The New Arab is in the news as a source on Middle East crises and rights issues; launched 2014 from Fadaat Media (Qatar). News digest, no fluff.
Reports have documented a continuing surge of violent attacks by Israeli settlers across the occupied West Bank this spring: arson, beatings, shootings and property destruction. Israeli forces are regularly present during incidents, with limited arrests reported; Palestinian authorities say bodies have been withheld after some killings, preventing burial and mourning.
EU foreign ministers have requested discussion of suspending the 1995 EU‑Israel Association Agreement after Spain, Ireland and Slovenia have formally asked for the issue to be placed on the agenda. Member states remain divided: Germany and Italy are opposing suspension while France, Belgium and others are pushing targeted measures, and public pressure has surged following Israel's policies in Gaza, the West Bank and a new death‑penalty law.
Since April and into May 2026, multiple US universities have faced commencement and campus controversies over invited speakers and events related to Israel, free speech and protest. NYU is keeping Jonathan Haidt as its Yankee Stadium commencement speaker despite student government opposition; Rutgers has rescinded an invitation to alumnus Rami Elghandour; Georgetown Law replaced Morton Schapiro after student objections; and campus groups are clashing over guest appearances and platforming.
The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed amid the US-Iran conflict two months in, choking 20% of global oil and gas supplies. A ceasefire is in place, but the blockade continues to disrupt energy markets and raise fears of an economic downturn. Washington is weighing further military options while Tehran maintains its stance.
Turkey has warned of Kurdish mobilisations in Iran and Iraq while PKK elements push for guarantees and a defined role for Abdullah Ocalan. Ankara maintains disarmament as a precondition for broader reforms, with stalled parliamentary momentum and ongoing regional tensions complicating prospects for renewed peace.
Executives from more than two dozen global news organisations have urged Israel to grant independent access to Gaza for foreign journalists, arguing on-the-ground reporting is essential despite security concerns. The appeal comes amid a ceasefire and ongoing restrictions, with no immediate response from Israel.
More than 160 activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla have been taken to Crete after Israeli forces intercepted the vessels in international waters. Organisers say 168 crew members have been moved to Greek boats, with 22 ships intercepted and 47 still at sea. The United States has warned of consequences for supporters, while European states express concern over international-law questions surrounding the detentions.
Narges Mohammadi, the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has been transferred from Zanjan prison to a Zanjan hospital after two loss-of-consciousness episodes and a severe cardiac crisis. Her family and lawyers have been warning that prison medical neglect is endangering her life and are appealing for transfer to Tehran specialists. Reports date from May 1–5, 2026.
The United States is folding the Civil-Military Coordination Centre into a U.S.-led International Stabilisation Force, effectively ending its on-ground role near Gaza. Officials describe the move as an overhaul to oversee aid delivery and ceasefire monitoring, while diplomats warn it could slow coordination amid ongoing Israeli operations and Hamas governance shifts.
Muslim American candidates are running for re-election or first-time office amid threats from the Trump administration era, with focus on Gaza policy and domestic issues like healthcare and wages. Notables include Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, Adam Hamawy in New Jersey, and Aisha Wahab in California. Some incumbents like Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib are seeking re-election. One Somali mayor in Maine has decided not to seek re-election due to harassment.
Three siblings—Maureen Okirie, 35, and minors Salia Karikari, 15, and Jubril Karikari, 12—are accused of killing their brother, Stanley Okirie, in Akute, Ogun State. Police say a clandestine burial was uncovered after a tip-off, with a wooden pestle found as a suspected weapon. The case highlights domestic violence and security concerns in the community.
Satellite imagery analyzed by The Washington Post shows hundreds of US military structures and equipment across the Middle East have been damaged or destroyed by Iranian strikes, with at least seven US personnel killed and more than 400 injured. The CNN investigation separately identifies multiple damaged sites across eight countries, highlighting the spread and modern targeting of facilities such as radar, aircraft, and communications hubs.
The United States has paused its ship escort operation through the Strait of Hormuz as it pursues a peace deal with Iran. Officials say the blockade of Iranian ports remains in place while Washington tests an agreement, with Iran insisting on a fair, comprehensive settlement.
Rutgers University has rescinded a planned May 15 convocation address by Arcellx CEO Rami Elghandour after some graduating students raised concerns about his social media posts criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza. The move follows similar campus tensions around commencement speeches amid debates over the Gaza war and pro-Palestinian protests.
Spain has moved to shield international justice amid US sanctions on ICC officials, urging the EU to expand the Blocking Statute to defend the ICC and UN actions in Gaza. Prime minister Pedro Sánchez has also called for measures within the EU-Israel framework and signed a declaration on South Africa’s genocide case at the ICJ.
The two-month Iran war has seen markets buoyed as talks continue; Washington has pressed Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while Iran reviews US proposals. A US strike on an Iranian oil tanker was reported as tensions rise, and Pakistan-hosted discussions are ongoing.
Multiple outlets have reported that Israel has established covert military sites in Iraq's western desert to support air operations against Iran. Reports say the installations have hosted special forces, logistics and search-and-rescue teams; Iraqi patrols investigating were struck in early March, killing one soldier and injuring others.
Israel has enacted a law to establish a special military tribunal to try Palestinians accused of taking part in the Hamas-led October 7 attacks. The court could hand down the death penalty and will conduct public trials, with processes that rights groups warn may undermine due process. Trials are expected to cover hundreds of suspects and cost billions.
The administration has rejected Iran’s latest counterproposal and warns the ceasefire is on life support. Tehran and Washington are locked in a regional standoff that has disrupted oil flows and heightened global tensions, with talks on ending the war failing to progress.
Multiple outlets have reported that President Trump has said he 'doesn't think about' Americans' financial situation while negotiating with Iran, insisting preventing Tehran from a nuclear weapon is his sole focus. The comment has come as inflation has accelerated to 3.8% and gasoline has jumped above $4.50 a gallon since the war with Iran began.
Intelligence assessments indicate Iran has regained substantial access to its missile sites and underground storage along the Strait of Hormuz, with about 30 of 33 sites potentially usable. Officials warn the ability to project power endures, despite public assurances that Iran’s military has been decimated. The cost of the conflict has climbed, and diplomacy remains unsettled.
BRICS foreign ministers conference in New Delhi is ongoing as members push for reform of global governance while clashing over Israel-Gaza war, Iran-UAE tensions, and regional security. India chairs the group for 2026; no joint closing statement has emerged amid conflicting positions.
Islamic Center shooting in San Diego has killed three worshippers and two assailants. US Muslim leaders say the incident is part of a broader rise in anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate incidents tied to regional conflicts and political discourse; communities urge solidarity and continued engagement with elections.
BRICS foreign ministers have convened in New Delhi amid persistent divisions over the U.S.-Israel conflict in the Middle East. India’s chairmanship has highlighted calls for reform of global governance while specific language on Gaza and regional security has faced reservations from some members. Iran has urged condemnation of Western actions, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia are cited as key divisive players.
New York City Mayor Mamdani has posted a Nakba Day video featuring a Palestinian survivor. The one‑sided framing has drawn swift pushback from Jewish groups and lawmakers who say the portrayal omits counterpoint history and risks inflaming antisemitism. The video was released as Nakba Day rallies unfold in New York and amid broader debate over how history is presented in public messaging.
Israeli forces have intensified incursions and shelling along the Syria-Israel border, particularly in Quneitra and Daraa, with tanks, vehicles, and artillery movements repeatedly reported. Local residents describe growing fears over the safety of farmland and civilian lives as operations appear to be expanding in scope.
Since mid-May, Iran has conveyed a revised peace proposal to the United States through Pakistan demanding lifting of sanctions, release of frozen funds, reparations and continued enrichment rights. President Donald Trump has said he paused planned strikes and warned a new limited attack will happen in days if no deal is reached; talks are stalled but continuing.
Australian authorities have overseen the return of seven women and 12 children linked to Islamic State fighters from the al-Roj camp in northeast Syria. Several women have been charged with slavery or terrorism offences on arrival; others are under investigation. The government maintains it has not provided assistance for these returns and is monitoring ongoing cases.
A NYT/Siena poll shows 74% of Democratic voters oppose additional US military and economic aid to Israel, with sympathy leaning toward Palestinians. The results highlight a changing public posture toward Israel amid the Gaza war, Iran tensions, and domestic focus.
Syria has completed the electoral process in the northeast, with Hasakah, Qamishli and Ain al-Arab backstopped by officials as the People Assembly moves toward its first session after Eid al-Adha. Winners have been declared for most seats in Hasakah and Ain al-Arab, while Suweida remains outside the process.
The United States has signaled it is pursuing a diplomacy-first path with Iran, while keeping the Strait of Hormuz blockade in place until a deal is reached. Multiple sources report that negotiators are exploring a framework to reopen the Strait and address Iran’s nuclear program, with officials indicating progress but unresolved disputes remain. Market reactions have been volatile as oil prices swing on expectations of a potential peace agreement.
Israel has escalated its offensive in southern Lebanon, with airstrikes killing dozens, mass displacement orders, and threats of further heavy retaliation. The clash polarises regional diplomacy as Washington seeks to broker a broader deal with Iran, while Lebanon and Hezbollah resist Israeli occupation and pursue withdrawal. A cabinet dispute in Jerusalem signals divergence over response tactics, even as the conflict widens.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told the Israeli military to expand control of the Gaza Strip to 70 percent, saying Israel has already moved from 50% to 60%. The move has raised international concern that Israel is permanently enlarging its occupied zone beyond the October ceasefire's 'Yellow Line.'