★ISRAEL

1. Trump warns Hamas, Affirms Firm Gaza-Israel Ceasefire

President Donald Trump said the Gaza ceasefire with Hamas is firm and warned he could swiftly defeat Hamas if it misbehaves, adding that he can disarm them quickly. He praised Netanyahu’s skills while criticizing some of his actions. The ongoing prisoner and remains exchanges continue under the ceasefire agreement, which also outlines Gaza’s reconstruction and international oversight.

2. Hamas Returns Bodies of Three Israeli Soldiers from Gaza

Hamas returned to Israel the bodies of Col. Asaf Hamami, Cpt. Omer Neutra, and Sgt. Oz Daniel on November 2, 2025. The soldiers were killed while fighting Hamas on October 7, 2023, and their bodies were taken to Gaza. Israel confirmed their identities and pledged to continue efforts to retrieve the eight remaining deceased hostages.

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★IRAN

3. Tehran Faces Severe Drought, Water Supply at Risk

Tehran is experiencing a severe drought, as Amir Kabir Dam, one of the five supplying the city, holds only 14 million cubic meters (8% of its capacity), enough for just two weeks. Rainfall has dropped 100% compared to last year’s 86 million cubic meters. Daily consumption is about 3 million cubic meters, prompting repeated water and electricity cuts.

4. Iran’s President Vows to Rebuild Nuclear Sites After U.S. Strikes

President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran will rebuild its bombed nuclear facilities “with greater strength,” asserting the program is peaceful despite U.S. and Israeli strikes in June. During a visit to the Atomic Energy Organization, he vowed resilience after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of new attacks if Tehran resumes nuclear operations.

5. Iran Records Highest Monthly Executions in Two Decades

Human rights group Hengaw reported that Iran executed at least 241 prisoners in October — the highest monthly total in 20 years and a 50% increase from last year. The victims included Arabs, Kurds, and eight women, with eight political prisoners among them. Activists condemned the executions as a tool of repression amid UN warnings of potential crimes against humanity.

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★IRAQ

6. Iraq Warns of Candidate Disqualification Even After Election Victory

Ahead of Iraq’s parliamentary elections on November 11, the Independent High Electoral Commission has warned that candidates violating regulations will be disqualified and their votes invalidated, even if they win. Security preparations are underway, with forces on full alert on November 6–7, while election campaigns continue despite public skepticism that entrenched political elites will control the outcomes.

7. Iraq Reports Record Increase in Gas Investment Levels

Iraq’s South Gas Company announced a major rise in gas utilization, reaching 1.75 billion cubic feet, with 1.6 billion cubic feet supplied to power plants and industrial facilities. Production Director Shakir Laibi said that ongoing projects since 2013 have significantly boosted output, aiming for full gas capture and zero flaring by 2028 under Iraq’s national energy strategy.

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★AFRICA

8. Over 71,000 Flee El Fasher as Displacement Continues in North Kordofan

Following the Rapid Support Forces’ takeover of El Fasher, North Darfur, more than 8,600 people fled in the past two days, bringing total displacement since October 26 to around 71,000 amid worsening humanitarian and security conditions. Many have moved to areas within El Fasher and Tawila, while over 1,200 others fled Bara and Umm Rawaba in North Kordofan. Authorities are preparing new camps in Al-Dabba to accommodate arrivals, providing food, shelter, and medical support, as satellite imagery shows ongoing killings and destruction in the city.

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★YEMEN

9. Yemen Foils Advanced Chemical Shipment to Houthis

Yemen’s National Resistance forces intercepted an advanced chemical and military shipment to the Houthis in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, in coordination with naval forces, intelligence units, and the coast guard. Authorities seized 24 barrels of phenol-formaldehyde polymers, radar-reducing derivatives, protective gear, and other military materials, indicating Houthi arms manufacturing. The operation, linked to suspected Iranian Revolutionary Guard networks, was hailed as a setback to Iran’s influence in Yemen.

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★TURKIYE

10. Türkiye to Host Gaza Peace Meeting with Muslim Nations

Türkiye will host a key meeting on Oct. 3 in Istanbul with foreign ministers from the UAE, Indonesia, Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan to review the Gaza peace plan’s implementation amid ongoing Israeli violations. Chaired by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the talks will focus on sustaining the ceasefire, easing Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, and advancing lasting peace efforts.

11. Türkiye and Iraq Strike ‘Historic’ Water Cooperation Deal

Türkiye and Iraq signed a landmark agreement to rehabilitate Iraq’s water infrastructure, using Iraqi oil revenues and Turkish expertise. Announced by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Baghdad with his counterpart Fuad Hussein, the deal aims to manage the Tigris and Euphrates rivers efficiently, support sustainable irrigation, and mark a new strategic era in bilateral economic and energy cooperation.

12. Türkiye Boosts Non-Russian Oil Purchases Amid Western Sanctions

Türkiye’s largest refineries are increasing purchases of non-Russian crude after new U.S., EU, and UK sanctions on Russia. SOCAR’s STAR refinery bought four cargoes from Iraq, Kazakhstan, and other suppliers, reducing Russian crude use, while Tupras is phasing out Russian imports at one refinery and expanding the use of non-Russian grades, including Iraqi, Brazilian, and Angolan oil.

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★LEBANON

13. Hezbollah is Rebuilding Its Military Strength With Direct Iranian Support.

Israeli intelligence and Northern Command report that Hezbollah is conducting intensive operations in Lebanon to rebuild its military strength with direct Iranian support. The group is reportedly constructing defensive systems in northern Litani, the Bekaa, and south Beirut, while reviving its elite “Al-Ridwan” unit and retrieving previously buried weapons. Israel views these actions as a UN violation and a threat to northern security, maintaining readiness to escalate strikes if the threat persists.

14. Hezbollah Used Digital Payments to Evade U.S. Sanctions

A Financial Times investigation revealed that Hezbollah-linked charities under U.S. sanctions — including the Martyrs Foundation, the Wounded Foundation, and the Al-Imdad Association — used Lebanese digital payment firms Whish Money and OMT to collect donations through personal e-wallets, bypassing anti-terror financing controls. The companies denied any wrongdoing, citing strict compliance with financial regulations.

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★THE GULF

15. Qatar Threatens to Halt Gas Exports to Europe Over EU Law

Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi warned that Doha may stop exporting liquefied natural gas to the EU unless it relaxes or scraps a sustainability due diligence law imposing a 5% global revenue penalty. Speaking at ADIPEC 2025 in Abu Dhabi, al-Kaabi said the regulation undermines neutrality goals, urging Europe to reconsider amid its growing energy reliance on LNG.

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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.