★ SYRIA
U.S. Mediation Fails In Halting Israeli Strikes on Syria
U.S. envoy Thomas Barak announced Tuesday that Israel had agreed to halt strikes on Syrian forces in Sweida following American mediation. Barak emphasized direct talks with all parties to restore calm, as Damascus condemned the Israeli attacks and reaffirmed its right to defend national sovereignty.
Israeli Airstrike Hits Syrian Defense Ministry Headquarters Damascus
The Israeli military confirmed targeting the Syrian Army General Staff headquarters entrance in Damascus Wednesday. Two Syrian civilians wounded in the strike. Syrian security sources told Reuters the airstrike directly hit the Ministry of Defense building in the capital. Israeli aircraft conducted overflights of Damascus during the operation.
Druze Fighters Breach Israeli Border Into Syria
Dozens of Syrian Druze crossed from Israeli-controlled territory into Syria near Majdal Shams during escalating clashes between Druze fighters and government forces in Sweida. Israeli Defense Forces fired tear gas and blocked border crossings. Despite prior pledges to the U.S. to halt strikes on Syrian army assets, Israel intensified operations following renewed violence.
Israeli Minister Calls for Assassination of Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa
As Israeli-Syrian tensions rise, Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli called Tuesday for the assassination of Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa labeling him a “barbaric terrorist.” His remarks follow Israeli strikes aimed at halting regime advances toward Sweida. Reports also suggest secret Israel-Syria meetings occurred recently in Azerbaijan and the UAE, signaling parallel diplomatic efforts.
Netanyahu: Israel Committed to Keeping Southwest Syria Demilitarized
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday’s strikes on Syria’s Sweida province aimed to preserve a demilitarized zone near Israel’s border and protect the Druze community. Speaking during a military visit, he warned against turning Syria into “another Lebanon” and stressed Israel’s readiness to act further if needed. Israel also pledged to protect Syrian Druze if necessary.
Israel Strikes Syrian Army HQ Gate in Damascus, Two Civilians Injured
Israel confirmed targeting the entrance gate of Syria’s General Staff headquarters in Damascus on Wednesday. The strike, which caused an explosion near the Defense Ministry, injured two civilians. Syrian media reported Israeli jets over the capital, while security sources said the raid directly hit the ministry compound.
Israeli Warplanes Strike Syria As Suwayda Truce Collapses
Israeli airstrikes hit Syrian military positions in Suwayda and Daraa shortly after the collapse of a fragile ceasefire. Local sources reported strikes near Thaala Military Airport and Shaqrāwīyah, with casualties yet unconfirmed. The escalation followed earlier raids in Daraa targeting retreating Syrian forces. More than 250 people have been killed since July 13 in fierce clashes between government troops and Druze fighters. The fighting disrupted essential services and triggered massive civilian displacement, deepening the region’s humanitarian crisis. Israeli officials issued warnings about a potential ground incursion into southern Syria, raising the risk of broader confrontation.
US Forces Abruptly Withdraw from Two Bases in Syria’s Hasakah
U.S. troops unexpectedly evacuated Tel Baidar base and dismantled a surveillance post on Mount Abdulaziz in Syria’s Hasakah province. A convoy of 100 military trucks reportedly moved toward Iraq’s al-Waleed crossing. The withdrawal follows a similar exit from the Rmeilan base, raising questions about a shift in U.S. strategy amid internal fractures within the SDF.
Eleven SDF Personnel Killed or Injured in Attacks Across Northeast Syria
Five security personnel were killed and two injured in armed attacks on SDF-linked checkpoints in Raqqa’s Tabqa and Hasakah’s Al-Shaddadi. Separately, four SDF fighters were killed in Turkish military assaults in Aleppo’s eastern countryside. Kurdish authorities blamed ISIS cells for escalating violence, linking it to failed negotiations with Damascus on implementing the March 10 accord.
France Seeks Bashar Assad’s Whereabouts to Pursue War Crimes Case
France’s anti-terror prosecutors requested the location of Bashar Assad and 20 close associates for possible prosecution over crimes against humanity. The case centers on the 2012 shelling of a media center in Homs that killed journalists Marie Colvin and Rémi Ochlik. Assad’s brother, Maher, and top security officials are also named. France had already issued a 2023 arrest warrant over chemical attacks.
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★ ISRAEL
IDF Opens Magen Oz Corridor, Splitting Khan Younis in Gaza
The IDF completed the 15-kilometer Magen Oz corridor, dividing Khan Younis into east and west as hostage deal talks continue. Conducted by the 188th Armored and Golani Brigades, the operation eliminated dozens of terrorists and destroyed Hamas infrastructure. The corridor adds pressure on Hamas and strengthens Israel’s control over southern Gaza’s conflict zones.
Gaza War Triggers Suicide Surge, PTSD Crisis in IDF
At least 43 Israeli soldiers have died by suicide since the Gaza war began in October 2023, with four cases in under two weeks. Many suffered post-traumatic stress disorder, with 15,000 receiving treatment, 35% for psychological symptoms. A Tel Aviv University study found 12% suffer PTSD, exposing a severe mental health crisis in Israel’s military ranks.
Israeli Bombardment Kills 93, Gaza Aid Chaos Leaves 20 Dead
Israeli airstrikes killed 93 Palestinians and wounded 278 across Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The Israel Defense Forces destroyed a 3.5 km Hamas tunnel in Khan Younis and urged civilians in northern Gaza to evacuate. Airstrikes hit shelters and residential homes, including one that killed 19 people in Gaza City. Twenty Palestinians died during a stampede at an aid distribution point in Khan Younis. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation attributed the chaos to armed agitators linked to Hamas who incited the crowd using false online messages. Firearms were spotted among civilians for the first time since aid operations began.
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★ IRAQ
Drone Attacks Hit Kurdistan Oil Fields for Third Time in a Week
Drone strikes hit Iraq’s Kurdistan region for a third day on Wednesday, halting production at DNO-operated Tawke and Peshkabir oilfields. Another attack targeted Hunt Oil’s field in Dohuk. No injuries were reported, but initial probes suggest Iran-backed militias may be responsible. Damage assessments are underway ahead of resuming operations.
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★ YEMEN
Houthis Target Eilat Port and Negev Base With Drones
Yemen’s Houthi group launched three drones Tuesday, striking Israel’s Eilat port and a military site in the Negev. Spokesman Yahya Saree confirmed the attack succeeded, citing support for Palestinians in Gaza. Israel intercepted one drone over Eilat. The Houthis, controlling much of Yemen, have intensified drone and missile attacks on Israeli-linked targets since October 2023.
Yemeni Forces Seize 750 Tons Of Iranian Weapons For Houthis
Yemeni resistance forces in Mocha intercepted 750 tons of Iranian weapons en route to the Houthis, including air and sea missile systems, drones, radar, B10 artillery, anti-armor rockets, and sniper gear. Commander Tareq Saleh confirmed the Red Sea operation, vowing continued efforts to counter Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and halt its support for Houthi forces.
Report: Houthi-Affiliated Arms Dealers Using X and WhatsApp
A Washington-based watchdog revealed that Houthi-linked arms dealers in Yemen use X and WhatsApp to sell U.S. and NATO-marked weapons, violating platform policies. The dealers operated over 190 accounts, some paid services like X Premium and WhatsApp Business. Despite bans on arms sales, oversight failed. Meta responded by banning select accounts; X declined to comment.
Yemen Says Houthi Plot to Assassinate UN Envoy Thwarted
Yemeni Presidential Council head Rashad Al-Alimi revealed Tuesday that government security forces foiled a Houthi plot to assassinate UN envoy Hans Grundberg. He said the same cell previously killed a World Food Programme staffer and targeted officials, journalists, and activists. Al-Alimi urged Europe to label the Houthis a terrorist group and condemned their economic warfare and attacks in the Red Sea.
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★ LEBANON
Lebanon Bans All Dealings With Hezbollah-Linked Al-Qard Al-Hassan
Lebanon’s central bank banned financial dealings with Al-Qard Al-Hassan on July 14, following U.S. sanctions on seven Hezbollah operatives. The move, tied to Hezbollah’s weakening post-Israel strikes, was influenced by a global anti-terror finance summit. Experts urge further sanctions, especially on Speaker Nabih Berri and MEAB, which allegedly helped Hezbollah evade previous restrictions.
Israeli Airstrikes in Bekaa Kill 12, Target Hezbollah Units
Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley on Tuesday killed 12 people, including five Hezbollah fighters and seven Syrian agricultural workers. The strikes, targeting Hezbollah’s Radwan Force camps and weapons depots, marked the deadliest escalation since the 2023 truce collapse. The Israeli Defense Forces stated the targeted units were preparing cross-border attacks, citing violations of the 2024 ceasefire. Defense Minister Katz warned of continued strikes against any Hezbollah attempts to rearm or rebuild its operational infrastructure. Governor Bachir Khodr confirmed the casualties, intensifying tensions in an already volatile cross-border standoff.
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★ GULF COUNTRIES
Trump to Meet Qatar’s PM to Push Gaza Ceasefire Deal
President Trump will meet Qatar’s Prime Minister Wednesday to advance a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal involving phased hostage releases and Israeli withdrawals. Talks, ongoing in Doha since July 6, remain deadlocked over Israel’s pullout scope. Trump’s envoy expressed optimism for a deal. Discussions may also cover reviving U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, as regional violence continues.
UAE President Visits Türkiye to Deepen Ties As Regional Shifts Unfold
UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed visits Ankara for strategic talks with Turkish President Erdoğan on July 17, as regional diplomacy intensifies. The leaders will discuss expanding bilateral ties and regional conflicts, including Syria-Israel backchannels and South Caucasus peace efforts. Their meeting launches a high-level council, with trade expected to exceed $15 billion in 2024.
Bahrain and U.S. Firms Sign $17 Billion in Economic Cooperation Deals
Bahrain and U.S. companies signed $17 billion in agreements spanning aviation, technology, and investment, including Cisco’s digital infrastructure project and a new 800-km submarine cable linking Gulf states. Bahraini firms pledged $10.7 billion in U.S. investments, and sovereign fund Mumtalakat committed $2 billion to U.S. aluminum projects.
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★ IRAN
Western Powers Set August Deadline for Iran Nuclear Deal
The United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany set August 29 as the final deadline for reviving the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. If negotiations fail, the European trio will activate the accord’s snapback clause, reinstating all previously lifted UN sanctions including arms transfers, uranium enrichment, and banking transaction bans. Iran’s parliament declared no negotiations with the United States should resume until unspecified preconditions are met.
Iran Seizes Tanker in Gulf for Smuggling Two Million Liters of Fuel
Iran seized a foreign tanker in the Gulf of Oman for smuggling two million liters of fuel, arresting all 17 crew members. Authorities cited missing legal documents and launched a judicial case. The operation reflects Tehran’s crackdown on fuel smuggling as subsidized domestic prices and currency devaluation persist. The vessel’s identity and flag remain undisclosed.
Iran Unveils ‘Doomsday Missile’ With Devastating Strike Capabilities
Iran released footage of its newly developed 14-meter, 27-ton “Doomsday Missile”. Equipped with dual warheads, it can trigger a tactical nuclear blast, electromagnetic waves, and hypersonic shockwaves capable of disabling communications, electricity grids, and defense systems. Nicknamed “The Eraser,” it reportedly destroys areas up to 80 square kilometers.
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★ TÜRKIYE
Türkiye Launches Mass Arrests Over Gulen Ties As Coup Anniversary Looms
Türkiye arrested 306 suspects across 64 provinces for allegedly aiding the outlawed Gulen movement, marking the 2016 coup’s ninth anniversary. Authorities targeted financial networks and detained supermarket executives. President Erdoğan vowed continued crackdowns, while opposition leaders accused him of exploiting the coup attempt to suppress dissent and shield allies once close to Gulen.
Turkish FM Heads to UN Talks on Cyprus As Libya Tensions Rise
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan travels to New York for the July 16–17 UN-led Cyprus talks, joined by Greek, Cypriot, and UK officials. Discussions aim to revive cooperation between Cyprus’s divided communities. The trip comes as Türkiye defends its contested maritime deal with Libya, which Greece and the EU reject as illegal, intensifying Eastern Mediterranean tensions.
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★ EGYPT
Egypt Informs Trump’s Envoy of Its Rejection of Tent City in Southern Gaza
Egypt firmly rejected U.S. proposals to build a tent city in southern Gaza or alter its demographics, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told U.S. envoy Steve Wietkoff. Talks also covered efforts for a lasting ceasefire, hostage release, and unhindered aid. Cairo proposed hosting a reconstruction conference and is mediating trilateral talks on aid access and humanitarian terms.
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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.
