★ISRAEL

1. Trump Sends Envoys To Israel, Stressing Phase B, Despite Renewed Fighting in Gaza

After Hamas fired an antitank missile at an Israeli engineering vehicle in Rafah, killing two soldiers and prompting Israeli retaliatory strikes that left roughly 50 Palestinians dead, President Trump’s envoy team departed for Israel. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner will arrive in Israel on  Monday for urgent consultations with Prime  Minister  Benjamin  Netanyahu and senior defense officials. They are expected to oversee implementation of President  Trump’s Gaza ceasefire framework, verify compliance with the 20‑point plan—including the hostage‑body return mechanism—and prepare briefing materials for Vice  President  JD  Vance’s arrival the following day, when joint meetings will finalize Phase B of the U.S.‑backed reconstruction and security arrangements. Vice President Vance will work to secure political guarantees for the disarmament timetable, confirm multinational stabilization-force composition, and demonstrate U.S. unity during new Hamas violations that threaten the deal’s transition phase.

2. Hamas Says It Found Body of Israeli Captive, Warns Against Escalation

Hamas announced it had found the body of an Israeli captive during ongoing search operations in Gaza, pledging to hand it over when conditions allow. The group warned that any Israeli escalation would hinder recovery efforts and delay the return of remains. Hamas has so far delivered 12 bodies to the Red Cross, while 16 of 28 remain unaccounted for.

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★IRAN

3. Iran‑China‑Russia Camp Fail to Halt UN Sanctions

Iran, Russia, and China jointly told the UN that Resolution 2231 had ended, arguing it terminated oversight of Iran’s nuclear program and nullified Europe’s snapback sanctions. The UN declined to endorse their claim; Secretary‑General Guterres merely acknowledged receipt of the letter, saying legal issues rest with the Security Council. No consensus emerged, leaving sanctions legally intact. Western powers, led by Washington, London, and Paris, reaffirmed that the snapback triggered August 28 restored full UN sanctions, calling Tehran’s position “legally baseless.” 

4. IAEA Finds Iran Holding Enough Uranium For Several Bombs

Rafael Grossi, the UN nuclear chief inspector, said that most of the material is stored at known nuclear facilities in Isfahan and Fordow, and to a lesser extent in Natanz, though a small amount could have been taken elsewhere. The IAEA estimates Iran possesses more than 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium — enough for several nuclear weapons if further refined. 

5. Tehran Codifies Repression With Death‑Penalty Espionage Law

Iran’s parliament has enacted an expansive espionage statute threatening execution for acts ranging from social‑media sharing to owning Starlink devices.  Signed by President  Masoud  Pezeshkian on  October  17, the “Law on Intensifying Punishment for Espionage and Cooperation with the Zionist Regime and Hostile Countries” follows months of record executions exceeding 1,000 this year .  Possessing drones, encrypted assets, or satellite gear for “anti‑system” purposes can now incur death sentences.  On October 18, Iran executed Kazem Mousavi by hanging claiming the suspect confessed to transmitting information to Zionist websites. 

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★LEBANON

6. U.S. Warns Lebanon: Delays on Hezbollah Disarmament Could Trigger Israeli Action

U.S. envoy Tom Barrett warned that Lebanon must act on disarming Hezbollah, cautioning that continued hesitation may prompt unilateral Israeli measures with severe consequences. He noted Hezbollah could delay the 2026 elections under the pretext of conflict, risking political chaos and institutional collapse, despite the 2023 U.S.- and France-brokered ceasefire limiting armed activity to official Lebanese forces.

7. Israel Conducts Major Military Exercise on Lebanon Border

Israel launched its largest exercise since the Gaza war, focusing on the northern border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah remains a threat despite recent deterrence. The drills follow ongoing Israeli strikes against Hezbollah targets and reconstruction sites, During accusations of ceasefire violations. UN experts warn such attacks may constitute war crimes due to civilian casualties and lack of proportionality.

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★SYRIA

8. ISIS Claims 38 Attacks on SDF in 70 Days Across Northeast Syria

The Islamic State claimed 38 attacks against the Syrian Democratic Forces over 70 days in Deir Ezzor, Raqqa, and Hasakah, killing or wounding 53 fighters, including two commanders, according to its al-Naba newspaper. The assaults, mainly ambushes and bombings, come during a surge in ISIS activity despite SDF and U.S.-led coalition raids targeting its cells in eastern Syria.

9. Syria Uncovers Major Corruption Case in Energy Sector

Syria’s Central Authority for Monitoring and Inspection revealed massive financial and technical violations worth tens of billions of Syrian pounds in oil and gas supply contracts signed under the previous regime. An audit found inflated prices exceeding 32 billion pounds and noncompliant materials, prompting asset freezes and travel bans on officials and contractors.

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★TURKIYE

10. Türkiye Accelerates Military Support for Syria During New Troop Mandate

President Erdoğan requested parliamentary approval to extend Turkish troop deployment in Syria for three years, while Ankara ramped up military aid to President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s government. Türkiye plans to supply armored vehicles, drones, artillery, missiles, and air defense systems, deploying them in northern Syria to avoid tensions with Israel.

11. Türkiye Ready to Serve as Guarantor for Gaza Peace Deal

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Oct. 18 that Türkiye is prepared to act as a de facto guarantor if a two-state solution follows the Gaza ceasefire. Ankara, mediating to end the conflict, formed an early task force for ceasefire operations and supports U.S.-led plans for peace mechanisms, signaling readiness for greater postwar responsibility.

12. Turk Cypriot Moderate Wins Presidency, Signals Policy Shift on Cyprus

Centre-left candidate Tufan Erhurman won the Turkish Cypriot presidential election with 62.8% of the vote, defeating hardliner Ersin Tatar. Erhurman supports resuming reunification talks with Greek Cypriots and pursuing a federal solution to Cyprus’s nearly 50-year division. Leaders, including Türkiye’s Erdogan and Greek Cypriot President Christodoulides, welcomed the result as a step toward reviving stalled peace negotiations.

13. Türkiye Warns of Possible Clashes with SDF During Lack of Integration Progress

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan revealed preparations for a Turkey-Syria-U.S. meeting on Syria, warning that no progress has been made on integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into state institutions. He stressed the urgent priority of SDF withdrawal from Arab-majority areas, cautioning that failure could trigger serious clashes, and reaffirmed Türkiye’s close coordination with Damascus and Washington on regional security.

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★IRAQ

14. Iraq: Complaint Against PM al-Sudani Exposes Rifts in Ruling Alliance

A rare judicial complaint against Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, filed by six Shiite lawmakers from different blocs, highlights fractures within the ruling alliance ahead of parliamentary elections. The complaint alleges misuse of office for electoral gain, formation of a campaign coalition, land grants, and threats against political rivals. Meanwhile, authorities arrested individuals buying or defacing election ballots.

15. Iraq Signs $3,000 MW Power Plant Deal with GE in Basra

Iraq signed a 25-year investment contract to build the 3,000-megawatt Al-Faw gas-fired power plant in Basra, featuring four gas and two steam units in a combined-cycle system. Implemented by General Electric, the project will use Gulf water for cooling and secure its own gas supply, aiming to boost southern Iraq’s power generation and national grid stability.

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★AFRICA

16. Egypt Lost $9 Billion from Houthi Attacks in One Year

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said the country lost over $9 billion in a year as Suez Canal revenues fell nearly 60% due to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Speaking at the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, he noted ship traffic dropped from 72 to 25–30 daily, expressing confidence that stability will return after the Gaza war ends.

17. Egypt Expected to Lead UN-Backed Gaza Stabilization Force with Azerbaijani Troops

Egypt is likely to head a UN-mandated International Stabilization Force in Gaza as part of US President Donald Trump’s postwar plan, The Guardian reported. The force aims to secure the Strip after Israel’s withdrawal and Hamas’s disarmament. Azerbaijan has agreed to contribute troops, while Indonesia, Turkey, and other Muslim nations have expressed potential support under UN authorization.

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★YEMEN

18. New Airstrip on Yemeni Island Likely Built by UAE-Backed Anti-Houthi Forces

Satellite images show a 2,000-meter runway under construction on Yemen’s Zuqar Island in the Red Sea, likely built by UAE-backed anti-Houthi forces. The airstrip could boost surveillance and anti-smuggling operations near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The UAE, long involved in similar projects, has not commented, while analysts link the buildup to countering Houthi attacks and weapons smuggling.

19. Saudi Arabia Provides Budget and Fuel Support to Yemen

Saudi Arabia, through its Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen, signed agreements with the Yemeni government to support its budget, supply fuel for electricity generation, and enhance institutional capacities. The $368 million aid aims to improve public services, ensure staff salaries, and strengthen the Ministry of Interior, reflecting Riyadh’s ongoing strategic partnership with Yemen.

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★THE GULF

20. Saudi and French Leaders Urge Immediate Relief for Palestinians

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed on the urgent need to end Palestinian suffering and ensure Israel’s full withdrawal. In a phone call, they discussed Gaza developments, peace efforts based on a two-state solution, and ongoing Saudi-French cooperation, reaffirming support for the joint “New York Declaration” peace initiative.

21. Saudi Arabia, US Discuss Mutual Defense Pact Ahead of MBS Visit

Saudi Arabia is in talks with the United States over a mutual defense pact expected to be finalized during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington next month, the Financial Times reported. Modeled on the recent US-Qatar agreement, the deal would deepen defense cooperation as part of broader US efforts to normalize Saudi-Israeli relations.

22. UAE Buys Land for Permanent Embassy in Israel

The UAE has purchased land in Israel for a permanent embassy, facilitated by the Israel Land Authority and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office, marking a new phase in Abraham Accords relations. The location and timeline remain undisclosed. Despite ongoing Gaza conflict tensions, UAE-Israel ties continue across trade, technology, and diplomacy, though Abu Dhabi has warned against potential West Bank annexation.

23. Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree on Ceasefire After Doha Talks

Pakistan and Afghanistan announced an immediate ceasefire following intense border clashes, the worst since the Taliban took power in 2021. Mediated by Qatar and Turkey, the ceasefire was confirmed by both sides, with follow-up talks scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul to ensure implementation. Kabul pledged to deny support to militants targeting Pakistan, while Islamabad stressed the need to rein in cross-border attacks.

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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.