West Asia News Live: Hamas claims agreement to release 10 hostages amid ceasefire talks
FP Alpha
• July 11, 2025, 06:00:09 IST
West Asia News Live: Welcome to the news world from West Asia, your live source for real-time updates and analysis from one of the world’s most strategically vital regions. From shifting alliances and diplomatic breakthroughs to economic reforms and civil movements, we bring you the stories shaping West Asia today. Follow the latest on regional powers like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel as they tackle complex internal dynamics, energy strategies, security developments and global negotiations. Stay informed on what’s unfolding and what it means for the world
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Good morning, and welcome to today’s live coverage of key developments from West Asia. We begin with a major diplomatic rupture as the United States sanctions UN human rights expert Francesca Albanese over her criticism of Israel. Tensions remain high across the region, from shifting ceasefire negotiations in Gaza to rising crime in Israel's Arab communities. Meanwhile, Qatar’s sports diplomacy surges with PSG's Club World Cup triumph. Stay tuned as we track these evolving stories and more:
West Asia: What today reveals about regional dynamics
West Asia News Live: Welcome to the news world from West Asia, your live source for real-time updates and analysis from one of the world’s most strategically vital regions. From shifting alliances and diplomatic breakthroughs to economic reforms and civil movements, we bring you the stories shaping West Asia today. Follow the latest on regional powers like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel as they tackle complex internal dynamics, energy strategies, security developments and global negotiations. Stay informed on what’s unfolding and what it means for the world
July 11, 2025, 06:00:09 (IST)
IDF officials say planning for Gaza humanitarian city stalled by potential deal
Israel Defense Forces officials have stated they are unable to proceed with planning for a ‘humanitarian city’ in Gaza due to uncertainty surrounding an impending ceasefire and hostage release deal, according to a report in Haaretz. The proposed city is intended to provide temporary shelter and services for displaced Palestinians, but the lack of a clear political directive and the unknown terms of a potential agreement with Hamas have stalled any concrete preparations. This inability to plan by the IDF, which coordinates civilian affairs, underscores the broader strategic uncertainty regarding post-conflict arrangements and governance for the Gaza Strip.
July 11, 2025, 05:30:07 (IST)
Knesset suspends left-wing member over genocide accusation against military
Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has suspended a left-wing Member of Knesset (MK) who accused soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of committing genocide during military operations in Gaza, as per a report in Haaretz. The disciplinary action comes amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and heightened political sensitivities surrounding criticism of the military. The term ‘genocide’ has been a focal point of international debate, including an ongoing case at the International Court of Justice, making such accusations from an elected official particularly contentious within Israel. The suspension reflects a firm governmental stance against rhetoric deemed to undermine the military’s legitimacy during wartime.
July 11, 2025, 05:30:07 (IST)
Trump administration threatens Harvard's status over Israel and subpoenas immigration records
The Trump administration is threatening to review Harvard University’s federal funding status and has subpoenaed immigration records over the institution’s handling of issues concerning Israel, as per a report in Haaretz. The action is reportedly linked to combating alleged antisemitism on campus, utilizing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in programs receiving federal assistance. The threat carries significant weight as Harvard receives substantial federal funding, which the administration can leverage as a means of enforcement.
July 11, 2025, 05:00:05 (IST)
Palestinian student activist files $20 million lawsuit against Donald Trump over wrongful detention
Palestinian student activist Mahmoud Khalil has filed a $20 million lawsuit against US President Donald Trump over actions taken during his first presidential term, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The claim alleges that Khalil was subjected to wrongful detention and that the Trump administration unlawfully smeared his name. The legal action centres on accusations of unlawful imprisonment and reputational harm, connecting the alleged actions to his status as a Palestinian activist.
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July 11, 2025, 04:45:05 (IST)
German report alleges Netanyahu tried to oust Merkel aide over submarine deal
A new German report alleges that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to oust a senior aide to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel amid a disagreement concerning a high-profile submarine deal, Haaretz said in a report. The alleged pressure from Netanyahu was reportedly linked to the procurement of Dolphin-class submarines from Germany, a deal that is part of a wider corruption investigation in Israel known as “Case 3000” or the “Submarine Affair.” While several of Netanyahu’s associates have been implicated in that case, he has not been directly charged in the matter. The report highlights diplomatic tensions surrounding the sensitive defense cooperation between the two nations during Merkel’s tenure.
July 11, 2025, 04:45:05 (IST)
Yad Vashem condemns journalist's comparison of Gaza plan to concentration camp
Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, has publicly condemned an Israeli journalist for comparing the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) plan in Gaza to a concentration camp, according to a report in Haaretz. The institution described the comparison as an “inappropriate distortion of the Holocaust.” This condemnation occurs amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and highlights the significant internal debate in Israel regarding the boundaries of criticism against state policy, particularly when invoking analogies related to the Holocaust.
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July 11, 2025, 04:30:09 (IST)
Israeli court extends detention of Palestinian news agency's editor-in-chief in West Bank
An Israeli military court has extended the detention of Nasser Laham, the editor-in-chief of the Palestinian news agency Ma’an, Haaretz said in a report. Laham was arrested by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the West Bank on Monday. The arrest was reportedly for alleged involvement with a proscribed organization.
July 11, 2025, 04:00:03 (IST)
West Asian economic and geopolitical factors linked to rising UK holiday costs
A report on the soaring cost of package holidays for UK travellers highlights the indirect impact of economic and geopolitical factors in West Asia, BBC says in a report. The rising prices are partly attributed to elevated global energy costs, which are significantly influenced by the policies and stability of major oil-producing nations in the region. These increased travel expenses pose a challenge to West Asian countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which are investing heavily in tourism to diversify their economies. Furthermore, regional security issues, such as disruptions in the Red Sea, can also affect flight routes and insurance premiums, adding to the overall cost for consumers.
July 11, 2025, 03:45:03 (IST)
Trump threatens tariffs on nations aligning with expanded BRICS bloc
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs on nations that align with the BRICS economic bloc, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The warning follows the expansion of BRICS, which in early 2024 formally added new members including the West Asian nations of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran. The threat is viewed in the context of ongoing discussions within the bloc about reducing reliance on the US dollar and challenging the current US-led global financial system.
July 11, 2025, 03:15:09 (IST)
Over 120 Israeli politicians oppose removal of Arab MK
More than 120 current and former Israeli politicians have voiced opposition to a proposed move to remove an Arab Member of Knesset (MK) from office, according to a report in Haaretz. The opposition, which includes figures from centrist, left-wing, and some moderate right-wing parties, views the attempt as a threat to democratic principles and minority rights. This development occurs amid heightened political polarization in Israel and ongoing debates over judicial reforms, with critics framing the disqualification effort as a politically motivated move to silence dissenting voices within the parliament.
July 11, 2025, 03:15:09 (IST)
Netanyahu attends memorial for slain Israeli embassy staff in Washington
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended a memorial service at the Israeli embassy in Washington for slain embassy staffers, Haaretz said in a report. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, family members of the deceased were also present at the service.
July 11, 2025, 02:45:05 (IST)
Mourners call for revenge at funeral of Israeli soldier killed in Gaza
Mourners at the funeral for an Israeli reservist killed in the Gaza Strip have called for revenge against Palestinians, according to a report in Haaretz. Master Sergeant (res.) Abraham Azulay was reportedly killed on Wednesday after militants attempted to abduct him in the Gaza Strip. The calls for retribution occurred during the funeral service for the fallen soldier.
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July 11, 2025, 02:30:06 (IST)
UK faces rising and unpredictable threat from Iran, parliamentary report warns
The UK faces a rising and unpredictable threat from Iran, a wide-ranging report by a parliamentary intelligence committee has warned, as per a report in BBC. The report sets out the various risks Iran poses to British security, which are influenced by ongoing developments such as its nuclear programme, increased attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, and Iran’s use of cyberattacks and detention of dual nationals. The findings have intensified discussions within the UK regarding its strategy towards Tehran, including the potential proscription of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.
July 11, 2025, 02:15:07 (IST)
Israeli strikes kill 82 in Gaza as EU announces new aid deal
Recent Israeli attacks in Gaza have resulted in 82 fatalities amid ongoing large-scale displacement and stalled ceasefire negotiations, as per a report in Al Jazeera. In response to the severe humanitarian situation marked by aid restrictions, the European Union has struck a new deal with Israel. The agreement is intended to allow desperately needed supplies of food and fuel to enter the besieged territory, where the conflict and violence continue alongside diplomatic efforts to secure a truce.
July 11, 2025, 02:15:07 (IST)
Family speaks to man trapped in burning Gaza rubble but cannot save him
A Palestinian man trapped under the rubble of a burning building in Gaza spoke by phone to his cousin, pleading for help that ultimately could not be provided, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The man’s family and local emergency responders were unable to reach him, and he subsequently died. Rescue efforts were reportedly not possible due to the severely hampered capabilities of civil defense services in the area.
July 11, 2025, 01:46:10 (IST)
UN delivers first fuel to Gaza in 130 days but warns it is insufficient
The United Nations announced it has completed the first delivery of fuel into Gaza in 130 days, a period corresponding with severe restrictions imposed since the conflict intensified in late 2023, according to a report in Al Jazeera. However, the UN warned that the shipment’s quantity was critically insufficient, not even meeting the needs for a single day. This lack of fuel has crippled essential services across the territory, including hospitals, water sanitation facilities, and bakeries, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
July 11, 2025, 01:46:10 (IST)
US teachers' union votes to sever ties with ADL over Israel stance and approach to antisemitism
A major U.S. teachers’ union has voted to sever its formal relationship with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), according to a report in Haaretz. The decision was reportedly driven by disagreements with the ADL’s positions regarding Israel and its approach to defining and addressing antisemitism. This move involves ceasing formal partnerships and joint programs between the two organizations and reflects ongoing debates within progressive groups concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the definition of antisemitism.
July 11, 2025, 01:45:05 (IST)
US sanctions UN expert on Palestinian territories over ICC action against Israel
The United States has imposed sanctions on the United Nations expert for the Palestinian territories in response to the International Criminal Court prosecutor’s move to seek arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, according to a report in Haaretz. The action follows ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan’s application for warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The U.S., which is not a party to the Rome Statute that established the court, has consistently rejected the ICC’s jurisdiction over non-member states like Israel. This move echoes a past action by the Trump administration, which had previously sanctioned ICC officials over a separate investigation.
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July 11, 2025, 01:45:05 (IST)
Yemen's Houthis sink ship in Red Sea, killing four and capturing six
Yemen’s Houthi forces have reportedly sunk a ship in the Red Sea, an attack that resulted in four deaths and the capture of six crew members, according to a report in Haaretz. This event marks a significant escalation in the Houthi campaign against international shipping, which has been ongoing since October 2023. The group has conducted numerous drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, actions they claim are in solidarity with Palestinians. The sinking of a vessel with multiple casualties represents a new level of lethality in their operations, occurring despite an international naval presence led by the US and UK aimed at securing the vital trade route.
July 11, 2025, 01:00:04 (IST)
Assassination in Kyiv and drone attacks highlight Iran's role in Ukraine war
A Ukrainian intelligence officer was assassinated in Kyiv amid ongoing drone attacks that reportedly use technology from Iran, highlighting the West Asian nation’s military support for Russia, Al Jazeera says in a report. The killing of the security official in the capital suggests an escalation in covert operations within the conflict. The persistent drone attacks are widely reported to involve Iranian-made Shahed drones, underscoring a significant strategic military partnership between Tehran and Moscow which carries major geopolitical implications for West Asia and international relations.
July 11, 2025, 01:00:03 (IST)
US imposes travel ban on UN rapporteur over Israel criticism
The United States has sanctioned UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese with a travel ban, preventing her from entering the country, Al Jazeera said in a report. This action is a response to Albanese’s work, which includes a recent report to the UN Human Rights Council asserting there are “reasonable grounds to believe” Israel is committing acts of genocide in Gaza. Albanese stated that the US measure is retaliation for her efforts to investigate human rights violations and promote accountability regarding the conflict.
July 10, 2025, 23:45:08 (IST)
Potential US aid cuts threaten HIV/AIDS progress in West Asia, UN warns
A new United Nations 2025 Global AIDS Update warns that potential cuts in US foreign aid could lead to millions more HIV/AIDS deaths by 2029 and reverse significant progress made in combating the disease, as per a report in Al Jazeera. While the report is global, the implications are severe for West Asia, where ongoing conflicts in countries like Syria and Yemen have already strained healthcare systems and displaced populations. Experts highlighted that aid reductions would disproportionately impact these vulnerable groups, exacerbating humanitarian crises and threatening prevention and treatment programs in a region with fragile health infrastructure.
July 10, 2025, 23:45:08 (IST)
Israeli government proposes bill to give political control over appointments of security chiefs and attorney general
The Israeli government has proposed a new bill that would grant it political control over the appointment process for the nation’s security chiefs and the Attorney General, according to a report in Haaretz. The proposed legislation would give the government direct power over selecting the heads of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the police, and the Shin Bet security agency, in addition to the AG. This initiative is part of the government’s broader judicial reform agenda aimed at strengthening political influence over state institutions. In Israel, the Attorney General functions as the chief legal advisor to the government and head of state prosecution, traditionally serving as an independent check on executive authority.
July 10, 2025, 23:01:18 (IST)
UK parliamentary report warns of rising Iranian plots against Jews and Israelis in Britain
A UK parliamentary report has revealed a significant increase in plots by Iran targeting Jewish and Israeli individuals, as well as dissidents, on British soil, according to a report in Israel National News. The report documents a sharp rise in such threats and has prompted calls from Members of Parliament for urgent government action to counter Iran’s activities. The targets of these alleged plots specifically include Jewish communities, Israeli citizens, and Iranian opposition figures residing in the United Kingdom.
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July 10, 2025, 23:01:18 (IST)
US sanctions UN expert over criticism of Israel
The administration of US President Donald Trump has sanctioned United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The sanctions were reportedly imposed in response to Albanese’s reports and statements critical of Israel’s conduct during the war in Gaza. Albanese’s mandate is to investigate and report on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.
July 10, 2025, 23:01:18 (IST)
Iran's drone supply to Russia prompts new sanctions and West Asian security fears
The use of Iranian-designed Shahed-136 ‘kamikaze’ drones by Russia in Ukraine has drawn direct consequences for Tehran, a key West Asian actor, according to a report in BBC News. In response to the drone transfers, Western nations, including the US and EU, have imposed additional sanctions on Iranian individuals and entities involved in the drone program. The battlefield effectiveness of these drones has also amplified security concerns among regional rivals like Israel and Saudi Arabia, who fear the proliferation of advanced Iranian military technology could destabilize West Asia and empower non-state actors.
July 10, 2025, 23:00:07 (IST)
Israeli soldier killed in Gaza laid to rest at national cemetery in Jerusalem
An Israeli reservist, Master Sergeant Abraham Azulay, was laid to rest at the Mount Herzl national military cemetery in Jerusalem, Israel National News said in a report. Azulay was killed during military operational activity in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. His death occurs amid continued Israeli ground operations in the area, a focal point of the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
July 10, 2025, 21:46:13 (IST)
Brother of murdered Israeli hostage criticizes Netanyahu's Nir Oz visit as 'PR'
Danny Elgarat, the brother of murdered hostage Itzhak Elgarat, publicly condemned a recent visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the Nir Oz kibbutz, a community severely impacted by the October 7, 2023 attacks, Haaretz says in a report. Elgarat characterized the prime minister’s visit as being “all just PR.” The source article notes the criticism comes as some hostages have been held in captivity for 643 days.
July 10, 2025, 21:45:05 (IST)
Israeli police commander in West Bank says protecting settlements is more vital than law and order
The commander of the Israel Police in the West Bank, Maj. Gen. Pinchi, has declared that the protection of Israeli settlements is a higher priority than general law and order, Haaretz says in a report. Pinchi, who commands the Judea and Samaria District, stated that police officers are primarily deployed in the region “for the settlements.” This statement defines the force’s primary mission in the territory as ensuring the security of these communities above general policing duties.
July 10, 2025, 20:46:25 (IST)
Top US and Russian diplomats discuss Syria and Iran on ASEAN sidelines
The top US and Russian diplomats met on the sidelines of an ASEAN summit to discuss key international issues, including the situations in Syria and Iran, Al Jazeera said in a report. During the meeting between the US Secretary of State and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated that the diplomats “confirmed their mutual desire to find peaceful solutions to conflicts.”
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July 10, 2025, 20:46:25 (IST)
One Israeli dies of wounds from West Bank shooting and stabbing attack
An Israeli has died from injuries sustained during a shooting and stabbing attack in the West Bank, as per a report in Haaretz. The incident is part of a significant and ongoing surge in violence across the territory, which has seen increased Israeli military operations and attacks by both Palestinians and Israeli settlers. This event continues a trend that has made the recent period one of the deadliest in the West Bank in decades.
July 10, 2025, 20:45:14 (IST)
Qatari-owned Paris Saint-Germain to face Chelsea in FIFA Club World Cup final
Qatari-owned Paris Saint-Germain is set to play Chelsea in the final of the significantly expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup this Sunday, Al Jazeera said in a report. The presence of PSG, which is owned by Qatar Sports Investments—a subsidiary of the nation’s sovereign wealth fund—in the tournament’s final highlights the influence of West Asian investment in major global sporting events. This final is part of the first edition of the newly formatted, 32-team Club World Cup.
July 10, 2025, 20:45:13 (IST)
UK and France to announce 'one in, one out' asylum returns policy impacting West Asian migrants
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron plan to unveil a joint ‘one in, one out’ policy for returning asylum seekers, a development aimed at curbing the number of small boat crossings in the English Channel, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The announcement will detail a system modelled on the 2016 EU-Turkiye agreement. This policy will directly affect migrants and asylum seekers from West Asian countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, who constitute a significant portion of those making the journey.
July 10, 2025, 19:47:16 (IST)
Palestinians in West Bank's Masafer Yatta face home demolitions
Palestinian villagers in the Masafer Yatta area of the West Bank face the demolition of their homes as the Israeli army seeks to clear the area, which it has designated a military training ground known as ‘Firing Zone 918’, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The current situation follows a May 2022 Israeli High Court of Justice ruling that upheld the military’s right to evict the residents. The area is located in Area C of the West Bank, which is under full Israeli control. International bodies and human rights organizations have criticized the potential displacement, stating that the forcible transfer of a civilian population in occupied territory violates international humanitarian law.
July 10, 2025, 19:47:16 (IST)
Israeli official says Netanyahu supports plan for Gaza 'humanitarian city'
An Israeli official has stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports a plan to concentrate the population of Gaza into a designated ‘humanitarian city’, according to a report in Haaretz. This proposal has emerged amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which has led to the widespread displacement of over 1.7 million people within the Gaza Strip. The plan reportedly aims to manage the displaced population and centralize humanitarian aid efforts in a specific area.
July 10, 2025, 19:46:11 (IST)
Report compiles evidence of alleged sexual violence by Hamas for future legal action
A new report has compiled evidence detailing alleged acts of sexual violence by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, according to a report in Haaretz. The compilation of evidence, which includes survivor testimonies and forensic findings, is intended to serve as a basis for potential future legal action. The findings contribute to ongoing international investigations into alleged war crimes, with Hamas having consistently denied such accusations.
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July 10, 2025, 19:45:07 (IST)
Ukraine war strengthens Russia-Iran axis, shifting strategic landscape in West Asia
The ongoing war in Ukraine is significantly strengthening the strategic military partnership between Russia and Iran, creating new geopolitical challenges and shifting security dynamics for nations throughout West Asia, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Russia’s increased reliance on Iranian-made drones for its military campaign has deepened the alliance, enhancing Tehran’s military capabilities and regional influence. This development is prompting concern and strategic recalculations across the region, with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states reportedly re-evaluating their security reliance on the United States. Furthermore, the conflict is seen as diverting Western military resources and attention away from West Asia, impacting the strategic considerations for countries including Israel and Turkey.
July 10, 2025, 19:45:07 (IST)
Ceasefire holds between Israel and Iran following direct military strikes
A de-facto ceasefire is currently in place between Israel and Iran, marking a de-escalation from direct military confrontations that occurred in April 2024, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The situation follows a series of tit-for-tat strikes, which began after an Israeli attack on an Iranian consulate in Damascus. Iran retaliated with an unprecedented direct missile and drone assault on Israel, leading to a subsequent Israeli counter-strike that reportedly targeted a military airbase in the Isfahan region. The current cessation of direct hostilities was largely influenced by international diplomatic pressure aimed at preventing a wider regional war.
July 10, 2025, 19:31:10 (IST)
Iran demands IAEA end 'double standards' before resuming nuclear talks
Iran has linked any future cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the resumption of stalled nuclear talks to the agency ending what Tehran calls its ‘double standards’, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This demand follows a period of heightened regional tension, including what the report describes as a ‘deadly June conflict’ involving Iran, Israel, and the US. Iran’s stance further complicates efforts to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which the US withdrew in 2018. Tehran has been progressively increasing its nuclear activities, including enriching uranium to higher levels, in response to sanctions and what it views as a lack of impartiality from international bodies.
July 10, 2025, 19:31:10 (IST)
Iranian hack leaks personal data of thousands of Israelis with military ties
An Iranian-linked cyberattack has leaked the personal data of thousands of Israelis with military connections, including active-duty soldiers, reservists, and veterans, according to a report in Haaretz. The data leak is considered a significant development in the ongoing, undeclared cyber war between the two nations and occurs amidst heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The breach, which reportedly includes personal identifying information, is seen as an act of psychological warfare designed to create anxiety and intimidate individuals. This incident highlights Iran’s increasingly sophisticated cyber capabilities and has raised serious concerns within Israel about national security vulnerabilities and the state’s ability to protect the sensitive data of its citizens.
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