★ ISRAEL
Israel-Hamas Gaps Widen as Doha Framework Talks Drag On
Indirect ceasefire talks in Doha remain stalled, with sources confirming major gaps between Israel and Hamas and no direct negotiations underway. Israel is insisting on the continued operation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s aid points to block diversion to militants, but has shown flexibility on allowing UN involvement in aid distribution to appease international mediators. However, Israel refuses to withdraw from the Morag axis, a major friction point tied to field arrangements. Talks resumed Sunday based on a new U.S.-backed proposal reportedly introduced by envoy Steve Witkoff, but progress is limited. Qatar confirmed Tuesday that discussions remain confined to shaping a “negotiating framework,” with both parties meeting separately with mediators.
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★ YEMEN
Houthis Hit Second Ship Hours After Israeli Yemen Port Strikes
Houthi forces reignited threats to the $1 trillion Red Sea shipping corridor by claiming the Magic Seas sank after being struck July 6 with drones, missiles, and unmanned boats. The Liberian-flagged cargo vessel was reportedly flooded following the attack, which triggered a rapid Israeli military response. In the early hours of July 7, approximately 20 Israeli fighter jets struck three key ports—Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif—and the Ras Qantib power station to disrupt Iranian arms shipments. The coordinated operation also targeted and destroyed the Galaxy Leader, a hijacked vessel previously repurposed by Iran as a maritime surveillance node. Later that day, the Houthis launched a second maritime attack, targeting the Eternity C, another Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier. The ship was hit with drones, boats, and rocket-propelled grenades 49–51 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah, damaging its bridge and disabling propulsion; two crew members were injured and two remain missing. UKMTO’s report of a five-rocket strike at the same location was later confirmed to describe the Eternity C incident.
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★ IRAN
Tehran Calls Trump’s Remarks A Fabrication To Cover Failures
President Trump ruled out further military action against Iran, confirming an imminent meeting to pursue peace. Speaking alongside Netanyahu, he expressed hope the war had ended and hinted at easing sanctions on Iran. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said talks could begin next week, following the June ceasefire after a 12-day U.S.-backed Israeli assault on Iran. Iran’s Foreign Ministry, on the other hand, denied Trump’s claim that Tehran requested peace talks. Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei called Trump’s remarks a fabrication covering Washington’s diplomatic failures. Tehran categorically denied any contact or intention.
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★ SYRIA
Trump, Netanyahu Discuss Syria Normalization and Sanctions Relief
Trump publicly endorsed president Ahmed al-Sharaa, stating he was “impressed” by his leadership and confirming that U.S. sanctions had been lifted to “give Syria a chance” to rebuild. He framed the sanctions removal as essential for reconstruction and hinted at a regional consensus involving Israel’s neighbors. No joint plan was detailed, but Trump assured “something good will happen.”
Wildfires Devour Syria’s Latakia Forests, Threaten Regional Stability
Syria has formally requested assistance from the European Union to combat the ongoing wildfires in the Latakia countryside. Over 10,000 hectares of forest in Syria’s Latakia province have burned in the past week, driven by high winds, heat, and unexploded ordnance. Syrian authorities report 120 firefighting teams, aided by Turkish and Jordanian aircraft, are battling the blazes. Explosions from war remnants and rugged terrain hinder containment. The Lebanese army deployed two helicopters to assist. Evacuations occurred near Qastal Maaf as fires approached villages. Smoke spread to Hama and southern Idlib. UN teams are assessing damage and urgent needs.
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★ LEBANON
Lebanese PM Rejects “Troika” Label As Dispute Over U.S. Proposal Response Grows
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam rejected Samir Geagea’s criticism of a “troika” decision-making structure, insisting the state alone holds war-peace authority. Geagea called the joint presidential reply to U.S. envoy Tom Barrack’s proposal to disarm Hezbollah unconstitutional, demanding Cabinet review. Tensions rose as some “Forces” members threatened government withdrawal over failure to uphold the ministerial declaration.
Two Killed in Israeli Drone Strikes on Southern Lebanon
Two people were killed Monday in Israeli drone strikes targeting a car in Sour District and a motorcycle in Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon. Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed one death in each attack. Despite a ceasefire agreement since November, Israel continues airstrikes across southern Lebanon, citing Hezbollah targets, with no Israeli military comment on the latest incidents.
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★ EGYPT/AFRICA
- Egypt Suspends Stock Trading After Fire Disrupts Data Center
The Egyptian Stock Exchange halted Tuesday trading after a fire at Cairo’s Ramses data and telecom hub disrupted broker access. Efforts to restore services are ongoing, with civil defense teams and Telecom Egypt working to control the damage. The regulator pledged full service restoration and compensation for affected users, as government oversight continues.
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★ Disclaimer: The Early Phoenix is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.
