★ISRAEL
Trump’s Ultimatum: A Defining Test in Ending the Israel-Hamas War
President Donald Trump issued a final ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all remaining hostages or face total annihilation. Following a meeting with eight former hostages at the White House, Trump vowed to provide Israel with everything needed to “finish the job,” warning Hamas leadership to flee Gaza while they still can. The administration has advanced over $11 billion in military aid to Israel, including weapons previously withheld by the Biden administration. Meanwhile, Trump’s hostage envoy, Adam Boehler, is engaged in direct negotiations with Hamas, coordinating efforts to secure the release of 59 captives still held in Gaza. Hamas spokesperson Salama Maarouf dismissed President Donald Trump’s ultimatum, claiming Israel’s occupation—not Hamas—is the true problem. He accused Trump of emboldening Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to escalate military actions in Gaza. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement condemned Trump’s threats as a betrayal of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal and accused Washington of complicity in alleged war crimes.
Abbas Announces Elections, Pardons Fatah Dismissals in Reconciliation Bid
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared his readiness to hold presidential and legislative elections within a year, encompassing all Palestinian territories, including Gaza. Speaking at the Arab League summit, he also announced the creation of a vice-presidential position and a restructuring of the Palestinian leadership. In a move aimed at consolidating Fatah, Abbas issued a general pardon for dismissed party members, a gesture seen as a step toward mending internal divisions. The decision follows years of mediation efforts by Arab states and close associates of Abbas, reflecting broader attempts to unify the Palestinian political landscape during shifting regional dynamics.
IDF Chief Declares 2025 a Year of War on Gaza, Iran
New IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir announced 2025 as a year of war focused on Gaza and Iran, emphasizing decisive victory over deterrence. He pledged full efforts to recover Israeli hostages and ordered a restructuring of IDF strategy, including dismantling the Iran Command. Zamir also approved adding a new tank division and reviewing infantry command structures while setting a revised military budget for late 2025.
Haredi Protests Against Conscription Escalate, Three Officers Injured
Three Israeli police officers were injured during mass protests by Haredi Jews in central Jerusalem against mandatory military service. The demonstrations, marked by riots and nighttime clashes, follow a Supreme Court ruling enforcing conscription and cutting funding to religious institutions. Haredim reject military integration, citing religious study. The opposition accuses Netanyahu of seeking exemptions to maintain coalition stability.
============
★SYRIA
Syrian Forces Battle Armed Groups in Daraa’s Al-Sanamayn
Syrian security forces launched a major offensive in Daraa’s Al-Sanamayn, clashing with armed groups identified as remnants of the Assad regime. Backed by reinforcements from the Military Operations Department, the General Security Directorate seized multiple sites during heavy resistance. At least five security personnel were killed, and several insurgents were captured. A temporary truce allowed civilian evacuations, but negotiations failed. The operation targets Mohsen Al-Haimed, accused of war crimes, though his whereabouts remain unknown. Officials vowed to eliminate all armed factions resisting state authority as Daraa remains a focal point of instability in southern Syria.
Russian Cargo Plane Delivers Large Cash Shipment to Syria
A Russian cargo plane landed at Damascus International Airport carrying a significant amount of Syrian currency, with at least seven trucks transporting the shipment to the Syrian Central Bank.
Julani’s FM Pledges Full Chemical Weapons Destruction
At an OPCW Executive Council session in The Hague, Asaad al-Shibani, former HTS foreign affairs chief and now de facto foreign minister, pledged to eliminate all remaining chemical weapons. He called for international support for full dismantlement and met ICC officials to discuss accountability for past chemical attacks during growing global scrutiny.
SDF Chief Open to Israeli Support During Regional Tensions
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi stated he would welcome support from Israel if it could prevent attacks and protect Kurdish-led forces in Syria. His comments followed reports of Israeli contacts with Syrian rebel groups, including Kurds. The SDF, backed by the U.S. since 2015, remains a key force against ISIS, despite opposition from Turkey.
=========
★IRAN
Iranian Court Fines U.S. $12.6 Billion in Hollow Ruling
An Iranian court, lacking any authority over the U.S., has ordered Washington to pay $12.6 billion for allegedly endangering Iranian thalassemia patients through sanctions. While U.S. restrictions explicitly exempt medical supplies, Iran’s own financial mismanagement and corruption have exacerbated treatment shortages. The ruling, handed down by Tehran’s judiciary, comes as the nation faces deepening economic turmoil and medical crises—yet state media remains intent on shifting blame elsewhere.
Iran Whips Protest Singer in Crackdown on Dissent
Iranian authorities administered 74 lashes to prominent singer Mehdi Yarrahi as punishment for his protest song opposing the country’s mandatory hijab laws. Yarrahi, who endured months of electronic monitoring, condemned the punishment as inhumane but refused to plead for clemency. In 2024 alone, Iranian courts sentenced at least 131 individuals to nearly 10,000 lashes, proving Tehran’s continued use of medieval-style punishments to silence opposing voices.
============
★LEBANON
Israel Enforces Fire Buffer Zone in Southern Lebanon
Israel continues targeting southern Lebanon’s border areas despite the ceasefire, using drones for strikes and preventing civilians from returning. Two brothers were injured in an Israeli drone attack on a vehicle in Naqoura, while the army conducts sweeps and fires shots to deter residents from inspecting their homes. Tel Aviv insists it is targeting Hezbollah sites and maintains forces in five strategic border points. Lebanese concerns grow over an enforced “fire buffer zone” disrupting life in border villages.
============
★EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
Egypt and Jordan’s Israeli Gas Imports Rose 13.4% in 2024
Israel’s natural gas exports to Egypt and Jordan increased by 13.4% in 2024 despite the Gaza conflict. Energy Minister Eli Cohen called gas a strategic asset for regional stability and security. Israel aims to expand exports, directing supplies to Europe via Egyptian liquefaction plants or new facilities. The Leviathan field, operated by Chevron, produced 11.33 billion cubic meters, generating $282 million. Total gas production rose 8.3%, with revenues reaching $648 million.
Canada Sanctions Burhan, Hemedti, and Army Air Chief
Canada imposed sanctions on Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, and former intelligence heads Salah Gosh and Mohamed Atta. The sanctions freeze their assets and prohibit transactions. Three military-linked entities, including Sudan Master Technology and RSF-affiliated Tradive, were also sanctioned. Sudanese Air Force Commander Tahir Mohammed Al-Awad was additionally targeted.
Morocco Receives First Batch of AH-64E Apache Helicopters
The Moroccan Royal Armed Forces received six U.S.-made AH-64E Apache helicopters, marking the first batch of a 24-unit deal signed in 2020. A ceremony at the First Air Base in Salé, near Rabat, was attended by Moroccan and U.S. officials. The acquisition aligns with Morocco’s military modernization efforts and deepens strategic defense cooperation with the U.S.
============
★ THE GULF
Qatar Condemns Shin Bet Accusations as Political Scapegoating
Qatar strongly criticized Israel’s Shin Bet for alleging its aid to Gaza funded Hamas’ October 7 attack, calling the claims false and politically motivated. Doha emphasized its humanitarian support, coordinated with Israel and international bodies, never reached Hamas. Qatar reaffirmed its mediation efforts for peace, rejecting attempts to use it as a scapegoat to prolong the conflict.
============
