★SYRIA

1. Aleppo Violence Escalates: Civilians Killed During Fragile Ceasefire

Deadly shelling and clashes rocked Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods, killing civilians and injuring others, including a child, during escalating tensions between Damascus-linked forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), according to medical sources and monitors. The violence erupted after an attack on an internal security checkpoint, triggering exchanges of fire, road closures, and the displacement of families from the affected districts. Health officials reported that at least four civilians were killed in shelling attributed to the SDF, as residents fled during widespread fear and disruption of basic services. Following mediation efforts, both sides announced a ceasefire and limited de-escalation measures. However, the truce remains fragile, with security tensions persisting against the backdrop of stalled talks over a broader integration agreement, raising concerns of renewed fighting.

2. One Year After Assad, Syrian Prisons Refill During Abuse

One year after Bashar al-Assad’s fall, Syrian prisons are again filling as President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s forces detain hundreds without charge,  Reuters found. At least 829 people have been held during reports of torture, extortion, and deaths in custody, reviving abuses many Syrians hoped had ended.

3. Fleeing Assad Officials Live Comfortably Abroad, Evading Justice After Regime Fall

A New York Times investigation found dozens of senior Assad-era officials accused of torture, killings, and chemical attacks remain free after Bashar al-Assad’s fall in December 2024, living comfortably in Russia and Europe under wealth and host-country protection, with only one of 55 tracked figures detained so far.

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★ISRAEL

4. Netanyahu Warns  Türkiye as Israel, Greece, Cyprus Deepen Alliance

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used a Jerusalem summit with Greek and Cypriot leaders to warn  Türkiye against regional ambitions, pledging closer security and defense cooperation. The three signed a joint declaration on military coordination, maritime security, and energy cooperation during tensions with Ankara over Gaza, gas claims, and eastern Mediterranean stability.

5. Israel Will Never Withdraw From Gaza, Defense Minister Says

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel will never withdraw from Gaza, pledging to establish new military-agricultural sites in northern Gaza instead of evacuated settlements. His remarks come during speculation over Israel’s long-term plans for the enclave following a ceasefire with Hamas and renewed settlement rhetoric.

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★TURKIYE

6. Kurdish-Led SDF Coordinates With Israel, Turkey Says, Warning Damascus Talks

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the Kurdish-led SDF is conducting operations in coordination with Israel, calling it a major obstacle to talks with Damascus. As Turkish officials visit Syria to discuss integrating the US-backed SDF into state institutions, Ankara warns of military action if the group fails to comply.

7. Türkiye Extends Military Presence in Libya for Two Years

Türkiye’s parliament approved a two-year extension of its military deployment in Libya, backing a request by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to support Libya’s unity government, uphold the ceasefire, and protect Turkish interests. The move, renewing a mission launched in 2019, has reignited Libyan and international criticism over foreign forces remaining in the country.

8. Türkiye, Azerbaijan Sign Broad Cooperation Deal on Energy, Trade, Investment

Türkiye and Azerbaijan signed the 12th Joint Economic Commission protocol in Baku, adopting a 110-point action plan covering energy, trade, investments, transport and tourism. The deal builds on their strategic alliance, aims to boost bilateral trade beyond $8 billion, expand joint energy projects, and deepen regional economic integration.

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★LEBANON

9. Hezbollah Seeks $2 Billion, Complains Iran Funding After War

Hezbollah has complained to Iran over insufficient funding, demanding $2 billion in post-war aid—double Tehran’s planned allocation—KAN reported. Despite Iran transferring hundreds of millions and continued salaries and arms purchases, Hezbollah says heavy losses in its war with Israel require far greater resources to rebuild its capabilities.

10. Israel Airstrike Kills Three Hezbollah Operatives in Southern Lebanon

Israel said an airstrike killed three Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon, including Ali Abdullah, who also served in Lebanese army intelligence, highlighting a rare overlap between the military and the Iran-backed group. The IDF said the strike targeted efforts to rebuild Hezbollah infrastructure, violating the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.

11. Suspicious Accounts Linked to Hezbollah, Houthis Traded on Binance

An investigation by the Financial Times found Binance allowed high-risk accounts to trade billions between 2021 and 2025, despite red flags and a 2023 US plea deal. Leaked files link some accounts to alleged Hezbollah and Houthis financing networks, raising renewed concerns over the crypto exchange’s anti-money laundering compliance.

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★SUDAN

12. Sudan PM Presents Peace Initiative to UN Security Council

Sudan’s Prime Minister Kamil Idris told the UN Security Council the country faces an existential crisis from war with the Rapid Support Forces, unveiling a peace initiative calling for a UN-monitored ceasefire, RSF withdrawal and disarmament, return of displaced people, accountability measures, a Sudanese-led political dialogue and internationally supervised elections.

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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.