The Cradle is an online news magazine covering West Asian geopolitics from within.
❗️Director of Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza and freed Palestinian prisoner Ahmad Mhanna:
– “My detention lasted one year and ten months, during which I endured various forms of torture."
– “The [Israeli] occupation targeted doctors in its prisons under extremely difficult conditions, leading to the deaths of many prisoners."
– “Prisoners’ hands were bound for hours in holding areas under harsh climatic conditions."
– “The occupation leveled false accusations and insults against us, despite our hospital serving women and children."
❗️ICC rejects Israel’s appeal against arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant
On 18 October, the International Criminal Court (ICC) officially dismissed Israel’s request to appeal the arrest warrants issued against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza. The court ruled that “the issue, as framed by Israel, is not an appealable issue” while a separate question of ICC jurisdiction remains under review.
Earlier, in November 2024, the ICC found “reasonable grounds” to believe Netanyahu and Gallant bore “criminal responsibility” for actions including starvation as a method of warfare and targeting civilians. Israel had challenged both the warrants and the court’s jurisdiction, but the court has kept the warrants in place while the broader legal issues are being examined.
❗️Statement issued by the Ministry of Interior and National Security in Gaza:
Praising the national and popular consensus rejecting chaos and lawlessness, and valuing the positions of the factions and familiesЧитать полностью…
The Ministry of Interior and National Security expresses its deep appreciation for the positions taken by families and tribes in the Gaza Strip, as well as the stances of the factions and national forces that reject chaos and lawlessness. These positions affirm the restoration of security and order, the eradication of manifestations of disorder, and the lifting of family and tribal protection from anyone who works to perpetuate chaos within society or aligns with the Israeli occupation in attempts to undermine civil peace.
We salute and thank all the families of our people who have expressed principled positions rejecting collaboration with the occupation’s schemes and standing together against chaos. The association of a renegade handful with the occupation and their collaboration does not shame our people or their honorable families; this small faction will remain nationally and socially isolated. We in the Ministry of Interior are in continuous and close contact and cooperation with all families, tribes, and factions of our people, and we stand united in restoring security and order and alleviating the suffering of our bereaved people.
These positions reflect a high sense of responsibility and represent a national and popular consensus in the Gaza Strip that seeks to strengthen security and order after two full years of brutal war. The Ministry of Interior will continue to carry out its duties in accordance with the law and through the combined efforts of all segments of society.
The occupation’s collaborators and those who incite chaos and lawlessness will not be allowed to remain in the face of this national consensus; this faction is destined for swift demise and disappearance.
❗️IMF director says 'lasting peace' in Gaza would 'benefit the region'
Speaking at the IMF and World Bank annual meetings yesterday in Washington, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said she was relieved when the recent ceasefire was achieved, stating it brought hope to those affected by Israel's war on Gaza.
"It is important because everybody concerned encourages this direction of sustaining a lasting peace, and yes, it would benefit the region," she said. "There will be a peace dividend for everybody."
Georgieva confirmed the IMF is working with Lebanon, which has requested a loan program. "I hope we will be able to come up with a program," she said, without elaborating.
She added that Syria has asked for IMF support to rebuild its central bank and other institutions.
"So when there is peace, there is also this benefit that those who are there to support you, it is easier, more viable for this support to come," she said.
Israeli army launches 'recruitment campaign' in Yemen targeting Ansarallah opponents
Paid online ads have emerged calling on Yemenis to 'secure a better future' by working for Israel against Ansarallah and the Yemeni army
⭕️ China responds to the US demand to abandon Russian oil: 'A typical example of unilateral bullying'
Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, commented to Sputnik on US President Donald Trump’s remarks that India was “ready to give up Russian oil soon” and his call for China to do the same:
“China firmly rejects all illegal unilateral sanctions, the expansion of jurisdiction, and any form of coercion or pressure.”
The diplomat stressed that cooperation conducted within the framework of international law is “reasonable and legitimate,” does not harm the interests of third parties, and should be respected.
According to AFP, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian also described US actions as “a typical example of unilateral bullying and economic coercion.”
'They came to kill us’: How Syrian security forces massacred Alawites in Brabishbo
This investigation reveals how self-appointed Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s General Security forces colluded with extremist armed factions to murder 44 people in a small Alawite village in Latakia.
‼️ Hamas hands over the bodies of two Israeli captives to the Red Cross in Gaza City.
Читать полностью…❗️Statement by Hamas's military wing, the Qassam Brigades:
"The resistance has abided by the terms of the agreement. We have handed over all the living prisoners in our custody, as well as the bodies we were able to retrieve. As for the remaining bodies, locating and extracting them requires extensive efforts and special equipment. We are exerting great efforts to close this file."
India, Brazil grow closer in bid to bypass US tariffs
The BRICS members are boosting energy, defense, and agricultural ties in the face of Trump's economic warfare
Syrian president calls to 'redefine' Russia–Syria ties in first Moscow visit
The former Al-Qaeda chief vowed to respect all past agreements with Russia, hailing 'serious bridges of cooperation' between the two countries
❗️Israel's Channel 13, citing the Israeli army, says Hamas will hand over the bodies of two Israeli captives tonight.
Читать полностью…‼️ The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip is expected to reopen for passenger movement on Thursday, with an EU mission preparing to deploy at the site, two sources told Reuters.
The sources did not clarify what restrictions would apply to travelers.
❗️Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem:
"Hamas is following up on the implementation of what was agreed upon regarding the handover of the bodies of the Israeli soldiers held captive by the Qassam Brigades as part of its commitment to the agreement to cease the war on the Gaza Strip.
The enemy committed a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement by killing civilians in Shujaiya and Rafah, and we call on the mediators to compel the enemy to adhere to its commitments stipulated in the agreement."
Baghdad sets 2028 deadline to end Iraqi dependence on Iranian gas
The Iraqi government has faced intense pressure from the US in recent months to disengage from Iran
❗️Egypt: 'Palestinian cause' related to advancing India-Europe transport corridor
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said on Friday that resolving the "Palestinian cause" is essential for advancing a US-backed transport initiative linking India to Europe via West Asia.
The project, called the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC), was unveiled alongside the G20 summit in September 2023 and is viewed as a US alternative to China’s Belt and Road global infrastructure strategy.
"We have to bear in mind that connectivity is very important as part of a final settlement of the Palestinian cause," Abdelatty told reporters during a visit to New Delhi. He said he discussed the IMEC with his Indian counterpart and noted that Egypt is open to participating in the project.
The corridor is planned to stretch from India across the Arabian Sea to the UAE, through Saudi Arabia, and then via Jordan and Israel to Europe. India and the UAE signed a framework agreement for the project last year.
BREAKING | Israel directly targets a civilian car carrying a family on their way back home in Gaza City’s Al-Zaytoun neighborhood, killing 11 people — including 7 children and 3 women, according to Civil Defense.
Читать полностью…❗️Italy says recognition of Palestine ‘closer’ but conditional on disarmament
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Rome’s recognition of Palestine is approaching but depends on the removal of weapons and the exclusion of Hamas from governance in Gaza. Speaking at the Med Dialogues in Naples, Tajani told Ansa that Italy “cannot have a dialogue with Hamas” and supports the Palestinian Authority as “a very serious authority.”
He added that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to visit Italy in November, emphasizing that security in Gaza must be strengthened as a prerequisite for reconstruction and future recognition.
Israel’s Unit 504 is working to recruit Yemenis through covert online campaigns, as Tel Aviv looks to expand its operations against Ansarallah.
Читать полностью…❗️Turkiye appoints former disaster chief to lead Gaza aid effort
Turkiye has appointed a former head of its disaster management agency to oversee aid operations for Gaza, signaling its intent to take a more active role as a guarantor of the new ceasefire after being largely absent from earlier diplomatic efforts, a Foreign Ministry source told Reuters.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, joined traditional mediators Qatar and Egypt this week in approving US President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza, following two years of limited engagement. The source said Mehmet Gulluoglu, former head of Turkiye’s AFAD disaster agency and a former ambassador, was named coordinator for humanitarian aid to the Palestinians and traveled to the region on Wednesday.
"Turkiye is mobilizing all its resources to rapidly deliver aid to Gaza, establish temporary housing areas, and for Gaza's reconstruction," the Reuters said.
❗️US begins planning international force for Gaza under Trump’s 20-point plan
Planning is underway for an international force to enter Gaza, two senior US advisors said yesterday.
The advisors noted that tensions remain high between Israel and Hamas, with one saying, "Right now what we're looking to accomplish is just a basic stabilization of the situation. The international stabilization force is starting to be constructed."
The US is in talks with Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, and Azerbaijan about contributing to the mission, the advisors said, adding that around two dozen US personnel are already in the region in a "coordination, oversight" capacity. "The goal is to use all the different local partners who want to help and be involved," one advisor added.
(Reuters)
London slaps new sanctions on Russian oil majors, blacklists 'shadow fleet'
The UK government extended penalties to Indian and Chinese firms accused of facilitating Russian oil exports through covert shipping networks
❗️CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper tells Hamas to “disarm without delay” and follow Trump’s 20-point plan.
In a clear break from Trump’s recent stance, the statement calls on Hamas to stop "shooting at innocent civilians," contradicting Trump’s own approval of Hamas's recent operations against “dangerous gangs.”
❗️According to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (KAN), Israeli censorship has allowed the publication of the following:
The body returned from Gaza belongs to Khalil Dawwas, a Palestinian from Jericho who worked with the Israeli army during tunnel inspections in Jabalia. He was killed while entering a tunnel, and his body was taken by the resistance at the time.
Khalil had been arrested two years ago on security grounds, but it was later revealed that he was an informant. Israel is refusing to receive his body because he is not Israeli, even though he worked with them as a mercenary before being killed.
❗️Israeli attacks and violations in south Lebanon today:
– A large detonation of civilian infrastructure in the Kassair-Kroum al-Marah neighborhood east of the town of Mays al-Jabal.
– Military bulldozer breaching the border in the Ghasouna area east of the town of Blida, carrying out bulldozing operations inside Lebanese territory.
– A drone airstrike targeting the main Siddiqin-Kafra road, injuring one person.
❗️A leadership source in the Palestinian resistance to Al Jazeera:
– "The body the enemy claims is not Israeli belongs to a soldier captured in a resistance operation."
– "The capture of the soldier and the transfer of his body into a tunnel were carried out by the Qassam Brigades during an operation in Jabalia Camp in May 2024."
BREAKING | Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man on Red Cross street, east of Khan Yunis, southern Gaza.
Читать полностью…❗️The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced that it received 45 bodies of Palestinian prisoners from the Red Cross today, bringing the total number to 90.
Читать полностью…Israel delivers Palestinian bodies shackled, showing signs of execution
Dozens of Israeli ceasefire violations have been recorded since the deal was reached, and Tel Aviv is preventing the required amounts of aid from entering Gaza
⭕️ Turkish intel chief playing key role in Gaza ceasefire negotiations
Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth published an in-depth analysis highlighting the pivotal role of Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin in the ongoing Gaza negotiations.
The paper noted that Kalin is well acquainted with Mossad chief David Barnea, former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, and Israel’s National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi. It said Kalin had closely followed former Israeli ambassador to Ankara, Irit Lilian, and frequently invited her to large meetings.
While Erdogan maintains a confrontational public stance toward Israel, the paper wrote, Kalin views the situation with “more complexity,” adopting his president’s political position while reportedly showing “genuine concern” for Israeli captives held in Gaza.
The report emphasized Kalin’s active and quiet coordination with Israeli intelligence officials, pointing to a warm embrace with General Alon, head of Israel’s Hostages and Missing Persons Center, during the recent Sharm el-Sheikh summit as proof of ongoing professional ties.
Yedioth Ahronoth also quoted Kalin saying, “We will be in Gaza to help sustain the agreement,” adding that Turkiye is preparing to deploy hundreds of workers to Gaza for reconstruction efforts.
The analysis suggested that Kalin is seeking a gradual normalization of relations with Israel, including the exchange of ambassadors, the resumption of flights, increased tourism, and expanded trade.
According to the newspaper, Kalin’s direct contacts with Hamas leadership in Qatar and inside Gaza have made him a key intermediary in the negotiations, with sources confirming that Turkiye has exerted heavy pressure on Hamas leadership in recent days.
The report further claimed that Kalin’s delegation lobbied for Netanyahu’s attendance at the Sharm el-Sheikh 'peace' summit, reportedly to avoid giving the Israeli leader a pretext to skip the signing of ceasefire documents.