Podcast: Beyond the Headlines

A photo taken while embedded with the Israeli Army and cleared by Israeli military censors shows Israeli soldiers from the special unit Yahalom next to an underground tunnel in the Al-Shaboura neighborhood of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, 08 December 2025 (issued 09 December 2025). Lieutenant Hadar Goldin was reportedly held captive in the tunnel in recent years, before his body was handed over by Hamas. The tunnel is over seveb kilometers long and approximately 25 meters deep. EPA / ATEF SAFADI

What’s stalling phase two of the Gaza ceasefire?

The lack of clarity over peacekeeping efforts and reconstruction is complicating the next steps in peace plan

Syrian President Ahmad al Shara. Sectarian violence, economic despair and devastated infrastructure have posed challenges for his government. Photo: Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic.

One year since Assad’s fall: Where is Syria today?

Is US pressure finally forcing Israel to address settler violence?

How Israel is obstructing reconstruction in Lebanon

Egypt

The National

Today's cartoonShadi's take on Egypt's restoration of two ancient statues

Our cartoonist's take on Egypt's restoration of two ancient statues 3,200 years after they fell in an earthquake

Cartoon

AD Ports seeks to buy controlling stake in Egypt's container terminal operator

Business

Egypt restores colossal statues of pharaoh 3,200 years after earthquake

MENA

In picturesRunners at the seventh Pyramids Half Marathon in Giza

MENA

Lebanon

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, with US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack. Photo: Prime Minister of Israel / X

US Syria envoy Barrack meets Israel's Netanyahu in Jerusalem

Meeting comes amid signs the US wants to improve relations with Syria and mounting Israel-Lebanon tensions

MENA

Fadel Chaker: Lebanese judiciary sets court date for singer-turned-militant

MENA

Israeli army kills three in Lebanon as Hezbollah threatens 'crushing response'

MENA

US senators decry lack of accountability over Israeli attack on journalists

MENA

Newsletter

Middle East Today

Middle East Today

Your indispensable round-up of the key developments in the region

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