★ISRAEL

1. US Upholds Gaza Ceasefire While Allowing Measured Israeli Response

The US reaffirmed its commitment to the Gaza ceasefire, describing it as a significant diplomatic achievement. President Donald Trump backed Israel’s right to respond to sniper fire but stressed the truce remains intact. Washington urged Israel to avoid excessive retaliation, signaling limited flexibility for a controlled response to Hamas violations.

2. IDF Reaffirms Gaza Truce After Hamas Attack and Strikes

The Israeli military said it resumed enforcing the U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire after Hamas killed an IDF soldier in Rafah, prompting retaliatory strikes on over 30 militant commanders, Reuters reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the response, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said Israel was right to strike back after the truce violation.

3. Hamas Staged Return of Slain Israeli Hostage’s Remains

Drone footage from Gaza shows Hamas militants staging the return of slain Israeli hostage Ofir Tzarfati’s remains, Israeli officials said. The video depicts terrorists burying a white bag, then summoning Red Cross staff to “recover” it minutes later. Israel condemned the act as a blatant ceasefire violation and is weighing diplomatic and military responses.

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★IRAQ

4. Iraq Telecom Deals Strengthen Iran’s Sanctioned Allies

Iraq awarded no-bid telecom contracts to Iran-linked Muhandis General Company and the Popular Mobilization Front, granting them control over the national fiber network, The Atlantic reported. The deals risk profiteering and surveillance as U.S. officials urge Baghdad to curb militias. A related 5G project was halted temporarily over national security concerns.

5. Iraq Signs Gas Platform Deal with U.S. Firm Excelerate

Iraq’s Oil Ministry signed a contract with U.S. company Excelerate to build a floating natural gas platform in Basra, overseen by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The project will supply Iraq with its first floating LNG storage and regasification unit to boost power generation and reduce dependence on Iranian gas while attracting U.S. energy investment.

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★AFRICA

6. RSF Accused of Ethnic Cleansing After Seizing Sudan’s El-Fasher

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces were accused of massacring over 2,000 civilians in El-Fasher after capturing the city, with monitors citing “systematic ethnic cleansing” of non-Arab groups. The UN and African Union condemned reports of mass executions and famine conditions, while analysts warned that Sudan is effectively split as the RSF consolidates control across Darfur.

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★IRAN

7. Iran Seeks $170M Fine from Israeli Billionaire over Seized Vessel

Iran has demanded $170 million from Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, owner of the MSC Aries, seized by the Revolutionary Guards in the Gulf of Oman in April 2024. Accused of “financing terrorism,” Ofer faces judicial review with no trial date. The seizure, condemned by Washington as piracy, coincided with Iran’s first direct attack on Israel, highlighting escalating regional tensions.

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★SYRIA

8. US Deploys Reinforcements to Bases in Northeastern Syria

The US military sent additional troops and equipment to its bases in Syria’s Hasakah province, a region held by the YPG. Cargo planes and a 27-vehicle convoy delivered drones, communications gear, and logistics supplies from Iraq. Despite earlier plans to reduce bases, Washington continues supporting operations during regional shifts and integration efforts in Syria.

9. Syria-Israel Talks Advance Toward Deal Despite Lingering Tensions

An Israeli official confirmed ongoing Syria-Israel negotiations nearing completion, saying Israel informed Washington and Damascus that it opposes separatist movements. The emerging deal, resembling the 1974 accord, includes limited joint monitoring at Mount Hermon. A trilateral U.S.-Syria-Israel committee will oversee border issues as Washington urges finalizing the southern Syria file by year’s end.

10. Syria Seizes 11 Million Captagon Pills Smuggled from Lebanon

Syria’s anti-narcotics directorate in Homs foiled an attempt to smuggle over 11 million Captagon pills hidden in a vehicle arriving from Lebanon, the Interior Ministry said. The massive haul was fully confiscated as investigations continue to identify those involved. Authorities said the operation is part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking networks.

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★LEBANON

11. Lebanese Army Runs Out of Explosives in Hezbollah Crackdown

Lebanon’s army has depleted its explosives while destroying Hezbollah arms caches in the south under a ceasefire with Israel, Reuters reported. Despite shortages, troops continue inspections as they race to meet a year-end disarmament deadline. The U.S. is supplying new demolition charges as Hezbollah warns against extending operations beyond the south.

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★ Disclaimer: This publication 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.