Iranian officials reported that an Israeli strike using small exploding drones, specifically quadcopters, targeted Iranian military infrastructure, following a pattern of similar attacks. The drones, possibly launched from within Iran, have been used in several incidents, including attacks on Hezbollah in Beirut, a centrifuge manufacturing center outside Tehran, a military drone plant in Kermanshah, the Parchin military site, and an ammunition manufacturing plant in Isfahan. Israel's military has not commented on the strike, and while Iran has sometimes downplayed the damage, satellite images and reports indicate significant impacts.

Israel's limited overnight strikes on Iran and the measured response from Iranian officials have reduced the immediate risk of escalation in the conflict. Despite ongoing wars with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, the threat of a third front with Iran has decreased. International leaders had advised Israel to consider its defense against Iran's missile attack as sufficient, cautioning against further actions that could destabilize the region. The actual strike by Israel was less impactful than anticipated, allowing Iran to minimize its significance.

The Israeli military conducted an operation targeting Hamas members in Gaza, which resulted in the death of three sons of Ismail Haniyeh, a senior Hamas leader. The operation followed an airstrike that also killed three of Haniyeh's grandchildren. Israel described the operation as precise and intelligence-based, aimed at eliminating terrorist operatives and infrastructure. The military claimed the Haniyeh sons were involved in Hamas's military wing, with one son being a cell commander and the others as operatives.

Following an Israeli strike in Syria that killed several senior Iranian commanders, Iran and Israel have escalated their exchange of threats. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed retaliation for the attack on an Iranian Embassy building in Damascus, while Israel's foreign minister, Israel Katz, warned of a response if Iran attacks from its territory. The U.S. is preparing for a potential Iranian response, and Israel has put its military on alert. There is concern among analysts about the risk of miscalculation leading to broader regional escalation.

An Israeli airstrike killed three sons of Hamas political leader Mr. Haniyeh in the Gaza Strip, an event he described as part of the broader Palestinian suffering. Criticism is directed at Hamas leaders for living abroad while Gazans face dire conditions. The strike occurred as international mediators seek a ceasefire and the release of hostages. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening, with the UN warning of a looming famine. The United States and other countries face domestic debates over military aid to Israel, with the US being the largest supplier. The article also touches on the impact of the conflict on the celebration of Eid al-Fitr in Gaza.

Israeli police arrested eight individuals at the Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem during dawn prayers on the last Friday of Ramadan. The arrests were made for incendiary chants and endorsing terrorism. The mosque, sacred to both Muslims and Jews, has been a focal point of Israeli-Palestinian tensions. With heightened concerns of violence during Ramadan, especially amidst the Gaza war, Israel has increased restrictions on Palestinian movement and exerted greater control over the compound.

Efrat Katz, a 67-year-old grandmother abducted during an Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack in Israel, was likely killed by Israeli helicopter fire aimed at the vehicle holding her and terrorists. The Israeli military acknowledged the incident and the death of most terrorists in the vehicle, stating the helicopter crew could not distinguish hostages from terrorists. The event occurred during a conflict where over 200 were taken captive, with some released during a cease-fire and others dying in captivity. Recent diplomatic efforts for another truce have been unsuccessful.

Seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen were killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes, despite coordination with the Israeli military. The convoy was hit after delivering food aid, sparking international outrage. Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged the strike and Israel launched an investigation, citing the incident as unintentional.

Israeli military acknowledged responsibility for a strike on an aid convoy, resulting in the deaths of aid workers, including citizens from the United States, Poland, Australia, and Britain. Prime Minister Netanyahu apologized for the incident, which prompted condemnation from international leaders and the suspension of operations by World Central Kitchen and American Near East Refugee Aid in the region. The strike has been described as a grave mistake, and an independent investigation has been announced. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of aid workers in Gaza, where at least 196 have been killed since fighting began on October 7.

Israel and Iran have engaged in a covert conflict across the Middle East for decades, utilizing various means including land, sea, air, and cyber attacks. Iran often employs foreign proxies for its strikes, whereas Israel has focused on targeted assassinations of Iranian military figures and nuclear scientists.

Antigovernment protesters clashed with Israeli police outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's home in Jerusalem, demanding early elections and his ouster. The initially peaceful protests escalated into a riot, with attempts to breach barriers near Netanyahu's house. Police deployed riot control measures, resulting in five arrests and one injured officer. The protesters criticize Netanyahu for his handling of the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack and for not securing the release of hostages held in Gaza. Despite the war, these protests are among the most significant against Netanyahu's government, although smaller than last year's peak.

Three senior commanders and four officers of Iran's covert operations in the Middle East were killed by an Israeli airstrike on a building in the Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus. This incident escalates the shadow war between Israel and Iran, which has become more overt due to recent tensions over Israel's military actions in Gaza against Hamas. Syrian and Iranian officials confirmed the deaths, while Israeli officials acknowledged the strike but contested the building's diplomatic status. The Syrian ambassador to Iran condemned the attack as a violation of international norms.

Thousands of Israelis have set up a protest camp outside Israel's Parliament in Jerusalem, demanding early elections and the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Protesters, including Haggai Schwartz and Ronen Raz, criticize the government's failure to ensure citizen security and its indifference towards hostages held in Gaza. Lee Nevo, another protester, paints banners and expresses hope for governmental change. The protests, which began on a Sunday night, are part of a larger wave of anti-government demonstrations.

The Palestinian Authority's new prime minister, Muhammad Mustafa, presented his cabinet amid doubts of its ability to enact reform due to President Mahmoud Abbas's influence. Abbas, unpopular and ruling by decree, appointed Mustafa, a longtime insider, which is seen as a move against international demands for a more technocratic and less corrupt authority. The cabinet's key positions remain filled by Abbas's allies, with Mustafa also serving as foreign minister, signaling little policy change.

Israeli troops and Hamas fighters continued their conflict around Gaza's major hospitals, with battles intensifying at Al-Shifa Hospital. Despite domestic and international calls for moderation, including from hostage families, the Biden administration, and the UN, Israel remains steadfast in its offensive. The International Court of Justice has demanded Israel facilitate humanitarian aid amidst allegations of genocide, which Israel denies.

The Open Arms ship, carrying over 200 tons of food supplied by World Central Kitchen and financed by the United Arab Emirates, left Cyprus for Gaza as the first maritime aid delivery since 2005. This EU-supported initiative aims to address the severe hunger in Gaza, exacerbated by the blockade following the Hamas-led attack on Israel. Meanwhile, tensions escalate with new clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict.

Hezbollah launched over 100 rockets into northern Israel, prompting Israeli military retaliation against Hezbollah sites in Lebanon. This escalation follows months of cross-border strikes and concerns of the Gaza war expanding. Hezbollah stated the attack was in retaliation to Israeli strikes in Lebanon and in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Despite international efforts to broker a cease-fire before Ramadan, talks have stalled. The ongoing conflict has displaced thousands in both Israel and Lebanon, with Israeli leaders considering either a diplomatic agreement or a military offensive to push Hezbollah forces from the border.

Gazans have been ambushing aid convoys amid food shortages, with attacks becoming common since Israel's invasion last year. Western officials indicate these are mostly organized by groups unaffiliated with Hamas or acts of desperate civilians. The breakdown in law enforcement and fear among Gazan policemen of being targeted by Israel have left convoys vulnerable. Foreign diplomats claim enough food reaches Gaza to prevent famine, but distribution beyond Rafah is problematic. The International Court of Justice is hearing arguments over the legality of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, with more than 50 countries involved. The United States has defended Israel, while Russia criticized the defense of violence against Gazan civilians. Israel's military is under scrutiny for inappropriate actions during the war, and the Israeli Parliament supports Prime Minister Netanyahu's stance against unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. The Biden administration has shown signs of impatience with Israel's war conduct, and a cease-fire status remains unclear.

New satellite imagery reveals construction activity south of the Rafah border crossing in Egypt, near Gaza, which began around February 5. The Egyptian government has not commented on the purpose of the construction, but it is speculated that it may be used to house displaced Gazans. Egypt has fortified its border and declined to take in Gazans displaced by the war between Israel and Hamas. Over 100,000 displaced Palestinians are estimated to be near the border in Rafah. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has been conducting operations against Hamas in Gaza, including a raid on Nasser hospital, which has been criticized internationally. The U.S. military has also carried out a cyberattack against an Iranian ship suspected of aiding Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Negotiators from multiple countries met in Cairo to discuss a temporary halt to the Gaza war and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Despite promising talks, Israel and Hamas are not close to an agreement, with disagreements over prisoner exchanges. President Biden and other international leaders are involved in pushing negotiations forward. The UN and other countries are alarmed about a potential Israeli incursion into Rafah, where many Gazans are sheltering. Israel plans to continue its offensive until hostages are released and Hamas is defeated, while Hamas demands a long-term ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli troops. The situation has also put pressure on Egypt, which is reinforcing its border with Gaza. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway to reduce tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

A Dutch appeals court has ordered the Netherlands to cease exporting F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel, citing risks of serious violations of international humanitarian law in Israel's war in Gaza. The ruling follows a lawsuit by Oxfam and other human rights groups. Despite the court's decision, the Dutch government intends to appeal to the Supreme Court. The EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell Fontelles, hinted at the need for reduced arms exports to Israel amidst the ongoing conflict that has resulted in over 28,000 Palestinian casualties.

Douglas McAuthur McCain, an American, was killed in Syria while fighting for ISIS, as reported by the Free Syrian Army. His death was confirmed by senior administration officials and the National Security Council. McCain, originally from San Diego, California, had a history of minor criminal offenses and converted to Islam around 2004. He was remembered by friends and classmates as a cheerful person who enjoyed basketball. His social media profiles depicted his journey from an aspiring rapper to a devout Muslim with sympathies for ISIS. Concerns have been raised about Americans traveling to Syria to join extremist groups and the potential threat they pose upon returning to the U.S. The article also touches on the broader issue of foreign fighters in Syria and the impact of ISIS's propaganda, including the beheading of American journalist James Foley.

The article discusses the work of Dr. Rebecca Gomperts and her organization, Women on Web, which provides access to medical abortions through the shipment of abortion pills. Gomperts, who has a background in art and medicine, began with an 'abortion ship' to provide services in international waters to countries where abortion was illegal. With the advent of abortion pills, her strategy shifted to using an online platform to assist women worldwide. Despite legal challenges and the seizure of pills by customs in some countries, Women on Web continues to operate, offering consultations and shipping pills to those in need. The article also touches on the broader context of abortion laws in Europe, the challenges women face in accessing abortions even in countries where it is legal, and the potential implications for similar services in the United States.

The article discusses the increasing emigration of French Jews to Israel, a movement facilitated by The Jewish Agency, due to rising anti-Semitism in France. This trend has been exacerbated by recent terrorist attacks, including the siege of a kosher supermarket in Paris by Ahmed Coulibaly, which resulted in four hostages' deaths. The Jewish Agency noted a significant rise in emigration, with 7,000 French Jews moving to Israel in the previous year and expectations of further increases. The article includes statements from agency spokesman Avi Mayer and Simone Rodan-Benzaquen, director of the American Jewish Committee in Paris, highlighting the climate of fear among French Jews. Personal accounts from individuals like Menahem Bensimon, who emigrated to Israel and lost a friend in the supermarket attack, underscore the sense of insecurity driving the Jewish community's exodus from France.

Boris Rehlinger and his wife attended an Eagles of Death Metal concert at the Bataclan concert hall in Paris when it was attacked by terrorists. Rehlinger described the initial confusion, thinking the gunshots were fireworks, and the subsequent realization of the attack as he recognized the smell of gunpowder. He witnessed people being shot, heard attackers justifying their actions by referencing France's involvement in Syria, and experienced the terror of lying still among the chaos to avoid being targeted. He recalled the silence after a large detonation and the eventual rescue by French SWAT teams. Rehlinger, who managed to find his wife and friends after the attack, is still processing the traumatic event and acknowledges that the memory of the bodies will always stay with him.

The article follows the harrowing journey of Salma, a Syrian refugee, and her family as they flee the war in Syria to seek asylum in Germany. Salma, who studied English at the University of Damascus and worked at the Four Seasons, along with her husband Tarek, children, niece, mother, and best friend Nour, endure a perilous and exhausting trek. They navigate through various countries, including Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, and Hungary, facing challenges such as crossing borders, dealing with traffickers, and surviving without basic necessities. Despite the hardships, Salma's determination is fueled by the hope of providing a better life and education for her children. The family's journey is fraught with uncertainty, but they persevere, eventually reaching Germany, where they are welcomed and begin to look forward to rebuilding their lives.

The article discusses the severe humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, where the civil war has led to widespread hunger and the threat of famine. Nyabany, a mother of five, recounts her family's struggle to survive by eating water lilies while hiding in swamps to avoid gunfire. The conflict, which has escalated since July, has displaced millions and caused the economy to plummet. The U.N. has warned of an unprecedented food security deterioration, with 4.6 million South Sudanese facing acute hunger in 2017. The World Food Program and UNICEF are working to address malnutrition, which is above emergency levels in many parts of the country. The article highlights that famine is a political crisis, exacerbated by the conflict, and not a natural phenomenon. With no political solution in sight, aid agencies fear the situation could become uncontainable.

The article reports on the dire situation in South Sudan, where a civil war has forced thousands to seek refuge in swamps and U.N. bases to escape violence. The conflict, largely along ethnic lines between the Dinka and Nuer, has seen a breakdown of a peace agreement and the appointment of Taban Deng as vice president, which has led to further fracturing of opposition forces. The government's troops have been accused of committing atrocities such as rape, pillage, and murder against civilians. Despite the U.N.'s warning of an impending genocide and the need for an arms embargo, the Security Council failed to pass such measures. The violence has escalated, particularly in the Unity state and the Equatorias region, with reports of ethnic cleansing and mass atrocities. Civilians, confused and traumatized, continue to suffer the most, with many losing their homes and loved ones to the conflict.