Middle East News Live: Saudi crown prince discusses relations with Maldivian and Mauritanian presidents

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives and, in a separate meeting, with President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania to discuss bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and each of their respective countries, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. The discussions centered on reviewing aspects of cooperation and exploring ways to enhance these ties in various fields.

Iran has reportedly ordered material from China sufficient for the production of 800 ballistic missiles, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. This order is understood to involve components or raw materials, suggesting Iran's plan to manufacture the missiles domestically rather than acquiring fully assembled weapons, and indicates a substantial planned expansion or replenishment of its missile arsenal.

The Saudi Interior Ministry has arrested 17 individuals for transporting people who did not possess the required Hajj permits, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. This action aligns with Saudi Arabia's strict enforcement of regulations during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, where official permits are mandatory for all individuals to manage pilgrim numbers, ensure safety, and facilitate the provision of services. Attempting to perform Hajj or assisting others to do so without authorization can lead to penalties such as significant fines, imprisonment, deportation, and bans from future entry into Saudi Arabia.

The Swedish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia has stated that Swedish companies are planning to establish regional headquarters in the Kingdom, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. This initiative by Swedish firms aligns with Saudi Arabia's policy, which became effective January 1, 2024, requiring foreign companies seeking government contracts to have their regional headquarters in the country, and supports the broader aims of the Saudi Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.

Moroccan King Mohammed VI issued a royal pardon for 1,526 individuals on Friday, June 6, 2025, on the eve of Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated on Saturday in Morocco, Middle East Monitor reports. According to a statement from the Moroccan Justice Ministry, those granted clemency include 1,305 prisoners, 206 individuals who had been sentenced but were not in custody, and 15 people convicted in cases related to terrorism and extremism.

Public demonstrations by Israelis are calling for the return of captives, coinciding with pro-Palestine rallies taking place across Europe; concurrently, Hamas has issued a warning that the fate of a captive being held in an area targeted by the Israeli army will rest on the Israeli military's actions, according to a report in Al Jazeera. These events unfold against the backdrop of ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza.

French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barrot on Friday refuted claims that Paris is complicit in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating that while France might have appeared powerless, it was never complicit in what he termed "massacres committed in Gaza by the (Benjamin) Netanyahu government (of Israel)," Middle East Monitor said in a report. Responding to criticisms of insufficient action during an interview with French radio RTL, Barrot highlighted France's proactive measures, including hosting the first international conference for humanitarian aid to Gaza a month after the conflict started, which raised €1 billion ($1.14 billion).

The first Eid al-Adha prayers following the collapse of the Bashar Assad regime in December 2024 were held in Syria on Friday, June 6, 2025, with thousands of people attending the service at the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Middle East Monitor said in a report. Attendees reportedly prayed for the country's safety and peace. Across other provinces, many Syrians visited graves of relatives and participated in sacrificial slaughters after the Eid prayers. The report also noted the occurrence of the first direct Saudi flight landing in Syria after a 12-year hiatus.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone discussion on Friday covering bilateral relations, as well as regional and global matters, Middle East Monitor reports. During the call, President Erdogan reiterated Turkiye’s ongoing support for Palestine and, as stated by Turkiye’s Communications Directorate, expressed satisfaction with what was described as a decision by Western countries to lift sanctions against Syria. President Erdogan also congratulated Crown Prince bin Salman on the success of this year's Hajj season and extended Eid al-Adha greetings.

The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing, issued a warning on Friday stating that recent Israeli army losses in Khan Younis (south) and Jabalia (north) are merely a continuation of high-level operations and a preview of what Israeli forces will face across the Gaza Strip, Middle East Monitor said in a report. Abu Obaida, the spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, emphasized that these events model future encounters and urged Israelis to pressure their leadership to halt the war in Gaza, warning them to otherwise "prepare to receive more of their sons in coffins." This statement followed reports that four Israeli soldiers were killed and five others were injured.

Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), condemned Israel’s ongoing ban on international journalists entering Gaza, terming it an unprecedented act in modern conflict, Middle East Monitor says in a report. Lazzarini stated that the ban is effectively a "ban on the truth" and "on reporting the facts," which serves as a "perfect recipe to fuel misinformation, deepening polarization and dehumanization." He emphasized the critical need for independent reporting from Gaza by international journalists and called for support for their Palestinian colleagues, noting that nearly 200 journalists have reportedly been killed since the current conflict began.

The Israeli army is encountering escalating logistical and mechanical difficulties during its prolonged operations in Gaza, with reports of increasing technical failures impacting tanks, armored vehicles, and weaponry, Middle East Monitor said in a report. Citing Israeli media outlet Maariv, which quoted soldiers, commanders, and senior officers, the report indicates that military units in Gaza are progressively hindered by worn-out equipment and a shortage of spare parts, with the 7th Armored Brigade specifically noting serious challenges in securing essential tank components such as engines, tracks, and control systems.

Iranian intelligence has obtained a large cache of highly sensitive strategic documents belonging to Israel, including material related to the country’s nuclear facilities, military projects, and 'occupation-related projects,' Middle East Monitor said in a report, citing Iranian state media. Iranian state news agency IRNA reportedly stated that Tehran acquired 'a massive volume of strategic documents of special sensitivity.' The acquisition is said to have occurred 'some time ago' but was kept secret for the secure transfer of data into Iran.

Four Israeli soldiers were killed and five others were injured on Friday morning in the Bani Suheila neighborhood of Khan Younis, southern Gaza, after a booby-trapped building exploded and collapsed on them, Middle East Monitor said in a report. The Israeli army, cited in the report via Israeli media, stated that the building was booby-trapped and its collapse caused the casualties. The military identified two of the slain soldiers as Chen Gross and Yoav Raver, adding that the names of the other two would be released later. Five soldiers sustained severe to moderate wounds in the incident.

Jacqueline Rivault, the grandmother of two French children, Janna (6) and Abderrahim Abudaher (9), who were killed in an Israeli air strike in northern Gaza on October 24, 2023, submitted a 48-page legal complaint in France on Friday, June 6, 2025, as per a report in Middle East Monitor. The complaint, filed through her lawyer Arie Alimi with the French judicial unit handling crimes against humanity, accuses Israeli authorities of genocide, crimes against humanity, and murder. The legal action seeks the appointment of an investigative judge, and the French Human Rights League (LDH) has stated its intention to join the case.

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed grave concern on Friday over Gaza's collapsing health system, stating that Nasser Medical Complex and Al-Amal Hospital are at risk of becoming non-functional, according to a report in Middle East Monitor. He highlighted that these are the most important referral hospitals remaining and warned that their failure would mean people lose access to health services. Ghebreyesus noted that although the hospitals are near or within an evacuation zone announced on June 2, Israeli authorities have informed that access routes to both facilities will be obstructed, preventing safe access for new patients.

Sharjah will offer free public parking for three days to mark the Eid Al Adha holiday, Khaleej Times said in a report. This initiative is a common public service adjustment made by UAE emirates during significant religious holidays to facilitate celebrations and ease movement for residents and visitors.

At least dozens of Palestinians have been killed near aid distribution sites in Gaza following the commencement of operations by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation late last month, France 24 said in a report. The identity of those responsible for the shootings remains unclear, with FRANCE 24’s Noga Tarnopolsky stating, “We don’t know who’s exactly doing the shooting right now, it could be Hamas, it could be one of these Islamist militias we’ve recently found out Israel is backing with arms, or it could be the Israeli army.” Tarnopolsky described the situation as an “impasse and anarchy,” resulting in people in need not receiving essential aid.

Israel's military announced on Friday a deficit of more than 10,000 soldiers, specifying a need for about 6,000 in combat roles, as it continues its intensified military operations in the Gaza Strip, France 24 said in a report. This reported shortage highlights the personnel demands of the ongoing conflict.

An Indian expatriate has died in Dubai following a scuba diving session at Jumeirah Beach, Khaleej Times said in a report. The family of the deceased is currently coordinating with the relevant authorities in the UAE to complete the necessary documentation for the repatriation of his body.

The Abu Dhabi Family, Civil, and Administrative Claims Court has ordered a former employee of a real estate brokerage firm to repay Dhs353,000 to the company after he embezzled the sum from a client, Gulf Today said in a report. The employee received the amount as an initial payment for a residential unit but failed to deposit it into the company’s account, which led the firm to reimburse the client and subsequently file a lawsuit. The company sought repayment of the Dhs353,000, along with 5% interest and legal fees, stating the former employee, who had been deported after multiple court judgments, never remitted the cash. The court's decision was based on an expert report confirming the debt, and the ruling was made in the employee's absence despite him being legally summoned.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE has sent a congratulatory message to Saudi Arabia's Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, marking the success of the 1446 AH Hajj season, Gulf Today said in a report. In his message, Sheikh Mohamed expressed sincere congratulations, attributing the success to divine grace and the dedicated efforts of King Salman's government and its institutions in ensuring pilgrims could perform their rituals in tranquility and safety. Similar messages of congratulation were also dispatched to King Salman by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

Syria has confirmed the closure of the Rukban displacement camp, a desert facility established during the civil war from which displaced individuals are now returning home, Al Jazeera said in a report. The camp, which opened in 2014 and housed thousands of people, had been cut off during the height of the war.

Gaza's civil defence agency stated that Israeli forces killed at least 36 Palestinians on Saturday, including six individuals near a US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF) aid distribution centre in Rafah, according to a report in Gulf Today. The GHF had recently resumed distributions after a suspension due to similar deaths earlier in the week. The Israeli military reported its troops fired "warning shots" at individuals it said were "advancing in a way that endangered the troops." A witness described Israeli forces opening fire. Separately, an aid boat, the Madleen, carrying 12 activists including Greta Thunberg, was reportedly nearing Gaza to challenge the Israeli naval blockade. The article notes that UN agencies and major aid groups have declined to work with the GHF, which is described as a private effort with opaque funding, citing concerns it serves Israeli military goals, and recalls a UN warning from May about famine risk in Gaza.

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics division of Etihad Airways, entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Ezhou Huahu Airport during Air Cargo Europe 2025, as per a report in Gulf Today. This partnership aims to bolster Etihad Cargo's strategic presence at Ezhou Huahu Airport, positioning it as a key gateway within its China network, which also includes operations in Shanghai (PVG) and Shenzhen (SZX). The collaboration will focus on increasing flight frequencies, developing new routes, and creating joint solutions for cross-border e-commerce, cold chain logistics, and high-value manufacturing, intending to establish a two-way trade channel by integrating Ezhou's hub warehouse with Etihad Cargo’s global network.

Three new judges, who are either politically affiliated with or ideologically aligned with the Religious Zionist Party (RZP), have been appointed to the Jerusalem Supreme Rabbinical Court, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. These appointments to Israel's highest religious court, which holds jurisdiction over personal status matters such as marriage, divorce, and conversion for Jewish citizens in Israel, were made by a special selection committee.

Israel's internal security service, the Shin Bet, has arrested a suspect alleged to have damaged a vehicle within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's official convoy, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. The incident, involving the security detail for Israel's head of government, led to the apprehension of the individual by the agency responsible for protecting high-ranking officials. Further details regarding the suspect's identity, motive, or the specific nature and extent of the damage to the vehicle were not immediately detailed in initial accounts of the event.

Many Palestinian expatriates in the United Arab Emirates are experiencing a somber Eid al-Adha, with traditional celebrations subdued by concerns for their relatives facing ongoing conflict and a severe humanitarian crisis, particularly in the Gaza Strip, Khaleej Times said in a report. Instead of festive joy, their focus has shifted to prayers for the safety and well-being of family back home and organizing donations to provide aid, reflecting the profound impact of the suffering in Palestine on diaspora communities.

An investigation has been launched in Israel after a window at the Supreme Court building was found shattered, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. Authorities confirmed that gunfire, initially suspected as a possible cause for the damage, has been ruled out. The ongoing investigation is focused on determining the exact cause of the shattered window at the nation's highest judicial institution.

A fire has erupted in Haruvit Forest, located in Israel's northern Negev region, and remains uncontained, The Jerusalem Post says in a report. Initial reports have not yet specified the cause of the blaze or the full extent of the area affected.

France's Armed Forces Minister has reaffirmed that the country is not selling weapons to Israel, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. This statement comes amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis and increased international scrutiny over military support for Israel. While France is not one of Israel's primary arms suppliers, the reaffirmation is considered politically significant and contributes to international pressure concerning Israel's military actions.

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has fired two partners, stating their involvement in a contentious US-backed effort to overhaul humanitarian aid to Gaza was 'unauthorised,' the Financial Times said in a report. The consulting firm indicated that the work undertaken by the employees on this sensitive initiative, aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis, was not sanctioned by the company.

The United States has shifted its diplomatic strategy for Iran nuclear talks, now emphasizing Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as crucial intermediaries, Financial Times said in a report. This development indicates a change in the primary channel for these discussions, reducing Europe's traditional central role, particularly as these Gulf nations had previously opposed the landmark 2015 nuclear deal. The objective of this strategic adjustment is to drive forward efforts to resolve the ongoing stand-off concerning Iran's nuclear program.

Saudi Arabia has announced the successful completion of trials for drone-based medicine delivery to Hajj pilgrims, Arabian Business said in a report. This initiative is part of the kingdom's broader efforts to enhance services for pilgrims and leverage technology under its Vision 2030 plan, which aims for economic diversification and modernization. The drone delivery system is intended to improve access to essential medical supplies during the massive annual pilgrimage, which presents significant logistical challenges. This development also reflects increased investment in Hajj and Umrah infrastructure and technology, as well as Saudi Arabia's push towards digital transformation and smart city initiatives.

Israeli attacks on Gaza have resulted in the deaths of 34 people, according to medical sources cited in a report by Al Jazeera. Among the casualties, eight individuals were reportedly killed in a shooting incident near an aid distribution site west of Rafah in southern Gaza. This event underscores the ongoing dangers in the region, particularly concerning humanitarian aid efforts.

For UAE pilgrims undertaking the Hajj, the practice of shaving their heads holds deep spiritual meaning, representing the "shedding of arrogance," Khaleej Times says in a report. These pilgrims believe this ritual marks the conclusion of a transformative journey and signifies a "reset of both body and soul."

Dubai has launched a new initiative issuing special passport stamps to travellers arriving for Eid Al Adha in 2025, Arabian Business said in a report. These commemorative stamps, which feature the phrase 'Eid in Dubai', are being given to passengers at Dubai Airports and the Hatta land border crossing. This special stamp is provided in addition to standard entry stamps and does not represent a change in the UAE's immigration or visa policies.

Some UAE residents have recently been denied entry to Georgia due to stricter visa rules, meaning a UAE residency permit no longer guarantees access for these individuals to the European country, Khaleej Times said in a report. This change primarily affects foreign nationals holding UAE residency and coincides with Georgia's efforts to align its border control policies with European Union standards, following its EU candidacy status granted in December 2023.

A group of Spanish Muslims has undertaken a journey to retrace an ancient Hajj travel route by travelling on horseback from Andalusia, Spain, to Saudi Arabia, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. This initiative follows a traditional path historically used by pilgrims making their way to Islamic holy sites in what is now Saudi Arabia.

Prominent landmarks in the United Arab Emirates, the Burj Khalifa and the Deira Clock Tower, were lit up to mark the occasion of Eid, Gulf News said in a report. The illuminations on these iconic structures are part of the public celebrations for the significant religious holiday.

Hajj pilgrims performed the Stoning of the Devil (Ramy al-Jamarat) ritual at the Jamarat site in Mina on the first of the Days of Tashreeq, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. This key Hajj observance involves pilgrims throwing pebbles at three pillars, symbolizing the rejection of temptation, and is a mandatory part of the pilgrimage. The Days of Tashreeq are the three days (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah) immediately following Eid al-Adha.

Türkiye has officially denied any direct negotiations with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and continues to insist on the group's full disarmament, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. Ankara maintains its position that the SDF, a key component of US-backed forces in Syria, is linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which Türkiye designates as a terrorist organization. This stance underscores Türkiye's long-standing security concerns and policies regarding groups it perceives as threats along its southern border.

Returning Syrians face significant hardships, including widespread destruction of homes and severe cuts in humanitarian aid, creating a lack of respite for those attempting to rebuild their lives, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. These challenging conditions are prevalent in areas to which refugees and internally displaced persons are returning, primarily those under Syrian government control, and are exacerbated by ongoing security concerns, difficulties in reclaiming property, donor fatigue affecting international aid, and the impact of international sanctions on reconstruction efforts. The dire circumstances significantly hinder safe and dignified return and limit the prospects for sustainable resettlement for many Syrians.

For the upcoming Eid Al Adha, authorities in the UAE have announced special provisions including free public parking and revised schedules for public transportation services, as per a report in Khaleej Times. These measures, a standard practice during major holidays, are intended to ease travel and support residents in observing the 'Festival of Sacrifice,' a period typically dedicated to prayer, reflection, and generosity. The adjustments aim to manage public movement and ensure convenience for citizens and residents participating in religious and social activities during the holiday.

Widespread Eid Al-Adha celebrations took place across the United Arab Emirates, with families and visitors participating in various holiday programmes and entertainment activities in cities including Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Umm Al-Quwain, and Ajman, Gulf Today said in a report. Authorities organized events with comprehensive safety measures, adorning streets and public squares with festive decorations. In Sharjah, Al Majaz Waterfront was a key attraction with children's play areas and acrobatic performances, while Sharjah Police managed traffic. Abu Dhabi saw significant turnout at parks, beaches, and malls, with Qasr Al Watan hosting an equestrian show and a sound and light show, complemented by fireworks. Dubai’s parks like Zabeel and Al Safa, and beaches such as Jumeirah and Kite Beach, were popular, hosting musical performances and culminating in fireworks; authorities there also increased security and cleaning operations. Umm Al-Quwain and Ajman beaches were crowded, with municipalities preparing cornishes and beaches, and organizing events at malls; Ajman also saw activity at its Marina and Heritage Area, with shopping centres reporting brisk commercial activity due to special promotions.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has praised Saudi Arabia for its significant support and humanitarian aid contributions aimed at alleviating the dire crisis in Sudan, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. This commendation acknowledges Saudi Arabia's increased financial commitments and aid deliveries to Sudan and neighboring countries hosting Sudanese refugees, as the nation grapples with a severe humanitarian emergency. The crisis is a result of the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023, leading to massive displacement and critical humanitarian needs.

The Lebanese Army has issued a warning that continued Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon could lead it to freeze cooperation with the ceasefire committee, which likely refers to the UNIFIL-facilitated Tripartite Committee involving Lebanese and Israeli military officers, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This development occurs amidst ongoing daily cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah since October 2023, with recent reports indicating an increased intensity of Israeli strikes deeper into Lebanese territory. The potential suspension of cooperation would impact deconfliction efforts and the stability mechanisms in southern Lebanon.

The Pakistan Consulate in Dubai recently held the first phase of its "Career Fair 2025," attracting over 400 candidates seeking employment opportunities in the UAE, Gulf Today said in a report. Organized in collaboration with Transguard Group, the event featured initial interviews for more than 20 job categories. Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, visited the venue and emphasized the initiative's importance for providing employment opportunities for Pakistanis residing in the UAE. The final selection of candidates will be announced after assessment and verification processes, and a second phase of the career fair is scheduled to take place on June 18 and 19, 2025, at the Consulate premises.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office announced on Saturday that the body of Thai citizen Nattapong Pinta has been retrieved from Gaza and returned to Israel following a special military operation, AP said in a report. Pinta was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7, 2023 attacks and was killed in captivity near the start of the ensuing war. The report noted that Thai nationals constituted the largest group of foreigners taken hostage by Hamas militants. This retrieval was announced two days after Israel reported recovering the bodies of two Israeli hostages.

Social media platform TikTok has unveiled new features specifically for its users in the United Arab Emirates, Gulf News said in a report. While the specific nature of these new features was not detailed in the provided article information, their introduction is aimed at the UAE market.

Israel's Prime Minister's office announced on Saturday that the body of Thai citizen Nattapong Pinta, kidnapped into Gaza on October 7, 2023, was returned to Israel in a special military operation, AP says in a report. Pinta was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz and reportedly killed in captivity near the start of the war; Thais constituted the largest group of foreign nationals held by Hamas militants. This retrieval occurred a day after the bodies of two other hostages, reportedly Israeli-American or holding similar dual nationality, were also found.

Heavy rains recently affected parts of the United Arab Emirates, leading to the formation of waterfalls in mountainous areas and causing wadis (seasonal riverbeds) to overflow, according to a report in Khaleej Times. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) and Storm Centre shared video clips showing significant torrents of water rushing through the mountains as a result of the downpour.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel has been arming certain Palestinian clans in Gaza that he claims are opposed to Hamas, defending the policy by stating it “saves lives of Israeli soldiers,” The Guardian reports. This admission follows Israeli media reports, citing defence sources, which indicated Netanyahu authorized providing weapons, including Kalashnikov assault rifles seized from Hamas, to a clan in Rafah allegedly led by Yasser Abu Shabab, a figure known for criminal activity; this group reportedly calls itself the “Anti-Terror Service.” The policy has drawn criticism due to accusations that members of these armed clans have been involved in looting humanitarian aid and have connections to jihadist groups.

The United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the launch of a new digital system designed to simplify the process for obtaining work permits for foreign workers, NDTV said in a report. Under this new initiative, employers in the UAE can now submit applications for work permits directly through the ministry's official website or its dedicated mobile application. This move is aimed at streamlining the administrative procedures for businesses hiring expatriate labor.

A top Islamic body in Syria, functioning under what is described as an Islamist-led government, has issued a decree aimed at countering honor killings, Al-Monitor said in a report. Tom Barrack, identified as the US special envoy to Syria, characterized the decision as "great first steps." However, the report also notes that concerns continue to persist regarding the new Islamist-led government and its overall approach to governance.

Tehran has denounced a new US travel ban affecting Iranians and citizens of 11 other predominantly Middle Eastern and African countries, labeling Washington's decision as indicative of a 'racist mentality' and a violation of 'fundamental principles of international law', according to a report in The Guardian. US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday, June 5, 2025, reinstating comprehensive restrictions reminiscent of his administration's first-term travel ban. The revived measures are reportedly justified on national security grounds, citing a firebomb attack at a pro-Israel rally in Colorado as a catalyst.

Israel's military announced on Friday the deaths of four soldiers in Gaza and stated a need for thousands more troops to continue its offensive, according to a report in Al-Monitor. This development occurs as the Israeli premier's coalition faces potential collapse over the issue of ultra-Orthodox military conscription. Concurrently, Gaza's civil defence agency reported 38 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks across the territory on Friday, a day when Palestinians observed the Eid al-Adha holiday under conflict conditions for the second consecutive year.

A barbershop near Mecca, strategically positioned by Mina's Jamarat complex where the "stoning of the devil" ritual took place on Friday, operates exclusively for the Hajj pilgrimage, shaving thousands of heads daily as pilgrims complete a key rite, Al-Monitor says in a report. This act of shaving or cutting hair marks the point when pilgrims can change out of their Ihram clothing, which signifies purity and devotion, near the end of the Hajj. The barbershop, open only annually for the pilgrimage, reportedly does a "roaring trade."

Families of Kurdish journalists, reportedly slain in a suspected Turkish drone strike in Syria, are demanding the repatriation of their remains, according to a report in Al-Monitor. The report further states that the Turkish government's (Ankara's) refusal to return the journalists' bodies underscores the political stakes for Turkey in acknowledging the drone strike.

The first day of Eid Al Adha is being observed on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in several Middle Eastern countries, while other nations in the region and Muslims globally may have begun celebrations on Friday, June 6, Khaleej Times said in a report. This variation in the start of the major Islamic festival is due to the traditional reliance on local sightings of the new moon to determine the beginning of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Consequently, official announcements for Eid Al Adha can differ across the Middle East, reflecting diverse moon sighting outcomes.

A planned conference in Saudi Arabia this month, which supporters of Palestine hoped would lead to Western recognition of a Palestinian state, will instead focus on agreeing to steps towards recognition, The Guardian said in a report. According to diplomats, this change in the aims for the conference, scheduled for June 17-20, marks a shift from an earlier vision where it was anticipated that countries including permanent UN Security Council members France and the UK would jointly declare Palestine as a state.

Lebanon's Tourism Ministry organized a retro-themed event in Beirut last month, featuring 1960s and 70s music, to promote the upcoming summer tourism season, AP says in a report. The initiative, as framed by the news report, aims to attract wealthy Gulf tourists in an effort to help jumpstart Lebanon's 'war-torn economy' and recapture positive sentiment from an era often viewed as a 'golden one' for the country before its civil war began in 1975.

LuLu Group, a significant retailer in the United Arab Emirates, is now fueling its delivery vehicles with used cooking oil as part of its sustainability efforts, Gulf News said in a report. This program involves converting waste cooking oil into biofuel, aiming to lessen the carbon footprint of the company's logistics operations. The initiative is consistent with national strategies in the UAE, such as the Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031, which promote environmentally conscious practices and resource efficiency among businesses.

Former Indian tennis player Sania Mirza is set to lead an event in Abu Dhabi to mark International Yoga Day, Gulf News said in a report. The event in the UAE capital highlights the cultural engagement between India and the UAE, countries that share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. International Yoga Day, initiated by India and recognized by the United Nations in 2014, is celebrated annually on June 21st.

An Emirati innovator is successfully creating energy drinks and a range of food products, such as flour from date pits used in pastries, pasta, crackers, biscuits, cakes, and rice, Khaleej Times said in a report. This development in the UAE highlights innovation in utilizing agricultural byproducts, which supports national goals of economic diversification and enhancing food security by creating value-added goods from previously underused resources.