Middle East

US sets up Gaza border base for international force deployment

The United States has established a military facility near the Gaza Strip border and received Israeli approval for an initial deployment of approximately 250 foreign troops as part of plans for an international stabilization force inside the Palestinian enclave.

Trump says renewed Iran war 'highly unlikely' ahead of Qatar talks

US President Donald Trump told CNN on Sunday that renewed fighting with Iran was "highly unlikely" ahead of talks with Qatar's prime minister, though he warned Washington could "finish them off" if Tehran refuses to sign a strong agreement.

Iran says US strikes on Qeshm Island caused no infrastructure damage

Ahmad Nafisi, deputy governor of Iran's Hormozgan province, said Monday that overnight US strikes on Qeshm Island targeted sites located away from residential and commercial areas, adding that no damage was caused to vital infrastructure and emergency services remain on high alert.

Jordanian FM in Damascus for third coordination council session

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi arrived in Damascus on Monday to co-chair the third session of the Jordanian-Syrian Higher Coordination Council, with meetings set to focus on implementing agreements reached during the council's previous session in Amman.

Saudi Arabia warns of aerial threat over Riyadh after Houthi attack

Saudi authorities issued a civil defense alert warning residents of Riyadh to shelter indoors on Monday following Houthi attacks on the capital's business district, where witnesses said a skyscraper belonging to state oil giant Saudi Aramco was damaged in the latest cross-border strike.

Trump presses Netanyahu to advance Gaza reconstruction plan

US President Donald Trump has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take concrete steps toward implementing a Gaza reconstruction plan following Israel's recent parliamentary elections, pressing for progress on administrative transfer and security arrangements regardless of which government formation takes office in Tel Aviv.

Trump says 'great dislike' for Israel, Iran war cost Republicans midterms

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that public opposition to the war with Iran, rising fuel costs and what he described as a "great dislike" for Israel were the primary drivers behind Republican losses in last week's midterm congressional elections, which handed Democrats control of both legislative chambers.

Hamas says Israel 'fully responsible' for Gaza landslide deaths

Hamas said Sunday that Israel bears "full responsibility" for the deaths of a woman and four children in a landslide that struck tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in central Gaza, blaming the blockade for leaving families without safe accommodation amid severe weather and calling for international intervention.

Rubio says diplomatic agreement with Iran may prove impossible

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that reaching a diplomatic agreement with Iran may prove impossible, accusing Tehran of making "outrageous and ridiculous" demands while warning that negotiations were nowhere near a breakthrough as the nine-month war between Washington and Tehran grinds on without a settlement ahead of G7 talks in Paris.

Gaza floods displace 350,000 Palestinians: Health Ministry

Gaza Health Ministry Director-General Munir al-Bursh appealed Sunday for urgent shelter supplies and the immediate opening of crossings, stating that weekend flooding has left 350,000 displaced Palestinians sleeping in the open and warning that children face mortal danger as winter storms batter the enclave.

US demands Iraq close all but two border crossings with Iran

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said Washington has formally requested that Baghdad reduce its border crossings with Iran to just two, warning that a complete shutdown would cripple Iraqi trade and economic activity while negotiations continue between the two governments.

Saudi coalition intercepts Houthi missiles over Riyadh

The Saudi-led coalition said on Sunday it intercepted and destroyed a drone and four missiles targeting Riyadh and southern Saudi Arabia, as Yemen's Houthi group claimed responsibility for wide-ranging attacks on an airport, oil facilities and military positions.

Trump says Iran war return 'highly unlikely' if deal reached

US President Donald Trump said that a return to direct military conflict with Iran remains "highly unlikely" if negotiations produce a strong agreement on its nuclear program and maritime access, though he emphasized that American forces stand ready with three aircraft carriers to resume strikes if necessary.

Iran warns US of 'hell' if attacks resume, says 2-day deal stands

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that Tehran’s two-day proposal to end the war remains on the table, warning that Iranian forces will "rain down hell" if Washington resumes military action without meeting Tehran’s conditions.

Herzog tasks Eisenkot with forming Israeli government

Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday tasked Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government, charging the former military chief with building a coalition within 28 days after parliamentary elections left both his bloc and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s alliance short of the majority needed to govern.

Palestinian NGO says 80% of prisoners in Israeli jails have scabies

The Palestinian Prisoner Society said Sunday that scabies affects roughly 80 percent of Palestinian detainees held in Israeli custody, including children, citing severe clothing shortages and extreme overcrowding as the driving factors behind the disease's rapid spread.

Türkiye, Iraq reaffirm commitment to end PKK presence in Sinjar

Türkiye and Iraq announced on Sunday their joint commitment to restoring state authority in Sinjar and ending PKK terrorist presence there, while Ankara confirmed it would begin gradually handing over the Bashiqa-Zilkan base to Baghdad, according to a statement from the Turkish Communications Directorate.

Saudi Aramco building sustains 'minor damage' in Riyadh attack

Saudi Arabia's Energy Ministry announced that falling shrapnel caused "minor damage" to an administrative building at state oil giant Aramco following an attempted attack on Riyadh, with no casualties reported as the Saudi-led coalition intercepted missiles over the capital early Sunday.

Israel's United Arab List to back Eisenkot government without coalition deal

The United Arab List said it will support a prospective government led by Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot even without a formal coalition agreement, seeking to prevent the anti-Netanyahu bloc from relying on ultra-Orthodox parties and help oust the incumbent premier, according to Israeli daily Haaretz.

Yemen's Houthis claim attack on Riyadh financial center

Yemen's Houthi movement said it carried out an attack on the financial center in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, claiming the strike targeted economic infrastructure as part of its ongoing campaign against the Kingdom that has seen increased targeting of economic sites in recent months.