★ISRAEL

1. Israel Recovers Body of U.S.-Citizen Soldier Itai Hen in Gaza

Israel announced the return of Sergeant First Class Itai Hen’s body, the last U.S.-citizen soldier held in Gaza from the October 7 conflict. Seven other Israeli captives remain in the territory. Hen, 19, from Netanya, was killed in combat on October 7, 2023, during a tank engagement in Nahal Oz, and his body was taken by Hamas.

2. Hamas Rift Widens Between Political and Military Leadership

As Hamas negotiates with Fatah over postwar control of Gaza, internal divisions are deepening between its political leaders abroad and military commanders in Gaza. Khaled Mashal’s faction seeks regional engagement and image repair, while Khalil al-Hayya’s camp pushes armed resistance and ties with Iran. The feud has spilled onto social media, exposing the movement’s growing instability.

3. Hamas, PA Agree on Temporary Committee to Govern Gaza

Senior Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk said the group and the Palestinian Authority have agreed to form a temporary committee to manage Gaza under PA supervision, including control of border crossings and security. He told Al Jazeera the committee will be led by a PA minister, though U.S. approval remains unclear. Disputes persist over plans for an international stabilization force.

4. Israel, India Sign Major Defense Deal During Global Boycotts

Israel and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost defense, industrial, and technological cooperation during the annual Joint Working Group meeting led by Israeli Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram and Indian Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The deal, worth nearly $4.7 billion, comes as other democracies scale back ties with Israel over the Gaza war.

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★IRAN

5. Sanctions on Russia, Iran Drive Record Floating Oil Storage

Western sanctions on Russia and Iran have triggered an unprecedented buildup of oil stored at sea, preventing a market glut, Gunvor CEO Torbjorn Tornqvist said at ADIPEC. He warned that lifting sanctions could unleash oversupply, while Mercuria CEO Marco Dunand noted rising floating stocks and a slowly forming surplus expected to reach markets soon.

6. Iran Frees French Pair Jailed for Spying After Three Years

Iran has released French citizens Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, held for over three years on espionage charges, but their families have been denied. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed they are now at France’s embassy in Tehran and will return home soon. Their release follows months of quiet diplomacy during renewed tensions between Iran and Western nations.

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★IRAQ

7. Iraq PM Sudani Seeks Second Term as Election Frontrunner

Iraqi Prime Minister  Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, in power since 2022, is positioning himself as the frontrunner ahead of the November 11 parliamentary elections. Campaigning on reforms, improved services, and balancing ties with Washington and Tehran, he faces entrenched Iran-backed Shi’ite factions and must navigate Iraq’s complex political alliances to secure a second term.

8. Explosion at Iraq PMF Base Kills One During Israel-Iraq Tensions

A blast at Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces headquarters south of Baghdad killed one member on Tuesday, reportedly caused by leftover explosives from ISIS, though speculation arose of an Israeli strike. The explosion occurs during reports that Israel is preparing operations against Iran-backed militias in Iraq, as PMF factions and Iran’s regional network remain under scrutiny for potential attacks on Israel.

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★THE GULF

9. Saudi F-35 Purchase Clears Pentagon Hurdle Ahead of Crown Prince Visit

The Trump administration is considering Saudi Arabia’s request to buy up to 48 F-35 fighter jets, a multi-billion-dollar deal that has cleared a key Pentagon review stage, sources said. The sale would mark a major policy shift, testing Washington’s commitment to Israel’s qualitative military edge while advancing Saudi efforts to modernize its air force during regional tensions.

10. UAE Accused of Fueling Sudan Conflict Through Gold Imports

The UAE sharply increased gold imports from Sudan in 2024, rising to 29 tons from 17 tons in 2023, During ongoing civil war, Swiss NGO Swissaid reported. The group accused Abu Dhabi of serving as a “hub for gold of dubious origin,” including conflict gold, while also buying $5.4 billion in Russian gold, potentially financing wars in Sudan and Ukraine.

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★LEBANON

11. U.S. Envoy Sets November Deadline on Hezbollah Arms

U.S. envoy Tom Barrack gave Lebanon’s army until the end of November to address Hezbollah’s weapons, warning that Washington would understand Israeli strikes if no action is taken. Israel’s Channel 13 reported the army is preparing for several days of fighting as Israel increases pressure on Beirut to disarm Hezbollah

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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.