Middle East

Gaza

Israel says it will halt operations of some aid groups in Gaza in 2026

Earlier this year, Israel changed its registration process for aid groups, which included a requirement to submit a list of staff, including Palestinians in Gaza.

30/12/2025

Syria

Syria unveils new banknotes removing al-Assad images from currency

President al-Sharaa introduced redesigned bills featuring agricultural symbols, such as oranges and olives, entering circulation 1 January.

30/12/2025

Turkey

Turkey detains 357 suspects in widening crackdown on Islamic State

The raids came a day after three police officers and six suspected Islamic State (IS) members were killed in a gunfight in northwest Turkey.

30/12/2025

Cult

Inside the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra

In partnership with Media City

With players trained in different musical traditions, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra is reshaping how orchestral music is performed and experienced in the region.

29/12/2025

No Comment

Heavy snowfall closes schools in 14 Turkish provinces

Heavy snowfall in Turkey closed schools in 14 provinces, turning the break into playtime for children, with some sledging on plastic bags.

29/12/2025

Turkey

Three Turkish police officers killed in raid on IS group militants

Another nine officers were injured in a shootout during a counter-terrorism operation in Yalova province, after Turkey arrested over 100 suspects allegedly plotting holiday attacks.

29/12/2025

No Comment

Banksy's hotel in Bethlehem reopens after two years

A guest house filled with Banksy's artwork has reopened in Bethlehem after a two-year closure due to the Gaza war.

26/12/2025

Israel

Palestinian man kills two in car and knife attack in northern Israel

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was shocked by the "horrific killing spree" and pledged Israel would reinforce its security.

26/12/2025

Focus

Doha Forum 2025: Dialogue, Mediation and Global Cooperation

Doha Forum 2025 brought world leaders together to confront rising global tensions, deepen EU–GCC ties and support Syria’s transition. With Qatar’s mediation role in focus, the Forum emphasized moving from dialogue to real results.

26/12/2025

Syria

Explosion at Alawite mosque in Homs during Friday prayers kills eight

An explosion at an Alawite mosque in Syria's third-largest city also injured 18 as authorities investigate the attack following a recent spike in violence.

26/12/2025

Lebanon

Israel strikes Hezbollah's elite Radwan unit training site in Lebanon

The Israeli military said it hit a training compound and weapons depots on Friday, in an operation aimed at threats that “advance terror plots against IDF forces and the State of Israel".

26/12/2025

Turkey

Turkey detains 115 suspects over IS New Year's Eve attack plot

Istanbul police raided 124 locations on Thursday, seizing weapons and documents as authorities warn of planned attacks during the festive period.

25/12/2025

Egypt

Pasta à la army: How influential is the military in Egypt's economy?

The Egyptian military has long held a significant stake in the country’s household brands. From pasta to petrol, what does this mean for the economy of the region’s biggest country?

25/12/2025

Grand Voyager

Grand Voyager | Exploring Qatar

In partnership with Media City

From sweeping desert dunes to buzzing souqs and soaring coastal views, Qatar is a land of striking contrasts. Join Lilly Douse as she explores Qatar — from Doha’s historic heart to the edge of the desert and sea.

24/12/2025

No Comment

Christmas decorations bring festive atmosphere to Damascus

In Damascus’ Old City, home to a small Christian community and historic churches, red baubles, shop decorations and street vendors selling warm chestnuts add a seasonal touch to the streets.

24/12/2025

Gaza

Israel's defence minister walks back pledge on settlements in Gaza

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz suggested establishing settlements in Gaza but later retracted his statement, clarifying it was made in a security context.

24/12/2025

Turkey

Libyan military chief killed in plane crash after takeoff from Ankara

General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, military chief of Libya's UN-recognised government in Tripoli, died with seven others when the plane crashed near the Turkish capital Ankara.

24/12/2025

Culture news

Egypt unveils newly restored Colossi of Memnon towering statues

After decades of careful repair and restoration work, the massive statues known as the Colossi of Memnon have been unveiled as part of Egypt's increasing attempts to showcase its vast archaeological wealth.

23/12/2025

Turkey

Turkey thwarts Islamic state-led New Year's Eve suicide attack plot

Turkish intelligence captured an IS member assigned to carry out suicide attacks in Turkey and Europe, as authorities warned of possible New Year's Eve attack plots. Ten suspects were detained for financing the network.

23/12/2025

Cult

Doha Celebrates Franca Sozzani and Regional Fashion Talent

In partnership with Media City

Doha hosted the first Franca Fund Gala, honouring Franca Sozzani and raising over $4M for preventive genomics. Paired with M7’s Threads of Impact exhibition featuring 100 regional designers, the event spotlighted Qatar’s rise as a cultural and creative hub.

23/12/2025

Turkey

Turkish MPs brawl during heated budget debate

Ruling party and opposition lawmakers exchanged punches after a dispute over the legacy of the Turkish Republic's founding father Atatürk. The budget was, in the end, passed despite a 10-minute fight in the chamber.

22/12/2025

Cyprus

Cyprus unveils EU presidency priorities on security and migration

Cyprus outlined priorities for the EU presidency starting 1 January 2026, focusing on autonomy, security, defence, migration, and support for Ukraine.

21/12/2025

West Bank

Israel approves proposal for 19 new Jewish settlements in West Bank

The decision is a harsh blow to the Palestinian state and brings the total number of new settlements over the past few years to 69.

21/12/2025

No Comment

Winter solstice: sunrise aligns with Karnak Temple in Luxor, Egypt

Hundreds of visitors gathered in Luxor to witness the winter solstice sunrise align with the Temple of Amun-Re at Karnak, marking the start of astronomical winter.

21/12/2025

Turkey

Drone incidents escalate as Turkey finds three UAVs in five days

Turkey shot down a drone from Black Sea on Monday, then found two crashed drones near Istanbul, in escalating incidents in Turkey's airspace, which Ankara has linked to Russia's war in Ukraine.

20/12/2025

Syria

US launches massive attack on Islamic state group fighters in Syria

The US launched a massive attack on 70 Islamic State combat forces in Syria on Friday, in retaliation to a recent ambush attack in which two US soldiers and one US civilian interpreter were killed.

20/12/2025