284 girls, eight men and seven boys. The report said sexual violence has accompanied both the geographic spread of the conflict and displacement routes, and has been used to terrorize and traumatize civilians. “As I warned at the end of my

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  ‘Israel not party to US-Iran talks, will continue full operations in Lebanon,’ Israeli far-right minister says

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  Israel is not part of the negotiations between the US and Iran and will continue its offensive on Lebanon until Hezbollah is “fully dismantled,” not just disarmed, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said. Smotrich, a far-right extremist member of Israel’s security cabinet, made the remarks Tuesday morning in an interview with Israeli Army Radio. “Israel is not part of the negotiating talks with Iran by choice,” he said, adding: “We will not hold talks with the devil.” “We are not a party to the negotiations between the United States and Iran, and they do not concern us at all,” Smotrich said. “We will continue operating in Lebanon fully,” he added. “The Israeli army will not withdraw from the security zone

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  Netanyahu says Israel must ‘break free from dependence’ after tensions with Trump administration

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel must reduce its dependence on foreign support and build an independent arms system amid disagreements between his government and the administration of US President Donald Trump, Anadolu reports. Speaking at a meeting with reserve combat officers attending a course in the illegal Gush Etzion settlement bloc in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu said Israel values the assistance it has received from Washington but must strengthen its own capabilities. “I greatly appreciate the support Israel has received from our American friends, but we need to break free from dependence and build our own independent armament system,” Netanyahu was quoted as saying by Israeli news site Ynet. Netanyahu said Israel must continue expanding

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  Palestinians in Gaza protest Israeli ceasefire violations, call for civilian protection

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  Palestinians gathered outside Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday, to protest what they said were Israeli violations of the ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, following a call by national and Islamic groups. Demonstrators held a rally condemning the alleged breaches and calling for the ceasefire to be upheld. During the demonstration, attended by relatives of those killed and representatives of human rights organizations, speakers said that more than 1,000 Palestinians had been killed in attacks since the ceasefire was declared. The protesters called on the international community and human rights groups to take action to stop ceasefire violations and protect civilians. READ: UN committee warns Palestinian children increasingly unprotected amid pressure on rights groups Hamas spokesperson Hazem

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  Symbolism for Palestinians is impunity for Israeli colonialism

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  There is no disputing that human rights discourse safeguard the interests of former and current colonial powers. When the ceasefire was announced, it carried strong symbolism for the international community, as it provided the veneer of having acted in cohesion to halt a genocide that it willingly allowed in the first place. Almost three years since Israel commenced its genocide in Gaza, Palestinians are still being killed, suffering the consequences of extreme temperatures due to inadequate shelter, and deprived of food and other basic humanitarian needs including health care access. Palestinians are living, resilient proof that hope and symbolism translate to nothing other than further impunity for the coloniser, all under the hypocritical banner of hope. Last week, Paris granted

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  US, Iran to discuss ballistic missile program, nuclear issue in ‘next 60 days’: Pakistani premier

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that the US and Iran will discuss the nuclear issue, ballistic missiles, and frozen Iranian assets in the technical-level talks to reach a permanent agreement, following “successful” Switzerland talks, Anadolu reports. “The two sides will (now) be discussing the nuclear issue, frozen assets, and ballistic missile issues in the next 60 days. We hope that the MoU will turn into a long-lasting agreement in the next 60 days,” Sharif told lawmakers during his address to the National Assembly. He was referring to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which the US and Iran signed on June 17. Pakistan also signed the MoU as a mediator. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that Tehran’s missile

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  Iran says missile program not part of US talks in Switzerland, rules out IAEA inspections of bombed nuclear sites

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that Tehran’s missile capabilities have not been discussed in negotiations with the US in Switzerland and ruled out allowing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to visit nuclear facilities targeted during the US-Israeli war against Iran, Anadolu reports. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran’s missile program was never included in the talks with Washington. “Iran’s missile capabilities were not part of the negotiations with the United States,” Baqaei said during a press briefing, according to Iranian media. He also said Tehran does not intend to allow IAEA inspectors access to nuclear facilities attacked by the US and Israel. “We do not intend to allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency to visit the

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  Palestinian activist challenges US sanctions legally

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  The legal team representing Palestinian activist Majed Al-Zeer announced that they have initiated legal proceedings to challenge the US Treasury Department’s decision to place his name on the US sanctions list known as the “Specially Designated Nationals” (SDN) list, confirming that the case remains under review by the relevant US authorities. The law firm “ADAS Avocats,” based in Lyon, France, stated in a press release issued on 22nd June 2023, that its client, Majed Al-Zeer, had—through his legal team—filed a formal challenge to the US decision immediately after it was issued, as part of legal efforts aimed at having his name removed from the sanctions list. The firm explained that this legal step involved submitting a request for reconsideration to

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  From resistance to statecraft? Iran after the war

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  The recent war involving Iran has revived a longstanding debate about the nature of Iranian power and the future of the Middle East. For decades, discussions of Iran in Western policy circles have oscillated between two assumptions: that the Islamic Republic is fundamentally ideological and irrational, or that mounting pressure will eventually bring about its collapse. Yet the outcome of the recent conflict challenges both propositions. Two prominent scholars, Vali Nasr and Robert Pape, approach Iran from different intellectual traditions but arrive at a remarkably similar conclusion. Iran has proven far more resilient than many of its adversaries expected, and any realistic assessment of the Middle East must begin from that fact. Nasr’s recent book, Iran’s Grand Strategy: A Political

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  Israeli forces continue land levelling in West Bank for planned military camp

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  Israeli forces have continued excavation and land-levelling work in the Al-Jabriyat neighbourhood of Jenin in the occupied West Bank for the seventh consecutive day as part of a plan to establish a new military camp in the area. Local sources said Israeli bulldozers are continuing work on a seven-dunam agricultural plot after it was seized despite being located in Area A, which is under Palestinian Authority control. Last week, Israeli forces evacuated two occupied homes near the confiscated land and forced their residents to leave as part of preparations for the construction of the military camp. The planned military camp is expected to overlook Jenin refugee camp, which has been under a continuing Israeli military operation since 21 January 2025,

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  Iran pushes for coordination mechanism for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  A senior US State Department official said that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke on Friday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun about establishing a ceasefire and resuming talks in the future. The official said that following those discussions, the United States began operating a monitoring mechanism through the US Central Command (CENTCOM) to provide decision-makers in Washington with accurate and real-time information on the fighting in Lebanon. The official added that Israeli and Lebanese representatives will be in Washington for three days this week to continue discussions. The source did not specify whether the monitoring mechanism is separate from the deconfliction mechanism in Lebanon announced earlier by US Vice-President JD Vance. The disclosure

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  Trump curbs Israel across multiple fronts, Israeli media reports

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  Israeli television has reported that US President Donald Trump is placing increasing restrictions on Israel not only in Lebanon, but across multiple fronts, with growing US limitations on both the Israeli military and government. According to the report, Israel’s political leadership has issued new instructions to the military regarding what is permitted in Lebanon. Under the guidelines, Israeli forces are allowed to operate freely within the so-called yellow line and to counter immediate threats, but are prohibited from carrying out operations in Beirut and Tyre. A senior Israeli official told Israel’s Channel 13: “The message we have received from the Americans in recent weeks is clear: you had permission to operate without restrictions, and that period is over.” Israeli Chief

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  Israel continues to commit genocide by targeting Palestinian children, UN says

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  Israel continues to commit genocide and other atrocity crimes by deliberately targeting Palestinian children, a UN report said on Tuesday. “Israeli authorities and security forces have deliberately targeted Palestinian children resulting in genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Gaza Strip and war crimes in the West Bank,” read the report published by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. The commission said it had concluded last year that Israel committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, and found that the intense scale and systematic nature of the Israeli military operations have continued, causing unprecedented death, injury and trauma among Palestinian children. “The deliberate targeting of children is one

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  Secret meeting held between senior Hamas officials and French delegation

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  A secret meeting was recently held between senior officials from Hamas’s political bureau and a French delegation that included current and former diplomats as well as members of the French parliament. The report was published by the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat on Monday, citing Palestinian sources. According to the report, the meeting was the first of its kind since the 7 October attack. Two Palestinian sources said the meeting took place “not long ago” in a country in the region, but declined to disclose its exact location. The sources described the meeting as “highly confidential”, noting that some countries and Palestinian factions were informed of it only shortly before it took place or shortly afterwards. Two senior Hamas officials confirmed

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  Senior church delegation from Jerusalem visits Gaza, backs humanitarian and health efforts

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  A senior church delegation arrived in the Gaza Strip on Monday, including Patriarch of the Holy City and All Palestine and Jordan Theophilos III, and Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, accompanied by humanitarian and health officials and representatives of international relief organisations. The visit aims to express solidarity and assess the worsening humanitarian situation in the enclave. In a statement received by Quds Press, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate said the visit reflects the responsibility of the churches of Jerusalem towards their local counterparts and the people of Gaza, amid the severe humanitarian conditions facing Palestinians and the continued suffering of thousands of families who have lost relatives and homes during the war. The statement said the delegation also

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  Israeli government funds plan to turn Palestinian archaeological site into settler facility

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  Far-right Israeli Knesset member Zvi Sukkot has announced a new settlement project targeting the archaeological site of Fasayel Pools in the occupied Jordan Valley, through a plan to restore the site and turn it into a tourist resort and organised swimming area for settlers in the coming months. The project will receive direct government funding of 3 million shekels allocated by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. In statements published on his social media accounts and by Israeli media outlets, Sukkot said the project aims to rehabilitate the site known in Israel as Herod’s Pools. He claimed the area had suffered from neglect and vandalism, accusing Palestinians in the region of “stealing water” and causing the ancient pools to dry up.

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  Iraq’s search for a national consolation prize in football

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  History has not been kind to Iraqis. For more than two decades, they have lived without a single contemporary symbol capable of restoring even a fragment of their shattered national dignity. And so, they turn backwards. They return to a sentimental museum of figures who once embodied a different Iraq: al‑Rasafi, al‑Sayyab, Nazem al‑Ghazali, Yusuf al‑Ani, Salim al‑Basri, Ali al‑Wardi… and, in the present, Kadim Al Sahir—perhaps the last remaining “consolation prize” in a landscape disfigured by sectarian politics, corruption, and cultural decay. These names are not mere cultural icons. They are compensatory symbols, emotional substitutes for a present that offers little to believe in. Iraqis who cannot find a state that respects them, a political system that represents them,

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  Report: US-mediated Lebanon-Israel talks to address possible Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  A new round of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel is expected to focus on the possibility of a gradual Israeli withdrawal from parts of southern Lebanon, according to a report by the Israeli news website Walla. The talks, scheduled to begin in Washington on Tuesday under US mediation, will mark the fifth round of discussions between the two sides since negotiations began in April. According to Walla, citing unnamed Israeli sources, participants are expected to discuss a phased Israeli withdrawal from areas in southern Lebanon that Israeli officials believe do not pose an immediate security threat to communities along the border. The report said Israeli officials are considering withdrawing from positions that “do not allow for direct fire towards

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  Report: Former Shin Bet chief evacuated from UAE following security warning

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and his wife were reportedly evacuated from the United Arab Emirates and returned to Israel after Israeli security agencies received warnings of a potential threat against him, according to Israeli media reports. Israel’s Channel 13 reported on Monday that the evacuation was carried out urgently after security services received intelligence indicating a possible Iranian threat targeting Bar during a visit to the UAE. According to the broadcaster, the warning related to concerns that the former intelligence chief could be targeted while attending a private security gathering in the country. The report cited unnamed sources who said Bar and his wife were subsequently removed from the UAE and returned to Israel under heightened security measures.

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  UN warns against secessionist salls in Sweida and reaffirms support for Syrian unity

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  A senior UN official has warned that calls for secession in Syria’s southern Sweida province could undermine the country’s unity and territorial integrity, urging dialogue and confidence-building measures to address growing tensions. Addressing a UN Security Council session on Syria, Claudio Cordone, Deputy Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Syria, stressed the importance of preserving national cohesion during a critical period for the country. Cordone said that secessionist rhetoric poses a challenge to efforts aimed at maintaining Syria’s unity and called on all parties to pursue dialogue and political engagement. He also warned that hate speech continues to threaten social cohesion and could hamper attempts to rebuild the country after years of conflict. According to Cordone, the United Nations

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  EU condemns Ben-Gvir’s call to burn Lebanon

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  The European Union on Monday strongly condemned remarks by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir suggesting that Lebanon “must burn,” describing such rhetoric as unacceptable while reaffirming support for Lebanese sovereignty and stability, Anadolu agency reported. Asked about Ben-Gvir’s comments and ongoing discussions among EU members on possible sanctions against the minister, a European Commission spokesperson said the bloc condemns “in the strongest possible terms” such discourse. “Let me be clear, the EU strongly condemns this in the strongest possible terms, such discourse,” Anouar El Anouni told reporters at a daily briefing. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said last week that several member states support imposing sanctions on Ben-Gvir, but there was no consensus, as has been the case

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  US temporarily eases sanctions on Iranian oil sector under new understanding with Tehran

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  The United States has suspended key sanctions on Iran’s oil sector for 60 days, marking the first major economic measure implemented under the recently announced Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between Washington and Tehran. The US Treasury Department announced on Monday the issuance of a temporary general licence authorising transactions related to the production, sale, transport and delivery of Iranian oil and petroleum products until 21st August 2026. The measure also covers petrochemical products of Iranian origin and permits associated financial transactions and payments connected to authorised activities. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the decision was linked to ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two countries. READ: Iran exports 36M barrels of oil since US-Iran agreement announced The move comes “in line

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  Thousands rally for Palestine in Chile as activists pursue UN action against Israel

  by Mehdi Editor on June 23, 2026

  Thousands of people took part in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the Chilean capital over the weekend, while a group of lawyers announced plans to submit a petition to the United Nations calling for action against Israel. The march, held under the slogan “The Resistance Continues,” drew supporters from a range of social, cultural and human rights organizations, according to organizers. Participants gathered outside the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center before marching through central Santiago to Aviation Square in the Providencia district. Organisers said the demonstration was intended to express solidarity with Palestinians and protest Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories. The Chilean newspaper La Tercera reported that organizers estimated attendance at around 5,000 people. Local media said

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  Lebanon building damage in Israeli attacks estimated at $1.38B

  by Mehdi Editor on June 22, 2026

  The direct cost of damage to buildings in southern Lebanon due to the recent Israeli offensive on the country exceeded $1.38 billion, with rubble estimated at around 3.1 million cubic meters, a UN agency and a Lebanese research center said Monday. The assessment report was released by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Lebanon’s government-linked National Council for Scientific Research It found that 11,095 buildings were completely destroyed, affecting 17,891 housing units, while 2,242 buildings were partially damaged, equivalent to 5,219 housing units. The report also revealed that 9,311 buildings sustained minor damage, equivalent to 18,282 housing units. The assessment covers areas south of the Litani River, including the districts of Bint Jbeil, Marjayoun, Nabatieh, Tyre, and Sidon. READ: Israeli

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  UN committee warns Palestinian children increasingly unprotected amid pressure on rights groups

  by Mehdi Editor on June 22, 2026

  The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child on Monday warned that Palestinian children are being left increasingly unprotected as human rights defenders and humanitarian organizations are forced to halt or scale back their work in the occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the West Bank, Anadolu reports. In a statement, the committee strongly condemned what it described as Israel’s recent tactics of labeling human rights defenders and civil society organizations as “terrorists.” It said the measures have been accompanied by military raids, travel bans, financial sanctions, threats of arrest, destruction of records and threats of secondary sanctions against partners supporting their work. The committee expressed concern that organizations assisting children are being forced to curtail operations because of

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  Iran exports 36M barrels of oil since US-Iran agreement announced

  by Mehdi Editor on June 22, 2026

  Iran has exported 36 million barrels of crude oil since a memorandum of understanding with the US was announced, according to ship-tracking platform TankerTrackers. “Iran has exported 36 million barrels of crude oil since 2026-06-15. There is roughly an equal amount still afloat in Iran,” it wrote on the US social media company X. On June 14, Iran and the US announced they had reached a 14-point understanding through Pakistani mediation, aimed at ending the war and resolving disputes through dialogue and negotiations. The memorandum entered into force on June 18 after being electronically signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump. Its provisions include ending hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon, reopening the Strait of

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  Rubio to visit UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain to discuss Iran deal

  by Mehdi Editor on June 22, 2026

  US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain this week to discuss regional security following a memorandum of understanding reached between the US and Iran, the State Department announced Monday, Anadolu reports. In a statement, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said that Rubio’s trip, which will take place on June 23-25, will focus on “a range of regional priorities including the memorandum of understanding with Iran, efforts to secure full and free safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of peace and stability in the region.” In Bahrain, Rubio is scheduled to meet representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to discuss shared regional priorities and cooperation on key

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  Vance reiterates claim Iran agreed to nuclear inspections, Tehran denies

  by Mehdi Editor on June 22, 2026

  US Vice President JD Vance on Monday reiterated his claim that Iran has agreed to allow nuclear inspectors back into the country, while Tehran denies making any new commitments on its nuclear program, Anadolu Agency reports. “We have the Iranians allowing weapons inspectors, nuclear inspectors into their country for the first time in a long time. We’re obviously going to bolster that inspection regime to make sure they can never have a nuclear weapon,” Vance told reporters before departing Switzerland after talks with Iranian officials. Vance said the new round of negotiations in Burgenstock laid “a foundation for what could be a truly transformed Middle East,” while stressing that a final agreement has not yet been reached. Technical-level discussions between

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  US Treasury issues 60-day license for Iranian oil as part of emerging nuclear framework

  by Mehdi Editor on June 22, 2026

  The US Treasury Department has issued a temporary 60-day general license authorizing the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian oil as part of an emerging nuclear framework, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Monday, Anadolu reports. “Under President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, we continue to make the world safer and more prosperous,” Bessent wrote in a post on US social media platform X. Bessent said: “In line with the ongoing productive talks in Switzerland, Iran has committed to free and open transit in the Strait of Hormuz,” also claiming that Iran agreed “to permit International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors into their country.” “As part of the framework, Treasury has issued a temporary 60-day general license authorizing the

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  Palestinian rights group calls for release of 3 pregnant women held by Israel

  by Mehdi Editor on June 22, 2026

  A prisoner advocacy group called Monday for urgent intervention to secure the release of three pregnant Palestinian women held by Israel under “harsh” and “tragic” conditions at Damon Prison, Anadolu reports. In a statement, the Palestinian Prisoner Society held the Israeli authorities fully responsible for the fate of Amina al-Taweel, Dana Jouda and Manar Ibrahim, saying they are among 93 Palestinian women held in Israeli prisons, most of them at Damon Prison in northern Israel. “The women are being held under severe conditions and in unprecedented isolation, with the International Committee of the Red Cross still barred from visiting prisoners since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza,” the group said. “Their families are also denied visits, like all Palestinian

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  US vice president says ‘very good foundation’ laid for final Iran deal after Burgenstock talks

  by Mehdi Editor on June 22, 2026

  US Vice President JD Vance said Monday that negotiations with Iran at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland had made significant progress, adding that the parties had laid a “very good foundation” for reaching a final agreement, Anadolu reports. “Yesterday was a very, very good day. We made a lot of good progress,” Vance told reporters after talks involving US and Iranian officials, alongside mediators from Qatar and Pakistan. He said the discussions achieved several key objectives, including establishing mechanisms to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and a deconfliction mechanism between Israel and Lebanon. The arrangement is intended to ensure that “when things happen, the sides are actually talking to one another,” and to prevent tensions from spiraling into a

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  Europe’s matrix of indifference

  by Mehdi Editor on June 22, 2026

  I am angry, and have been for days. This time the reason was not the catastrophic, bleeding injustice of what is happening day after day to our Palestinian brothers and sisters in the Middle East. They will understandably sigh at our domestic plight, given their immense pain, suffering and the world’s criminal indifference to their survival. But this is not to undermine the global seriousness of the state of the Ummah; rather, it is a recognition that the very same malice that is destroying Palestine and its people is being allowed to fester unchecked on the streets of Europe. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, warned explicitly against reckless anger, famously stating in a narration found in Sahih al-Bukhari that,

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  Israeli army kills 2 Palestinians in southern occupied West Bank

  by Mehdi Editor on June 22, 2026

  The Israeli army killed two Palestinians and wounded two others in the southern occupied West Bank early Monday, the Health Ministry said. A ministry statement said Reda Awad, 15, and Issa Awad, 19, were killed by Israeli fire in the town of Beit Ummar, northwest of Hebron. The official news agency Wafa, citing security sources, said Israeli forces left both victims bleeding for an extended period before withholding their bodies. Two other young men were also wounded by Israeli gunfire and transferred to a hospital, with their condition reported as stable. In a statement, the Israeli army claimed the individuals had thrown Molotov cocktails toward the illegal settlement of Karmi Tzur. READ: Olmert: Israel is running a state-funded campaign of settler