★ ISRAEL
Israel Resumes Gaza Strikes, Killing 322 and Targeting Hamas Leaders
Israel launched intense airstrikes across Gaza, killing 322 Palestinians and injuring over 200 others, targeting Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah. The strikes hit a school, refugee tents, homes, mosques, and shelters in the deadliest escalation since the ceasefire began on January 19. Among the dead were key Hamas leaders, including Abu Ubaida Al-Jamas, a member of Hamas’s political bureau and head of the emergency committee, Brigadier General Bahjat Hassan Abu Sultan, Gaza’s internal operations chief, and Issam Al-Da’alis, a political bureau member. Also killed was Mahmoud Abu Wafah, the deputy interior minister of Hamas. Hamas accused Israel of unilaterally ending the ceasefire, jeopardizing hostage negotiations, while confirming it possesses long-range missiles capable of accurately targeting Tel Aviv. Israel justified the strikes by citing Hamas’s refusal to release captives and vowed to intensify operations, possibly leading to a ground invasion. Washington, which was briefed before the attacks, reaffirmed its support for Israel, while humanitarian organizations warned of worsening conditions in Gaza,meanwhile The Israeli Attorney General approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request to postpone his trial due to the resumption of the war in Gaza.
US, Israel Consider Syria for Gazan Resettlement, Report Says
Israel and the US are exploring relocating Gazans to Syria, CBS News reported, citing multiple sources. The Trump administration has approached Damascus through intermediaries, though Syria denies awareness. Israeli officials also discussed resettlement with Sudan and Somalia. Trump’s plan, proposing US oversight of Gaza’s redevelopment, faces opposition, while Egypt advocates local reconstruction under a technocratic authority.
Israel Spent $31 Billion on Gaza, and Lebanon Wars in 2024
Israel’s Finance Ministry reported that military spending on conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon reached $31 billion (112 billion shekels) in 2024. Since Hamas’s October 7 attack and Hezbollah’s missile strikes, total war expenditures hit $39 billion. Defense spending rose to 8.4% of GDP, driving the budget deficit to 6.8%. The war forced three additional budgets, increasing government spending by 21% to 620.6 billion shekels. Economic growth slowed to 0.9%, while Israel faces political turmoil over the 2025 budget. Failure to approve it by March could trigger new elections.
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★YEMEN
U.S. Strikes Houthis as Attacks on Troops and Ships Intensify
Early Tuesday, U.S. warplanes struck weapons depots in Sanaa and military sites in its outskirts. The Houthis claimed their third attack in 48 hours on the USS Harry Truman, hitting it with missiles and drones, while also targeting a U.S. destroyer. They vowed continued strikes in the Red and Arabian Seas, condemning U.S. “aggression.” The Pentagon stated that U.S. forces launched precision strikes on Iranian-backed Houthi positions to “restore navigation security.” Alexus Grynkewich reported over 170 Houthi attacks on U.S. warships and 145 on commercial vessels since 2023. President Donald Trump warned Iran, blaming it for arming the Houthis. He vowed a “strong response” to any further Houthi strikes, calling them direct Iranian aggression.
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★IRAN
Iran Condemns Trump’s Remarks, Warns Against U.S. Provocations
Iran informed the UN Security Council that U.S. President Donald Trump and officials made “reckless and provocative” statements, issuing baseless accusations and threats. In a letter, Iran’s UN envoy rejected claims of violating arms bans in Yemen or destabilizing the region. Tehran urged the Council to condemn U.S. rhetoric, calling it a violation of international law. Meanwhile, Iran intercepted a U.S. spy drone near its airspace, prompting the Revolutionary Guard to warn against further provocations.
Iran Demands IAEA Independence for Continued Cooperation
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to the IAEA but stressed cooperation depends on the agency’s independence from external pressure. Talks with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi were described as “constructive.”
Iranian Rial Plummets to Record Low After U.S. Yemen Strikes
Iran’s currency hit an all-time low as the U.S. launched military strikes on Houthi-controlled targets in Yemen. The dollar surged to 950,250 rials in Tehran’s open market, while gold prices soared, with 18-karat gold reaching 70,490,000 rials per gram. The financial markets reacted sharply to the escalation, deepening economic instability in Iran.
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★ IRAQ
U.S. Warns Iraq of Strikes on Militias if Bases Are Attacked
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani of possible strikes on Iran-backed militias if they target American forces or aid the Houthis. He emphasized continued U.S. military action in Yemen unless Houthi attacks cease. Al-Sudani urged de-escalation and reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to regional stability and protecting coalition forces.
Iraq and Turkey Discuss Energy Cooperation, Oil Exports, Trade
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar in Baghdad to strengthen energy ties and trade. Talks covered resuming Kurdistan oil exports, boosting Turkish investment in Iraq’s oil and electricity sectors, and enhancing regional trade routes. Al-Sudani also urged stable water flows from Turkey, while Bayraktar emphasized expanding energy partnerships and increasing Turkey’s electricity exports to Iraq.
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★ SYRIA
Donors Pledge €5.8 Billion for Syria as EU Maintains Support
At the EU donor conference in Brussels, international donors pledged €5.8 billion for Syria’s reconstruction, down from last year’s €7.5 billion due to the U.S. halting aid. Germany committed €300 million for humanitarian relief, focusing on civil society, education, and refugee support. The EU pledged €2.5 billion over two years, primarily in-kind assistance through international agencies and humanitarian organizations, bypassing the transitional government. Despite expectations of reduced EU commitments, sources at the conference confirmed its continued support while Syrian officials rejected “foreign agendas” in aid distribution. Disputes arose over delivering aid via the transitional government, potentially linked to recent unrest in Syria’s coastal regions, which influenced discussions. Syrian Foreign Minister Assad Al-Shibani reaffirmed national unity amid ongoing violence. The UN warns that Syria’s recovery could take decades, urging sustained international efforts.
Lebanon and Syria Agree to Ceasefire After Deadly Border Clashes
Fierce clashes erupted between the Syrian army and Bekaa tribal militants along the Lebanon-Syria border near Hermel after Syrian forces shelled the Lebanese village of Hosh Al-Sayyid Ali. The violence was triggered by Lebanon handing over three Syrian soldiers killed near Homs, whom Damascus accused of being ambushed. In response, the Syrian army deployed reinforcements, demanding the surrender of those responsible, escalating the conflict into heavy exchanges involving artillery and rocket fire. The Lebanese army intervened, deploying units in Hermel and Qasr and firing back at Syrian positions. Reports from Damascus claimed government forces expelled Hezbollah-linked fighters from two border villages, later confirmed by the Syrian military. The violence left at least seven Lebanese dead, including a 15-year-old boy, and wounded 52 others, while Syria reported ten soldiers killed. Following high-level talks, Lebanese and Syrian defense ministers agreed to a ceasefire and enhanced security coordination to prevent further deterioration.
Israel Strikes Damascus and Daraa, Killing 3 and Injuring 19
The Israeli Air Force bombed military sites in Damascus and Daraa, targeting former Syrian army bases now housing new forces. Syria’s Health Ministry reported 3 civilian deaths and 19 injuries, including children. The Israeli military confirmed hitting military positions it deemed a security threat. Netanyahu vowed continued strikes to prevent forces from strengthening near the border. In a recent statement yesterday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that terrorists must be kept at least 80 kilometers away from our borders, or all sites will be destroyed and southern Syria will be disarmed by force.
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★ TURKIYE
Türkiye and Syria Converting Menagh Air Base into Joint Facility
Türkiye and Syria are transforming Menagh Air Base near Azaz in northern Aleppo into a joint military facility, according to military sources. The renovated base will serve as a strategic hub for joint operations and training. Türkiye has begun deploying air defense systems and upgrading infrastructure, reinforcing its military presence in northern Syria.
Turkey Intensifies Attacks on Ayn al-Arab During Widespread Condemnation
A Turkish drone strike on the village of Barkh Botan near Ayn al-Arab killed nine civilians from one family and injured two others, sparking outrage from the Democracy and Equality Party, which called it a massacre. Civilians continue their sit-in around Tishrin Dam, while Ankara accuses the SDF of using them as human shields. Turkey reaffirmed its military operations and coordination with Damascus on counterterrorism while supporting the integration of the SDF into Syrian state institutions alongside efforts to dissolve the PKK.
Türkiye to Lead NATO Amphibious Task Force for First Time
Türkiye will assume command of NATO’s Amphibious Task Force and Landing Force Command from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, under its NATO commitments, the National Defense Ministry announced. The Marine Infantry Battalion and key naval assets will join the Dynamic Mariner/Flotex-25 exercise in early 2025, preparing for the leadership role.
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★ LEBANON
Israel Launches Airstrikes on Eastern and Southern Lebanon
Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple locations in eastern and southern Lebanon, including Labbaya, the Litani River, and Nabatieh, with no reported casualties. A drone strike earlier killed two in Yater. Despite a U.S.-mediated ceasefire since November 27, Israel continues targeting Hezbollah positions, citing security concerns, while Lebanon reports ongoing violations and strategic occupation.
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★EGYPT
Egypt Proposes UN Security Council Presence in Gaza and West Bank
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty proposed that the UN Security Council consider establishing an international presence in Gaza and the West Bank to pave the way for a Palestinian state. The initiative includes deploying peacekeeping forces under a clear mandate. Egypt is also preparing to host a Gaza reconstruction conference with regional and international support.
Sisi: Suez Canal Losing $800 Million Monthly Due to Regional Situation
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stated that Suez Canal revenues have dropped by $800 million per month due to regional instability. Speaking at an annual military event, he acknowledged economic challenges but highlighted Egypt’s steady progress and recent IMF loan approval. Sisi reassured citizens of economic improvements, emphasizing institutional resilience and the importance of continued development.
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