★ SYRIA

1. Syria’s July Crisis:  How a Local Kidnapping Spiralled into a Regional Conflict

A Bedouin robbery spiraled into sectarian massacres, Israeli strikes on the Syrian army’s command centers, and Syria’s forced military withdrawal from Sweida. Confessions revealed orders for “sectarian genocide” by foreign jihadists. With 1,120 killed, Druze militias purging Bedouin families, and regional actors issuing threats, this crisis is reshaping the balance of power in southern Syria.

Read the full report

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★ ISRAEL

2. White House Concerned Netanyahu’s Actions Undermine Trump’s Mideast Strategy

White House officials reportedly view Prime Minister Netanyahu as erratic and disruptive to Trump’s regional goals, citing his constant bombings and disregard for coordination. Tensions escalated after an Israeli strike mistakenly hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church, prompting Trump to demand answers. Six U.S. officials also expressed alarm over Netanyahu’s approach in Syria despite a brokered ceasefire.

3. Abbas Announces PLO Elections for First Time Since 2006

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced that elections for the Palestinian National Council will be held by end-2025, aiming to boost the PA’s legitimacy. The council will remain 350 members strong, with two-thirds from the Palestinian territories. A preparatory committee will present election plans within two weeks, under pressure to position the PA as Gaza’s post-war governing authority.

4. Israel Buys U.S. Humvees With $150 Million in Military Aid

Israel’s Defense Ministry purchased hundreds of U.S.-made Humvees from AM General in a $150 million deal using American military aid. The agreement includes vehicle maintenance and parts, with initial deliveries expected this year. The Humvees will support infantry operations as Israel replenishes equipment and prepares for future conflicts following a 42 billion shekel defense budget boost.

5. IDF Ground Invasion Targets Central Gaza and Senior Hamas Commander

The Israeli army launched its first ground operation in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, ordering mass evacuations as hostage concerns resurface. Simultaneously, combat engineers destroyed 2.7 kilometers of Hamas tunnels and struck 90 militant targets across the enclave. Israel claims over 20,000 Hamas fighters have been killed since October 2023. In northern Gaza, the 16th and 99th IDF Divisions intensified operations to secure areas near Sderot and dismantle militant infrastructure. Separately, Israeli forces and Shin Bet targeted a compound housing Hamas commander Hussein Fiad in Beit Hanun, whose death is still unconfirmed after previous false reports. These maneuvers come as ceasefire negotiations continue in Qatar, highlighting the fragile balance between diplomatic efforts and escalating military campaigns.

6. Hamas Claims 85 Killed Near Gaza Aid Convoy as IDF, Hamas Trade Blame

Hamas officials claimed at least 85 Palestinians were reported killed Sunday—most near a UN aid convoy at Gaza’s Zikim Crossing—while over 150 were wounded. Witnesses blamed Israeli troops; the IDF disputed the toll, citing warning shots. Israel continues strikes across Gaza, killing Mujahideen Brigades commanders in Khan Younis, as aid groups decry worsening hunger and halt kitchen operations due to supply shortages.

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★ LEBANON

7. Barrack Says Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Has Failed

U.S. Envoy Tom Barrack said the November 2024 Lebanon–Israel ceasefire has failed, but Washington is working to salvage regional stability. After meeting President Aoun on July 21, Barrack received a Lebanese memo offering to disarm north of the Litani River if Israeli violations end. Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem is demanding U.S. guarantees to justify any disarmament, resisting new terms and seeking protection for his role in Lebanon’s future. Barrack affirmed no dialogue with Hezbollah and stressed the solution lies with Beirut’s government. He remains in Lebanon for further talks.

8. Hezbollah’s Qassem Sets Tough Terms Ahead of U.S. Envoy’s Visit

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem preemptively raised his political demands ahead of U.S. envoy Tom Barak’s Beirut visit, publicly seeking American guarantees on Israel’s withdrawal to justify disarmament. Barak advanced his meetings due to President Joseph Aoun’s Arab tour. Qassem insists on enforcing the original deal, rejecting any alternative without binding commitments.

9. Israel Kills Two Hezbollah Operatives in Southern Lebanon Strikes

Israel killed two Hezbollah operatives in drone strikes Saturday—one from the elite Radwan force in Khiam, and another, Ahmad Mohammad Salah, in Yohmor—accusing them of violating ceasefire terms. The strikes follow continued tensions despite a November truce, as Western-backed Lebanese call for Hezbollah’s disarmament to persist.

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★ IRAQ

1. Oil Volatility and Kurdish Disputes Delay Iraq’s Budget Execution

Iraq’s Finance Minister Taif Sami said federal budget funding is hindered by oil price fluctuations and unresolved disputes with the Kurdistan Region. She told parliament that delayed revenue transfers from Erbil and rising debt challenge budget planning. The ministry is also advancing banking reforms and updating tax, customs, and borrowing policies for 2023–2025.

2. Under a Prepaid Mechanism, Iraq Imports Gas from Turkmenistan to Resolve Electricity Crisis

Iraq is set to activate its gas import deal with Turkmenistan, pending final financial procedures by the Trade Bank of Iraq. The agreement, based on a prepaid model, will supply 20 million cubic meters daily through Iranian pipelines to offset dwindling Iranian gas. Baghdad also advances domestic gas use and solar energy for power generation.

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★ IRAN

3. Iran, E3 to Hold Nuclear Talks in Istanbul As Sanctions Threat Looms

Iran will meet with Britain, France, and Germany in Istanbul on Friday for deputy-level nuclear talks as Western pressure mounts to revive stalled negotiations. The E3 warned of triggering UN sanctions by late August under the snapback mechanism if talks fail. Tehran urged an end to “threat and pressure” while defending its nuclear program.

4. Iran Turns to Russia As Western Pressure Over Nuclear Deal Mounts

Facing renewed Western pressure and threats to trigger UN sanctions, Iran sought Russia’s backing by sending a message from Supreme Leader Khamenei to President Putin via advisor Ali Larijani. The move comes ahead of talks with the European trio. Meanwhile, Tehran remains tight-lipped on espionage arrests linked to its recent conflict with Israel.

5. Iran Says it Replaced Air Defenses Damaged in June War With Israel

Iran confirmed it had replaced air defense systems damaged by Israeli strikes during the June conflict, using pre-positioned domestic systems to restore airspace security. Deputy army operations chief Mahmoud Mousavi said no imports were used. Iran previously relied on its Bavar-373 and Russian S-300 systems before suffering heavy losses in the brief war.

6. Iran Plunges Into Historic Water and Power Crisis As Record Drought Persists

Iran faces its worst water and electricity crisis in 60 years, with dam reserves near collapse and daily cuts lasting hours. Citizens report simultaneous blackouts and water outages across major cities, while officials blame overuse and call for rationing. Experts cite corruption and mismanagement as core drivers of the collapse in basic services.

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★ YEMEN

7. Israel Launches Airstrikes on Houthi Targets in Hodeidah and Western Yemen

Israel launched airstrikes Monday on Houthi targets in Yemen’s Hodeidah and western coast, hitting a rebuilt pier at Hodeidah port. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant vowed a high price for continued Houthi missile attacks, including a claimed strike Friday on Ben Gurion Airport. Around 20 Israeli jets also struck Houthi ports after recent attacks on Red Sea ships.

8. Yemen Foils Houthi Drug Smuggling as U.S. Praises Counter-Trafficking Efforts

Yemeni forces intercepted over 16,000 Captagon pills hidden in clothing at the Wadiah border crossing, marking the second major blow to the Houthis in a week. The U.S. embassy praised the operation, which followed the seizure of an Iranian arms shipment. Analysts warn the Houthis are shifting narcotics production to Yemen to fund their war efforts.

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★ TÜRKIYE

9. Turkish Opposition Fragments as Parties Weaken and Realign

Türkiye’s opposition struggles deepened after the 2024 municipal elections, with parties like the Good Party (IP) and Future Party (GP) losing relevance, lawmakers, and leadership. IP hinted at a nationalist alliance with the far-right Victory Party (ZP), while GP co-founders resigned over failed strategies. Shifts reflect post-Erdoğan victory disarray and declining cohesion among opposition factions.

10. PKK Sets Disarmament Conditions as Türkiye Forms Anti-Terror Committee

Türkiye began forming a parliamentary committee to legalize the “Türkiye Free of Terrorism” initiative after the PKK agreed to disarm. The group demands Abdullah Öcalan’s release and legal reforms before full disarmament, warning that the process may halt otherwise. Meanwhile, arrests tied to alleged corruption in Istanbul signal escalating political pressure on the opposition CHP.

11. Türkiye Arrests Hasm Leader After Egypt Busts Brotherhood Cell

Hours after Egypt dismantled a Hasm terror cell planning attacks on security and economic targets, Turkish authorities arrested Hasm leader Mohamed Abdel Hafeez at Istanbul Airport upon his return from Africa. The Brotherhood’s armed wing had threatened fresh violence in Egypt, posting a video pledging prison breaks and assassinations. Hafeez was convicted in multiple terror cases, including the 2016 North Cairo military file. Egyptian authorities revealed that other Hasm leaders infiltrated Egypt via desert routes, preparing attacks with foreign support. A gun battle during the raid left two militants and one civilian dead.

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★ GULF COUNTRIES

12. Qatar Brokers Peace Accord Between DR Congo and M23 Rebels

After months of mediation, Qatar secured a landmark declaration of principles between DR Congo and M23 rebels in Doha, aiming to end decades of armed conflict. The agreement follows a rare March summit hosted by Emir Tamim between DR Congo and Rwanda’s leaders. The deal includes a permanent ceasefire and has drawn broad international praise.

13. Gulf Stocks Slip on U.S. Tariff Fears; Egypt Hits Record High

Most Gulf markets declined on Sunday on fears over U.S. tariff hikes, with Saudi Arabia’s index falling 0.4%, its ninth straight loss. Qatar rose 0.2%, while Egypt’s EGX30 hit a record high, gaining 0.7%, buoyed by IMF reform optimism and a heavily oversubscribed IPO. Egypt plans $4 billion in international bonds over the next year.

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★ EGYPT/AFRICA

14. Egypt Kills Three Hasm Militants in Cairo Raid Over Plot

Egyptian forces killed three Hasm militants tied to the Muslim Brotherhood in a Cairo raid Sunday, foiling planned attacks on security and economic sites. One civilian also died. Authorities cited intelligence on Hasm’s revival. One suspect had trained abroad and entered illegally. Five others linked to post-2013 violence were sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment.

15. Egypt Rejects U.S. Deal Linking Gaza Displacement to Nile Dam Aid

Egypt refused a U.S. proposal to mediate the Ethiopia dam crisis in exchange for supporting Israeli plans to relocate Gaza’s population to Rafah. Cairo warned that such displacement would provoke confrontation with Israel. President Sisi reiterated rejection of resettlement in Sinai, despite U.S. pressure tied to the $5 billion GERD hydroelectric dispute with Ethiopia.

16. Egypt Mediates to Defuse Iran Nuclear Tensions and Prevent Regional War

Egypt intensified contacts with Iran, the U.S., the UK, E3, and the IAEA to defuse rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and avert war. Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty, acting on President Sisi’s directive, emphasized diplomacy, ceasefire enforcement, and nuclear non-proliferation. Cairo aims to stabilize the region, prevent escalation with Israel, and protect key national interests.

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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