Ceasefire

Pope Leo decries 'atrocious violence' in Iran war, urges ceasefire

Pope Leo also addressed the situation in Lebanon, ravaged by a war between Israel and the Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah, which was also a cause of "great concern."

Pope Leo XIV speaks to devotees while leading Mass during a pastoral visit to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Ponte Mammolo on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, in Rome on March 15, 2026.
Smoke rises following airstrikes in a central area of Tehran on March 6, 2026.

Regional countries hold behind-the-scenes talks with Iranian officials, push for dialogue with US

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf looks on as parliament members chant in support of the IRGC while wearing military uniforms in Tehran, Iran, February 1, 2026; illustrative.

'Eye for an eye': Iran not seeking ceasefire, will retaliate against Israel, Iranian official warns

International Cooperation Division Chief Brig.-Gen. Amit Adler, July 2024; illustrative.

Israeli relations with Middle Eastern countries improving as war goes on with Iran


Rafah Border Crossing will be test for Gaza’s next stage - analysis

Regional expectations are growing that the Rafah crossing will reopen this week, but doubts remain over how fully Israel will allow movement, as the ceasefire enters a critical stage.

A vehicle carries Egyptian soldiers near the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, in Rafah, Egypt, August 6, 2025

Hamas seeks role for its police in Gaza ahead of disarmament talks, sources say

Hamas is pushing to integrate its roughly 10,000 police officers into a new US-backed Palestinian administration for Gaza, a move likely to face Israeli opposition as disarmament talks continue.

Hamas police officers stand guard, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City, October 11, 2025; illustrative.

IDF strikes targets in Lebanon in response to Hezbollah's ceasefire violations

The military didn't specify the exact location of the attack or the objective, with the military explaining that they were in response to Hezbollah's multiple ceasefire violations.

Smoke rises after Israeli strikes following Israeli military's evacuation orders, in Chehour, southern Lebanon November 19, 2025.

IDF completes demolition of four-kilometer tunnel on Israel-controlled side of Gaza's Yellow Line

The underground tunnel, which was destroyed along with troops from the Yahalom unit, reportedly contained weapons and several rooms.

IDF troops of the 7th Brigade operate in southern Gaza. January 25, 2025.

As end of ceasefire between Syrian gov’t and Kurds approaches, region asks if it will continue

An extension of the ceasefire would be in the interest of most groups involved.

Syrian citizens celebrate and raise Syrian flags on January 20, 2026 in Raqqa, Syria.

Hamas Health Ministry claims that IDF strike in Gaza kills 11, including three journalists

The IDF corroborated that a strike occurred in the central Gaza Strip, noting that Hamas terrorists were operating a drone and posed an immediate risk to soldiers.

Buildings are pictured in the Ain al-Hilweh camp for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon's southern city of Sidon on September 13, 2025.

IDF strikes terrorists in Lebanon for third time in one day amid Hezbollah ceasefire violations

The last strike killed a terrorist in the Zibqin area in southern Lebanon, the IDF announced on Monday.

Smoke rises after Israeli strikes following Israeli military's evacuation orders, in Chehour, southern Lebanon November 19, 2025.

US invites Israel to Trump-led Gaza Board of Peace, sources tell Reuters

It was not immediately clear if Israel had accepted the invitation. The Prime Minister's Office did not respond to Reuters's request for comment.

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold a press conference after meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, US, December 29, 2025.

Phase II begins with representation: Why Gaza needs a Palestinian voice - opinion

One essential element remains conspicuously absent from the new peace plan: a credible, empowered Palestinian representative capable of engaging Israel directly.

Smoke rises in an area within the Yellow Line boundary, marking IDF-controlled Gaza territory, in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip November 18, 2025.

Erdogan, Sharaa discuss Syria as SDF confirms withdrawal following ceasefire

Turkey’s President Erdogan spoke with Syrian President Sharaa after a deal with Kurdish forces, as SDF leader Mazloum Abdi confirmed a military withdrawal, and plans to visit Damascus.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrive for a joint press conference at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey, February 4, 2025.