Maersk resumes Red Sea passage after two-year halt amid easing Houthi threat

A ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas in October has prompted some shipping companies to consider resuming services, but security concerns persist.

Yemen

Facing Israeli pushback, Turkey recalibrates public messaging on Gaza force

Turkey’s top diplomat has suggested that being part of the Gaza stabilization force is not Ankara’s priority.

Turkey

Newsletter: Daily Briefing

Trump expands travel ban

Trump expanded US travel bans, Iran and Russia moved closer under sanctions, Gaza battled winter flooding — and more.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Analysis

Trump's Syria envoy Barrack tests Israel's patience as Netanyahu pushes back

The struggle between the Israeli prime minister and the envoy is an acknowledgment by Israeli leaders that "what will happen is what Trump wants to happen."

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Analysis

How the Trump administration reshaped US diplomacy toward Hamas

Unlike previous administrations, Trump’s team has engaged directly and openly with the Palestinian group — without congressional or public blowback.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Newsletter: Palestine

Palestine’s soccer team delivers hope

The Palestinian national football team’s historic Arab Cup run has sparked rare joy and pride across Palestinian communities despite political tensions and criticism surrounding the squad.

By Daoud Kuttab

In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics

Interview

Cyprus weighs joining Gaza force but 'not enough clarity' on mission, FM says

Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos also discussed using his country's maritime aid corridor to support Gaza's reconstruction.

Constantinos Kombos

Cypriot Foreign Minister

Newsletter: China-Middle East

Behind China’s $100M Gaza donation

Since China did not play a major role in ending the fighting, stepping up humanitarian aid is a useful bridge to the next stage: post‑conflict reconstruction.

By Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll

Analysis

Differences over Hamas, Turkey and Iran overshadow Netanyahu-Trump summit

When Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu meets US President Donald Trump in Washington, expect him to focus on Hamas' disarmament and rail against Turkey taking part in the international stabilization force in Gaza.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Exclusive

Hamas official says group needs guarantees on war's end and statehood to disarm

Senior Hamas official Basem Naim stopped short of pledging that Hamas would not fire on international troops, but said the militant group has "no problem” with the stabilization force.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Newsletter: Palestine

Interview: Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian

Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian told Al-Monitor that Riyadh is translating its political support into concrete financial and diplomatic action during one of the PA's most challenging periods.

By Daoud Kuttab

In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics

Interview

UNRWA plans Turkey office to boost Gaza, Syria aid as pledges dip

Speaking exclusively to Al-Monitor, UNRWA’s Tamara Alrifai said the upcoming Turkey office would help the agency to expand its operations not only in Gaza but also in Syria. 

Tamara Alrifai