★ISRAEL

1. Israel Threatens Renewed Strikes As Gaza Truce Stalls Progress

U.S. officials confirm the October 9 ceasefire endures but remains fragile as Israel warns it may resume operations if Hamas delays returning hostage remains. Phase One—hostage exchanges, troop withdrawal, and aid delivery—has formally concluded, yet humanitarian flow remains restricted, with Israel reducing truck entries over “noncompliance.” Phase Two now targets body recovery and Gaza’s demilitarization under U.S.–Egyptian–Turkish oversight. Hamas has transferred two hostages’ bodies, claiming others lie under rubble requiring “special equipment.” The U.S. is weighing local incentives for burial information and plans an international stabilization force to secure aid routes and prevent a Hamas resurgence. Netanyahu’s advisers insist the war is “not over” until Hamas fully disarms, while mediators from Egypt and Qatar press Washington toward reconstruction talks. The Rafah border remains closed to aid trucks. 

Al Jazeera and CNN report at least three Palestinians killed by Israeli troops despite the ceasefire, and humanitarian groups warn of worsening shortages amid alleged Israeli restrictions. Reuters notes Hamas has reemerged in several Gaza districts, restoring limited police control to secure aid routes, while Israel maintains a heavy military presence. Trump aides deny Hamas breached the deal and have floated an international stabilization force to secure aid corridors and prevent militant regrouping. Trump reiterated that Israel “may resume fighting if I say the word,” signaling continued U.S. leverage over the truce’s durability.

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★AFRICA

2. Egypt Leads Trump Peace Plan With Technocrats And Security Force

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty confirmed that Israel and Hamas approved 15 Palestinian technocrats to administer postwar Gaza under a reconstruction framework. He said the committee, endorsed by all Palestinian factions, will handle civilian life while Hamas refrains from any role during the transitional period. Egypt also proposed deploying up to 10,000 Palestinian security personnel in Gaza under phase two of Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan. The plan envisions Arab-supervised postwar governance, Hamas disarmament, and gradual stabilization, though Israel and Arab states remain wary of the proposal.

3. Explosion at Egyptian Military Base Kills Soldiers

An explosion at Cairo’s Huckstep military base killed several Egyptian soldiers during the dismantling of old explosives, with victims including senior officers. The army launched an investigation as nearby areas reported damage. 

4. US-Backed Military Drills Unify Libya East, West Commanders First Time

For the first time since 2011, Libyan commanders from the east and west will join the U.S.-sponsored Flintlock drills next spring, signaling efforts to unify Libya’s divided military. AFRICOM’s Gen. John Brennan confirmed talks in Sirte with Saddam Haftar on hosting the exercise, which will focus on counterterrorism and security cooperation under American supervision.

5. Libya Central Bank’s 60-Billion Dinar Printing Sparks Debate

Libya’s central bank announced printing 60 billion dinars ($11 billion) to ease a severe liquidity crisis, sparking debate among economists. Supporters view it as a short-term fix for cash and salary shortages, while critics warn of inflation and currency risks. The bank said funds will be injected gradually to maintain monetary stability.

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★IRAN

6. $95 Billion Missing Exposes Deep-Rooted Corruption in Iran’s Regime

Iran’s state-run Siasat Rooz revealed that from 2018 to 2025, $95.6 billion from $270 billion in non-oil exports never returned to the country, exposing entrenched corruption. Most offenders are state-linked firms exploiting political ties and loopholes during financial crises, fueling public outrage as millions face inflation, poverty, and government inaction. Separately, Iran’s parliament research center reported a 0.3% economic contraction in the first half of 2025, citing sanctions, energy imbalance, capital flight, and inflation. With financing gaps exceeding $20 billion, experts warn that growth targets are unattainable. The World Bank and IMF predict prolonged recession and inflation nearing 50%, driven by falling oil exports and structural mismanagement.

7. Iran’s “Ghost Fleet” Resurfaces as Tankers Reappear on Global Tracking Systems

For the first time since 2018, Iranian oil tankers have reactivated real GPS signals, signaling a tactical shift during renewed UN sanctions and regional GPS disruptions. Analysts say Tehran seeks to reduce insurance risks and sustain exports—mainly to China—through “selective transparency,” balancing sanctions pressure with access to global maritime services.

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★IRAQ

8. Twelve Candidates Vie for Iraq’s Premiership as Coordination Framework Splits

Iraq faces political uncertainty ahead of the Nov. 11 elections, with 12 candidates—including Nouri al-Maliki and incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani—touted for prime minister. Deep rifts within the Coordination Framework threaten to delay government formation, as rival blocs and regional powers maneuver for influence during calls for a more stable, reform-driven administration.

9. Iraq Plans to End $4 Billion Annual Gas Imports from Iran by 2028

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said Baghdad aims to halt $4 billion in yearly gas imports from Iran by 2028 through projects with TotalEnergies, Chinese, and Emirati firms to capture flared gas. The plan targets “zero gas flaring” and energy independence during U.S. sanctions on Tehran and Iraq’s efforts to diversify power sources.

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★TURKIYE

10. Germany Approves Türkiye Talks On Eurofighter Typhoon Jet Purchase

Germany authorized Türkiye to begin official Eurofighter Typhoon purchase negotiations following Airbus’s initial request. Berlin confirmed the jets will support NATO’s collective defense. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will visit Ankara on Friday to discuss details with Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan. The decision strengthens NATO defense cooperation and marks Türkiye’s key step after its 2019 F-35 program exclusion.

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★SYRIA

11. Jordan Reports Rise in Smuggling Attempts, Drop in Drug Quantities

Jordan said attempts to smuggle drugs and weapons from Syria have increased, though overall quantities declined compared to 2018–2024, citing the collapse of Syria’s state-backed drug networks after Bashar al-Assad’s fall. Border forces have enhanced capabilities, thwarting 593 smuggling and infiltration attempts this year during growing cooperation with President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s new government.

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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.