★ ISRAEL
U.S. Agreement With Hamas to Free Hostage Edan Alexander
Hamas officially confirmed accepting a deal to release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, expected to return within two days. The breakthrough follows earlier reports by Reuters and a suggestive social media post from U.S. President Donald Trump, who praised the move as historic and called for more hostage releases. Israeli authorities confirmed the release without offering concessions, crediting military pressure and U.S. mediation. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stressed no ceasefire was agreed, only a secure corridor for Alexander’s extraction. Israel warned military operations would intensify until at least half of the hostages are freed. Meanwhile, Hamas acknowledged direct U.S. talks on a possible Gaza ceasefire and humanitarian aid, welcoming mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. Israeli opposition figures and hostage families condemned Netanyahu for sidelining Israeli involvement in the U.S.-brokered deal, calling for broader negotiations to secure the release of all captives.
Mossad Recovers Body Of Missing Soldier Zvi Feldman In Daring Syria Mission
Mossad, with IDF support, recovered the remains of tank commander Zvi Feldman, missing since the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yacoub. Agents posing as foreigners operated for five months in Syria, secretly excavating near Damascus. The breakthrough came after finding Feldman’s uniform, confirming the site. Israel reaffirmed its commitment to recover all missing soldiers, living or dead.
Israel Faces Growing Economic Pressure as Norway Divests and S&P Warns of Downgrade
Norway’s $1.5 trillion sovereign wealth fund divested from Israel’s Paz Retail and Energy over its West Bank settlement operations, during broader European financial disengagement linked to the Gaza war. Meanwhile, S&P reaffirmed Israel’s A/A-1 rating but maintained a negative outlook, warning of possible downgrades if military conflicts with Gaza and Iran escalate, straining Israel’s economy and fiscal stability.
Israel Expands Operations in West Bank and Gaza During Growing Domestic Pressure
Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on Israeli soldiers in Jenin, citing revenge for the killing of its commander, Nour al-Baytawi. Meanwhile, Hamas released a video of two Israeli hostages in critical condition, as families urged urgent government action, with 59 hostages still in Gaza. Arab media reported a wave of executions in Gaza targeting suspected collaborators, fueling fear among civilians. Israeli airstrikes killed 25 more Palestinians, including children, deepening Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe. Separate strikes on a school sheltering families in Jabalia killed 15, hours after U.S. President Trump condemned the war as “brutal.” Israeli settlers torched Palestinian farmland in the West Bank, while raids continued across several towns. Domestically, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced plans to draft 10,500 ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military. Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leaders called for Netanyahu’s removal amid public outrage. Pope Leo XIV warned of a looming world war, urging peace in Gaza and Ukraine.
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★ IRAN
Nuclear Negotiations Continue As Iran Signals Limited Concessions
Iran and the United States ended a fourth round of indirect nuclear talks in Oman without reaching a breakthrough. However, plans for a fifth round of dialogue were confirmed, to be held soon” No specific date or location for the next round has been determined yet, but Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi indicated that it will take place “once both sides consult with their leadership.” Iran reaffirmed its non-negotiable right to uranium enrichment but suggested it may accept technical limits on enrichment levels or quantities to build trust. Iranian officials described the discussions as “difficult but useful,” while the U.S. voiced cautious optimism despite demanding full dismantling of Iran’s enrichment capabilities. President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s commitment to peaceful nuclear activities under a religious ban on weapons. Meanwhile, Israel warned against any Iranian nuclear capability, calling for total dismantlement. President Trump threatened military action if negotiations fail.
Iran Reportedly Preparing To Send Short-Range Ballistic Launchers To Russia
Western officials report Iran is preparing to transfer Fatah-360 missile launchers to Russia, expanding Moscow’s capabilities against Ukraine. Iran denies the claims, calling them “baseless.” The U.S. previously accused Tehran of supplying ballistic missiles and drones to Russia. Analysts warn such transfers could complicate U.S. diplomatic efforts with both Iran and Russia, while enabling Moscow to sustain pressure on Ukraine’s front lines.
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★SYRIA
Potential Regional Summit In Riyadh Revives Path Of US Engagement With Syria
US President Donald Trump is expected to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Abu Mohamad al Julani, aka (Ahmad al Sharaa), Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday in Riyadh. Meanwhile, al Julani intensified Gulf outreach through calls with Saudi and Emirati leaders to strengthen alliances before the possible Trump meeting. Syria offers economic projects such as a proposed Trump Tower in Damascus and indirect talks with Israel in Abu Dhabi to ease US sanctions. Washington, however, demands the withdrawal of foreign fighters and security guarantees for Israel as preconditions for deeper engagement. While a direct meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa remains unconfirmed, the diplomatic maneuvering signals a potential breakthrough in US-Syria relations.
Coastal Investigation Committee Yields No Results as Security Reinforces Presence in Sweida After Unrest
Syria’s coastal investigation panel has failed to deliver results two months after its formation, Human rights organizations criticized the lack of transparency and the absence of independent oversight. Analysts called for public, credible outcomes to address growing doubts over the panel’s independence. Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry confirmed police deployment at Sweida’s entrance under a new agreement with Druze leaders. The deal aims to restore security and judicial authority after recent unrest in several towns. Damascus also reinstated 2,000 locals into the police force.
Israel Shifts Paratroopers From Syria To Gaza While Expanding Southern Operations
Israel has withdrawn its paratrooper brigade from the Golan Heights after five months of operations targeting Syrian positions. The brigade now joins Division 98 to strengthen Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza, while reserve forces take over border duties in Syria. Simultaneously, Israeli forces arrested former Syrian rebel leader Mohammad Marwan Qrei’a, known as Abu Al-Laith, in Quneitra. This comes as Israel intensifies raids, arrests, and military base expansions across southern Syria, signaling long-term strategic plans from Mount Hermon to the Yarmouk Basin. Qrei’a’s family has demanded information on his fate,
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★YEMEN
Israeli Airstrikes Hit Houthi-Controlled Ports In Yemen After Evacuation Warning
The IDF launched strikes on Yemen’s Ras Isa, Hodeidah, and al-Salif ports after issuing evacuation warnings via spokesperson Avichay Adraee. Israel accused the Houthis of using the ports for attacks and urged civilians to evacuate for safety. Reports confirmed strikes in western Yemen, escalating Israel’s military actions against the Iran-backed group.
Houthis Impose Financial Burdens On Civilians After Israeli Strikes On Sanaa
The Houthis have intensified financial pressure on residents in northern Sanaa through forced fundraising campaigns and electricity price hikes. Business owners reported being threatened with closure or arrest if they refused to contribute to rebuilding Sanaa Airport, which was heavily damaged by Israeli airstrikes. The group also redirected religious and tax funds to finance the project. Meanwhile, following the destruction of two major power stations, the Houthis secretly partnered with private power operators to raise electricity rates from 260 to 330 riyals per kilowatt. Residents denounced these actions, accusing the Houthis of exploiting the crisis for profit while neglecting basic services and failing to repair critical infrastructure.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Istanbul To Host First Direct Putin-Zelensky Talks Since 2022
Russia and Ukraine agreed to resume direct peace talks in Istanbul on May 15, following Russian President Putin’s proposal and Turkish President Erdogan’s offer to host. Ukrainian President Zelensky demanded a permanent ceasefire starting Monday ahead of the meeting. U.S. President Trump welcomed the move, calling it a chance to end the war and save lives.
Türkiye announces its support for Syrian unity, hosts tripartite talks, and condemns actions in Gaza.
Turkish FM Hakan Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to Syria’s unity, reconstruction, and national reconciliation, warning armed groups to disband or face exclusion. Praising Syria’s new administration, Fidan condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, rejecting displacement plans, and called for Islamic unity to end Palestinian suffering. Meanwhile, Türkiye is hosting today, Monday, in Ankara, the meeting of the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Jordan, and Syria. The meeting is expected to address developments in the region and the current security situation.
PKK Announces Disbandment And End To Armed Struggle Against Türkiye
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced its dissolution and the end of its armed conflict with Türkiye, declaring its mission “historically accomplished.” The move follows calls from jailed leader Abdullah Öcalan for peace. Türkiye’s ruling party welcomed the decision, vowing close monitoring. The PKK’s four-decade insurgency has claimed over 40,000 lives since 1984.
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★IRAQ
Iraq Bans Protests In Baghdad Ahead Of Arab League Summit
Iraq’s Interior Ministry announced a protest ban in Baghdad from May 11 to 20 to secure the upcoming Arab League Summit. Authorities warned that no permits would be granted, and violators face arrest. The summit, set for May 17 in Baghdad’s Green Zone, will gather Arab leaders, with preparatory meetings starting May 13 and foreign ministers convening on May 15.
Iraq Warns Of Harsh Summer As Water Reserves Reach Historic Lows
Iraq faces its harshest summer yet with the lowest water reserves in its history, according to officials. Water scarcity, worsened by climate change, upstream restrictions by Turkey and Iran, and poor local management, threatens millions. The government declared water a sovereign issue, signing a framework deal with Turkey and launching strict internal measures to manage resources.
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★LEBANON
Lebanese Government Targets Hezbollah’s Airport Grip With Smuggling Crackdown
Lebanon’s new government removed Hezbollah-linked staff and foiled gold and cash smuggling at Beirut airport, suspending Iran flights and adding AI surveillance. U.S. and Israeli officials praised the effort, as Hezbollah struggles financially after losing its Syria routes. Prime Minister Salam now proposes a northern airport to reduce Hezbollah’s influence and secure Lebanon’s vital air gateway.
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★ THE GULF
Saudi-Israel Deal Stalled as Trump Seeks Trillion-Dollar Investment in Riyadh
President Trump’s push for Saudi-Israel normalization remains stalled as Riyadh demands a Gaza ceasefire and a path to Palestinian statehood first. Trump’s visit focuses on securing a $1 trillion economic partnership, with defense and tech deals prioritized. Despite public optimism, diplomatic sources say normalization is unlikely without Israeli policy shifts on Gaza and Palestinian statehood.
Qatar To Gift Trump A Luxury Jumbo Jet Dubbed “Flying Palace”
Qatar is set to gift US President Donald Trump a luxury jumbo jet, described as a “flying palace,” for use as Air Force One during his second term. The jet will later be transferred to the Trump Presidential Library in 2029. Legal reviews confirmed that the gift does not violate US anti-bribery laws or constitutional gift restrictions.
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★ EGYPT&NORTH AFRICA
Egypt Freezes Israel Ties After Gaza War Intensification Announcement
Egypt has frozen ties with Israel after the Gaza war escalation, declining to appoint a new ambassador to Tel Aviv and withholding approval for Israel’s envoy-designate to Cairo, Uri Rothman. Expected Egyptian ambassador Tarek Dahroug was reassigned to Paris instead. The move signals Egypt’s protest against Israel’s decision to expand military operations in Gaza.
Algeria Expels 15 More French Diplomats As Diplomatic Crisis Deepens
Algeria summoned France’s chargé d’affaires on Sunday, demanding the expulsion of 15 diplomats, including two French intelligence operatives using fake diplomatic credentials, over violations of appointment protocols. This follows last month’s expulsion of 12 French officials, triggered by remarks from French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau seen as offensive to Algeria. French FM Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed ties remain “completely frozen,” as tensions escalate despite previous efforts to restore relations.
Sudan Shuts Down Oil Pipeline to South Sudan After Drone Strikes
Sudan ordered the shutdown of South Sudan’s oil export pipeline after drone strikes by the Rapid Support Forces damaged key oil and power facilities. Attacks on May 8-9 hit fuel depots and pumping stations, disrupting crude loading and threatening fuel supplies. Sudan’s government, based in Port Sudan, confirmed fire control but warned of risks to vital transport and humanitarian operations.
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