★ISRAEL

1. Hamas Returns All Remaining Hostages to Israel

Hamas handed over all 20 surviving hostages to Israel. U.S. President Donald Trump, who helped broker the truce, called it “a great day” and confirmed the conflict’s conclusion. Freed Palestinian detainees were also transported back to Gaza as part of the ceasefire and hostage release deal.

2. Trump Declares War Over, Urges Regional Stability, Applauds Allies’ Role

President Trump proclaimed the end of war in his Knesset speech, calling it “the historic dawn of a new Middle East” and linking the moment to the U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire and hostage release. He urged Israel and its partners to “translate these victories against terrorists into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity,” praised Prime Minister Netanyahu and Arab mediators, and emphasized unwavering U.S. strategic support. Trump’s address acknowledged lingering skepticism, mentioned the need to address Gaza’s conditions and Iran’s ambitions, and faced brief protest from parliamentarians demanding Palestinian recognition, but drew loud applause and reaffirmed American commitment to regional normalization.

3. Trump Grants Hamas Temporary Authority To Manage Gaza Security

President Trump said the U.S. granted Hamas temporary authority to oversee internal security in Gaza to prevent chaos as nearly two million displaced Palestinians return to devastated areas. He noted Hamas “lost probably 60,000 people” and emphasized that restoring order is critical during reconstruction. Hamas-led security forces have clashed with rival militias, arrested roughly 60 fighters, and repositioned some 7,000 operatives across the Strip to reassert control. The Hamas-controlled Interior Ministry offered amnesty to nonviolent gang members involved in looting humanitarian aid. Israeli forces maintain a defensive posture near the border under strict engagement rules.

4. UK Pledges $27 Million Gaza Aid, Starmer Leads Effort

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his government’s readiness to play a leading role in rebuilding Gaza at the Sharm El-Sheikh peace summit, pledging £20 million ($26.7 million) in humanitarian aid. The funds aim to restore water and sanitation services, while the UK will host a multi-day international conference on Gaza’s post-war recovery with partners including Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority.

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★EGYPT

5. Trump Lands In Sharm El Sheikh, Co-Chairs Peace Summit

President Trump has landed in Sharm El Sheikh to co-chair a Gaza peace summit with Egypt’s President el-Sisi, focused on cementing the ceasefire and governance framework for Gaza. The White House-backed summit convenes 20+ leaders to endorse implementation steps. During the summit, President Trump emphasized the commencement of phase two of the ceasefire negotiations, highlighting the importance of rebuilding Gaza and ensuring regional stability. He also addressed the complexities of the situation, acknowledging the challenges in transitioning from conflict to peace. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced he will award U.S. President Donald Trump the Nile Necklace in recognition of his contributions to peace, conflict de-escalation, and his pivotal role in halting the Gaza war. 

6. Egypt Deploys Russian Air Defence System Ahead of Gaza Summit

Egypt has positioned a Russian-made Buk-M2E medium-range air defence system around Sharm el-Sheikh ahead of an international peace summit co-chaired by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump. The deployment, aimed at countering drones, missiles, and aircraft, is part of heightened security measures to protect the summit and its airspace during regional tensions.

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★IRAN

7. Iran Declines Participation in Sharm El-Sheikh Gaza Peace Summit

Iran announced it will not attend the Gaza peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, despite receiving an official invitation from Egypt. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that neither he nor President Masoud Bezhkian could engage with countries that have attacked or continue to threaten Iran. Tehran, however, affirmed support for initiatives ending Israeli actions in Gaza and defending Palestinian self-determination.

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★YEMEN

8. Houthis Halt Attacks on Israel and Shipping

Following the Gaza ceasefire, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi ordered his fighters to stop attacks on Israel and commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The suspension will continue as long as Israel honors the truce. Future Houthi actions will focus on supporting Palestinians, with compliance monitored closely, according to a source.

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★THE GULF

9. U.S. Trains Qatari Pilots, Qatar Funds U.S.-Controlled Facility

Qatar, which hosts the biggest U.S. military base in the Middle East, made clear that it will not have a base on U.S. soil and that it will cover the costs of building the training facility. The US will allow Qatari pilots to train with American troops at Mountain Home AFB, a decision that received wide criticism.  Critics cite the 2019 Pensacola mass shooting by a Saudi trainee, which sparked scrutiny and led to the expulsion of other Saudi students, but US partner pilot training continues despite these security concerns. The new Qatar facility is not a foreign base and remains under US control, mirroring longstanding arrangements for other allies like Singapore.

10. Three Qatari Officials Killed in Car Crash Near Sharm el-Sheikh

Three employees of Qatar’s Amiri Diwan were killed and two others injured in a car accident near Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, the Qatari embassy reported. The injured are receiving medical care, and the victims’ bodies will be repatriated to Doha. The crash occurred days after Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt officials held talks leading to the Gaza ceasefire agreement. 

11. Afghanistan Ends Border Operations with Pakistan via Saudi-Qatari Mediation

Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry announced the end of military operations along its border with Pakistan, following tensions fueled by recent explosions. Saudi and Qatari mediation helped de-escalate the situation, with both countries urging dialogue, restraint, and regional stability. Islamabad denied involvement in the attacks, while Kabul blamed Pakistan for sovereignty violations, highlighting the need for continued diplomatic engagement.

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★IRAQ

12. Iraq Dismantles Secret Ba’ath Party Cells Across 14 Provinces

Iraq’s National Security Service announced the dismantling of secret cells of the banned Ba’ath Party, arresting 135 suspects under the country’s Ba’ath Party Prohibition Law. Operations over three months revealed foreign links attempting to revive the defunct party and recruit youth via social media, while intelligence units countered online propaganda targeting national security.

13. Iraq Launches Marine Pipeline Project to Export 2.4 Million Barrels of Oil Daily

Iraq inaugurated its third marine pipeline project, designed to export up to 2.4 million barrels per day, with an operational capacity of around 2 million barrels. The strategic project includes a 70 km pipeline, two offshore platforms near Basra and Khor Al-Amaya ports, an SPM buoy, and a dual electricity-communications cable. Completion is expected by the end of 2027, enhancing Iraq’s export flexibility and global oil market presence.

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★LEBANON

14. Lebanon Rejects $60 Million Aid Offer from Iran Over Sanctions Concerns

Lebanon refused a $60 million aid package and oil supplies from Iran, citing fears of international sanctions, Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Amani said. The aid aimed to address Lebanon’s economic crises, but political sensitivities tied to Hezbollah’s weapons and Iran’s influence blocked acceptance. Amani noted Hezbollah remains armed and prepared for conflict, while U.S. plans seek to disarm the group.

15. U.S. Rejects Proposal to Deposit Hezbollah Weapons in Iraq

Lebanese and Iraqi sources said mediators explored depositing Hezbollah’s strategic weapons with a guarantor in Iraq, but Washington rejected the proposal outright. The plan aimed to reduce Lebanon’s political burden and avoid clashes with the army, while Hezbollah faces logistical and ideological challenges. Iran urged protecting “weapon unity,” and the U.S. encourages political transition without arms, yet Hezbollah refuses disarmament.

16. IDF Strikes Destroy Hundreds of Hezbollah Vehicles in Southern Lebanon

The Israeli Air Force bombed around 300 Hezbollah engineering vehicles in southern Lebanon early Saturday, killing one person and wounding seven, according to Lebanese officials. The IDF said the machinery was used to rebuild Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in violation of the 2024 ceasefire. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strikes as “heinous aggression” against civilian targets.

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★SYRIA

17. Syrian Kurds Prepare to Hand Over Deir Ezzor Oil Fields to Damascus

Signs of rapprochement emerged between Damascus and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as they prepare to transfer control of Deir Ezzor oil fields to the Syrian government. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi announced military committees will coordinate with Syria’s Defense Ministry, beginning SDF integration into the national army, while retaining a share of oil production for the market.

18. US Defense Budget Allocates $130 Million for Syrian Forces

The US Senate approved a $914 billion defense budget for 2026, including $130 million for the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Free Syrian Army—down from $147 million in 2025. The bill also lifts the 2020 Caesar sanctions on Syria, with non-binding clauses allowing their reinstatement if Damascus fails to meet outlined conditions.

19. Syria Confirms Agreement with Lebanon on Prisoner Transfers

Syria announced it has reached an agreement with Lebanon to transfer Syrian prisoners, excluding those guilty of  “blood crimes,” following a positive visit by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shabani. Damascus highlighted that many detainees face “fabricated charges,” while Lebanese authorities showed strong cooperation. About 2,250 Syrians remain in Lebanese prisons, with roughly 700 eligible for transfer under the new deal.

20. Syrian Interior Ministry Seizes 150,000 Captagon Pills in Latakia

Syria’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of two suspects in Latakia after seizing 150,000 Captagon pills prepared for distribution. The operation, carried out by the Anti-Narcotics Department and internal security forces, is part of ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking during an 80% drop in Captagon production since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

21. Inside Bashar Assad’s Life in Exile: Moscow, Gaming, and Family Struggles

Dependent on Russia, Bashar Assad lives discreetly in Moscow under Kremlin protection, occupying three luxury apartments with private bodyguards. Former insiders report he spends long hours playing video games, while his wife Asma battles recurring breast cancer and his brother Maher stays at a hotel drinking and smoking hookah. Assad’s son Hafez described the family’s escape from Damascus in December 2024 via Russian military transport to Latakia.

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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.