Monday, January 12, 2026

Middle East

Saudi Arabia’s request to purchase F-35s clears key Pentagon hurdle: Reuters

The Donald Trump administration is considering a Saudi Arabian request to buy as many as 48 F-35 fighter jets, a potential multi-billion-dollar deal that has cleared a key Pentagon hurdle ahead of a visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters news agency.

Hamas transfers remains of another Israeli captive under Gaza ceasefire agreement

The Palestinian group Hamas handed over the remains of another Israeli hostage to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) late Tuesday under its ceasefire deal with Tel Aviv.

Crimes against children in conflict zones surge in 2024: Save the Children

One in five children globally lived in active conflict zones last year, according to a report by Save the Children.

Official figures show Israel’s war expenses reached $76.3bn in 2 years

Israel’s military expenses have surged to $76.3 billion since the outbreak of the Gaza war two years ago, official data show.

Nearly 1mn people in Gaza receive food aid amid ceasefire: UN

The United Nations has announced that nearly 1 million people in the Gaza Strip have received food assistance since October, as humanitarian operations expand under a 60-day response plan amid Israeli attacks.

Iraq war architect Dick Cheney dies

Former US Vice President Dick Cheney has died from complications of pneumonia and heart and vascular disease, his family announced in a statement on Tuesday.

UN satellite assessment shows 81% of Gaza Strip structures damaged

The United Nations has announced that nearly 81% of all structures in the Gaza Strip have been damaged, according to a new satellite assessment, as humanitarian efforts continue amid widespread devastation from two years of the Israeli war.

Qatar warns to cut gas supply to Europe

Qatar's energy minister has warned the Persian Gulf state would halt its supply of liquefied natural gas to Europe over Brussels's planned environmental and human rights rules.

US circulates draft UN resolution to establish international security force in Gaza: Axios

The United States has circulated a draft resolution to members of the UN Security Council calling for the creation of an international security force in Gaza with a mandate lasting at least two years, the Axios news site has reported.

Aramco’s third-quarter net profit declines on lower crude prices

Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco, the world's top oil exporter, reported a 2.3% fall in its quarterly profit on Tuesday, citing lower revenue resulting from a drop in crude and product prices.

Saudi Crown Prince to meet Trump on Nov 18: White House

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will be at the White House on November 18 for an official working visit with U.S. President Donald Trump, a White House official has stated.

Chancellor invites Syrian president to Germany to discuss deportations

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that he has invited Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to Berlin to discuss deporting Syrian citizens with criminal records in Germany.

Israel attacks southern Lebanon, killing two and wounding seven

Israeli attacks have killed two people and wounded seven others in southern Lebanon, a day after Tel Aviv threatened to escalate its onslaught on alleged Hezbollah targets.

Bill allowing death penalty for Palestinian inmates advances to Israeli parliament

An Israeli panel has approved a bill introducing the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners, paving the way for its first reading in parliament.

Probe discloses Israeli Air Force failed to act on warning signs before Oct. 7 events

An Israeli investigation has revealed that the Air Force failed to respond to intelligence pointing to plans by the Palestinian group Hamas to launch an attack in October 2023, local media reported on Monday.

Lebanese military mobilizes troops in south after Israeli army movements near border

The Lebanese army mobilized its forces in the border town of Meiss El-Jabal in southern part of the country, following Israeli military movements near the border, local media has reported.

Israeli military committed 194 violations of Gaza ceasefire: Media office

The Israeli army committed 194 violations of the Gaza ceasefire agreement that came into effect on Oct. 10, the Government Media Office in Gaza has announced.

Hamas transfers remains of 3 more hostages under ceasefire accord: Israel

The Palestinian group Hamas handed over the remains of three hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Sunday evening under a ceasefire accord, the Israeli army has confirmed.

Hamas refutes US accusations that it looted aid trucks in Gaza

Palestinian group Hamas on Sunday rejected allegations by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) that it has looted aid trucks in the Gaza Strip.

Syrian president to discuss sanctions, reconstruction during US visit: FM

Syria's president will discuss issues including lifting remaining sanctions, reconstruction and counter-terrorism when he becomes the country's first leader to pay an official visit to Washington later this month, the foreign minister has stated.

Israeli air attack kills four in Lebanon, straining fragile ceasefire

An Israeli air raid has killed at least four people in southern Lebanon, according to the country’s Ministry of Public Health, in a strike that put more pressure on a nearly yearlong truce with Hezbollah.

Syrian president to visit Washington in November: US Envoy

The United States envoy for Syria has stated that Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa is to travel to Washington to sign an accord to join an international US-led alliance against Daesh.

US backs repeal of Caesar Act sanctions on Syria

The administration of US President Donald Trump has announced it supports repealing the Caesar Act sanctions on Syria, urging the US lawmakers to include it in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is currently under discussion in Congress.

Remains returned by Hamas from Gaza not those of Israeli hostages: Report

The remains of three people handed over by Hamas to Israel through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Friday night do not belong to Israeli hostages, according to a report.

Venezuela pursuing military aid from Iran, Russia, China: WaPo

Caracas has requested assistance from Tehran, Moscow and Beijing to strengthen its defenses amid the ongoing standoff with the US, the Washington Post claimed on Friday, citing US government documents.

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