Middle East Experience

The US has a rare opportunity to remake Syrian policy after a decade of anti-ISIS policy and after decades of the Assad regime controlling Damascus.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Trump admin has opportunity in Syria policy

“The memory of the Holocaust reminds us that the seeds of hatred must be confronted wherever they appear,” CAM Chief Government Affairs Officer Lisa Katz said.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: ‘We are united’: NYC Jewish, Muslim community members commemorate Auschwitz liberation

The proposed bill would allow the publishing of a database of released terrorists, listing their names, photos, and crimes, with Ben-Gvir citing security concerns amid ongoing prisoner exchanges.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Ben-Gvir proposes bill to publish database of released terrorists

The timing of announcing the identities of the three hostages slated to be released coinciding with Netanyahu hosting Witkoff indicates they discussed details of the upcoming hostage exchange deal.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Trump Mideast Envoy Witkoff visits Netanyahu ahead of hostage release

Prince Feisal Al-Hussein of Jordan says he can bridge continents and cultures if he becomes the first president of the International Olympic Committee from outside Europe and the United States.The 61-year-old brother of King Abdullah II is a familiar face at the IOC but believes he can offer something radically different to the other six candidates bidding to succeed Thomas Bach of Germany.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Prince Feisal Al-Hussein says he can 'bridge gap' in Olympic movement

Israel alleged on Wednesday that the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) is full of Hamas operatives and reaffirmed its commitment to end ties with the agency this week."UNRWA equals Hamas. Israel has made public irrefutable evidence UNRWA is riddled with Hamas operatives," government spokesman David Mencer told journalists as Israel prepares to cut ties with the agency on Thursday."Israel makes clear... if a state funds UNRWA, that state is funding terrorists.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Israel says UN aid agency UNRWA 'riddled' with Hamas operatives

Israel said on Wednesday that 11 more hostages held in Gaza, including five Thais, would be freed over two days this week as part of a fragile Gaza ceasefire.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said it had received a list from Hamas of eight hostages to be freed on Thursday, including the Thais, and another three, all men, to be released on Saturday.The announcement came shortly after Hamas officials had accused Israel of delaying aid deliveries to Gaza and jeopardising the agreement.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Israel says Hamas to free 11 more hostages this week

Hurras al-Din, which split from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham after the latter distanced itself from al-Qaeda, had led attacks against Syrian government forces and Russian interests in Syria.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Syrian al-Qaeda affiliate, HTS offshoot Hurras al-Din dissolves: What we know

Columns of Palestinians carrying what belongings they could headed to north Gaza on Tuesday for a second straight day, after Israel permitted their passage in accordance with an ongoing ceasefire."I'm happy to be back at my home," said Saif Al-Din Qazaat, who returned to northern Gaza but had to sleep in a tent next to the ruins of his house."I kept a fire burning all night near the kids to keep them warm... (They) slept peacefully despite the cold but we don’t have enough blankets," the 41-year-old told AFP.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Bittersweet homecoming for Gazans returning to north

Conditions include a new regime stopping Hezbollah smuggling and do not rely solely on UNDOF.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Israel must set conditions for Syria withdrawal, 6 month stay would backfire, INSS expert says