Middle East and North Africa region in focus
Over 1.5 million Muslims have begun the hajj in Mecca, with pilgrims arriving from around the world amid geopolitical tensions stemming from US-Israel strikes on Iran. Saudi authorities report strong international participation despite security concerns and hot weather.
More than 1.5 million Muslims have arrived for the annual Hajj in Mecca, with pilgrims circling the Kaaba in intense heat. The pilgrimage unfolds against a backdrop of fragile ceasefires in the Iran war and broader regional tensions, while Saudi authorities prepare for launches to Mina and Mount Arafat.
Iraq has secured a historic World Cup berth after a tense qualifying campaign, overcoming political and logistical obstacles. Arnold’s side has battled through stress, war-related disruption, and long travels to reach Monterrey and clinch a place in the finals.
Lebanese army says two officers and a soldier have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on a vehicle on the Khardali‑Nabatiyeh road. Israel says the vehicle was moving toward its forces and that Hezbollah was preparing to fire. The attack comes as regional ceasefire efforts continue under US mediation; Lebanon reports broader Israeli strikes and Hezbollah retaliation.
Israel and Iran have exchanged strikes for the first time since an April ceasefire and then halted offensive action after intense exchanges. Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanon; Israel struck military and energy sites in Iran. Both sides have warned they will resume if attacks continue.
The latest round of clashes has seen Israel strike Beirut after Hezbollah drones targeted northern Israel. Iran has warned of further reactions as U.S.-Iran talks face disruption. Civilians face rising tensions across Lebanon, Iran, and Israel.
Saudi Arabia is expanding Riyadh Air as part of Vision 2030, aiming to turn the capital into a global aviation hub and reduce reliance on oil. The first Dreamliner deliveries have begun, with a plan to connect Riyadh to over 100 destinations and boost passenger capacity while expanding airport capacity to support this growth.
The text of a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding has been released, outlining an immediate end to hostilities on all fronts, respect for sovereignty, a 60-day window to reach a final agreement, and steps to restore trade, sanctions, and economic plans. Drafts from multiple outlets show near-identical provisions, with negotiations urged within the 60-day limit.
[Synopsis]
Progressive candidates tied to the Democratic Socialists of America have won pivotal primaries in New York and Colorado, challenging pro-Israel incumbents and the influence of AIPAC. The victories reflect a shift in how the Democratic base views Israel and Gaza, with winners advocating for ceasefire, Palestinian rights, and a pivot away from unconditional military aid.
Ozgur Ozel has resigned from the Republican People’s Party with 90 MPs and has registered a new group, the "New Party", with the Interior Ministry. The split has reduced the CHP to about 44 seats in the 600-seat parliament and leaves the New Party with 91 lawmakers, set to become the main opposition against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile as Israeli strikes persist and Palestinian casualties rise. Multiple incidents near Beit Lahiya and Khan Younis have killed civilians, including a 13-year-old, and drawn international concern. Authorities say casualties continue to mount since the October 2023 war, despite a formal ceasefire.
Palestinian health officials report that Israeli forces have killed a 15-year-old in Ramallah and another teenager in the Qalandia refugee camp after raids across the West Bank. Dozens have been detained, including women, amid rising violence since October 2023. The death toll in the West Bank now exceeds 1,085 with ongoing clashes and arrests.
Parliament has convened for the first time under a five-year transitional framework after Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. The assembly includes appointees by President al-Sharaa and elected members, with debates over representation, a new constitution, and transitional justice shaping the agenda.
A blast near Damascus’s Palace of Justice has killed several people and wounded many more. State media says the explosion came from an improvised device planted in a cafe, while authorities pledge accountability. No group has claimed responsibility; analysts warn the attack targets the judiciary amid ongoing trials from the former regime.
Insurgents and Tuareg rebels have coordinated attacks across northern and central Mali, including Gao, Anefis, Aguelhok, Sevare and a Kenieroba prison, with the army saying it has the situation under control while noting ongoing fighting.
OPEC+ has agreed to increase oil output by 188,000 barrels per day from August, marking the fifth straight monthly rise. While the move signals a cautious unwind of earlier cuts, oil supplies remain constrained by the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing regional tensions. Prices have edged back toward pre-war levels as shipping resumes.
Palestinian paediatrician Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, remains detained by Israel without charge. Rights groups including MSF and PHRI report severe health deterioration and alleged torture, calling for urgent independent medical review and his release. UN and other bodies have highlighted his case, as international pressure grows.
The film Citizen Vigilante, linked to Uwe Boll and Armie Hammer, has been posted for free by Elon Musk on X, prompting complaints that the platform amplified anti-Muslim content. UK Muslim groups urge Ofcom to assess compliance with the Online Safety Act as questions grow over X’s moderation and the safety of users.
A sequence of bombings in central Damascus has killed and wounded civilians, with authorities announcing arrests of suspects and pledging to pursue those behind the attacks as Macron’s visit to Syria unfolds amid security concerns.
The Port Sudan court has convicted RSF leader Daglo (Hemedti) and 15 other senior RSF figures of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in absentia. The ruling also targets RSF assets and seeks Interpol notices for arrest. The case centers on the June 2023 killings in El Geneina and related atrocities against the Masalit community. The verdict marks the first conviction of RSF leadership since the conflict began in 2023.
The United States has has backed plans to rehabilitate the Iraq–Syria crude oil pipeline as a priority infrastructure project linking Iraqi production with Mediterranean export markets. Deals with US firms aim to create alternative routes to the Strait of Hormuz, with initial capacity of about 2 million barrels per day once completed.
At least nine Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza on Saturday, including three children. An airstrike on a Gaza City apartment building killed five people from the same family, with several others wounded. The toll across Gaza has climbed over 73,000 since October 2023, as civilians continue to flee and ceasefire talks remain at an impasse.
Rights groups say Iran has executed dozens of political prisoners amid ongoing conflict and a crackdown on protests. State media cites security actions, while observers warn of due process concerns and broader repression across the country.
Norway's football federation has said it will consider filing a formal ethics complaint after FIFA suspended the one-match ban for US forward Folarin Balogun following a phone call from US President Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The IOC has said it cannot investigate Infantino on political neutrality because the complaint falls outside its jurisdiction.
Abu Osama al-Hayya has been elected head of Hamas's political bureau, succeeding Yahya Sinwar who was killed in 2024. The vote ends a period of wartime leadership and sets a course for Hamas amid continuing Gaza war, regional diplomacy, and internal divisions.
Dubai has launched the 'A Dubai Invite' scheme to pay residents' friends and family who visit, offering packages worth over AED 3,000 ($816). Eligible visitors must be non-UAE residents arriving on a valid tourist visa, with benefits including hotel stays, dining deals and attraction tickets. The program runs from 20 July to 31 October, with redemption until December.