Escalating Tensions in Middle East Conflict

Israel has launched strikes on three ports and a power plant in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, including the commercial ship Galaxy Leader, which was hijacked by Houthi rebels in 2023. The Israeli Defence Minister confirmed the strikes as part of "Operation Black Flag" and warned that the Houthis "will continue to pay a heavy price for their actions." In response, the Houthi military group launched two missiles into Israel, which were intercepted by the Israeli military. The strikes are seen as a retaliation for the Houthis' repeated attacks on Israel and its citizens, as well as their attempts to transfer weapons from Iran to carry out terror plans.

A senior Hamas security officer has told the BBC that the group has lost around 80% of its control over the Gaza Strip due to months of Israeli strikes that have devastated its leadership. The officer said Hamas's command and control system has collapsed, and armed clans are filling the void, with six groups emerging as contenders. One of these groups, led by Yasser Abu Shabab, has attracted attention from the Palestinian Authority and regional players, and has been supplied with weapons by Israel. Hamas has placed a bounty on Abu Shabab's head, fearing he could become a unifying figure for its enemies. The officer described the security situation in Gaza as "zero" and warned that Hamas's control is collapsing, with the group facing rivals from within and external pressure from Israel.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that it killed a Hamas naval commander, Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh, in a strike on the al-Baqa cafe in Gaza City, a popular destination that was bombed on Monday. The IDF claimed Saleh was involved in planning "maritime terrorist attacks" and said it took steps to mitigate civilian harm, but did not provide further details. The strike killed dozens of civilians, including artists, students, and children, with reports indicating at least 40 people were killed and 72 injured, many with severe burns and significant injuries.

Two American aid workers were injured in an attack on a food distribution site in southern Gaza, with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) blaming Hamas for the incident. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes killed 14 people in the Gaza Strip, and 10 Palestinians were killed while seeking food near aid distribution sites. The violence comes as US-led ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hamas appear to be gaining momentum, with Hamas giving a "positive" response to a proposed 60-day truce, but Israel rejecting certain conditions.

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a possible ceasefire in Gaza are set to resume in Doha amid continued Israeli airstrikes in the Strip. At least 38 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Sunday, with Israel's military saying it struck over 130 targets in Gaza in the past 24 hours. The talks, which come ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington to meet President Trump, appear to be gaining momentum, with a U.S.-led proposal on the table that includes a 60-day ceasefire and a partial release of hostages held by Hamas. Hamas has sought guarantees that the truce would lead to a total end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, while Netanyahu has insisted on Israel being able to resume fighting to destroy Hamas.

Two American veterans working with the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation were injured in a grenade attack while distributing aid to Palestinians in Gaza. The veterans, described as "highly decorated," are receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation blamed Hamas for the attack, saying the grenades used were of Iranian origin and had been "commonly used by Hamas." The organization had previously warned of credible threats from Hamas, including bounties on the heads of its workers, and vowed to continue its mission of delivering aid to Gazans despite the attack.

Hamas has given a "positive response" to a US-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, presented by US President Donald Trump, but has requested amendments to the deal. The amendments relate to humanitarian aid, the status of Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza, and guarantees beyond the 60-day ceasefire. Hamas is seeking guarantees that the ceasefire will lead to a total end to the nearly 21-month-old war and has asked for more aid to flow through the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies. A Hamas official said talks are needed to establish the terms of a potential prisoner swap and to specify the amount of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza during the ceasefire. Trump welcomed Hamas's "positive spirit" and said a deal could be reached by next week.

Israel has launched airstrikes on Houthi targets at three ports and a power plant in Yemen, its Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed. The strikes were carried out in response to repeated attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group on Israel. Earlier, a ship was reportedly set on fire after being attacked in the Red Sea, with a private security company saying the assault resembled that of the Houthis. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had issued an evacuation warning for the targeted areas before carrying out the airstrikes. The Houthis have been launching attacks on commercial and military ships in the region in support of Hamas in Gaza.

Two American security workers were injured when grenades were thrown at a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid site in Khan Younis on Saturday. The US and Israeli-backed aid group blamed Hamas for the "targeted terrorist attack", saying the two injured workers were receiving medical treatment and were in stable condition. The incident occurred during food distribution, but aid delivery was otherwise successful and no local aid workers or civilians were harmed. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has previously warned of credible threats from Hamas to target American personnel and aid workers.

The US is pressuring Israel and Hamas to agree on a hostage and ceasefire deal in Gaza. An Israeli delegation is heading to Qatar for indirect talks with Hamas. The proposed plan includes a 60-day ceasefire, partial release of hostages in exchange for humanitarian supplies, and talks on ending the war. Hamas has responded "positively" to the US-backed proposal but with some amendments, including guarantees that the ceasefire will lead to a total end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli troops. Israel has rejected some of Hamas's amendments, but the delegation is still heading to Qatar to continue negotiations. Challenges remain, including disagreements over humanitarian aid, Israeli troop withdrawals, and Hamas's refusal to disarm.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting US President Donald Trump in Washington as indirect talks between Israel and Hamas resume in Qatar over a proposed 60-day ceasefire and hostage release deal. Trump has expressed optimism that a deal can be reached, saying he has been "very firm" with Netanyahu about ending the conflict. The proposal includes a surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza and the release of hostages in stages, but key differences remain, including Israel's refusal to end the war and Hamas's demand for a permanent ceasefire. Families of Israeli hostages are urging the US to broker a deal, while Palestinians in Gaza are weary and skeptical, given the dire humanitarian situation and past failed ceasefires. The talks come as Israel's military chief of staff says the war is nearing its goals, and polls indicate two-thirds of Israelis support a ceasefire deal.

US President Donald Trump is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where one of the key topics of discussion will be the potential future of Gaza without Hamas. Experts believe a non-Hamas technocratic government, comprised of unaffiliated Palestinians and backed by key Arab states, could be a viable alternative. However, several challenges exist, including securing Israeli approval, providing a political framework, and addressing concerns around counterterrorism access. Proposed solutions include empowering local clans to establish self-governing enclaves, though opinions on the feasibility of this approach vary. The US is seen as playing a crucial role in any potential solution due to its relationships, resources, and trust among the involved parties.

A UN report titled "Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide" authored by Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has sparked backlash for targeting Israel and companies operating within the country. The report calls for sanctions against entities and individuals that may endanger Palestinians and accuses corporations of aiding Israel's alleged "genocidal campaign in Gaza." Critics argue that Albanese has overstepped her mandate and that the report promotes the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. Albanese's report and comments have been condemned as antisemitic and biased against Israel. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights clarified that special rapporteurs like Albanese work independently and are not UN staff. The Israeli ambassador to the UN in Geneva denounced the report as "riddled with inflammatory rhetoric and legally baseless."

Critics have slammed the United Nations for allocating four new high-level positions to a commission investigating Israel, with salaries ranging from $530,000 to $704,000, amidst a severe cash crisis. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Palestinian Territory has been accused of having an anti-Israel bias, with its chair, Navi Pillay, previously criticized for her stance on Israel. The commission's latest report was described as "totally unhinged" and accused of fueling antisemitism. The UN's decision has been criticized as contradictory to its "belt-tightening exercise" and has sparked outrage among critics who argue that the commission was created to "destroy the Jewish state."

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made his first public appearance since the start of Iran's conflict with Israel, attending a mosque ceremony in Tehran. The appearance was broadcast on state TV, showing him greeting worshippers on the eve of the Shia festival of Ashura. Khamenei had been largely unseen during the 12-day war, sparking speculation that he was hiding in a bunker, and had instead released video messages, including one claiming "victory" after a ceasefire was agreed.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made a public appearance for the first time since Israel began attacking the country, indicating a return to normality and defiance. Khamenei emerged during evening prayers, waving to the crowd and looking stern and resolute, after being assumed to be sequestered in a bunker due to death threats from Israel and the US. The appearance came during the Shia festival of Ashura, which marks the anniversary of the death of Imam Hussein, and was seen as a show of resistance against oppression and injustice. Iranians are feeling a sense of betrayal and defiance, with many believing they were lured into diplomacy with the US as part of a ruse. The government is projecting defiance, but has also hinted at back-channel efforts to explore new talks with the US, while warning Israel not to attack again.

Millions of Iranians attended mourning ceremonies on Ashura, a holy day for Shia Muslims, which held added significance following a recent 12-day conflict with Israel. The event saw emotional release and solidarity among Iranians, with chants of "we'll never yield to humiliation." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made a public appearance for the first time since the conflict, boosting support for the government. Analysts warn that Iran is preparing for potential further conflict with Israel, citing a lack of trust in a ceasefire.