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The Cradle is an online news magazine covering West Asian geopolitics from within.
❗️Since November, and with the support of UNIFIL, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have redeployed to more than 120 permanent positions south of the Litani River.
The full deployment is hindered by the presence of Israeli forces on Lebanese territory.
Peacekeepers have discovered over 225 weapons caches and referred them to the LAF.
(UNIFIL statement)
⭕️ Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas lifted the ban on Qatar’s Al Jazeera television network today, allowing it to resume operations in the Palestinian territories starting Tuesday, according to the network’s bureau chief in Palestine, Walid Omary.
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❗️Israeli PM Netanyahu and US envoy Steve Witkoff agree that the Israeli negotiating team will remain in Doha, Qatar until at least Thursday, coinciding with Trump's visit.
(Yedioth Ahronoth)
❗️The Palestinian Islamic Jihad's (PIJ) Quds Brigades reports that its fighters succeeded in downing an Israeli 'Super Heron' drone while it was flying over Gaza City.
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❗️ Senior Israeli army official to Israel's Channel 14:
"From the moment Edan [Alexander] enters Israeli territory, we will firmly continue with the operational plan—unless the political leadership decides otherwise."
BREAKING | Hamas announces in a statement that it has released Israeli-American captive Edan Alexander.
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Netanyahu sends delegation to Qatar for prisoner exchange talks, claims Trump ties 'excellent'
Reports in western media have revealed that the US president is 'no longer waiting' for Israel to pursue US goals in West Asia
⭕️ Israel asked ICC to withdraw Netanyahu arrest warrant
Israel has requested that the International Criminal Court (ICC) revoke potential arrest warrants for its prime minister and defense minister as the court considers Israel's objections to its jurisdiction over its brutal war on Gaza.
According to documents released on the ICC website late Sunday, Israel has also urged the court to instruct prosecutors to halt their investigation into its war crimes committed in Gaza.
The documents are dated 9 May, and signed by Israeli Deputy Attorney General Gilad Noam.
❗️Netanyahu dismisses reports of tensions with US President Trump, calling their relationship "excellent" in a video posted to his X account.
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⭕️ Germany's new Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, speaking from Jerusalem on Sunday, said that Israel’s war on Gaza cannot be resolved by military means alone, and called for the disarmament of Hamas.
"I do not believe that this conflict can be permanently resolved through military means," he said, adding that he is uncertain whether "all of Israel's strategic goals can be achieved in this way, or whether doing so will ultimately serve Israel's long-term security."
Wadephul concluded by saying that Germany remains committed to doing whatever is necessary to ensure Israel’s security, but stressed that this does not place Israel above criticism for its actions.
⭕️ According to ABC News, US President Donald Trump plans to accept a luxury Boeing 747 as a gift from Qatar to serve as a replacement for Air Force One "temporarily."
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer commented on Trump's gift, calling it bribery and "foreign influence with extra legroom."
PKK announces dissolution, end to armed struggle after 40-year conflict
The group said it has 'fulfilled its historical mission' to advance rights for Kurds in Turkiye
❗️US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, reportedly stated during a meeting with the families of Israeli captives:
“We want to bring the hostages home, but Israel is not prepared to end the war. Israel is prolonging the war, even though we do not see where further progress can be made.”
(Israel’s Channel 12)
❗️Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, speaking after a meeting in Ankara with his Turkish and Syrian counterparts:
– “Our meeting today reflects our unified position in supporting the security, stability, and sovereignty of our brothers in Syria.”
– “We stand with Syria in confronting all threats to its security and stability.”
– “Stability in Syria is a pillar of stability in the region.”
– “Today we discussed practical steps to support our brothers in Syria.”
– “We discussed mechanisms to combat ISIS and terrorism in general in Syria.”
– “There are challenges in Syria, but there are also opportunities.”
– “One of the most important challenges facing Syria is Israel’s aggression and its attempts to incite strife.”
– “Israel has no right to push for tension and division in Syria.”
– “Israeli intervention in Syria will only bring destruction.”
– “We are coordinating with the international community to stop Israeli interference in Syria.”
– “Our goal is for Israel to withdraw from Syrian territory and stop its interference in Syrian affairs.”
– “The Israeli aggression on Gaza must stop and will only lead to more tension in the region.”
– “Israel violates international conventions and humanitarian values.”
– “The release of Eden Alexander is a step that must lead to a comprehensive agreement in Gaza.”
– “There is no lasting peace that does not meet the rights of the Palestinian people.”
❗️Israeli Army Radio:
– "Israel keeps trying to reassure the public that there is no ceasefire and no halt to fighting, claiming it's not a party to the agreement. This is not true."
– "Forces on the ground report that a significant number of military operations have indeed been halted. There are no airstrikes in Gaza, aside from a few attacks, and no drone reconnaissance flights over the Gaza Strip."
❗️Highlights from Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem's latest speech:
– “We want Syria to remain united and whole, and we strongly condemn the repeated Israeli aggression."
– “What we hear today about the war on Gaza is essentially the killing of people in tents—children, women, men, and the general population."
– “It is impossible for Netanyahu, even with the whole world behind him, to strip the Palestinians of their land and their rights."
– “Since 1982 and up until before the current aggression, the resistance has prevented Israel from annexing Lebanese territory."
– “Had Israel been able to gradually nibble away parts of Lebanon every few years, where would Lebanon be today?"
⭕️ US President Donald Trump said that he might ease US sanctions on Syria in response to a query from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
"We may take them off of Syria, because we want to give them a fresh start," Trump said.
(Reuters)
❗️Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander seen with the Red Cross and members of the Qassam Brigades in Khan Yunis, Gaza, during the handover.
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China, US agree to suspend most tariffs under 90-day 'economic reset'
President Trump imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese imports in April, in an effort to reduce the US trade deficit
❗️Israel continues its demolition of homes in Tulkarem's Nour Shams Camp, in the occupied West Bank.
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India and Pakistan lock horns: Who won and why?
In the biggest aerial dogfight since World War II, two nuclear-armed rivals test the boundaries of conflict and deterrence – with some jaw-dropping surprises in the mix.
⭕️ Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has launched 'Humain,' a new AI company under the Public Investment Fund, as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and become a global hub for artificial intelligence.
The move coincides with US President Donald Trump's visit to the kingdom, where AI is expected to be a key topic at Tuesday's Saudi-US investment forum. Humain will offer AI services including data centers, cloud infrastructure, and advanced models.
Earlier this year, cloud software giant Salesforce announced a $500 million AI-related investment in the kingdom.
⭕️ Israel asked ICC to withdraw Netanyahu arrest warrant
Israel has requested that the International Criminal Court (ICC) revoke potential arrest warrants for its prime minister and defense minister as the court considers Israel's objections to its jurisdiction over its brutal war on Gaza.
According to documents released on the ICC website late Sunday, Israel has also urged the court to instruct prosecutors to halt their investigation into its war crimes committed in Gaza.
The documents are dated 9 May, and signed by Israeli Deputy Attorney General Gilad Noam.
Iran warns European powers against imposing new sanctions over nuclear program
The US and Iran completed a fourth round of nuclear talks on Sunday ahead of President Trump's visit to the region
❗️Israeli captive Edan Alexander is expected to be released at 6:30 p.m from Khan Yunis, south Gaza.
He is set to travel to Doha, where he will meet with the US president and the Emir of Qatar.
(Israel's Channel 12)
❗️Israel Hayom quoting a US official:
“Trump may consider visiting Israel before Riyadh if a long-term ceasefire agreement is reached.”
⭕️ Norway’s sovereign wealth fund — the world’s largest — has divested from Israel’s Paz Retail and Energy due to its role in supplying fuel to illegal Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank.
This marks the fund’s second divestment tied to Israel’s actions, following its withdrawal from telecom giant Bezeq.
The decision follows a stricter ethical stance adopted last August by the fund’s Council on Ethics.
⭕️ “When we came to the soup kitchen, we waited four or five hours under the sun—only to leave with nothing. It’s exhausting.”
A Palestinian woman describes the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where, for the third consecutive month, Israel continues to block the entry of food, critical aid, and supplies.
Hamas to release US-Israeli captive in bid to revive Gaza ceasefire
Hamas agreed to release Eden Alexander, an Israeli with US citizenship, in a good faith gesture ahead of President Trump's visit to the region
❗️Israel's Channel 12:
“The Israeli government’s proposal to call up reserve soldiers was rejected by the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.”