Israel News Review

Iran’s Nobel peace laureate arrested after memorial service

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:32:47 -0400

Narges Mohammadi and other activists detained in Mashhad as unrest disrupts event in honour of lawyer Khosrow Alikordi

The week around the world in 20 pictures

Jim Powell — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:35:25 -0400

Russian airstrikes on Kyiv, floods in Indonesia, the IDF in Gaza and the Nutcracker in Nairobi: the past seven days as captured by the world’s leading photojournalists

Hedge fund Mason Capital seeks to resolve legal dispute over US gas driller

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:50:29 -0400

Firm willing to buy Ascent Resources to head off fight between Abu Dhabi fund and US private equity group

Families washed out of tents as flood waters course through Gaza

Julian Borger in Jerusalem — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:26:02 -0400

Gaza has been hit by heavy rains and low temperatures, deepening the misery of most of its 2.2 million population who are living in tents after two years of Israeli bombardment. Thousands of homeless people have been washed out of their makeshift shelters and forced to seek emergency refuge

Primal Scream defend image of swastika inside Star of David shown during London gig

Matthew Weaver — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:16:02 -0400

Scottish rock band says image ‘meant to provoke debate, not hate’ after many at concert accuse group of antisemitism

The Scottish rock group Primal Scream has defended displaying an image of a swastika inside a Star of David during a London gig, in response to accusations of racism and antisemitism.

During a performance at the London’s Roundhouse, a video was shown on stage of a swastika in the centre of a Star of David that was then superimposed over eyes of images of political figures, including the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the US president, Donald Trump.

Marsalek’s missing millions: the unravelling of a secret Libyan empire

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:49:54 -0400

FT investigation sheds light on Wirecard fraudster’s activities in north Africa and shadow life as a Russian agent of influence

Britain threatened to cut off ICC funding over Netanyahu arrest warrant, claims prosecutor

Patrick Wintour Diplomatic editor — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 15:08:49 -0400

Karim Khan makes allegation in court submission while defending move to prosecute Israeli prime minister in 2024

The British government threatened to defund the international criminal court and leave the Rome statute that set it up if it pressed ahead with plans to issue an arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu, the ICC’s prosecutor, has claimed.

Karim Khan made the allegation in a submission to the court defending his decision to prosecute Israel’s prime minister.

Eurovision winner Nemo to return trophy in protest at Israel taking part in 2026

Lisa O’Carroll — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:38:16 -0400

‘Clear conflict’ between Eurovision ideals of ‘inclusion and dignity for all’ and decision to let Israel compete, says 2024 winner

Nemo, the Swiss singer who won the 2024 Eurovision song contest, has said they are handing back their trophy in protest over Israel’s participation in next year’s event.

The 26-year-old, the first non-binary winner of the contest, said on Thursday there was “a clear conflict” between the Eurovision ideals of “unity, inclusion and dignity for all” and the decision to allow Israel to compete.

I used to report from the West Bank. Twenty years after my last visit, I was shocked by how much worse it is today

Ewen MacAskill — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 01:00:57 -0400

Among the many people I met, there was a pervasive feeling of hopelessness and a sense that resistance is slowly becoming a memory

In November, Israeli flags suddenly appeared beside a highway in the Palestinian West Bank. More than 1,000, placed about 30 yards apart on both sides of the road, stretching for roughly 10 miles. They were planted south of Nablus, close to Palestinian villages regularly targeted by extremist Israeli settlers. I saw the flags on my way to visit those villages, the morning after they were put up. Their message echoed the ubiquitous graffiti painted by settlers across the West Bank: “You have no future in Palestine.”

Compared with the 70,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza and more than 1,000 in the West Bank since October 2023, the flags amount to no more than a minor provocation. But they reflect how dominant Israel has become in the West Bank, land recognised under international law as belonging to the Palestinians. During the second intifada, the Palestinian uprising from 2000 to 2005, Israeli settlers would not have risked planting such flags, for fear of coming under fire from Palestinians. Not now.

Fed cuts rates amid growing division

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0400

Three members of US central bank’s board oppose decision in biggest dissent since 2019

Paramount’s Warner Bros bid draws Gulf investors into rare alliance

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:45:49 -0400

Backing from Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar represents latest push into prized international media assets

Why Gulf states are pouring billions into bid for Hollywood’s crown jewels

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:45:49 -0400

Backing from Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar represents latest push into prized international media assets

Why Gulf states are pouring billions into battle for Hollywood’s crown jewels

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:45:49 -0400

Backing from Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar represents latest push into prized international media assets

Iceland becomes fifth country to boycott Eurovison 2026 over Israel

Lisa O’Carroll — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:35:20 -0400

Iceland will join Spain, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Ireland in neither participating in nor broadcasting event

Iceland has become the fifth country to boycott next year’s Eurovision song contest after Israel was given the go-ahead to compete, deepening the crisis facing the competition.

The board of the national broadcaster, RÚV, voted on Wednesday not to participate, meaning Iceland will join Spain, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Ireland in neither participating in nor broadcasting the event, which is scheduled to take place in Vienna.

Iceland becomes fifth country to boycott Eurovision 2026 over Israel

Lisa O’Carroll — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:35:20 -0400

Iceland joins Spain, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Ireland in neither participating in nor broadcasting event

Iceland has become the fifth country to boycott next year’s Eurovision song contest after Israel was given the go-ahead to compete, deepening the crisis facing the competition.

MPs to recall West Midlands police chief to give account for ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans

Vikram Dodd Police and crime correspondent — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:51:39 -0400

Craig Guildford told to provide more evidence and not ‘mislead parliament’ after Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ban from Europa League match

A parliamentary committee has said it expects to recall the chief constable of West Midlands police to explain why his evidence on the reasons behind a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans was wrong.

In a letter to Craig Guildford, the home affairs committee of MPs warned him of the seriousness of misleading parliament and demanded more documents be handed over.

MPs to recall West Midlands police chief over evidence error on Maccabi fans ban

Vikram Dodd Police and crime correspondent — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:51:39 -0400

Craig Guildford told to provide more documents and not ‘mislead parliament’ after fans were banned from Europa Cup game

A parliamentary committee has said it expects to recall the chief constable of West Midlands police to explain why his evidence on the reasons behind a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans was wrong.

In a letter to Craig Guildford, the home affairs committee of MPs warned him of the seriousness of misleading parliament and demanded more documents be handed over.

The clash within civilisations

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:23:09 -0400

The important conflicts today take place inside cultural-religious blocs, not between them

Lebanese PM: Our national reset is working — but we need help

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:11:01 -0400

With international support, the country can avoid a return to clientelism, corruption and impunity

Saudi-UAE tensions rise over Yemen clashes

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 07:00:07 -0400

Advance by UAE-backed separatist group heightens differences between Gulf powers

Eurovision used to be a campy joy – but it has become a cynical way to whitewash war | Arwa Mahdawi

Arwa Mahdawi — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 07:00:05 -0400

The song contest continues with its mission of ‘unity and cultural exchange’ by rolling out the red carpet for Israel, even though at least four countries have pulled out in protest

A new acronym emerged a couple of months into Israel’s bombardment of Gaza: WCNSF. “Wounded child, no surviving family”. That acronym is unique to Gaza, experts like paediatrician Dr Tanya Haj-Hasan with Médecins Sans Frontières have said. Normally it’s rare for doctors to treat a child who has lost their entire family. But there has been nothing “normal” about the genocide in Gaza, where whole bloodlines have been wiped out and there are more child amputees than anywhere else in the world. Nothing normal about scores of doctors coming back from a landscape of rubble with reports of kids being deliberately targeted by Israeli snipers.

Despite a supposed ceasefire being in place, Gaza remains hell on earth. Essential medical supplies are not getting in and Amnesty International has said Israel is still committing genocide. (Israel has denied this, of course, just as it denies everything it is accused of.) But while traumatised orphans are now freezing in makeshift tent camps, there is a little heartwarming news: nothing is going to stop the Eurovision song contest from continuing with its mission of “unity and cultural exchange.” Eurovision will continue to roll out a blood-red carpet for Israel, even though at least four European countries (Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, Slovenia) have now pulled out in protest. Because this is what unity looks like, folks!

French shipping group to step up trips through key Red Sea route

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 01:00:15 -0400

CMA CGM plans more journeys via Suez Canal after Houthis signal halt to attacks

French shipping group to use Suez Canal more as Houthi tensions ease

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 01:00:15 -0400

CMA CGM plans more journeys via Red Sea after rebels signal halt to attacks

CMA CGM to step up Red Sea journeys as Houthi tensions ease

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 01:00:15 -0400

Shipping companies eye shorter routes through Suez after rebels signal halt to attacks

Tufts student can resume research after Trump officials revoked her visa, judge rules

Associated Press — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:14:48 -0400

Rümeysa Öztürk was arrested in March amid White House’s crackdown on foreign students’ pro-Palestinian advocacy

A federal judge has allowed a Tufts University student from Turkey to resume research and teaching while she deals with the consequences of having her visa revoked by the Trump administration, leading to six weeks of detention.

Rümeysa Öztürk, a PhD student studying children’s relationship to social media, was among the first people arrested as the Trump administration began targeting foreign-born students and activists involved in pro-Palestinian advocacy. She had co-authored an op-ed criticizing her university’s response to Israel and the war in Gaza. Immigration enforcement officers took her away in an unmarked vehicle, in an encounter caught on video in March outside her Somerville residence.

More than 9,000 children in Gaza hospitalised for acute malnutrition in October, UN says

Julian Borger in Jerusalem — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:34:29 -0400

Aid agencies say Israel is still restricting their aid shipments despite ceasefire announced two months ago

Malnutrition continues to take a toll among Gaza’s young despite a ceasefire declared two months ago, with more than 9,000 children hospitalised for acute malnutrition in October alone, according to the latest UN figures.

While the immediate threat of famine has receded for most of the 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza after the ceasefire announcement on 10 October, the UN and other aid agencies report continuing Israeli restrictions on their humanitarian aid shipments, which they say fall well below the needs of a population weakened and traumatised by two years of war, homelessness and living in flimsy shelters.

More than 9,000 children in Gaza treated for acute malnutrition in October, UN says

Julian Borger in Jerusalem — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:34:29 -0400

Aid agencies say Israel is still restricting their aid shipments despite ceasefire announced two months ago

Malnutrition continues to take a toll among Gaza’s young despite a ceasefire declared two months ago, with more than 9,000 children treated for acute malnutrition in October alone, according to the latest UN figures.

Iran steps up cloud seeding amid water crisis

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:02:28 -0400

Fresh round of operations begins to inject chemicals into clouds in effort to increase rain as drought worsens

‘We’re living in terror’: fears in southern Syria over Israel’s growing occupation

William Christou and Nader Debo in Quneitra — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 07:36:27 -0400

Residents say incursions and raids have increased since forces first entered country a year ago after fall of Assad

On the day Bashar al-Assad’s regime fell, Abu Ibrahim and his family went to sleep wondering what sort of future awaited them in the morning. They woke in a panic, to the sound of gunfire and tanks.

The bullets announced the arrival of the Israeli military into the remote southern Syrian province of Quneitra on 9 December 2024. In the place of Assad militias who used to patrol the roads, bulky armoured personnel carriers filled with Israeli soldiers rumbled down the potholed streets, stopping to assure residents that they were there for their protection.

How Israel is taking Syrian territory since Assad's fall – video

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 06:11:26 -0400

While all eyes have been on the war in Gaza, Israel’s occupation of southern Syria has been intensifying, and since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, Israeli forces have taken advantage of the country’s instability and launched frequent air strikes, ground incursions, and rejected the long standing disengagement agreement established in 1974. The Guardian's Will Christou travelled to Al Quineitra in southern Syria, to see what Israel's military presence has meant for those living there.

‘Yellow line’ that divides Gaza under Trump plan is ‘new border’ for Israel, says military chief

Emma Graham-Harrison in Jerusalem — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:49:40 -0400

Eyal Zamir said Israel would hold on to current positions, giving it control of more than half of the territory

The “yellow line” that divides Gaza under Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan is a “new border” for Israel, the country’s military chief told soldiers deployed in the territory.

The chief of the general staff, Eyal Zamir, said Israel would hold on to its current military positions. These give Israel control of more than half of Gaza, including most agricultural land and the border crossing with Egypt.

Tony Blair reportedly dropped from Trump’s Gaza ‘board of peace’ shortlist

Peter Beaumont Senior international reporter — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:06:26 -0400

Former UK leader loses out on key role in transitional authority after objections from Arab and Muslim nations

Tony Blair will not occupy a key position on Donald Trump’s Gaza “peace council” after Arab and Muslim nations were reported to have objected to the involvement of the former UK prime minister.

According to the Financial Times (FT), Blair has been quietly dropped from consideration for Trump’s “board of peace”, which Trump has said he would chair himself.

Blair out of running for Gaza ‘board of peace’

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:30:12 -0400

Former UK prime minister dropped from consideration after objections from some Arab and Muslim states

Can Syria’s president turn wave of global goodwill into tangible results at home?

Patrick Wintour — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 10:30:42 -0400

Sanctions, instability and external meddling are still problems for Ahmed al-Sharaa, one year after Assad’s fall

If ubiquity and handshakes were the only measures of success, Ahmed al-Sharaa would be diplomat of the year.

Since he formally became president of Syria on 29 January 2025, the former leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham – a jihadist group with an al-Qaida lineage – has made a total of 21 public international trips to 13 countries. These include a visit to the UN general assembly, the climate change conference in Brazil, and numerous Arab summits.

Israel’s ‘new border line’ in Gaza casts doubt on future of Trump peace plan

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 06:18:59 -0400

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu questions whether mooted international force can disarm Hamas

Israeli surveillance targets US and allies at joint base planning Gaza aid and security, say sources

Emma Graham-Harrison in Jerusalem — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 04:00:47 -0400

Concerns over recording of meetings at coordination centre excluding Palestinians that was set up to provide support for Trump’s Gaza plan

Israeli operatives are conducting widespread surveillance of US forces and allies stationed at a new US base in the country’s south, according to sources briefed on disputes about open and covert recordings of meetings and discussions.

The scale of intelligence gathering at the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) prompted the US commander of the base, Lt Gen Patrick Frank, to summon an Israeli counterpart for a meeting to tell him that “recording has to stop here”.

British-Palestinian artist Rosalind Nashashibi wants to talk about Gaza

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 01:00:05 -0400

This time, the world is listening

Netanyahu says first phase of Gaza ceasefire plan nearly complete – video

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:19:52 -0400

Benjamin Netanyahu has said the first phase of the UN-endorsed Gaza ceasefire plan is close to completion and that the second phase must involve the disarmament of Hamas

First phase of Gaza ceasefire plan nearly complete, says Netanyahu

The Guardian view on Marwan Barghouti: Palestinians need a political future as well as aid and reconstruction | Editorial

Editorial — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 13:30:27 -0400

Pushing for the release of the jailed leader could prove central to the peace that Donald Trump claims to seek in the Middle East

In a sort-of ceasefire, the killings – including of children – have slowed, not stopped. Israeli military operations continue to displace hundreds of families in Gaza. Aid has increased but Israel is still blocking vital supplies. Palestinians desperately require security, humanitarian relief and reconstruction. But they need and expect a political horizon too. Donald Trump’s plans make only the vaguest and most conditional reference to a Palestinian state, and Israelis – as well as their ultra-right government – have entrenched their opposition since the atrocities of 7 October 2023. Yet after two years of annihilation, Palestinian nationhood has won international support that many thought unimaginable.

The political fate of Palestinians is bound to the personal fate of Marwan Barghouti. After more than two decades in an Israeli jail for murder, the charismatic 66-year-old is by far the most popular Palestinian leader, widely regarded as the only figure capable of uniting factions riven by ideology and enmity. Though a member of Fatah, Mr Barghouti has criticised abuses by the Palestinian Authority and has won respect within Hamas ranks. He has led Palestinian prisoners, while the PA’s old guard are seen as self-serving, ineffective, unaccountable and essentially as security contractors for Israel in the West Bank.

Disarming Hamas should not be first task of Gaza stabilisation force, Turkey says

Patrick Wintour in Doha — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 12:13:30 -0400

Ankara’s foreign minister suggests international partners should start by separating Israeli troops from Hamas

The international stabilisation force (ISF) in Gaza should make its priority the separation of Israeli troops and Hamas rather than the disarmament of the Palestinian group, the Turkish foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, has said.

He also suggested that Indonesia and Azerbaijan, two countries that have offered to contribute troops, would prefer that Turkey was a member of the planned UN-backed force, something Israel is seeking to veto.

First phase of Gaza ceasefire plan nearly complete, says Netanyahu

Julian Borger in Tel Aviv — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 10:49:39 -0400

Israeli PM to discuss next steps with Donald Trump this month but timetable for lasting peace remains unclear

Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the first phase of the UN-endorsed Gaza ceasefire plan is close to completion, and that the second phase must involve the disarmament of Hamas.

The Israeli prime minister said he would discuss the next steps later this month in Washington with Donald Trump, whose Gaza proposals were codified in a UN security council resolution on 17 November.

Merz seeks to reset relations with Netanyahu in first visit to Israel

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 08:44:47 -0400

German chancellor makes efforts to mend ties after disagreements with Israel on Gaza conduct

Israel stepping up ‘creeping annexation’ of West Bank, Palestinian PM says

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 01:00:06 -0400

Mohammad Mustafa tells FT that Israel is scuppering efforts to reform the Palestinian Authority and hold elections

Qatar and Egypt urge Israeli withdrawal to secure next step in Gaza peace deal

AFP — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 17:58:59 -0400

Mediators of delicate truce say troop removal and deployment of international force crucial to second phase

Qatar and Egypt, the guarantors of the Gaza ceasefire, called on Saturday for the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the deployment of an international stabilisation force as the necessary next steps in fully implementing the fragile agreement.

The measures were spelt out in the US- and UN-backed peace plan that has largely halted fighting, though the warring parties have yet to agree on how to move forward from the deal’s first phase.

Syria interim president accuses Israel of fighting ‘ghosts’ and exporting crises

Patrick Wintour in Doha — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 13:31:44 -0400

Ahmed al-Sharaa says Israel justifies aggression in the name of security amid airstrikes on southern Syria

Syria’s interim president has accused Israel of fighting “ghosts” and exporting its crises to other countries after the war in Gaza.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s comments come amid persistent airstrikes and incursions by the Israeli military into southern Syria.

Syria’s interim president accuses Israel of fighting ‘ghosts’

Patrick Wintour in Doha — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 12:46:32 -0400

Ahmed al-Sharaa’s comments came amid airstrikes and incursions by Israeli military into southern Syria

Syria’s interim president has accused Israel of fighting “ghosts” and exporting its crises to other countries after the war in Gaza.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s comments come amid persistent airstrikes and incursions by the Israeli military into southern Syria.

Palestine’s ambassador calls for better security after masked men target London embassy

Haroon Siddique Legal affairs correspondent — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 08:00:53 -0400

Husam Zomlot says protest by activists waving Israeli flags and union jacks was ‘flagrant breach of diplomatic law’

The Palestinian ambassador to the UK has called for “comprehensive protection” after his embassy was targeted by masked men waving Israeli flags and union jacks.

Husam Zomlot made the call after the group posed at the entrance to the embassy, in Hammersmith, west London, last Saturday. The building was defaced with stickers such as “I love the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]”, according to images captured by security cameras.

‘Bloodshed was supposed to stop’: no sign of normal life as Gaza’s killing and misery grind on

Seham Tantesh in Gaza, Julian Borger and Emma Graham-Harrison in Jerusalem — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 02:00:48 -0400

The term ceasefire ‘risks creating a dangerous illusion life is returning to normal’ for Palestinians squeezed into the remaining 42% of their land behind Israel’s ‘yellow line’

When Jumaa and Fadi Abu Assi went to look for firewood their parents thought they would be safe. They were just young boys, aged nine and 10 and, after all, a ceasefire had been declared in Gaza.

Their mother, Hala Abu Assi, was making tea in the family’s tent in Khan Younis when she heard an explosion, a missile fired by an Israeli drone. She ran to the scene – but it was too late.

The sorry history of US policy in the Middle East

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 01:00:09 -0400

This administration’s transactionalism marks a departure in America’s approach to Israel, Palestine and the rest of the region

Israel-backed Gaza militia leader killed in armed clash

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 07:50:14 -0400

Yasser Abu Shabab, most prominent of Israeli proxy forces seeking to rival Hamas, dies after dispute with another clan