The European Union redeploys its Rafah mission amid delicate regional dynamics and lingering uncertainties.

The European Union is reviving its border assistance mission at the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt to support the fragile ceasefire. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas emphasized the mission’s importance in facilitating medical evacuations for wounded Gazans and rebuilding trust in the region. This marks a return for EUBAM Rafah, first established in 2005 but suspended in 2007 due to instability following Hamas’ takeover of Gaza.

The mission’s return is backed by requests from Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Egypt. However, the arrangement places stringent international controls on the crossing to regulate movement and prevent the passage of weapons, while ensuring humanitarian access. Talks with Egypt and Israel aim to implement these measures alongside Palestinian Authority participation.

Despite optimism, the challenges from 2005-2006—when the agreement faltered due to Hamas’ rise—remain fresh in memory. The mission’s effectiveness depends on coordination, regional stability, and adherence to strict security protocols. While the EU’s return signals hope for bolstered international engagement, past failures underline the complexities of balancing security with humanitarian priorities in one of the world’s most contentious regions.

UN calls for the immediate release of detained aid workers as the humanitarian crisis in Yemen deepens amid increased tensions and political pressure.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have detained an additional seven UN employees, escalating their targeting of aid workers amid one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the detentions, urging their “immediate and unconditional” release and warning of the dire consequences for millions of vulnerable Yemenis.

The recent arrests add to a troubling pattern of Houthi actions against humanitarian organizations. Since mid-2022, dozens of aid workers from UN agencies and other NGOs have been detained by the Iran-backed rebels. This has severely hampered relief efforts in a country where over 18 million people rely on aid for survival, according to the UN.

Guterres underscored the impact of the detentions, stating that they “negatively affect our ability to assist millions of people in need in Yemen.” Following the latest incidents, the UN has suspended all official movements in Houthi-controlled areas, further disrupting aid delivery in regions suffering from acute food shortages, lack of medical care, and widespread displacement.

The Houthis’ actions come amid heightened tensions following US President Donald Trump’s decision to relist the group as a foreign terrorist organization. This designation, part of Trump’s broader Middle East strategy, could restrict US funding for UN and NGO operations in Yemen, compounding the already dire situation.

Analysts suggest the detentions are a calculated move by the Houthis to leverage international pressure against the US designation. Mohammed al-Basha, a risk advisor, described the arrests as an “expected reaction,” aimed at forcing the international community to influence the Trump administration’s policies.

The timing is also significant, as the Houthis have recently made conciliatory gestures following a ceasefire in Gaza, where the group had launched attacks in solidarity with Palestinians. These gestures, including the release of a 25-member international ship crew, signal a strategic balancing act by the Houthis as they navigate domestic and international pressures.

The Houthis’ actions against aid workers are part of a broader pattern of abuses, including arbitrary detentions, kidnappings, and torture, as reported by human rights organizations. In June, the group detained 13 UN staff, including members of the Human Rights Office, and over 50 NGO personnel, accusing them of espionage—a claim dismissed by the UN as baseless.

In August, the Houthis forcibly seized control of the UNHCR office, confiscating documents and property before returning them later that month. Such incidents highlight the group’s ongoing attempts to undermine international humanitarian efforts while maintaining control over aid operations in their territory.

The detentions underscore the challenges facing aid organizations in Yemen, where the conflict between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition has created a protracted humanitarian disaster. Although hostilities have subsided since a UN-brokered ceasefire in 2022, the situation remains volatile, with millions of civilians caught in the crossfire.

The Houthis’ actions also risk alienating international donors and agencies, potentially exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. As Guterres noted, targeting aid workers not only undermines relief efforts but also erodes trust in a region desperate for stability and support.

While the UN works to secure the release of the detained workers, the broader challenge remains ensuring the safety and effectiveness of humanitarian operations in Houthi-controlled areas. This will require sustained international pressure on the Houthis, as well as diplomatic efforts to address the underlying political and security issues fueling the conflict.

The fate of the detained aid workers serves as a grim reminder of the complexities and human cost of Yemen’s ongoing war, and the urgent need for a coordinated global response to alleviate suffering in the region.

A breakdown of the ceasefire agreement and the exchange of hostages and prisoners between Hamas and Israel.

The Gaza ceasefire agreement has initiated a significant hostage and prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict. Over the first six weeks of the truce, 33 Israeli hostages are to be released in phases, with corresponding releases of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.

The First Exchange
On the first day of the ceasefire, Hamas released three Israeli women—Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari. In return, Israel freed 90 Palestinian prisoners, including 69 women and 21 teenage boys. Many of these prisoners were recently detained and had not yet been charged or tried.

Who Remains Held in Gaza?
At the start of the truce, approximately 97 Israeli hostages remained in Gaza. Israeli authorities estimate that about half of them are alive, though this has not been confirmed by Hamas. During the first phase of the agreement, Hamas is set to release hostages considered vulnerable, including women, children, older men, and those who are ill or injured.

Prisoners to Be Released by Israel
Israel has committed to releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. This group includes:

• 1,167 individuals detained in Gaza during the war.
• 737 prisoners from the West Bank, Jerusalem, or Gaza, including some convicted of attacks, others held in administrative detention without charges, and members of militant groups.

The Process of Exchange
Hostages released by Hamas are handed to Red Cross officials, who then transfer them to the Israeli military at designated locations near Gaza’s borders. Palestinian prisoners released by Israel are transported to the West Bank, Gaza, or third countries, such as Egypt, with some potentially resettling in Qatar, Turkey, or Algeria.

The Broader Ceasefire Context
During the initial phase of the ceasefire, the Israeli army will withdraw from specific positions in Gaza, enabling displaced Palestinians in northern Gaza to return. A second phase is anticipated, which could involve the exchange of remaining hostages and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, contingent on further negotiations.

The ongoing exchanges highlight the complex and fragile nature of the ceasefire. While the process offers hope for humanitarian relief, the broader political and security implications remain uncertain. Both sides face intense scrutiny from their respective populations and international observers as the ceasefire unfolds.

This exchange underscores the deep human and political stakes in the conflict, serving as a reminder of the urgent need for durable solutions to the decades-long crisis.

U.S. reaffirms unwavering support for Israel, as Trump’s administration eyes a broader Middle East peace agenda.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming national security adviser, Mike Waltz, has issued a firm declaration against Hamas, vowing that the militant group will never govern Gaza. Speaking on CBS’ Face the Nation, Waltz underscored the incoming administration’s unwavering commitment to Israel and its broader vision for Middle East peace through the Abraham Accords.

“Hamas will never govern Gaza. That is completely unacceptable,” Waltz stated, reaffirming the Trump administration’s stance. He warned that any attempt by Hamas to renege on the current ceasefire-for-hostages agreement would result in U.S. support for Israel to take decisive action. “If Hamas backs out or moves the goalpost, we will support Israel in doing what it has to do,” he added, emphasizing that the administration’s priority is Israel’s security and stability.

The remarks came as a ceasefire agreement in Gaza came into effect, with Hamas pledging to uphold its terms while warning that any Israeli violations could jeopardize the fragile truce. Hamas spokesman Abu Ubaida urged mediators to ensure Israel’s compliance, reflecting the fraught nature of the agreement.

Progress on Middle East Normalization

In addition to the immediate crisis in Gaza, Waltz expressed optimism about advancing a historic normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia as part of the Abraham Accords. This ambitious effort seeks to expand the circle of peace in the Middle East, building on agreements brokered during Trump’s previous tenure. Waltz described this potential deal as a game-changer for the region, offering Israel increased security and economic ties while fostering broader stability.

The Trump administration’s approach signals a dual strategy: supporting Israel’s hardline stance against Hamas while pursuing long-term peace through regional diplomacy. By tying U.S. support for Israel’s security with broader normalization goals, the administration aims to reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

As the ceasefire holds for now, all eyes will be on whether Hamas abides by its terms and whether Trump’s administration can navigate the complex dynamics of the region to achieve lasting peace. Waltz’s message, however, leaves no doubt: the U.S. stands firmly behind Israel in its quest to ensure that Hamas will never regain political or military dominance in Gaza.

Ceasefire implementation and hostages’ release depend on Trump’s next moves

Israel’s Cabinet has approved a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal brokered through a year of negotiations involving the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt. The agreement, endorsed by President Biden in May, was finalized Saturday, shortly before Trump’s inauguration, placing the responsibility for implementation on his administration.

The deal’s initial phase involves a halt to hostilities, withdrawal of Israeli forces, increased humanitarian aid, and limited prisoner exchanges. However, subsequent phases, including full hostage release and Gaza reconstruction, remain undecided. Trump’s administration faces the task of maintaining the ceasefire’s momentum while negotiating further terms.

Prime Minister Netanyahu stated he secured U.S. guarantees to support Israel should talks falter, but skepticism persists over Trump’s commitment to long-term solutions in Gaza. Critics worry his focus on regional deals, like adding Saudi Arabia to the Abraham Accords, may overshadow the agreement’s humanitarian aspects.

The deal’s fate now depends on Trump’s ability to balance U.S.-Israel ties, pressure Hamas, and advance peace while navigating complex regional dynamics.

Negotiations for a phased truce in Gaza approach final agreement, promising hostages’ release, troop withdrawals, and humanitarian aid.

Efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are nearing a critical turning point, with U.S. and Qatari officials expressing cautious optimism about an imminent deal. The proposed agreement, which has seen months of fraught negotiations, aims to halt the fighting in Gaza and address key humanitarian concerns.

The ceasefire framework envisions phased steps: Hamas would release hostages captured during its October 2023 assault, while Israel would free Palestinian prisoners. Israeli troops would begin a gradual withdrawal from Gaza, facilitating the return of displaced Palestinians and a surge in international humanitarian aid.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Qatari officials have called the negotiations the closest they’ve ever been to a breakthrough. However, significant challenges remain, particularly over Israel’s security assurances and Hamas’s agreement to the final terms.

Despite the progress, violence persists. Israeli airstrikes continued to pound Gaza on Tuesday, targeting areas like Deir al-Balah and Rafah, killing at least 15 people. The attacks underscore the fragility of the talks and the urgent need for a resolution.

Humanitarian conditions in Gaza are dire, with over 46,500 fatalities reported and most of the 2.3 million residents displaced. The United Nations has pledged to ramp up aid deliveries once a ceasefire is implemented, but access to border crossings and security concerns remain significant obstacles.

The Biden administration, in its final weeks, is intensifying diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Blinken has outlined a post-ceasefire plan involving international governance in Gaza, with the Palestinian Authority playing a leading role and Arab states ensuring security.

The proposed framework aims to unify Gaza and the West Bank under a future Palestinian state, a contentious point that Israel has historically opposed. Trump’s Middle East team, led by envoy Steve Witkoff, has been briefed on the negotiations, signaling potential continuity in U.S. policy.

While the ceasefire deal represents a significant diplomatic achievement, its success hinges on careful implementation and mutual trust—a tall order in the region’s volatile context. If finalized, the agreement could provide a roadmap for long-term stability and reconstruction in Gaza, but it will require unprecedented cooperation from all stakeholders to succeed.

Intelligence officials thwart bombing near Sayyida Zeinab shrine, a frequent target of extremist attacks, as Syria’s new leadership seeks stability.

Syrian intelligence officials successfully disrupted a planned Islamic State (IS) attack on the Sayyida Zeinab shrine, a prominent Shiite pilgrimage site near Damascus. State media reported the arrests of IS cell members behind the plot, marking a critical step in the new government’s efforts to counter extremist threats and reassure religious minorities.

Sayyida Zeinab has long been a target for IS, which views Shiites as infidels. The shrine has faced multiple attacks, including a 2023 motorcycle bombing that killed six people and injured dozens on the eve of Ashura, a sacred day for Shiites. This latest plot underscores the ongoing sectarian tensions that continue to plague Syria in the wake of President Bashar al-Assad’s ousting.

Syria’s new de facto rulers, led by the Sunni Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have taken steps to address these divides. Once affiliated with al-Qaeda, HTS has sought to rebrand itself as a more moderate force, with its leader Ahmad al-Sharaa preaching religious coexistence and stability. These efforts aim to ease fears among religious minorities, particularly Shiites and Alawites, who were closely aligned with Assad’s regime.

The thwarted attack also comes amid significant political shifts in the region. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati recently visited Damascus to meet with HTS leader al-Sharaa. This meeting suggests a potential thaw in the strained relations between Lebanon and Syria, signaling an emerging regional alignment under Syria’s new leadership.

As Syria navigates this transitional period, the successful prevention of extremist attacks will be crucial to fostering security and trust across its deeply divided society. The Sayyida Zeinab plot serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead, as well as the potential for renewed stability under vigilant governance.

Joseph Aoun’s election ends a 15-month presidential vacancy, breaking Lebanon’s political deadlock amid regional tensions.

After 15 months of political paralysis, Lebanon’s parliament has elected Army Chief Joseph Aoun as the nation’s president, marking a significant breakthrough in a protracted deadlock. Aoun secured the presidency during a second round of voting in parliament on Thursday, surpassing the simple majority threshold of 65 votes required to win. The announcement sparked celebrations among lawmakers, reflecting the relief of a nation desperate for political resolution.

In the first round of voting earlier in the day, Aoun fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to clinch victory, receiving 71 votes out of the 128-member parliament. However, the subsequent round lowered the bar to a simple majority, allowing Aoun to claim the presidency and bring an end to a crisis that had left Lebanon without a head of state since October 2022.

The political impasse had been fueled by deep divisions between Hezbollah and its opponents, stalling over a dozen previous attempts to elect a president. The stalemate exacerbated Lebanon’s ongoing economic collapse, with inflation, corruption, and sectarian tensions crippling the nation.

Joseph Aoun, a Maronite Christian as mandated by Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing system, represents a figure of stability and neutrality. As army chief since 2017, he has garnered respect domestically and internationally for his leadership, particularly during the nation’s social and economic upheavals. His presidency is viewed as a move to restore confidence in Lebanon’s governance and navigate the nation through its many crises.

The international community had been pressuring Lebanon’s political factions to resolve the leadership vacuum. The urgency was heightened by a looming deadline in 17 days to deploy Lebanese troops alongside UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, following a fragile ceasefire after last autumn’s Hezbollah-Israel war. Aoun’s election is expected to strengthen Lebanon’s ability to fulfill its commitments in this regard and stabilize its internal security.

Aoun’s presidency signals a new chapter for Lebanon, but significant challenges lie ahead. The nation remains deeply divided, its economy in tatters, and its citizens increasingly disillusioned with the political elite. Aoun’s ability to bridge these divides and implement reforms will determine whether this moment becomes a turning point or a fleeting reprieve from Lebanon’s chronic instability.