★ SYRIA
Israel Intensifies Strikes on Syria, Warns Against Turkish Expansion
Israel launched a broad wave of coordinated military operations across Syria, striking key locations in Damascus and Hama while escalating ground activity in Daraa and Quneitra. At least 17 people were killed and dozens wounded as Israeli jets bombed the Barzeh Research Center and Hama Military Airport, followed by heavy clashes in western Daraa. Israeli ground forces advanced under flare cover near Nawa, prompting armed resistance and partial withdrawal. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned Abu Mohammad al-Julani (Ahmad al-Sharaa) against allowing foreign military entrenchment, citing rising Turkish presence in Homs as a red line. Israeli officials confirmed the airstrikes were meant to deter Ankara’s efforts to establish a permanent base and deploy advanced air defense systems. Syria condemned the attacks as flagrant violations of sovereignty and international law, urging global intervention. Israel’s strategic goal is to prevent any foreign-controlled infrastructure that could obstruct its operational freedom over Syrian airspace and regional security dynamics.
Damascus and SDF Agree to Demilitarize Tishrin Dam, Transfer Control to Civilians
The Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces reached a preliminary agreement to neutralize the Tishrin Dam area in eastern Aleppo and hand its administration to a civilian body with no military presence from either side. The move aims to prevent escalation and promote local stability around the strategic site.
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★ IRAN
Trump Considers Iran’s Indirect Talks Offer As Tensions Escalate
President Trump is weighing Iran’s proposal for indirect nuclear negotiations through Oman, as his advisers remain divided over the strategy. While the White House prefers direct engagement, it has not dismissed Omani mediation. Iran’s Foreign Minister reiterated Tehran’s commitment to its nuclear program under international regulations and openness to talks, provided there are no threats. He warned of immediate retaliation against any attack. The U.S. is enhancing its military posture to deter Iran and keep military options viable.
France Warns of Imminent War as Gulf States Block U.S. Access
France warned that military confrontation with Iran is nearly inevitable without a renewed nuclear agreement, as Tehran continues to exceed uranium enrichment limits. President Macron convened a secret security meeting with top officials during fears of U.S.-Israeli airstrikes following stalled diplomacy. In parallel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait privately informed Iran that they would not allow American forces to use their bases for any strikes, refueling, or reconnaissance missions. The move came after President Trump threatened unprecedented military action if Iran refused to reengage in talks. Tensions continue rising as Iran vows to respond forcefully to any attack.
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★ ISRAEL
Netanyahu Defies ICC Warrant with Hungary Visit Backed by Orban
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Hungary for a four-day visit, defying an ICC arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, rejecting the warrant as “unacceptable,” confirmed that Hungary will not enforce it. Netanyahu’s visit, only his second abroad since the warrant’s issuance, comes during global outrage over Israel’s Gaza offensive, which has killed over 50,000 Palestinians.
Trump Slaps Harsh Tariffs on Israeli Goods Despite Tel Aviv Concessions
President Donald Trump imposed a 17% tariff on Israeli imports, part of his “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” targeting trade imbalances. Despite Israel canceling all tariffs on U.S. goods to avoid penalties, it was included alongside the EU and China in sweeping new duties. Israeli officials expressed alarm, warning of major impacts on exports to their top trading partner.
Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens in Gaza as Rafah Offensive Looms
Israeli airstrikes killed at least 24 Palestinians on Thursday, targeting homes in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis. A separate strike on a UNRWA medical clinic killed 22 civilians, including a newborn, sparking international outrage. Israel claimed militants were using the facility. Since March 18, over 1,042 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed. The Israeli army bombed more than 50 sites overnight and is preparing a ground assault on Rafah, issuing evacuation warnings as it seeks to encircle the city via the Morag corridor. Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed efforts to partition Gaza and pressure Hamas by tightening control. Civilian casualties have now exceeded 50,000 since October. Concurrently, far-right minister Ben Gvir’s provocative entry into Al-Aqsa sparked regional condemnation, with Saudi Arabia and Jordan warning of severe consequences. Israel’s expanding buffer zone policy and escalated operations signal intensified military objectives and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Nationwide Boycott And Meta Fines Escalate Turkey’s Political Crisis
Millions of Turks joined a sweeping opposition-led boycott to protest the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, escalating tensions with President Erdoğan’s government. Youth groups, artists, and businesses supported the campaign, which triggered a sharp backlash from ruling party officials who accused protesters of harming the economy. Turkish prosecutors opened investigations as Generation Z activists called for democratic reforms and criticized long-term rule. Simultaneously, Turkish authorities fined Meta for refusing to censor Facebook and Instagram content during the protests. Internet access was throttled, opposition platforms were blocked, and over 1,000 demonstrators were detained. Cultural events were canceled in protest, deepening the societal and political rupture.
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★YEMEN
U.S. Strike Kills Houthi Leaders, Expands Yemen Air Campaign Scope
U.S. forces killed senior Houthi commanders in Hajjah’s Bani Qais and struck weapons depots and communication towers across Saada, Hodeidah, Ibb, and Sanaa. Residential zones, including al-Mansuriyah, also sustained damage. The strikes form part of a sustained military operation launched on March 15 to counter Red Sea assaults. Over 200 U.S. strikes have targeted Houthi assets, killing multiple operatives and civilians. Houthi media reported 61 civilian deaths and 139 wounded. In response, the group claimed retaliatory attacks on U.S. warships. Concurrently, the U.S. sanctioned a Russian network led by Afghan-Russian businessmen accused of supplying the Houthis with weapons, sensitive materials, and stolen Ukrainian grain. Washington reaffirmed its goal of dismantling the Iran-backed group and warned Tehran against continued support. The campaign signals escalated the U.S. resolve to neutralize threats to maritime security and regional stability.
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★ LEBANON
Lebanese Army Secures Border, Israel Maintains Military Presence
The Lebanese army closed two illegal crossings with Syria in Hermel and Mashari‘ al-Qaa to curb smuggling, following a ceasefire deal with Damascus. A Lebanese military aircraft flew over the south for the first time in decades during investigations into rocket launches toward Israel. Meanwhile, Israel’s defense minister confirmed troops will stay at five border posts inside Lebanon to deter Hezbollah, warning of forceful retaliation if attacks continue.
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★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
Israel Warns Egypt Over Troop Buildup; Cairo Defends Deployment
Egypt reaffirmed its right to protect national security after Israeli warnings over increased military presence in Sinai’s Zone C. Egyptian sources said the deployment is a fait accompli and not part of a new protocol. Cairo rejected claims of violating the 1979 peace treaty, citing Israeli breaches and Gaza war conditions, while vowing to uphold the agreement.
Trump Imposes Tariffs On Arab States, EU Grants Loans
Trump imposed 10% to 28% tariffs on Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia in response to their import duties on U.S. goods. Meanwhile, the European Parliament approved €4 billion in loans to Egypt and €500 million to Jordan to support economic stability and fiscal reforms.
Drone Incident Heightens Algerian Security Tensions With Mali and Turkey
Algeria shot down a Turkish-made Bayraktar drone that breached its airspace near Tin Zaouatine, fueling accusations against Mali and Turkey during fragile Sahel security. Mali confirmed a drone crash in the same area, calling it a routine mission. The incident raised fears of military escalation and exposed Algeria’s concerns over foreign-backed armed operations near its border, especially with Turkish and Russian involvement.
IMF Grants Morocco $4.5 Billion Credit Line as Precaution
The IMF approved a new two-year $4.5 billion Flexible Credit Line for Morocco to boost foreign reserves and guard against shocks. Authorities view the arrangement as precautionary. Last month, Morocco also withdrew $496 million under the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility, bringing total disbursements from that mechanism to $1.24 billion.
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