
Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday and appreciated Pakistan’s “sustained diplomatic efforts” for de-escalation and peaceful solutions to regional challenges, a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. Both Pakistan and Oman have been engaged in efforts for de-escalation after US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February resulted in a conflict that has now expanded further into the Middle East. Albusaidi’s meeting wi

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday and appreciated Pakistan’s “sustained diplomatic efforts” for de-escalation and peaceful solutions to regional challenges, a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. Both Pakistan and Oman have been engaged in efforts for de-escalation after US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February resulted in conflicted that has now expanded further into the Middle East. Albusaidi’s with PM Sh

Global human rights commitment adopted by government extends reach to enablers of unlawful activity The UK is expanding its sanctions powers to freeze assets and target entities enabling illegal Israeli settlements, obstructing humanitarian aid or unlawfully holding prisoners. The statutory instrument introducing the Global Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law sanctions adds three new grounds to the 2020 regime – serious violations of international humanitarian law, obstruction of hum

HSBC ‘sharia‑compliant’ fund spent over $100m on five Israeli military‑linked firms The UK’s largest “sharia-compliant” fund has purchased more than $100m worth of shares in companies linked to the Israeli military in the first half of this year, a Middle East Eye analysis can reveal. This comes after Hyphen reported on Tuesday that the British banking giant HSBC’s Islamic Global Equity Index Fund purchased $38m worth of shares in the controversial American technology firm Palantir. Most halal

Netanyahu warns again of Israel’s ‘enemies’ planning an attack before elections.

Second vessel also reportedly sinking as uptick in strikes suggests Iran trying to close waterway before US elections A container ship has sunk near the strait of Hormuz and a second cargo vessel was reportedly sinking amid the sharpest uptick in Iranian attacks on shipping since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran. The surge of attacks suggests Iran is trying to fully close the strategic waterway in a deliberate attempt to frustrate Donald Trump’s efforts to bring down fuel prices before

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met International Monetary Fund (IMF) Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke in Bangkok on Wednesday, with their discussion covering targeted fuel subsidies among other matters. Aurangzeb “outlined targeted fuel subsidies to protect vulnerable groups and preserve social cohesion” during the meeting, a statement issued by the finance ministry said. The government has already rolled out a fuel subsidy scheme for the users of motorcycles, autos and vehicles of up
Shahrar Ali warns that the problem in the UK Green Party extends beyond Israel, describing what he sees as an erosion of its traditional eco-focused secular identity.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels said on Wednesday they had targeted facilities belonging to Saudi Aramco, after Saudi officials reported a strike on a building in an area in Riyadh housing the energy giant’s operations centre. Powerful explosions meanwhile rattled the Saudi capital, as the coalition fighting the Houthis said it had intercepted a missile fired by the group towards Riyadh. Saudi Arabia, the world’s top crude oil exporter, has in recent days come under sustained attack in a dramatic escalati

Burnham condemns 'Zionism is racism' motion and rules out coalition with Greens MEE staff on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 15:00 'It is wrong, it is antisemitic, and this side of the house will have nothing to do with it', the prime minister declared Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham leaves 10 Downing Street in central London to take part in the weekly session of 'Prime Minister's Questions' (PMQs) at the parliament on 14 October 2026 (AFP) Off British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has condemned the G

The country’s coming election has become focused on the status of the country’s ultra-Orthodox at wartime.
Israel's Fire and Rescue Authority initially warned that hazardous chemicals may have leaked following the explosion, with the Kiryat Gat municipality asking residents to stay away from the area.

HSBC ‘sharia‑compliant’ fund spent over $100m on five Israeli military‑linked firms Imran Mulla on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 12:52 MEE analysis reveals HSBC’s Islamic Global Equity Index Fund purchased shares in world’s second-largest arms company A branch of HSBC bank in central London on 24 February 2026 (AFP) Off The UK’s largest “sharia-compliant” fund has purchased more than $100m worth of shares in companies linked to the Israeli military in the first half of this year, a Middle East Eye analy

HSBC ‘sharia‑compliant’ fund spent over $100m on five Israeli military‑linked firms Imran Mulla on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 12:52 MEE analysis reveals HSBC’s Islamic Global Equity Index Fund purchased shares in world’s second-largest arms company A branch of HSBC bank in central London on 24 February 2026 (AFP) Off The UK’s largest “sharia-compliant” fund has purchased more than $100m worth of shares in companies linked to the Israeli military in the first half of this year, a Middle East Eye analy

A defence technology company founded in Washington and Israel has unveiled what it describes as the world's first native counter swarm defence system, designed from the outset to engage large numbers of drones at once. Iron Dome architect behind new counter swarm system first appeared on UK Defence Journal.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay on Wednesday hit out at Donald Trump’s “illegal” sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying the US president needed a lesson in international law. In an interview with AFP, Pillay also said it was no coincidence the US sanctions on the ICC were announced just hours after her Nobel, as a “reaction to the fact that the award was not given to President Trump”. Asked what her message was for Trump, the 85-year-old judge told AFP: “Call in yo
JERUSALEM, Oct 14 (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that he was not in favour of a preemptive strike against Iran before Israel's October 27 election but also warned Tehran and its proxies against striking Israel. "It is not convenient for us, it's no good," Netanyahu said in an interview on Israel's Army Radio, when asked about the possibility of a preemptive strike and allegations by his political rivals that he was seeking a military confrontation ahead o

LONDON: The Committee to Protect Journalists said on Tuesday that it was “deeply alarmed” by what it described as an escalating wave of violations against Palestinian and foreign journalists in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. The group urged Israeli authorities to halt the practices, investigate attacks on members of the press, hold those responsible accountable and allow journalists to work without intimidation. “Israel’s actions against Palestinian and foreign journalists are
The lawsuit alleges that in the months leading up to October 7, Netanyahu received repeated warnings about the possibility of an escalation on multiple fronts, with particular emphasis on Gaza.
The prime minister said he hoped the election would proceed as scheduled but warned that Israel's enemies could attempt attacks or rocket fire to create an impression of Israeli vulnerability.

One official claims satellite internet could erode online governance in Iran amid war with the US and Israel.
Bar Kalifa, who fought in the Gaza Strip as commander of the 36th Division following the October 7 attacks, addressed the soldiers at the Southern Command event.
Firefighters extricated a person who had been trapped inside the bus and was pronounced dead at the scene by Magen David Adom (MDA) personnel.
Some have already speculated that Israel could destroy enemy space satellites using the Arrow 3 missile system, given that it already strikes ballistic missiles in space.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that Israel will seize more territory in southern Lebanon if Hezbollah joins Iran in attacking Israel, potentially expanding its security zone into areas like Nabatieh and the Litani. Katz also mentioned plans for a ground offensive that could displace over one million Shiites in Lebanon, emphasizing a significant escalation in military operations should Hezbollah enter the conflict.

Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque and graffitied its outside walls on Wednesday in the occupied West Bank village of Mikhmas, Palestinian sources and the Israeli military said. Atta Kanaan, a Palestinian resident of Mikhmas who lives 50 metres from the mosque, told AFP that he heard the sound of breaking glass shortly after midnight on Wednesday and immediately went to the building.
After Iran engaged twice in the space of one year against Israel and the United States, the question of how Iranians respond to an external enemy has returned to the fore.

Colombia opens embassy in West Jerusalem as new president embraces Israel Elis Gjevori on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 12:30 Israel's foreign minister Gideon Saar welcomed the move as 'breaking new ground' The Colombian foreign minister Omar Bula Escobar and his his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar at the embassy opening in West Jersualem. (gidonsaar/X) Off Colombia opened its embassy in West Jerusalem on Wednesday, following a controversial decision by the country’s new pro-Israeli president, Abelardo
The warning followed the death of Elazar Yair Wilensky, who was killed when unexploded Hezbollah ammunition detonated during the school trip.

Settlers also attacked a boy in a separate incident in the town of Beita, south of Nablus.

On February 29, 2024, Israeli forces fired at civilians as they gathered around an aid convoy. At least 115 people were killed in what has since become known as the ‘Flour Massacre’. Survivors recalled the involvement of armed tanks and quadcopters. “When the aid entered, the tank and quadcopter started firing at the people gathered, the people who went to get food for themselves and their children. They started shooting at them,” Mahmoud Ahmad, a Gaza resident, told Reuters shortly after the in

DUBAI: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urged the UN Security Council to extend the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for another year, warning that its withdrawal would leave a security vacuum in southern Lebanon. Meeting UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to the continued presence of the peacekeeping force, highlighting its role since the start of its mission and the sacrifices made by its military perso

France: Far-right party’s ‘de‑demonisation’ strategy rattled by antisemitism scandal Tassa Adidi on Wed, 10/14/2026 - 08:44 Allegations of antisemitism targeting National Rally president Jordan Bardella have undermined the party’s attempt to move beyond its extremist past France's far-right Rassemblement National leader Jordan Bardella (R) attends a conference on antisemitism in Jerusalem on 27 March 2025 (Menahem Kahana/AFP) Off “Nature always returns,” says the proverb - a phrase that perf
The missile would have a maximum range of approximately 1,200 miles, according to the WSJ. This would put all of Saudi Arabia and Israel in range.

Colombia opens embassy in Jerusalem in shift on Israel Colombia officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem on Wednesday, joining a small number of countries that have moved their missions to the holy city. “This is an important date for the State of Israel. It’s also an important date for the city of Jerusalem,” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said at the ceremony. The decision follows an announcement in July by President Abelardo de la Espriella, marking a sharp change from his predecess
In a sharply worded statement, a State Department spokesperson said the US was aware of the complaint, which was filed by a lawyer affiliated with Hezbollah.
Israel is on heightened alert over the possibility of such an attack, given the Houthis' efforts to improve their ability to carry out attacks from both directions.

Demolished homes, shifting military lines, stalled withdrawals leave Lebanese uncertain if they can return.

France is on the precipice of a far-right landslide Rayan Freschi on Wed, 10/07/2026 - 21:08 Presidential frontrunner Marine Le Pen's hijab obsession is merely a symptom of the country's deeply rooted Islamophobia National Rally leader Marine Le Pen speaks during a party rally in Chalons-en-Champagne, France, on 18 March 2026 (Sameer al-Doumy/AFP) Off The French presidential race has begun. For the first time since 2017, Emmanuel Macron won’t be a part of it. And for the first time in her c

Why did the Palestinian Authority postpone elections - again? Lubna Masarwa on Tue, 10/13/2026 - 13:44 A Hamas-Dahlan alliance threatened Fatah's electoral plans and exposed a wider struggle over Palestinian politics Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attends the foundation stone ceremony of the Innovation and Excellence Compound in the West Bank city of Ramallah, on 9 September 2026 (Zain Jaafar/AFP) Off Three months after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced elections, the vote h

Iran executes man convicted of armed attacks during war Iranian authorities have executed a man convicted of carrying out shooting that injured several civilians, including a young girl, in southern city of Kerman. State broadcaster IRIB said Ali-Sina Mostafavi was executed following a series of armed attacks in the city during the US-Israel war on Iran, including a 24 March shooting in Azadi Square and an 21 April attack on conscripts and passing vehicles. The report linked Mostafavi to monarc

Netanyahu pressed Trump to resume Iran war before elections, report says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has discussed with US President Donald Trump the possibility of resuming the war against Iran, Israel’s Channel 12 reported, with senior American officials saying they were struck by his interest in acting before the elections. Israel votes on 27 October and the US holds midterms on 3 November. Netanyahu has held several calls with Trump in the past two weeks about a large-scale jo

Morning recap Good Morning Middle East Eye readers, If you are just joining us, here are key developments from across the region and beyond: * Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry says a strike caused a small fire at an Aramco building in Dhahran with no injuries. * Cities across Saudi Arabia were rocked by explosions on Tuesday night local time after the kingdom launched strikes on energy facilities in Sanaa, the Yemeni capital controlled by the Houthis. * Israeli forces shot two Palestinians in t
Wilensky was killed, and 24 others were wounded, when one of the students picked up an unexploded Hezbollah bomb and put it in his backpack.

Sources told Axios that despite disagreement between the two leaders, both US and Israeli militaries are on alert and concluding preparations to be ready in case Trump changes his mind.

Israeli strike kills Palestinian woman near Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza A Palestinian woman has been killed in an Israeli strike targeting an apartment near the al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza, according to Al Jazeera's reporters on the ground.

Saudi Arabia's de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has opposed the Israeli proposal for military involvement in Yemen because of the likely backlash among the kingdom's public, a report said.

OHIO: US President Donald Trump said that the United States “might have gone too far” in targeting Iran’s leadership. “We might have gone too far with the leaders because we don’t know who the hell we’re dealing with any more,” he said during a campaign rally in Ohio, according to Middle East Eye. “Nobody wants to be the president of Iran,” he added, claiming that potential candidates did not want to take up the position. Trump made this remark despite Masoud Pezeshkian being Iran’s president si
Honoring fallen Commando Brigade soldiers, Zamir pledged to expand the IDF's ranks, apply the lessons of October 7, and prevent future threats to Israel's security.