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The Cradle is an online news magazine covering West Asian geopolitics from within.
Trump seeking $1 trillion in Saudi investments during Riyadh visit: Report
Israel-Saudi normalization negotiations have reportedly been 'de-linked' from Washington's talks with Riyadh due to Netanyahu's refusal to reach a Gaza ceasefire
BREAKING | Israeli army announces the withdrawal of the Paratroopers Brigade from Syria and its redeployment to the Gaza Strip.
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Sectarian massacres continue in Syria as government-affiliated groups kill several in Latakia
One of the victims was a 13-year-old boy, and two were found decapitated, as sectarian killings in the country continue under the government of President Ahmad al-Sharaa
❗️Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Vladimir Putin in a phone call on Sunday that Turkiye is ready to host renewed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, following Putin’s televised proposal for direct negotiations.
Erdogan welcomed the initiative and stressed that a comprehensive ceasefire would be essential for creating the conditions for a lasting resolution.
❗️The moment Israel bombed the Islamic University building in Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip.
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❗️Updates from south Lebanon – Al-Manar correspondent Ali Shoeib:
– A hostile Israeli drone dropped a bomb between the towns of Yarin and Dhayra.
– The Israeli army shelled the “Hayy al-Randa” area on the eastern outskirts of Aita al-Shaab with several shells.
– A civilian was moderately wounded by Israeli gunfire, and his wife was hit by a rubber bullet while inspecting their destroyed home in the Maroun al-Ras plain.
⭕️ Jerusalem Center President claims Israel's ties with Trump strong despite media buzz over rift
Dr. Dan Diker, President of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, says Israel is coordinating on all important matters with the US, first and foremost ensuring that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons.
According to him, relations with Trump are actually close, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has no reason to worry—in fact, he is the only foreign leader who has met with Trump twice since his return to the White House.
Although Diker admits there are “several concerning issues important to Israel’s security,” such as the potential establishment of a Palestinian state, he is confident that Trump understands the post–7 October regional reality.
“Trump wants to go down two separate tracks—one with Israel and one with Mohammed bin Salman, and this isn’t about screwing Israel, but about managing things outside the box. That’s classic Trump.”
Diker says that between massive Saudi investments and Israeli technology, it’s possible Trump is simply maneuvering on all fronts at once.
❗️Israel has killed at least 13 Palestinians, 5 of them children, in strikes across the Gaza Strip since dawn today.
(Medical sources to Al Jazeera)
❗️Gaza Ministry of Health, 11 May, 2025:
– Severe shortages in medical supplies worsening rapidly.
– 43% of essential drugs completely depleted (up 6% from last month).
– 64% of medical disposables at zero stock.
– Emergency, surgery, and ICU units running on exhausted supplies.
– Kidney, cancer, heart, and chronic patients most affected.
– Healthcare may halt if urgent supplies remain blocked.
❗️The fourth round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States will begin at noon local time in Muscat, Oman.
(Iranian Foreign Ministry)
⭕️ Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell says Israel is committing genocide in Gaza
Borrell called Israel's war “the largest ethnic cleansing operation since the end of the Second World War.”
Speaking in Spain on Friday while accepting the Charles V European Award, Borrell condemned Israel’s actions and described its intentions as turning Gaza into “a splendid holiday destination once all the millions of tonnes of rubble have been cleared… and the Palestinians have died or gone away.”
He cited Israeli leaders’ rhetoric as “clear declarations of genocidal intent,” and said, “seldom have I heard the leader of a state so clearly outline a plan that fits the legal definition of genocide.”
Borrell criticized the US and Europe for their complicity, stating, “Half of the bombs that are falling on Gaza are supplied by the Americans,” making it impossible for Washington to claim neutrality.
“Nothing has been getting into Gaza. Nothing: no water, no food, no electricity, no fuel, no medical services,” he said, adding that “three times more explosive power has been dropped on Gaza than was used in the Hiroshima bomb.”
As for Europe, he said it “has the capacity and the means not only to protest… but also to influence [Israel’s] conduct. But it is not doing so.”
Iran FM visits Saudi Arabia ahead of new round of US nuclear talks
Oman is set to host the fourth round of indirect nuclear and sanctions removal talks between US and Iranian officials
❗️IDF Reserve Major General Yisrael Ziv: “Hamas has adapted and advanced its combat tactics, sending large forces into Gaza now carries a heightened risk of injuries and casualties.”
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❗️Members of the Syrian-Druze community protested in Suwayda today, demanding Israeli protection.
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⭕️ A 2025 survey by the Pew Research Center shows that support among Israelis for Israel governing Gaza has declined, dropping from 40% in 2024 to 33%.
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❗️Gaza Ministry of Health:
– "19 martyrs and 81 injuries arrived at Gaza Strip hospitals during the past 24 hours."
– "The death toll and injuries since March 18, 2025 has reached 2,720 martyrs, and 7,513 injuries."
❗️Disagreements 'straining' Trump & Netanyahu's relationship, according to NBC News:
– Trump is pushing for a ceasefire and postwar reconstruction plan in Gaza, while Netanyahu has launched a new offensive that Trump privately called a “wasted effort.”
– Netanyahu wants military strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites; Trump prefers a diplomatic deal to block Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
– Trump said he hasn’t ruled out allowing Iran limited civilian enrichment, while Netanyahu strongly opposes any enrichment.
– Trump halted US military action after Ansarallah stopped attacking US ships; Netanyahu was blindsided, especially after a Yemeni missile struck Ben Gurion.
– Israeli officials believe Trump’s negotiations are wasting a rare strategic opportunity to strike Iran and its nuclear facilities while it is weakened.
– Despite frustration, Netanyahu is unlikely to confront Trump publicly due to Trump’s popularity with his right-wing base.
– Trump will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE next week, but is not scheduled to visit Israel.
BREAKING | Palestinian Authority (PA) cuts the monthly salaries of at least 1,612 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, based on 'security recommendations,' Ahmad Islim, spokesperson for the Committee of Exiled Freed Prisoners, tells Al-Resalah.
For years, the PA has offered financial support to prisoners and their families. The cuts come amid growing pressure from Israel, the US, and the EU to halt these payments.
❗️Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar says Israel fully supports US President Donald Trump’s Gaza aid plan, known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
Trump recently reaffirmed Washington’s pledge to deliver food to Palestinians, with a US-backed mechanism expected to take effect soon, according to the US envoy to Israel.
However, multiple aid groups and Palestinian factions have condemned the plan, with UN agencies describing it as a weaponization of aid, and even the UAE reportedly refusing to participate.
❗️Fourth round of talks between Iran and the US begins in Muscat, Oman.
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⭕️ The actual number of passengers at Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday dropped by 26% compared to pre-booked reservations, and the number of flights declined by 34% from the scheduled bookings, due to last week's Yemeni missile.
(Walla News)
❗️Israeli warplanes bombed the Islamic University building southeast of Khan Yunis.
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⭕️ Iraq has raised the new Syrian flag in Baghdad ahead of the upcoming Arab League Summit on 17 May, despite uncertainty over whether Syria’s self-appointed transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa will attend.
While Sharaa has reportedly requested US security guarantees and may arrive discreetly, most Arab leaders have confirmed their participation.
Government spokesperson Basem al-Awadi denied claims of any withdrawals, countering reports that Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE would not attend.
(Shafaq News)
⭕️ Israel recovers soldier’s remains from 1982 battle in Syria during ‘covert recovery mission’
After over four decades, Israel has recovered the remains of Sgt. First Class Zvi Feldman, missing since the Battle of Sultan Yacoub during the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon.
The Mossad and Israeli army announced the operation as a covert recovery mission inside Syria, carried out using “precise intelligence.” No further details were disclosed.
Feldman was one of three soldiers lost in the fierce clash between the Israeli and Syrian armies in the Bekaa Valley, where 21 Israeli soldiers were killed and dozens injured. The battle erupted on 10 June, 1982, as Israeli forces pushed to cut the Beirut–Damascus highway.
It remains one of the most damaging confrontations for the Israeli military during what Israel calls the ‘First Lebanon War.’
PM Benjamin Netanyahu praised the “decades-long effort” to retrieve Feldman and vowed that Israel “will not rest” until the final missing soldier from that battle, Yehuda Katz, is also returned.
In 2019, the remains of the third missing soldier, Zachary Baumel, were recovered from Syria through a Russian-mediated effort.
❗️New footage shows the level of destruction due to Israel's deliberate erasure of homes in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
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US abandons 'Hamas disarmament' demands in Gaza truce talks: Report
A reported rift between Trump and Netanyahu continues to widen ahead of the US president's first visit to West Asia since regaining power
Pakistan, India announce immediate ceasefire after 'largest dogfight since WW2'
Islamabad says it shot down five Indian warplanes, including three French Rafales, utilizing advanced Chinese fighter jets and surface-to-air batteries
Pakistan, India announce immediate ceasefire after 'largest dogfight since WW2'
Islamabad says it shot down five Indian warplanes, including three French Rafales, utilizing advanced Chinese fighter jets and surface-to-air batteries
⭕️ Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi:
"From the perspective of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Sweden's decisions are neither understandable nor justifiable."
⭕️ Germany’s new foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, left for Israel today as part of a Middle East tour, during which he said "critical discussions" are anticipated. "In both of our democracies, critical discussions about the policies of one's own government and friendly nations are part of this," Wadephul stated before departing Berlin.
A spokesperson for the German Foreign Office said Wadephul is set to hold meetings with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In Ramallah, he will meet with Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa for discussions.