 "West Asia News Live: US intelligence indicates Iran prepared naval mines for Strait of Hormuz")
 "West Asia News Live: Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize")
Tensions remain high across West Asia this morning, as regional actors respond to escalating conflict and diplomatic strain. Yemen’s Ansarullah leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi has renewed calls for resistance against US and Israeli actions, reinforcing the group’s alignment with the Palestinian cause amid the continuing war in Gaza. His remarks come amid a wave of Israeli airstrikes that have killed at least 33 people in the territory. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly received medical assessments of hostages still held in Gaza as negotiations for a partial release gather momentum. In Iran, the deaths of two Revolutionary Guards members and the disappearance of a French national add to growing tensions, while new revelations about a controversial Gaza redevelopment plan linked to the Tony Blair Institute have sparked international outrage:
West Asia News Live: Netanyahu reportedly receives medical report on all living hostages
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• July 8, 2025, 06:15:05 IST
West Asia News Live: Welcome to our West Asia News Live blog that brings you the latest developments from West Asia. Stay updated on key shifts in regional geopolitics, oil and energy markets, diplomacy, security tensions, economic reforms, civil movements and religious dynamics. Track the evolving roles of regional powers be it Iran or Israel and their responses to various external and internal challenges:
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Tensions remain high across West Asia this morning, as regional actors respond to escalating conflict and diplomatic strain. Yemen’s Ansarullah leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi has renewed calls for resistance against US and Israeli actions, reinforcing the group’s alignment with the Palestinian cause amid the continuing war in Gaza. His remarks come amid a wave of Israeli airstrikes that have killed at least 33 people in the territory. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly received medical assessments of hostages still held in Gaza as negotiations for a partial release gather momentum. In Iran, the deaths of two Revolutionary Guards members and the disappearance of a French national add to growing tensions, while new revelations about a controversial Gaza redevelopment plan linked to the Tony Blair Institute have sparked international outrage:
West Asia: A region gripped by fire and fallout
West Asia News Live: Welcome to our West Asia News Live blog that brings you the latest developments from West Asia. Stay updated on key shifts in regional geopolitics, oil and energy markets, diplomacy, security tensions, economic reforms, civil movements and religious dynamics. Track the evolving roles of regional powers be it Iran or Israel and their responses to various external and internal challenges:
July 8, 2025, 06:15:05 (IST)
Netanyahu meets with Senator Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff in Washington
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held meetings in Washington, D.C. with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer and friend of President Donald Trump, Israel National News said in a report. The source article had inaccurately identified Rubio as the Secretary of State and Witkoff as an official Middle East envoy. These discussions reportedly occurred before a scheduled meeting between Netanyahu and President Trump.
July 8, 2025, 05:00:08 (IST)
Doctors report rising meningitis cases among children in Gaza
An alarming rise in meningitis cases among children is being reported by doctors in Gaza, with a 16-month-old baby among the recently afflicted, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Health officials attribute the outbreak to the catastrophic collapse of the public health and sanitation infrastructure caused by the ongoing conflict. The spread of the infectious disease is exacerbated by the mass displacement of over 1.7 million people into overcrowded shelters, a severe lack of clean water, and the blockade’s restrictions on essential medical supplies, including vaccines and treatments.
July 8, 2025, 04:30:05 (IST)
Far-right minister accuses IDF chief of failing to block aid from reaching Hamas
Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly accused the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of failing to block humanitarian aid from reaching Hamas in Gaza, Haaretz says in a report. The accusation highlights a significant rift within Israel’s government between political hardliners and the military establishment regarding the conduct of the war and the management of the humanitarian situation. Smotrich, who also serves as a minister within the Defense Ministry, has advocated for more stringent measures on aid entering the territory, citing security concerns over its potential diversion by Hamas.
July 8, 2025, 04:15:03 (IST)
Israeli forces demolish Palestinian home in occupied West Bank
Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian home near the city of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The source article notes that the Palestinian woman who owned the home was present and watched as it was destroyed on July 7. The demolition occurred in the vicinity of Ramallah, which serves as the de facto administrative capital for the Palestinian Authority.
July 8, 2025, 04:00:03 (IST)
US removes terrorist designation for Syrian opposition group HTS
The United States has officially removed the Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation for Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist militant group that is a primary opposition force against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, according to a report in Haaretz. The group, which has historical origins as an Al-Qaeda affiliate named Jabhat al-Nusra, controls large parts of Idlib province in northwest Syria. This policy change follows years of efforts by HTS to rebrand itself as a local governing authority and could significantly ease the delivery of international humanitarian aid into the region, which faces a severe, ongoing crisis.
July 8, 2025, 03:31:11 (IST)
Turkish prosecutor launches probe into main opposition leader
A prosecutor in Turkey has launched an investigation into the main opposition leader, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The probe is widely seen as a politically motivated move that aligns with a documented pattern of legal pressure against opponents of President Erdoğan’s government. While the article refers generally to the “main opposition leader,” context suggests the probe likely targets Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu for his actions while he was the leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the joint presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. The action has raised concerns among critics about the erosion of judicial independence and the use of the legal system to suppress political dissent in the country.
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July 8, 2025, 03:31:11 (IST)
Saudi fashion commission concludes modeling and performance course in Riyadh
The Saudi Fashion Commission has concluded a specialized course in Riyadh covering fashion performance and modeling, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The program was organized by the government-backed commission, which operates under the Ministry of Culture, as part of efforts to cultivate talent within the Kingdom’s emerging fashion sector. This initiative aligns with the country’s broader strategy to develop its cultural and entertainment industries.
July 8, 2025, 03:30:05 (IST)
Saudi foreign minister arrives in Brazil for BRICS summit
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister has arrived in Brazil to participate in the BRICS summit, marking the country’s continued engagement with the economic and political bloc, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The visit underscores Saudi Arabia’s active role as a member of the group, which it officially joined on January 1, 2024, and aligns with its broader foreign policy of diversifying international partnerships.
July 8, 2025, 03:30:05 (IST)
Several people killed in Israeli strike on Gaza clinic shelter
An Israeli military strike on a clinic shelter in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of several people, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The report notes that children’s toys were visible among the rubble at the site of the strike, which occurred amidst the ongoing conflict in the region.
July 8, 2025, 02:15:04 (IST)
Iranian president claims Israel attempted to assassinate him
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed in an interview that Israel attempted to assassinate him by bombarding an area where he was holding a meeting, according to a report in The Guardian. In one of his first interviews with Western media, Pezeshkian told US media personality Tucker Carlson that the attempt failed. The article notes that the interview was released on July 7, following the direct military exchanges between Israel and Iran last month, and that Pezeshkian did not specify when the alleged assassination attempt occurred.
July 8, 2025, 02:15:04 (IST)
Israeli coalition halts all legislation after Haredi party protest over conscription bill
Israel’s governing coalition has reportedly halted all legislative work after the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party announced it would no longer vote with the government, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The party’s protest stems from a dispute over a military conscription bill, with UTJ demanding to see an updated draft that maintains exemptions for Haredi yeshiva students. This move effectively freezes the coalition’s ability to pass laws and highlights the deep divisions within the government over the long-standing and contentious issue of Haredi military service.
July 8, 2025, 01:45:07 (IST)
US to remove Syria's HTS from foreign terror group list
The United States is set to remove the Islamist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its list of foreign terrorist organizations, BBC says in a report. The policy shift follows a rebel offensive led by HTS that resulted in the fall of Syria’s Assad regime in December 2024. HTS, which was formerly an affiliate of Al-Qaeda known as Jabhat al-Nusra, has since claimed to have disavowed international ties and shifted its focus to local governance within Syria. Removing the designation would lift sanctions and could pave the way for international engagement and humanitarian aid, effectively acknowledging the group as the de facto authority in the region.
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July 8, 2025, 01:45:07 (IST)
Former US hostage urges President Trump to broker new Gaza deal
Former American hostage Keith Siegel has publicly urged US President Donald Trump to secure a new deal for the release of remaining captives in Gaza, according to a report in BBC. Siegel, who was held by Hamas for 255 days after being captured during the October 2023 attacks, called on the president to apply pressure on both Israel and Hamas to reach a new ceasefire agreement. His appeal comes as negotiations for a comprehensive deal remain stalled and highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis with approximately 120 hostages still held in the territory.
July 8, 2025, 01:30:05 (IST)
US allocates hundreds of millions in military aid for Israeli base construction, documents show
Newly revealed documents show the U.S. is allocating hundreds of millions of dollars for the construction of Israeli military bases, utilizing its Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, according to a report in Haaretz. This funding is part of a long-standing $38 billion, 10-year aid agreement and leverages provisions that allow Israel to convert a portion of the aid into its own currency for domestic defense spending, including infrastructure projects. The allocation, which comes amid heightened regional tensions, highlights the use of U.S. taxpayer funds for bolstering an ally’s long-term military infrastructure and operational capabilities.
July 8, 2025, 00:15:12 (IST)
Israeli home demolitions in West Bank at highest rate since 1967
Israeli forces are conducting home demolitions in the occupied West Bank at the highest rate since 1967, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The demolitions are reportedly concentrated in Area C of the West Bank, which is under full Israeli civil and security control. While Israel often cites a lack of building permits for the demolitions, international bodies and human rights groups have condemned the actions as violations of international law that contribute to the displacement of Palestinians. The increased rate of demolitions is occurring amid heightened tensions and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the territory.
July 7, 2025, 23:45:05 (IST)
US-backed group proposes humanitarian transit areas for Palestinians
A U.S.-backed entity, identified as GHF, has put forward a proposal to establish ‘Humanitarian Transit Areas’ for Palestinians, according to a report in Haaretz. The stated objective of these proposed zones is to facilitate a ‘deradicalization’ process. This initiative emerges from the context of the ongoing conflict and discussions regarding post-war planning for Gaza, and is noted as having support from the United States.
July 7, 2025, 23:00:03 (IST)
Israeli army chief denies forced displacement of Gazans following soldiers' petition
The Israeli Army Chief has officially denied any intention to forcibly displace the population of Gaza, as per a report in Haaretz. This statement was issued in response to a petition circulated by a group of soldiers who raised concerns about the nature of military operations in the Gaza Strip and their potential humanitarian consequences for the civilian population.
July 7, 2025, 22:45:05 (IST)
Lufthansa to resume flights to Israel's Ben-Gurion Airport
German airline Lufthansa has announced it will resume flights to Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport, as per a report in Haaretz. The move follows a suspension of services by many international carriers, which was prompted by security concerns following the October 7th attacks. Lufthansa is among several airlines now re-establishing routes to Israel, signaling a revised security assessment for commercial aviation in the region.
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July 7, 2025, 22:15:03 (IST)
Israeli defense minister reveals details of past strikes on Iran
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has revealed new details concerning past military strikes on Iran, including information on the preparations and coordination involved, Israel National News says in a report. Katz disclosed that the actions were part of an operation codenamed “Hila,” which was accompanied by a related mission called “Operation Tornado.” The minister also confirmed that the planning and execution of the strikes involved coordination with the United States.
July 7, 2025, 21:47:15 (IST)
Trial begins for 32 defendants in fatal Türkiye hotel fire case
A trial involving 32 defendants has commenced in Türkiye over a fatal hotel fire, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The legal proceedings concern the deadly blaze and aim to establish accountability for the incident.
July 7, 2025, 21:47:15 (IST)
Saudi Arabia participates in UN trade law session in Vienna to support economic goals
Saudi Arabia is taking part in the annual session of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) being held in Vienna, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The participation is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to align its commercial legal systems with international standards. This move is intended to support the economic diversification goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by creating a more predictable and transparent legal environment, thereby boosting investor confidence and attracting foreign direct investment.
July 7, 2025, 21:46:10 (IST)
Bank of Israel holds interest rates steady amid persistent inflation
The Bank of Israel has decided to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged, a move aimed at balancing the need to curb inflation, which is still tracking just above the central bank’s target range, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This decision reflects the delicate economic environment in Israel, where policymakers are attempting to maintain stability without stifling economic activity that is already under significant strain from the ongoing war. Increased defense spending and disruptions to the labor market are key factors influencing the economic landscape, making the central bank’s task of managing inflation while supporting growth particularly challenging.
July 7, 2025, 21:45:04 (IST)
IDF reservist alleges aggressive fire rules lead to civilian deaths in Gaza
An IDF reservist from the 252nd Division has alleged that troops are killing civilians in Gaza due to aggressive fire rules, according to a report in The Times of Israel. In an interview with Sky News, the soldier described a policy where deadly fire is directed at anyone who enters designated no-go zones, even when the individuals do not appear to be a threat. The reservist also characterized the attitude among some troops towards these actions as “callous.”
July 7, 2025, 21:16:18 (IST)
Saudi and Kuwaiti AI associations partner to advance regional governance
Artificial intelligence associations from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have announced a partnership to collaborate on advancing AI governance in the region, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The cooperation is focused on developing shared policies, standards, and ethical guidelines for the technology’s use. This initiative aligns with broader regional goals for digital transformation and efforts to build knowledge-based economies, particularly supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy for technological advancement.
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July 7, 2025, 21:16:18 (IST)
Man killed during Israeli military operation in the West Bank
Israeli forces killed a Palestinian man, described as a key arms and drug dealer, during an operation in the northern West Bank village of Salem, Israel National News said in a report. The joint mission was carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) with the stated objective of apprehending the individual, who was allegedly a central figure in regional weapons and drug trafficking.
July 7, 2025, 21:15:09 (IST)
Israeli attorney general petitions High Court to block government's attempt to fire her
Israel’s Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, has petitioned the High Court of Justice to freeze the government’s efforts to dismiss her, labeling the move “fundamentally illegal,” according to a report in Haaretz. The petition seeks an injunction against the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, escalating the conflict between the AG’s office and the ruling coalition. This confrontation is rooted in the government’s controversial judicial overhaul plan, which Baharav-Miara has opposed, and occurs amidst Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial, which is being prosecuted by the AG’s office. The filing directly challenges the executive branch’s authority and places the High Court in a pivotal position to rule on the separation of powers in Israel.
July 7, 2025, 21:01:11 (IST)
Gaza border towns to petition high court after government cancels return grant
Leaders of Israeli towns on the Gaza border are threatening to petition the High Court of Justice after the government canceled a financial grant intended to help displaced residents return home, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post. The grant was aimed at residents of the communities most severely affected by the October 7 attacks. Lawyers representing the town heads have stated that a petition will be filed if the government’s decision is not repealed, a move local leaders have reportedly labeled a “counterproductive incentive” for recovery and resettlement.
July 7, 2025, 21:00:09 (IST)
Israeli minister bans anti-Zionist rabbi after meeting with Iranian official
Israeli Interior and Health Minister Moshe Arbel has banned a rabbi from the anti-Zionist Neturei Karta group from entering Israel after the rabbi met with senior Iranian diplomat Sayyed Abbas Araghchi, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post. In a statement, Arbel declared that cooperation with Iran crossed a “red line” and that he would not permit anyone who acts against the State of Israel to enter the country. Neturei Karta is a fringe, ultra-Orthodox group that is theologically opposed to the existence of the State of Israel.
July 7, 2025, 21:00:09 (IST)
Israeli government agrees to help compensate travelers and airlines for Iran conflict disruptions
The Israeli government has acknowledged its responsibility to help cover the financial costs incurred by both travelers and airlines following the closure of Israeli airspace during a direct military exchange with Iran, the Times of Israel said in a report. The head of the Knesset’s Economic Affairs Committee has demanded that the government present a formal compensation plan within 10 days. This initiative aims to provide financial relief to passengers who were stranded and to ensure that airline companies do not have to absorb the entire financial burden resulting from the disruptions, which were caused by Iran’s direct missile and drone attack in April 2024.
July 7, 2025, 21:00:09 (IST)
Israeli health professionals launch initiative calling for immediate release of all hostages
A new Israeli initiative named ‘Bo’u’, led by health professionals, is calling for the full and immediate release of all hostages, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post. The civil society group’s stated mission is to secure the rescue of captives taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks and to help “preserve Israeli society.” The initiative’s public advocacy focuses on the immediate and unconditional return of all individuals held hostage.
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July 7, 2025, 20:45:07 (IST)
IDF says it killed Hamas commander in Gaza cafe strike that killed dozens of civilians
The Israeli military has stated it killed a Hamas commander in an airstrike on a cafe in Gaza on Monday, an attack which also resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians, according to a report in BBC News. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified the target as a Hamas commander as part of its ongoing military operations. The strike’s location in a public cafe led to significant civilian casualties, with family members of the victims expressing shock at the scale of the loss.
July 7, 2025, 20:30:06 (IST)
Hamas security officer says group has lost control over most of Gaza
A security officer from Hamas has stated that the group no longer controls most of the Gaza Strip, as devastating Israeli strikes have dismantled its leadership and organizational structure, according to a report in BBC. The officer indicated that this has created a power vacuum, which is now being filled by various armed clans asserting their influence in the region.
July 7, 2025, 20:30:06 (IST)
Methane gas kills 12 Turkish soldiers in northern Iraq operation
Twelve Turkish soldiers have died from methane gas poisoning during an operation in a cave in northern Iraq, according to a report in BBC. The soldiers were reportedly on a mission to retrieve the body of a fellow soldier who had been killed in the same region during a 2022 incident. This event occurred within the context of Turkey’s ongoing cross-border military operations in the area.
July 7, 2025, 20:18:27 (IST)
New report details 'widespread and systematic' sexual violence by Hamas on October 7
A new report has documented ‘widespread and systematic’ sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas during its attacks on Israel on October 7, according to a report in Haaretz. The findings detail the use of sexual assault as a weapon of war during the multi-pronged assault on Israeli communities, military bases, and a music festival. This report adds to a growing body of evidence and international calls for accountability regarding the atrocities committed by Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by several nations.
July 7, 2025, 20:17:21 (IST)
Liberman accuses Israeli government of blocking hostage deal for political preservation
Israeli politician Avigdor Liberman accused the government of blocking a comprehensive hostage release deal to ensure its own political survival, according to a report in Israel National News. The Yisrael Beiteinu party leader stated that soldiers were falling on the ‘altar of coalition’s preservation,’ implying that the lives of soldiers and the fate of hostages were being sacrificed to maintain the current government’s stability. The remarks have reportedly drawn sharp criticism from some bereaved families and leaders across the political spectrum.
July 7, 2025, 20:17:20 (IST)
Israel's top court extends deadline for Netanyahu and AG on Shin Bet chief appointment deal
Israel’s Supreme Court has granted an extension to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Attorney General to respond to a petition regarding an appointment deal for the next chief of the Shin Bet security agency, according to a report in Haaretz. The petition challenges the proposed arrangement for selecting the head of Israel’s internal security service, and the court’s decision gives the state additional time to formalize its response to the legal challenge.
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July 7, 2025, 20:16:15 (IST)
Hebron residents reject local sheikh's proposal to recognize Israel
A proposal by a local sheikh in the West Bank city of Hebron to recognize Israel has been met with widespread rejection from Palestinian residents, according to a report in Haaretz. The community has publicly stated that the sheikh’s initiative does not represent their views or the collective Palestinian position. This event highlights the significant local opposition to individual or sub-national agreements with Israel, underscoring the deep-seated view that such matters must be handled by a unified national leadership.
July 7, 2025, 20:15:05 (IST)
Israeli security services arrest citizen for allegedly spying for Iran
Israel’s Shin Bet security service has arrested a 27-year-old resident of Tel Aviv on suspicion of collaborating with Iranian intelligence, Israel National News said in a report. The individual was allegedly tasked with carrying out sensitive missions, which included photographing the homes of public officials and military bases inside Israel. This arrest is presented as the foiling of a significant Iranian intelligence operation aimed at gathering information and undermining Israeli security from within.
July 7, 2025, 20:04:33 (IST)
US pressure accelerates cease-fire talks but critical issues remain unresolved
Recent diplomatic pressure from the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump has reportedly expedited cease-fire negotiations related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Haaretz says in a report. Despite the accelerated pace of the talks, which are aimed at securing a cessation of hostilities and the release of hostages, critical issues remain unresolved. These sticking points, which have hindered previous attempts at a truce, include the duration of the cease-fire, the scope of any Israeli troop withdrawal, and the terms of a potential hostage-for-prisoner exchange.
July 7, 2025, 20:03:28 (IST)
Judge proposes mediation for 5 Israeli soldiers accused of abusing Gazan detainee
A judge has proposed that five Israeli soldiers accused of abusing a Palestinian detainee from Gaza at the Sde Teiman detention facility enter into a mediation process, according to a report in Haaretz. This judicial suggestion offers an alternative to a full criminal trial for the soldiers. The Sde Teiman military facility, located in the Negev desert, has been used to hold a large number of Palestinian detainees from Gaza during the current conflict.
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