★ISRAEL
Israel Gives Hamas ‘A Few Days’ to Agree to Truce Extension
Israel’s government confirmed that Hamas has “a few days” to agree to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire extension. If Hamas rejects the offer, Israel’s Security Cabinet will meet on Sunday to decide the next steps. In preparation for potential military action, Israel is developing a plan to launch a decisive campaign against Hamas in Gaza within the next few weeks.
Hamas: Our Weapons Are a Red Line, No Negotiation for Gaza Reconstruction
Hamas leader Sami Abu Zohri responded to Israel’s demand for full disarmament in Gaza as a condition for moving to the second phase of the ceasefire, stating that the group’s weapons are a “red line” and cannot be negotiated for reconstruction or aid. He called the notion of exchanging weapons for aid “nonsense” and rejected any idea of forcibly relocating Gaza’s residents. Israel had previously claimed that aid had become a financial resource for Hamas, fueling its operations.
Israel Rejects Arab Summit Statement on Gaza, Emphasizes Hamas Removal
Israel rejected the Arab Summit statement on Gaza, claiming it ignored the post-October 7th reality and relied on outdated views. The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticized the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA for supporting terrorism and failing to resolve the issue. It emphasized that Hamas must leave power for peace and stability.
Israeli Army Kills Hamas Leader in Jenin during West Bank Operation
The Israeli authorities announced the death of Hamas leader Ayeser al-Saadi in Jenin, West Bank, during a police operation led by undercover border police officers. Hamas’s military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, confirmed his death in armed clashes with Israeli forces. The operation, part of an expanded counter-terrorism effort, also led to the arrest of three wanted Palestinians. Israeli forces found weapons during a search of the building where al-Saadi had been hiding. This marks the first use of armored Eitan troop carriers in Jenin.
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★TURKIYE
Turkiye’s Gas Shift Weakens Russia, Strengthens Iran Despite Tensions
Turkiye, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan are pursuing a trilateral energy project that includes a barter arrangement with Iran, aiming to lessen dependence on Russian supplies while maintaining strategic balance in the South Caucasus. On March 1, 2025, Turkiye began receiving 1.3 billion cubic meters of Turkmen gas annually through Iran under this arrangement. As Ankara explores a direct Caspian pipeline, Iran’s transit role remains crucial following Türkiye’s record-breaking gas consumption. However, ongoing interruptions in Iran’s energy supply and the potential consequences of U.S. sanctions on its energy sector could endanger the deal’s successful implementation. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Ankara this Wednesday marks the inauguration of the Igdir-Nakhchivan Natural Gas Pipeline, a 500-million-cubic-meter annual project linking Türkiye to Azerbaijan’s exclave of Nakhchivan. Meanwhile, Ankara and Tehran continue to clash over geopolitical influence in the Middle East, repeatedly summoning each other’s diplomats as Turkiye rejects Iran’s criticism and warns against its destabilizing actions in Syria, while Iran accuses Turkiye of making inflammatory statements that strain bilateral ties. Despite these tensions, both nations emphasize the need for cooperation on regional security and shared interests.
Türkiye’s Defense Exports Surge to $434 Million in February
Türkiye’s defense exports hit a record $434 million in February 2025, marking a 44% increase from last year, with total exports reaching $816 million in two months. The surge, driven by advanced UAVs, armored vehicles, and missile systems, expands Türkiye’s military influence beyond regional markets. As Ankara strengthens ties with buyers in the Gulf, Africa, and Central Asia, its growing defense autonomy complicates NATO cohesion and U.S. arms dominance. With Türkiye emerging as a key supplier in contested regions, Washington faces challenges in balancing alliance commitments and countering Ankara’s expanding defense reach.
Erdogan Presents Türkiye as Europe’s Economic and Security Keystone
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan asserted that Europe’s security is impossible without Türkiye, calling EU accession a strategic priority. Speaking at an iftar with foreign ambassadors in Ankara, he warned that the EU cannot sustain global influence without Türkiye, arguing it alone can rescue the bloc from economic, political, and defense challenges. On regional security, he rejected border changes and dismissed easing Abdullah Ocalan’s prison conditions, citing national security.
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★IRAN
Iran Accuses U.S. of Reviving ‘Eisenhower Doctrine’ in Lebanon
Iran accused the U.S. of imposing a modern “Eisenhower Doctrine” on Lebanon, claiming Washington is using Beirut airport to tighten control over the country’s infrastructure. Tehran asserted that preventing Iranian flights from landing there is part of Trump’s global dominance strategy. It also alleged that U.S. and British forces are expanding Rayak air base near Syria, reinforcing pressure on Hezbollah while using Qlayaat air base to link with military assets in Cyprus and Greece. Iran framed the U.S. embassy in Beirut as a military hub aimed at encircling Hezbollah and coercing Lebanese authorities under the threat of sanctions.
U.S. Condemns Iran’s Nuclear Escalation as Global Threat
The U.S. warned that Iran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program poses an existential threat, accusing Tehran of either edging closer to a bomb or coercing the world for concessions. Interim U.S. envoy Howard Solomon, responding to an IAEA report on Iran’s rising uranium stockpile, declared that Washington “will not be extorted.” The EU also urged Iran to reverse its nuclear trajectory.
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★SYRIA
Assad’s Security Apparatus Remains Intact Despite Dissolution Claims
Syria’s Baath Party and security agencies continue to function despite reports of their dissolution, as no official decree has been issued to enforce their termination. Without legal documentation published in the state gazette, Assad-aligned institutions retain their assets, and intelligence agencies still enforce travel bans against dissidents.
Sanctions Relief And Reconstruction Aid Discussed by Türkiye, UK
Türkiye and Britain held talks in Ankara on lifting sanctions on Syria and restoring financial flows, with discussions led by Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz and British Minister Hamish Falconer. Türkiye pushed for an unconditional removal of sanctions and financial support for Syria’s reconstruction, aligning with recent EU moves to ease restrictions. Britain plans to revise its sanctions policy in the coming months.
Julani Condemns Israeli Strikes, Calls for Arab Action
Abu Mohamad al-Julani, also known as Syria’s de facto president Ahmad Al Sharaa, condemned Israel’s ongoing military operations in Syria, accusing it of escalating aggression to impose new realities on occupied territories. He reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement but warned that Israeli violations, settlement expansion, and military strikes threaten regional stability. Julani urged Arab states to take a unified stance against Israeli actions, emphasizing that complacency would only embolden further threats to Arab national security. He called on the international community to pressure Israel into withdrawing from southern Syria and halting its continued attacks on Syrian sovereignty.
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★LEBANON
Senior Hezbollah Commander Killed in Israeli Drone Strike
Hezbollah’s Khadr Hashem, a senior Radwan Force commander, was killed in an Israeli drone strike targeting his vehicle in Rashkananiya, near Qana. Hashem led the central sector in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military described him as a key figure in Hezbollah’s naval operations and weapons smuggling, accusing him of planning attacks against Israel even during the ceasefire.
U.S. Approves $95 Million Military Aid Package for Lebanon
The U.S. State Department approved a $95 million military aid package for the Lebanese Armed Forces, overriding Trump’s broader aid freeze. The funds aim to support Lebanon’s army amid economic struggles and a fragile political transition. Analysts view the move as a U.S. vote of confidence, potentially encouraging further international financial backing for Lebanon.
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★EGYPT
Arab Leaders Back Egypt’s $53 Billion Gaza Rebuilding Plan
Arab states endorsed Egypt’s $53 billion plan for Gaza, excluding Hamas from governance and ensuring Palestinians remain in the enclave. The plan proposes a technocratic committee, backed by the Palestinian Authority, to administer Gaza for six months. It also envisions UN and Arab forces monitoring borders, rebuilding infrastructure, and supporting a peace process. The initiative challenges US proposals and seeks global backing for long-term stability in Gaza.
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★YEMEN
Houthis Down Advanced U.S. Drone Over Hodeidah
The Houthis announced the downing of a U.S. MQ-9 drone over Hodeidah, while Washington confirmed losing contact with it over the Red Sea. The group claims to have downed 15 drones since launching its military operations. The Pentagon is investigating the incident amid ongoing Houthi attacks on Western-linked ships and retaliatory U.S.-UK airstrikes in Yemen.
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