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Middle East

Middle East
Middle East
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Middle East. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Photo: AFP
United Nations

UN chief Guterres calls on world leaders to ‘get serious’ in New Year message

‘Choose people and planet over pain,’ said Guterres, criticising the global imbalance between military spending and aid for poor countries.

Australia

Bondi Beach attack hero wanted to protect ‘innocent people’

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Banking & finance

OCBC, Bangkok Bank, First Abu Dhabi join US$14 billion offshore yuan scheme

Israel-Gaza war

Trump and Netanyahu to discuss next phase of Gaza plan during US visit

Israel’s prime minister is making his fifth visit to see Trump in the United States this year.

A displaced Palestinian looks at a rainbow in Gaza on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Syria

Sectarian tensions flare and turn deadly in Syria after mosque bombing

Clashes erupt between protesters from the Alawite religious minority and counterdemonstrators after a mosque attack in Homs.

Iran

Iran launches 3 satellites into space from Russia

Iran’s space programme and related entities have been targeted by US sanctions, but Iran insists the satellites are intended for ‘observation’.

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China-Middle East relations

Why Saudi Arabia might not fulfil its US spending pledge, and the China factor

Analysts say Riyadh’s investment target of nearly US$1 trillion may not be feasible – and it’s more about optics than a binding commitment.

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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets US President Donald Trump in Washington on November 18. They announced that Riyadh had pledged investments of nearly US$1 trillion in the US. Photo: TNS
Israel-Gaza war

Israel seals off Palestinian village in West Bank after deadly attack

The army imposed a lockdown on Qabatiya after a local resident killed a 68-year-old man and an 18-year-old girl in northern Israel on Friday.

Italy

Italy arrests 9 suspected of funding Hamas via charities

Among those arrested was the president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, who reportedly funnelled funds to Hamas’ military wing.

Israel

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland enrages Somalia, African Union

Several other countries also condemned Israel’s decision and Trump stated his opposition to US recognition of the breakaway state.

A man holds a flag of Somaliland in front of the Hargeisa War Memorial monument in Hargeisa. Somaliland’s president on Friday welcomed Israel’s announcement that it was recognising its statehood. Photo: AFP
War and conflict

Blast in Syria kills 8 at mosque targeting Alawite minority in Homs

Authorities investigate explosive devices planted during Friday prayers, heightening sectarian tensions and fears among minorities.

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The aftermath of the explosion inside Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs. Photo: SANA/AFP
India

Indian rice could become costlier for US amid Trump’s tariff threat

Experts warn of wider repercussions, including efforts by importers to divert shipments and renewed strain in US-India trade talks.

Israel

Israel’s rising air defence sales become its ‘most potent’ foreign policy weapon

With more countries increasingly turning to Israel for their air defence systems, they cannot afford to isolate the Middle East power.

Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese SUV maker Jetour pushes localised offerings to hasten go-global drive

Jetour is already present in more than 100 countries and regions after seven years in operation.

Jetour International president Ke Chuandeng speaks at a fan gathering in Abu Dhabi on December 20,2025. Photo: Handout
Israel-Gaza war

Bethlehem celebrates first festive Christmas since Gaza war

After two years of cancelled festivities, the ‘City of the Nativity’ revives its iconic parades and tree lighting as a fragile truce holds in Gaza.

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People celebrate in Manger Square in Bethlehem, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on December 24. Photo: AFP
India

India’s gem exports defy US tariffs as Asia, Middle East demand grows

Shipments rose 19.64 per cent year on year to US$2.51 billion in November, reflecting a successful diversification push, analysts say.

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Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong customs arrests 5 in suspected HK$8.9 billion ‘phantom trading’ racket

Suspects laundered crime proceeds over four-year period in first ‘phantom trading’ fraud involving fake shipping websites uncovered by authorities.

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Benjamin Netanyahu

Iran and Gaza plan to top agenda for Netanyahu-Trump meeting

The Israeli prime minister is set to visit Washington to discuss the next phase of Trump’s Gaza plan with his key US ally.

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem in October. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong world’s No 1 IPO venue as fundraising crosses US$35 billion: HKEX

Four companies that raised funds in Hong Kong, including CATL, featured in the world’s top 10 IPOs this year.

Australia

Australian PM Albanese booed as Bondi Beach attack victims honoured

Tens of thousands attended Sunday’s memorial. The Sydney event was heavily guarded by police, including snipers on rooftops and police boats.

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Israel

Jews worldwide urged to ‘come home’ to Israel after Bondi massacre

Gideon Saar says ‘Jews are being hunted across the world’ following the December 14 Isis-inspired shooting at a Hanukkah event in Australia.

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A person with Israel’s flag and other people attend a ceremony to mark the National Day of Reflection for victims and survivors, at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday. Photo: AP
France

Macron announces new aircraft carrier for France

Replacing the Charles de Gaulle by 2038, the nuclear-powered vessel will be far larger than the current flagship.

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A Rafale fighter aircraft takes off from the French aircraft carrier Charles-de-Gaulle in the eastern Mediterranean Sea in 2015. Photo: AFP
India

Why India to Europe trade corridor is stalling even as talks continue

A key hurdle hampering the progress of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor is the lingering uncertainty over Gaza.

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Israel-Gaza war

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices in Bethlehem as peace returns to Gaza

Palestinians are flocking again to Manger Square, bringing much-needed revenue to the city after two years of fighting.

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Israel-Iran conflict

Man executed in Iran for spying for Israel tortured to confess: rights group

The 27-year-old, arrested while taking pictures of a military headquarters, was accused of executing over 200 similar assignments for Mossad.

Israeli air defence systems intercept Iranian missiles over the Israeli city of Tel Aviv early on June 18. Photo: AFP
Syria

US strikes at Isis fighters in Syria after 3 Americans killed

At least five Isis members were killed in a ‘large-scale’ strike hitting 70 Isis targets across central Syria.

US President Donald Trump salutes as a US Army carry team moves a flagged-draped transfer case containing the remains of Ayad Mansoor Sakat, a US civilian working as an interpreter, at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

Rubio swaps hawk for diplomat in year-end pivot on China

Top US envoy eschews ‘pacing threat’ label, stressing cooperation and Western hemisphere priorities for 2026.

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Israel-Gaza war

UN declares Gaza famine over, but ‘situation remains critical’

Meanwhile, Oxfam says hunger in Gaza remains ‘appalling and preventable’, accusing Israel of blocking aid from humanitarian agencies.

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