HAMAS MILITANTS
The day the fault lines cracked: October 7’s aftershocks travelled from Israel and Gaza to Iran, Red Sea and $100 oil
It started at the Gaza border. Then came Hezbollah, Houthi attacks, rerouted ships, an Israel-Iran war, American strikes and an oil shock. Three years after October 7, the Middle East’s fault lines have cracked open far beyond where the first shots were fired.
War-weary northern Israelis rethink loyalty to Netanyahu before election
Residents in northern Israel are reassessing their political support for Prime Minister Netanyahu as elections approach. Many former supporters express dissatisfaction with the government's handling of recent conflicts. Displaced individuals and business owners cite ongoing trauma and economic struggles following years of warfare. While some still support tough measures against threats, others demand significant change in leadership. The forthcoming election could see a shift in voter loyalty amidst these challenges.
Yemen's government declares a major operation against the Houthis
Yemen's government has launched a military operation against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels near Taiz city. An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed one Palestinian while wounding several others, amid an increase in such strikes. The Houthis have reportedly targeted Saudi oil facilities in recent conflicts, claiming significant strikes. Meanwhile, Iran has expressed openness to diplomatic solutions to ongoing tensions. The situation remains volatile as regional conflicts continue to escalate.
Saudi Arabia plans assault on Houthis to break Red Sea chokehold
Saudi Arabia is preparing for an offensive against Houthi militants in Yemen, focusing on securing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The operation is expected to include coordinated attacks from multiple fronts alongside Yemeni ground forces. Over 100,000 Yemeni troops could potentially participate in the planned military action. U.S. intelligence support and military aid from other nations will assist the Saudi campaign in Yemen.
Israeli officials to question co-pilot of flydubai flight, source says
On a recent flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, a co-pilot allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft. The co-pilot stabbed the captain during the incident but was subdued by the crew and passengers. Israeli officials are investigating the co-pilot's motives and possible connections to radical influences. Following the event, the captain has been praised for his heroism and quick actions.
Trump says latest Iran peace offer not enough, may resume bombing, and other Mideast developments
US President Donald Trump has suggested that following the elections, he might escalate military actions against Iran. In Yemen, clashes have intensified between Iran-aligned Houthi rebels and government forces surrounding Taiz City. Trump also commented on reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received advance notice of a Hamas attack.
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Flydubai pilot called ‘terrorist’ after attempting to crash Israel-bound plane; what we know so far
One of the pilots of an Israel-bound flydubai flight tried to kill his co-pilot before the plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, a passenger's mother told AFP. Yasmin Abukasis, whose daughter Miryam was on the flight to attend a service for her brother killed in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, said her daughter told her by telephone after landing that everyone "thought they were going to die". "She said one pilot tried to kill the other pilot with a knife.
Israel strike kills Hamas armed wing head in North Gaza
An Israeli airstrike on Tuesday killed Izz al-Din Al-Beik, head of Hamas' armed wing in Gaza. His involvement in the October 7, 2023, attacks has been confirmed by officials. The airstrike targeted an apartment building in Gaza City's Nasr neighborhood, which resulted in one additional casualty. Medics also reported a subsequent airstrike near a clinic in Jabalia refugee camp killing another person.
Netanyahu expected to berate New York's Mamdani in 'campaign speech' of UN address
Benjamin Netanyahu is set to deliver a speech at the UN where he plans to address Mayor Zohran Mamdani's accusations. As Israeli elections approach, Netanyahu's campaign is perceived as increasingly desperate amidst mounting criticism of the Gaza war. He is making a brief visit to the US and is not expected to meet the US President.
Son of Israel's ambassador to US critically injured in ramming attack in the occupied West Bank
Neria Leiter was gravely injured during a ramming attack near the Beit Horon settlement in the West Bank. His father, Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, expressed that Neria needs a miracle for recovery. The attacker was shot and killed by Israeli forces as he attempted to flee the scene. This incident occurred amid heightened violence in the West Bank following the conflict in Gaza.
US-backed Board of Peace unveils $2.5bn Gaza recovery plan
US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace announced a $2.45 billion Gaza recovery plan on Wednesday at a meeting of its members and stakeholders, in an effort meant to span over six months. Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza of the Board of Peace, urged for backing of its plan.
War-damaged Gaza building collapses killing 12 people seeking shelter inside
At least 12 Palestinians, including five children, were killed when a damaged seven-storey apartment building collapsed in Gaza overnight, with dozens feared trapped beneath the rubble. Rescuers searching with limited machinery said residents had moved into damaged buildings because of scarce shelter, amid warnings that hundreds more structures remain at risk.
Trump administration plans $2.8 billion Israel arms deal with 40,000 powerful bombs
The Trump administration is planning a $2.8 billion arms deal to supply Israel with 40,000 2,000-pound bombs, including weapons whose delivery the Biden administration paused over concerns about mass casualties in Gaza. The proposed package, mostly funded through US military financing, comes as violence continues despite a fragile ceasefire.
Oman postpones regional talks on Strait of Hormuz
Oman postponed a meeting on the Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensions. An Iranian ship was struck near the waterway, killing one person. Houthi rebels launched drones and missiles toward southern Saudi Arabia. An Israeli strike in Gaza killed two individuals, according to reports. Protests erupted in Syria over increased fuel prices.
Israeli whistleblowers detail Gaza civilian toll in Venice film; get 25-minute ovation at premier
A Venice Film Festival documentary alleges routine mass civilian deaths in Gaza. "NAZA" uses testimony from Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers. It describes an AI-assisted targeting system designed to hit civilian spaces. The film draws parallels between the actions and historical dehumanization patterns. Directors highlight the contrast between Tel Aviv life and Gaza's devastation.
Why is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait so important?
Iran-backed Houthis aim to control Yemen's Red Sea coast and Bab el-Mandeb strait. This strategic waterway connects Asia to Europe via the Suez Canal. Major shipping firms have rerouted vessels, increasing freight costs and journey times. Houthi control could grant Iran leverage in its conflict with the United States. Petroleum volumes transiting Bab el-Mandeb represent about seven percent of global oil output.
Iran-backed fighters in Yemen and Iraq are joining forces to threaten Gulf, officials say
Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Yemen are coordinating attacks on Saudi Arabia, with an aim to increase the costs of the ongoing war in Gaza. The Houthis have also declared a blockade against Saudi shipping in the Red Sea. This escalation threatens to reignite full-scale war with the kingdom. Saudi oil exports are now directly in the crosshairs of these attacks.
Xi visits Egypt as China seeks deeper influence across the Mideast
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Egypt visit is deepening Beijing’s ties with a key US ally while advancing China’s bid for greater Middle East influence. The three-day trip highlights expanding economic, diplomatic and strategic cooperation, including Belt and Road projects and Suez Canal access, as regional tensions reshape longstanding geopolitical alignments.
Iran's supreme leader calls for Muslim unity against US and Israel
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei urged Muslim countries to unite against Israel and the United States amid wider Middle East tensions. A tanker was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, Israel evacuated Netanyahu’s son from the US over a threat, and an Israeli strike killed two Palestinians in Gaza.
Israeli strike kills two people including a 3-year-old boy, Gaza medics say
An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza killed two Palestinians, including a three-year-old child, and wounded several others, according to Gaza health officials.
Iran warns of military ship ban in Hormuz under potential deal with Oman
Iran and Oman are negotiating arrangements to manage commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, excluding military vessels, as Qatar seeks to de-escalate tensions. The Middle East remains volatile: Israeli strikes challenge Gaza’s ceasefire, Israel demands Hamas disarmament, West Bank settlements expand, sanctions intensify, and the Iran war disrupts air travel.
Iran says support for new sanctions would be 'act of war'
A strong message came from Iran's security chief, cautioning nations that support the freshly imposed US economic measures. President Pezeshkian defended a recent memorandum as a hopeful step ahead. Although the Strait of Hormuz remained calm, fresh transit restrictions were unveiled. Pakistan's army chief plans a trip to Tehran to facilitate discussions on de-escalating tensions. Concurrently, reports detailed incidents of execution and violence arising in the West Bank and Gaza.
Gaza ceasefire hangs in the balance as Israeli strikes fuel fresh uncertainty
Deadly airstrikes in Gaza killed at least ten people on Wednesday. These attacks occurred just days after U.S. negotiators asked Israel to reduce its actions. Israeli troops also crossed the Gaza ceasefire line and detained a Hamas official. The ongoing conflict has killed over seventy-three thousand Palestinians since its start. Ceasefire negotiations remain stalled with significant disagreements on key conditions.
Israel opens criminal probes into troop conduct over killing of five-year-old Hind Rajab
Israel's military announced criminal probes into troop conduct in Gaza. These investigations focus on the deaths of Hind Rajab and Palestinian paramedics. However, three other attacks on aid workers will not be criminally investigated. The military reviewed 150 incidents and made decisions on five cases. Families and aid groups are calling for international investigations into these events.
As election looms, Netanyahu puts Turkey in Israel's crosshairs
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu targets Turkey amid a tough election fight. Warplanes bombed a Syrian base near the Turkish border after warnings were ignored. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been a strong critic of Israel's Gaza offensive. Turkey, a NATO member, has powerful allies and a complex relationship with Israel. This action risks wider confrontation and strains relations with key international partners.
US provides $206 million for Gaza force despite deadlocked peace plan
The US administration is sending over $206 million for a proposed Gaza peacekeeping force. This funding marks the first significant financial commitment to the stalled US plan. The International Stabilization Force will lead security operations and support aid deliveries. Both Israel and Hamas have balked at conditions needed to advance the plan. Five countries have committed troops to the force, with deployment timing unclear.
Israel kills six in Gaza on day after Kushner meeting with Netanyahu, medics say
An Israeli airstrike killed six Palestinians in Gaza on Tuesday, health officials reported. This occurred after Jared Kushner's regional trip failed to advance a US peace plan. Israel stated the strike targeted Hamas commanders involved in the October 7 attack. Hamas accused Israel of sabotaging Trump's peace proposal for Gaza. Both sides dispute the implementation sequence of the proposed roadmap.
Kushner's talks with Israel, Hamas end without breakthrough on Trump Gaza plan
Jared Kushner met Israeli and Hamas leaders to advance a Gaza plan. No immediate breakthrough occurred as both sides maintained their positions. Israel insisted on Hamas disarmament before any withdrawal from Gaza. Reconstruction of Gaza will not begin until Hamas is fully disarmed. Kushner's meetings followed discussions with Hamas political leaders in Egypt.
Donald Trump's envoys meet mediators, Israel strikes Gaza
Hamas officials were present at some of the meetings between mediators and with Trump's envoy and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Nickolay Mladenov, Trump's Board of Peace envoy for Gaza, the diplomat said. A senior Israeli official said Kushner and Mladenov were scheduled to meet on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who on August 9 said Trump's latest roadmap for Gaza peace was 'unacceptable'.
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