This Month
As Ukraine and US ceasefire talks near, gulfs remain
Ukraine wants a cessation of air and sea strikes, but also security guarantees before laying down its arms. The US wants an immediate, comprehensive ceasefire.
February
Trump posts bizarre AI video of Gaza’s golden future
The video features belly dancers and skyscrapers and concludes with a shirtless US President and Benjamin Netanyahu lying next to each other on sun beds by a pool.
Israel delays release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners
The prisoners were due to be set free after Hamas released six Israeli hostages as a precarious ceasefire beset by recriminations nears the end of its first phase.
Without Egypt or Jordan onboard, Trump retreats from his Gaza plan
Donald Trump had said he favoured taking control of Gaza and displacing the Palestinians who lived there. But Egypt and Jordan rejected cooperating.
Hamas says it has handed over body of Shiri Bibas
Israeli medical authorities said forensic teams were preparing to examine the body, which Hamas transferred via the Red Cross, and confirm its identity.
‘Horrific’: Mother not among dead hostages handed over by Hamas
The Israeli military says a body released by Hamas did not belong to any of the hostages held in Gaza, accusing the militant group of violating the ceasefire.
Bulldozers enter Gaza as Israel mourns death of youngest hostages
Hamas will release more hostages, along with several bodies, thought to be two young boys and their mother who came to symbolise the plight of those taken.
Netanyahu signals he’s transferring Palestinians from Gaza
The Israeli prime minister discussed the plan in Jerusalem with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Hamas “must be eradicated”.
Hamas signals it will release more hostages this weekend
The statement came amid rising tensions between Hamas and Israel pointed to rising risks about the future of the precarious truce between the adversaries.
Israel calls up reservists as fears for fragile Gaza ceasefire rise
Concern that the truce will collapse is growing as fury mounts in the Arab world over President Donald Trump’s plan for the United States to take over Gaza.
Trump’s Gaza plan is a crazy answer to a valid question
I can say with confidence that Donald Trump’s proposal is the single most idiotic and dangerous Middle East “peace” initiative ever put out by an American president.
Trump may be wrong about many things, but he’s right about Hamas
Arab states such as Qatar and Egypt depend on US protection even as they harbour Hamas leaders or failed to stop the group from arming itself to the teeth.
Netanyahu threatens to restart war if hostages not returned
“If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon – the ceasefire will end,” the Israeli leader said, adding he’s ordered the military to prepare.
Trump says ‘all’ Israeli hostages must be released by Saturday
The US president says “all hell is going to break out” if the remaining Israelis are not freed after Hamas threatened to delay the deal.
Hamas to stop releasing hostages, citing Israeli ceasefire violations
Hamas has accused Israel of dragging its feet on allowing aid into Gaza – one of the conditions of the first phase of their agreement.
Saudi Arabia lashes out at Netanyahu as investors wait in the wings
The Israeli-backed US proposal to take over Gaza has thrown a curveball into the mix, but investors still nurse hopes of a reset in the region.
‘Gut-wrenching’ hostage handover could hit Gaza ceasefire talks
The poor state of the latest Israeli hostages to be freed could bolster the view that Israel should resume its fight against Hamas, rather than negotiate a longer peace.
Is Trump’s Gaza gamble ‘morally bankrupt’ or bold?
Donald Trump’s breathtaking plan for the US to takeover Gaza stunned the world and ripped up the foreign policy status quo in the Middle East.
Trump slaps sanctions on international court for targeting Israel
The president has placed sanctions on International Criminal Court officials who investigate the US and its allies such as Israel.
Netanyahu backs Trump’s ‘remarkable’ Gaza plan
The White House defended Donald Trump’s “take-over” plan of the war-torn territory as US allies across Europe and the Middle East condemned the move.
The truth about Saudi Arabia’s rulers is worse than you thought
The regime is at once “ruthless and reckless” - but that hasn’t stopped the Scramble for Arabia as business, sports and political figures chase their fortunes in the desert.
How dare Trump state the obvious about Gaza
Everyone says the Gazans must live in the rubble and stay under the control of Hamas. No one asks why the Gazans should be suspended in the aspic of their leaders’ failure and fanaticism.
‘Dubai on the Mediterranean’: Inside Trump’s Gaza plan
The US president’s proposal to expel millions of Palestinians emerges from a fringe idea in his first term that was rejected by Palestinian leaders.
Ethnic cleansing or real estate grab? Trump launches Gaza gamble
Bold, insanity, a money grab. Take your pick as to how to describe Donald Trump’s plan to “own” Gaza.
The ‘Bibi sandwich’: Will Netanyahu really end the war in Gaza?
The Israeli leader wants to destroy Hamas and get all the Israeli hostage back. He’ll have to prioritise one over the other in his meeting with Donald Trump this week.
