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Middle East

Middle East
Middle East
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Middle East. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
US President Donald Trump takes part in an event at the White House on Wednesday. Photo: AP
Israel-Gaza war

Trump says Israel and Hamas have signed off on first phase of Gaza deal

The US president had earlier said he might travel to the Middle East within days, amid reports of ‘encouraging’ progress in the peace talks.

Israel-Gaza war

Hamas submits prisoner list to Israel amid ‘optimism’ of Gaza talks

Food and Drinks

‘Never seen a single item sell like this’: Dubai chocolate craze takes over

Malaysia

Toilet water, snatched hijabs: Malaysian activists recount Israeli detention

Malaysians who were part of a Gaza aid flotilla say they were humiliated and denied basic rights, forcing them to drink from a toilet.

Malaysians from the Global Sumud Flotilla prostrate in prayer upon arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Tuesday. Photo: EPA
India

Opinion | India’s diplomatic weight is best exercised closest to its borders

New Delhi’s geopolitical strength comes not from looking East or West but from its ability to stabilise its own neighbourhood.

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Israel-Gaza war

Trump says ‘real chance’ to end Gaza war, Hamas seeks US guarantees

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas are being held in Egypt, as the region marks the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks.

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Israel-Gaza war

Israel shells Gaza on war anniversary, amid Hamas talks on Trump plan

Trump’s plan offers hope amid ongoing conflict and devastation, but ceasefire hopes remain uncertain.

sraeli army tanks and armoured personnel carriers are stationed near war-damaged buildings in Gaza City, on October 3. Photo: AP
Iran

Opinion | Return of Iran sanctions a moment of reckoning for China and the world

The rejection of China and Russia’s UN proposal has set the stage for a decisive struggle and potential global disruption.

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Israel-Gaza war

US gave over US$21 billion in military aid to Israel since Gaza war began: report

Study released on the two-year anniversary of the war shows US support was key to sustaining Israel’s campaign against Hamas.

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Israel-Gaza war

Israel, Hamas hold indirect talks in Egypt on eve of Gaza war anniversary

Ceasefire hopes rise as parties agree on most first-phase terms, despite ongoing Gaza strikes.

A fire erupts amid destroyed buildings, following an Israeli military strike in the northern Gaza Strip. Photo: AP
Turkey

US Supreme Court rejects challenge by Turkey’s Halkbank to prosecution

The state-owned Turkish bank is accused of helping Iran evade US sanctions, which has caused diplomatic tensions between the US and Turkey.

A branch of Halkbank in central Istanbul, Turkey. Photo: Reuters
Israel-Gaza war

Thunberg deported from Israel, as Gaza activists allege mistreatment

Some activists from the flotilla alleged sleep deprivation, lack of water and food, as well as some being beaten, an allegation Israel denied.

Iran

Iran puts nuclear talks on hold as European sanctions bite

Tehran is refusing talks ‘at this stage’ as it examines the implications of the reimposed sanctions via the UN snapback mechanism.

Israel-Gaza war

As Gaza war enters third year, former hostage recalls 16-month captivity

The Israel-Gaza war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, has yet to secure the release of all hostages.

Eli Sharabi, stands on a stage with Hamas fighters before being handed over to the Red Cross for release in February. File photo: AP
Israel-Gaza war

Some Gaza flotilla activists allege mistreatment while being detained in Israel

Israel’s Foreign Ministry refuted the claims as ‘brazen lies’, stating all detainees’ legal rights were ‘fully upheld’.

Global Sumud Flotilla activists are welcomed after arriving at Fiumicino Airport on a Turkish Airlines flight in Rome on Saturday. Many activists remain in prison. Photo: EPA / Telenews
Israel-Gaza war

Rubio says Gaza war ‘not yet ended’ despite peace plan progress

US secretary of state says talks ‘cannot take weeks’ and will quickly determine if Hamas is serious about releasing hostages.

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Israel-Gaza war

Netanyahu hopes to announce release of all hostages from Gaza in ‘coming days’

Israel has sent a delegation to Egypt ‘to finalise technical details’ in its indirect talks with Hamas.

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Malaysia

23 Malaysian ‘heroes’ held by Israel in Gaza aid mission are released

Some 137 activists from various countries detained by Israel arrived in Turkey on Saturday after being deported.

Malaysian activists who have tried to deliver aid to Gaza via an international flotilla mission arrive in Istanbul on Saturday. Photo: AP
Syria

Syria to select post-Assad parliamentary members in process deemed undemocratic

A third of the members are appointed by interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has said it is impossible to hold direct elections now.

Israel-Gaza war

Israeli strikes kills dozens in Gaza despite Trump’s demand to halt bombing

The US president says a ceasefire will be effective ‘immediately’ once Hamas agrees to a deal.

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Israel-Gaza war

Hamas response to Trump plan wins hardline support

Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a hardline ally of Hamas that also holds hostages, approved the group’s response to the US plan.

Smoke rises following an Israeli army shelling in central Gaza Strip on Saturday. Photo: AP
China-Middle East relations

Saudi-Pakistan defence pact poses nuclear dilemma for China

The deal may bring the kingdom under Islamabad’s nuclear umbrella, presenting a challenge to Beijing’s policies on non-proliferation.

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Saudi and Pakistani troops pictured during a joint exercise. Photo: AP
Israel-Gaza war

Hamas ready for peace as Israel prepares ‘immediate implementation’ of Trump plan

Hamas backs a hostage release deal, but Gaza ceasefire hopes hinge on disarmament and withdrawal disputes.

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Israel-Gaza war

Trump says Hamas ready for peace, Israel must stop bombing Gaza ‘immediately’

The militants say they accept some elements of Trump’s plan, including releasing all hostages, but are seeking further talks.

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Israel-Gaza war

Trump sets Sunday deadline for Hamas to agree to deal for ending Gaza war

Trump’s proposal would place Gaza under control of a temporary governing committee led by Trump and involving UK’s ex-PM Tony Blair.

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Trump has struggled to force an end to the conflict. Photo: EPA
Israel-Gaza war

Israel blocks all Gaza flotilla ships, vows to deport activists

Organisers said the interception was ‘illegal’, claiming the ships were in international waters while carrying vital aid to the enclave.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila sit in a vessel after Israel intercepted some of the vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Photo: Israel Foreign Ministry/Reuters
Malaysia

‘Taken against my will’: Israel detains 12 Malaysians on board Gaza aid flotilla

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar, patron of a bloc of the flotilla, says the attack ‘trampled on the conscience of the world community’.

Qatar

Trump vows to defend Qatar in event of attack, in wake of Israel’s Doha strike

The attack on Hamas leaders was launched with little advance notice to the Trump administration, causing consternation in Washington.

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