Middle East

World Governments Summit 2025 opens in Dubai

Erdogan calls for end to Israeli occupation, compensation for damages

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories and compensate for the damage caused.

Hamas Halts Hostage Release, Israel on High Alert in Gaza

Hamas has postponed the release of Israeli hostages, citing Israeli breaches of the ceasefire, including delays in aid and return of displaced Gazans. Israel has rejected the claims and ordered military readiness at the highest level. Talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt show little progress.

Turkish President: The financial cost of destruction by Israel in Gaza is estimated at $100B

'From economy to diplomacy, from trade to security, we need a new approach and a new global order to solve problems,' says Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Investors Eye Middle East Reset Amid Ceasefire and Trump’s Gaza Proposal

Investors are cautiously returning to the Middle East, betting on economic recovery and political stability following a fragile ceasefire and shifting regional dynamics. However, President Donald Trump’s proposal to take over Gaza has injected new uncertainty.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan Condemns U.S. Gaza Proposal, Calls It “Nonsense”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has dismissed the U.S. proposal on Gaza, calling it politically motivated and “not worth discussing.” He reaffirmed that Gaza belongs to the Palestinians and warned against any attempt to separate them from their land.

UAE opens applications for 10-year Blue Residency visa

Dubai has introduced the UAE’s 10-year Blue Residency visa, aiming to attract global experts in sustainability, climate change, and environmental protection. The initiative encourages long-term contributions to the UAE’s environmental, economic, and social development.

Turkish intelligence chief and Iranian officials discuss Gaza, Syria and counterterrorism

Ibrahim Kalin meets with Iranian officials in Tehran to discuss security issues, including counterterrorism efforts and developments in Gaza and Syria

Israeli airstrike kills 6 in eastern Lebanon despite ceasefire

2 others injured in attack on Baalbek district from Israeli forces

Israel releases new group of Palestinian prisoners under Gaza ceasefire deal

At least 7 freed Palestinians admitted to hospitals immediately after their release due to their bad health situation

Israeli delegation to head to Qatar on Saturday to resume second phase of hostage exchange talks with Hamas

Mossad, Shin Bet officials to resume negotiations as Israel awaits Hamas’ list of detainees amid concerns about Trump’s Gaza remarks.

Silicon Valley Syrian engineers host tech conference in Damascus amid rebuilding efforts

‘Our goal is to generate 25,000 new jobs in the technology sector over the next five years and to help Syria build a sustainable tech ecosystem,’ says one of the organizers.

Hamas to release three Israeli men Saturday

Ohad Ben Ami, Or Levy, Eli Sharabi are the three male Israeli hostages to be released in latest round of exchanges under ceasefire deal.

Pakistan, China reaffirm commitment to Afghanistan’s integration and security

Pakistan and China call for an inclusive Afghan government, counter-terrorism cooperation, and regional stability, as Islamabad explores direct talks with Kabul on key bilateral issues.

Qatar expresses support for Lebanon amid crisis

Central Asia and EU discuss security and stability in Afghanistan

Massive fire breaks out near Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar in Eminonu

A major fire erupted near Istanbul’s historic Spice Bazaar in the Eminonu district on Thursday, quickly spreading to nearby buildings. Emergency teams, including firefighters and medical personnel, were dispatched to control the blaze and ensure public safety.

Two years after devastating quake, Türkiye's recovery remains slow and painful

Two years after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake devastated southeastern Türkiye, killing over 55,000 people, rebuilding efforts remain incomplete, with hundreds of thousands still living in temporary housing.

U.S. drafts plan to withdraw all its troops from Syria

The U.S. Department of Defense is developing plans to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria, NBC News reported on Wednesday, citing two U.S. defense officials.

Is peace between Syria and Israel viable despite many obstacles?