★ ISRAEL
Netanyahu Pressures Hamas During Gaza Protests As Group Threatens Hostage Deaths
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a security meeting Wednesday as anti-Hamas protests surged in Gaza and military pressure intensified. Israel warned of possible land seizures and increased civilian hardship to force Hamas back to talks. In response, Hamas threatened that hostages could return in coffins if strikes continue, blaming Netanyahu for derailing the ceasefire and endangering captives. For the second day, large protests erupted in areas like Beit Lahiya, Shuja’iyya, al-Zaytoun, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis, with demonstrators chanting against Hamas and burning tires. Hamas-allied factions issued a statement backing public demands to stop the war while warning against attempts to “divide the nation” or “target the resistance.” Israeli Minister Yisrael Katz responded by urging Gazans to follow Beit Lahiya’s lead and demand Hamas’s removal and the release of Israeli hostages
Hamas Spokesman Abdel Latif Al-Qanou Killed In Israeli Strike On Jabalia
Hamas spokesman Abdel Latif al-Qanou was killed late Thursday in an Israeli airstrike targeting his tent in Jabalia, northern Gaza. Born in 1981, al-Qanou joined Hamas in 2000 and rose through its ranks, becoming the official spokesman in 2016. His death came during ongoing Israeli operations and growing internal unrest in Gaza.
Israel Conducts Major Drills As Regional Strikes Escalate Across Three Fronts
Israel intensified military activity last week, launching large-scale air drills simulating regional escalation while striking over 430 targets in Gaza, 18 in Syria, and 40 Hezbollah sites in Lebanon. The exercises focused on rapid deployment and air-ground coordination, particularly near Tulkarm. Meanwhile, Israel intercepted 14 projectiles, including missiles from Yemen, during continued operations despite existing ceasefire agreements.
Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens In Gaza As Militants Launch Rocket Barrage
At least 12 Palestinians, including a mother and five children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Jabalia, while more died in Khan Younis, Rafah, and Beit Lahia. Civil defense teams struggled to reach survivors under rubble. In response, Palestinian factions launched rockets at Israeli border towns and the Hatzrim airbase, with some intercepted by Israeli defenses.
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★ SYRIA
Congress Introduces New Syria Bill During Tightening U.S. Scrutiny
Congress introduced a bipartisan bill to assess terrorism threats from Syria, aligning with increased U.S. scrutiny of Damascus and new conditions for sanctions relief. Washington demands that foreign fighters—estimated at 2,500, mainly from Tahrir al-Sham—be barred from command, alongside chemical disarmament and full counterterrorism cooperation. Syria is weighing integration, deportation, or asylum options as the U.S. signals limited diplomatic engagement. Meanwhile, a secret visit to Damascus by German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and her Austrian counterpart, Gerhard Karner, was canceled after German intelligence warned of a potential terrorist threat. The visit was intended to address the Syrian refugee issue but was aborted due to heightened security concerns. The developments reflect a hardening U.S. and European position toward Syria’s security and governance track record.
Leaked Document Reveals Son Of Druze Leader Employed By Syrian State Security
A verified document obtained by Zaman al-Wasl shows that Salman al-Hijri, son of Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri—spiritual leader of Syria’s Druze community—was hired by State Security Branch 312 in Sweida as a civilian clerk and listed as a “Baath supporter.” The 2000-born recruit was reportedly assigned to his father’s home for security coordination. A former official at the branch confirmed the document’s authenticity and its arrival through official channels in 2020.
Syria Arrests Former Mufti Ahmed Hassoun While Attempting to Flee
Syrian authorities arrested former regime Mufti Ahmed Hassoun at Damascus Airport while he attempted to flee the country. The arrest was made under a public prosecutor’s warrant. Hassoun’s recent public appearances in Aleppo had triggered outrage, with Syrians demanding his prosecution for supporting war crimes under Assad. Calls for a public trial intensified after footage reemerged of him inciting violence in 2011.
Israel Intensifies Strikes Across Syria, Targeting Military Sites and Supply Routes
Israeli forces escalated attacks across Syria, shelling positions near Hader in Quneitra and raiding western Daraa’s Yarmouk Basin, while jets launched six airstrikes on Brigade 110 in Latakia, hitting naval assets and weapons depots. Drone surveillance spanned multiple regions. The strikes follow raids on Palmyra and Daraa, as Israel aims to block arms transfers to Syria’s new leadership after Assad’s fall.
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★ IRAQ
Iraq Secures Syrian Border With Wall, Drones Amid Cross-Border Threats
Iraq announced full security control over its border with Syria, deploying surveillance drones, thermal cameras, and concrete walls with watchtowers to prevent infiltration. The move follows fears of Islamic State activity in Syrian areas under QSD control, including the al-Hol camp, now viewed as a hub for radicalization and recruitment. Officials stress urgent Iraq-Syria cooperation to counter cross-border militant threats amid growing Israeli strikes and regional instability.
Iraq Enforces Gas Capture Rules And Signs BP Deal To Boost Energy
Iraq’s Oil Ministry has mandated oil companies to capture associated gas, reinforcing efforts to reduce imports and maximize domestic energy output. In parallel, Iraq signed a comprehensive agreement with BP to develop four major oil fields in Kirkuk— Kirkuk, Bai Hassan, Jambur, and Khabbaz. The project targets 420,000 barrels of oil per day and 400 million cubic feet of gas recovery daily. The deal includes constructing a 400-megawatt power plant to curb flaring and support the national grid. Officials confirmed that these steps aim to ease the gas crisis, cut environmental waste, and enhance long-term energy security.
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★YEMEN
U.S. Intensifies Airstrikes On Houthis As Group Confirms 16 Fighter Deaths
U.S. warplanes launched 19 airstrikes Wednesday on Houthi military targets around Sana’a, hitting depots, radar systems, and drone facilities. The strikes follow 27 earlier attacks on Saada and Amran. In response, the Houthis announced the deaths of 16 fighters—15 of them officers—marking their highest single-day toll since March began. President Trump has vowed a major offensive to dismantle the group.
Rights Group: 45% of Detained UN Staff Worldwide Held by Houthis in Yemen
The Mayyun Human Rights Organization reported that 45% of all detained UN staff globally are imprisoned by Yemen’s Houthi group. Out of 52 detained UN employees worldwide, 23 are held by the Houthis, according to UN figures. The group condemned the detentions, highlighting the death of WFP employee Ahmed Abdulkhaleq Baalawi in Houthi custody. The UN’s Yemen coordinator reiterated calls for their release, urging action ahead of Eid al-Fitr, as abductions by the group continue to expand.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Istanbul Appoints Interim Mayor After Imamoğlu’s Arrest Sparks National Unrest
Turkey’s opposition-led Istanbul municipal council elected Nuri Aslan as interim mayor Wednesday after Ekrem Imamoğlu was jailed pending trial on corruption charges. His arrest, viewed by critics as politically motivated, triggered the largest anti-government protests in a decade. President Erdoğan accused the CHP of inciting unrest to hide internal scandals, vowing justice for alleged economic and security sabotage.
Abu Mohammad Al-Jolani Makes Unannounced Visit To Turkey
Turkish sources confirmed a sudden visit by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani (Ahmad al-Sharaa), the Syrian jihadist leader, to Istanbul for urgent talks with President Erdoğan. The visit, reportedly initiated by Ankara, focused on Turkey’s request to establish a military base in Homs to rival Russian influence. Erdoğan also aims to pressure al-Jolani on border demarcation and key Syrian resource concessions.
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★ LEBANON
Lebanon Rejects Normalization, Urges Action On Israeli Ceasefire Violations
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem both rejected normalization with Israel and called for international pressure to end Israeli attacks. Salam warned of worsening tensions in southern Lebanon and dismissed the military value of disputed zones. Qassem urged the Lebanese state to enforce the November ceasefire and demand Israeli withdrawal and prisoner release, citing ongoing airstrike violations.
Iran’s Covert $2.5 Million Cash Pipeline to Hezbollah Exposed
Lebanese authorities arrested a courier at Beirut airport with $2.5 million in cash linked to an Iranian-Hezbollah pipeline. Funds were routed through Istanbul via duty-free handoffs to an obscure origin. The money allegedly supports Hezbollah’s vault under Al-Sahel Hospital. A Shi’ite council claimed receipt, but ties to Hezbollah raise suspicion. The U.S. offers $10 million for related intelligence.
Israeli Drone Strike Kills One In Southern Lebanon
An Israeli drone strike targeted a car in the town of Ma’roub, southern Lebanon, killing one person and injuring another, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. A security source confirmed the vehicle was hit directly, causing it to ignite. The attack marks a new violation of the November 27 ceasefire agreement, with no immediate Israeli comment issued.
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★ THE GULF
U.S. Approves $1.96 Billion Drone Sale Deal To Qatar
The U.S. State Department approved a potential $1.96 billion sale of drones to Qatar, the Pentagon announced Wednesday. The deal includes major defense contractors such as General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Lockheed Martin, RTX Corp, L3Harris, Boeing, and Leonardo S.p.A., marking a significant upgrade in Qatar’s unmanned aerial capabilities.
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★ EGYPT & NORTH AFRICA
Egypt Blames Trump For Ceasefire Collapse, Talks Completely Fail
Egypt accused Israel of using Gaza ceasefire talks to mask forced displacement plans, citing U.S. refusal to pressure Netanyahu. All recent Egyptian proposals failed, including one for an Eid al-Fitr pause, after rejection by the American envoy. Talks have been stalled since the first hostage deal phase, while fighting has resumed. Washington supports Israel but signals time-limited backing.
Burhan Declares Khartoum Free As Army Retakes Presidential Palace
Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan returned to Khartoum’s presidential palace Wednesday after the army reclaimed key areas and the airport. The military regained near-total control of the capital from the Rapid Support Forces. Wide RSF withdrawals followed, while troops secured Jebel Aulia and vital bridges. Burhan’s return marked his first palace visit in nearly two years.
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