Middle East News Live: Yemen's al-Qaida leader threatens US President Trump and Elon Musk over Gaza war

Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki, the leader of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), historically considered one of al-Qaida's most dangerous branches, has issued threats against US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk concerning the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, AP says in a report. This marked al-Awlaki's first video message since assuming leadership of the group in 2023. The half-hour video, which reportedly circulated online via AQAP supporters early Saturday, also included calls by al-Awlaki for lone-wolf attacks.

The ongoing salary crisis in Iraq's Kurdistan region is significantly impacting Eid celebrations for public sector employees, as disputes persist between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government in Baghdad, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. This crisis stems from disagreements over the implementation of the federal budget law, particularly concerning the KRG's share of national revenue, its obligations to transfer oil and non-oil revenues, and Baghdad's responsibility for KRG employee salaries. Iraq's Federal Supreme Court has issued rulings reinforcing federal authority over resources, further complicating the situation. Despite negotiations, a sustainable solution for fund transfers and consistent salary payments remains elusive, leading to severe hardship for the population in the Kurdistan Region and increasing political pressure on the KRG.

The Gulf petrochemical sector faces mounting difficulties driven by several global factors, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. A significant challenge stems from the international push for net-zero emissions and renewable energy, which directly impacts long-term demand for fossil fuels and their derivatives like petrochemicals. Additionally, while Gulf states' economic diversification plans, such as Saudi Vision 2030, include investments in downstream industries like petrochemicals to add value to existing resources, they also aim to reduce overall reliance on oil revenue, creating a complex dynamic. Furthermore, geopolitical events, including the Russia-Ukraine war and US-China trade tensions, are influencing energy prices, trade routes, and the demand for petrochemical products, thereby affecting Gulf producers' market access and competitiveness.

Fifty-four migrants have been rescued from an oil platform located in the Mediterranean Sea, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. This event occurs within the context of the ongoing migration crisis in the region, where individuals frequently attempt perilous sea crossings from North African coasts aiming to reach Europe.

The Israeli military has announced the discovery and identification of Mohammed Sinwar's body in a tunnel located at a Gaza hospital, BBC says in a report. Mohammed Sinwar is described as the brother of Hamas's political leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, and himself a senior commander within the group's military wing. This reported development occurs within the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with the Israeli military stating the find was made during operations targeting Hamas infrastructure.

Egyptian truck driver Khaled Shawqi has died from severe burns sustained days after heroically driving his burning fuel truck away from a gas station and residential areas in 10th of Ramadan City, Egypt, Gulf Today said in a report. Shawqi’s vehicle caught fire at the station amid high temperatures; he then entered the burning truck to move it to safety. He passed away on Sunday after receiving intensive care treatment. Shawqi's actions drew widespread public admiration, and local authorities plan to name a street in his honor.

A Gulf Air flight, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, successfully landed at Kuwait Airport after receiving a bomb threat that was later determined to be a hoax, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. Emergency protocols were activated at the Kuwaiti airport, and the aircraft was thoroughly searched upon landing, confirming the false nature of the threat and ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew.

Light to heavy rain fell across various areas in the northern emirates of the UAE, including Sharjah, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah, on Sunday, attributed to a combination of an eastern surface low-pressure system, a western surface high-pressure system, and an upper-air high-pressure extension, Gulf Today said in a report. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts continued rainfall on Monday in eastern and northern regions, with potential for fog or light fog in some coastal and inland areas. Southeasterly to northeasterly winds are expected to be light to moderate, occasionally stirring dust, with speeds from 10 to 25 km/h, reaching up to 35 km/h. Weather from Tuesday through Thursday is predicted to be clear to partly cloudy with light to moderate southeasterly to northeasterly winds. The NCM has urged public caution during rainfall in eastern areas, advising against approaching valley streams and water accumulation sites, and to follow driving safety measures while staying updated through official channels.

Hundreds of people gathered in Dubai to mourn the passing of Dr. Nazar, a renowned Indian doctor, Khaleej Times said in a report. The Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare highlighted Dr. Nazar's dedication, stating he had committed his life to the service of others for many decades, reflecting his significant contributions to the community.

An aid ship en route to Gaza has been named "Madleen" after Madleen Kulab, recognized as the first and only fisherwoman in the Gaza Strip, Al Jazeera says in a report. This act highlights a personal connection to the region as the vessel aims to deliver humanitarian assistance.

Expatriates residing in the United Arab Emirates are actively preserving Eid customs from their countries of origin, ensuring cultural traditions continue while living abroad, Khaleej Times said in a report. These observances include preparing traditional festive dishes such as Ka'ek and sheer khorma, welcoming family and friends into their homes for celebrations, and fulfilling charitable obligations like distributing meat to those in need.

Residents in the Middle East are experiencing considerable frustration and disruption to travel plans due to severe limitations in Schengen visa appointment availability, Gulf News said in a report. This bottleneck is attributed to a global surge in travel post-pandemic overwhelming consular services, specific EU member state policies leading to varied processing capacities at their consulates in the Middle East, and increased demand from the region driven by both economic stability in some parts and instability in others. The situation has significant implications, causing personal and professional disruptions for individuals and businesses in the Middle East, and prompting concerns for Middle Eastern governments regarding citizen welfare and diplomatic engagement with EU countries to ease the process.

The government of Dubai is taking measures to reform the governance and address succession challenges at the parent company of Majid Al Futtaim (MAF), a conglomerate described as a linchpin of the emirate's consumer economy, Financial Times said in a report. This intervention aims to bring stability to MAF, which operates major malls, hypermarkets, leisure facilities, and real estate developments crucial to Dubai's economic landscape.

An Israeli source has reported that 20 hostages are alive, the status of two is undetermined, and 33 are dead, Jerusalem Post said in a report. These figures pertain to individuals taken on October 7th. This update on the hostages' condition emerges amid ongoing, though often stalled, ceasefire and hostage release negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, and as Israeli military operations continue in Gaza, which Israel states are aimed at dismantling Hamas and retrieving hostages. The fate of the hostages is a significant issue within Israeli domestic politics, with pressure on the government regarding their return.

Israel's Defense Ministry is set to conduct a military exercise on Highway 35 on Sunday afternoon, Jerusalem Post said in a report. The announcement specifies the timing and general location of the planned military activity.

Iran's intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, has asserted that Tehran acquired a significant collection of information related to Israel's nuclear program, a claim made without presenting any supporting evidence, AP says in a report. This declaration was made ahead of an upcoming International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board meeting where Iran's nuclear program is expected to be a focus, and occurs as diplomatic talks with the United States concerning the nuclear agreement appear to be faltering.

Distinguished lawyers, senior humanitarians, and diplomats have expressed increasing concern to BBC News regarding the humanitarian catastrophe inside Gaza and accusations that Israel is committing grave war crimes, according to a report in BBC News. The article highlights that the manner in which governments worldwide respond to these serious allegations and the unfolding crisis could have profound and lasting implications for them in the years to come.

William Plastow’s mother has stated it is “outrageous” that her son faces a potential 21 months in jail before his trial, The Guardian said in a report. Plastow, 34, from Manchester, is one of the “Filton 18” accused in connection with a Palestine Action protest at an Elbit Systems factory, an Israeli arms manufacturer, near Bristol in August of the previous year. He denies charges of criminal damage, violent disorder, and aggravated burglary, and his mother believes this potential pre-trial detention period is the longest for anyone facing protest-related charges in the UK.

The Central Bank of the UAE has provided an explanation detailing how individuals can obtain compensation for torn or damaged currency, Gulf News said in a report. This clarification outlines the specific process and requirements for replacing such banknotes, aiming to inform the public about the procedures for managing damaged Dirhams.

The UAE football association has suspended two players for five matches and imposed a fine of Dh500,000, Khaleej Times said in a report. The association also stated that the two players would be excluded from the national team roster.

The Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court has obligated a man to pay a total of Dhs13,000 to a woman he assaulted and robbed, Gulf Today said in a report. The court ordered the defendant to pay Dhs10,000 for electronic devices and a mobile phone he had stolen from her, and an additional Dhs3,000 as compensation for material and moral harms. The woman had initially filed a lawsuit requesting Dhs30,000, which included Dhs11,000 for the stolen items and Dhs19,000 for damages, after the man was convicted for the assault and theft which caused her injuries preventing her from work for up to 20 days. The court determined the value of the stolen property to be approximately Dhs10,000.

Israeli forces announced on Saturday the retrieval of the body of Nattapong Pinta, a Thai hostage abducted during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, and reportedly killed early in the war, from the Rafah area in Gaza, Gulf Today said in a report. Concurrently, Israel’s military reported killing As’ad Aby Sharaiya, identified as the head of the Mujahideen Brigades—the group said to have seized Pinta—in Gaza City. Gaza's health ministry stated that Israeli military operations killed at least 95 Palestinians in the preceding 24 hours, contributing to a total exceeding 54,000 Palestinians, reportedly mostly women and children, killed since the war began. Hostage families continued to rally in Israel for a ceasefire, as 55 hostages reportedly remain in Gaza. The conflict has also led to further civilian casualties from strikes and ongoing concerns about the humanitarian situation, with reports of individuals killed while seeking aid amid warnings of famine.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has initiated road improvement works at 40 strategic locations throughout Dubai, with the stated goal of alleviating traffic flow issues ahead of summer 2025, according to a report in Arabian Business. These infrastructure enhancements are intended to improve the transportation network within the emirate.

Iran has asserted that it gained access to a cache of sensitive Israeli nuclear files, while in a separate development, Israeli forces recovered the body of a Thai hostage from Gaza, Bloomberg says in a report. The Iranian claim, which has not been independently verified and is considered part of ongoing information warfare, adds to the tensions in the long-standing covert conflict between the two nations. The recovery of the deceased hostage from Gaza underscores the human cost of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which followed the October 7th attacks, and the complexities of efforts to secure or recover individuals held in the Strip.

Road infrastructure projects are being implemented in a Gulf region, targeting school zones, new developments, and major roads to alleviate traffic congestion, Gulf News said in a report. These enhancements are aimed at improving urban mobility in areas experiencing rapid growth and are often aligned with broader national strategies for infrastructure development common in the Middle East. The initiative focuses on easing daily traffic burdens, particularly around educational facilities, and improving access to expanding residential and commercial zones.

Indian expatriates in the UAE are facing financial setbacks, with some losing more than Dh1,400, as a result of a strict new travel rule reportedly enforced by Nepal, Khaleej Times said in a report. Recent travellers advise that Indian residents visiting Nepal must now obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Indian embassy to be permitted to return to the Emirates. This requirement is causing significant inconvenience and unexpected costs for the affected Indian community in the UAE.

A new visa policy in the United Arab Emirates has been positively received by Indian nationals with Filipina spouses, who are hailing the changes, Gulf News says in a report. This policy is understood to be part of the UAE's wider visa and residency reforms aimed at attracting and retaining skilled expatriates and their families, contributing to the nation's economic diversification strategy. The development is seen as providing greater stability for mixed-nationality families and is expected to enhance the UAE's image as a welcoming country for long-term residency, while also strengthening bilateral ties with India and the Philippines.

Iranian authorities have reportedly expanded a ban on walking dogs in public to numerous cities across the country, citing concerns for public health, social order, and safety, according to a report in The Guardian. This expansion, which domestic media reported included Ilam city in western Iran on Sunday, echoes a previous police directive from 2019 that barred walking dogs in Tehran.

Protesters marched in Rome, Italy, demanding an end to Israel's war on Gaza, Al Jazeera said in a report. Organizers of the demonstration in the Italian capital claimed that up to 300,000 people participated in the event to show support for Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict.

Saudi Arabia has welcomed pilgrims arriving from 238 different cities, highlighting the extensive international participation in the country's religious pilgrimages, Gulf News said in a report. The arrivals signify the large scale of operations managed by the Kingdom to accommodate visitors for significant religious events such as Hajj and Umrah.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has affirmed its commitment to maintaining freedom of movement in South Lebanon, a critical aspect of its mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1701, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This affirmation comes against a backdrop of continued cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, which began in October 2023, and sporadic past incidents where UNIFIL patrols have faced obstructions. UNIFIL's ability to move freely is essential for its tasks, which include monitoring the cessation of hostilities and assisting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in an area south of the Litani River.

The Israeli military has reported striking a Hamas member in southern Syria, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. This strike occurs within the broader context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, and indicates Israel's strategy of targeting Hamas assets and personnel beyond the Gaza Strip. Israel has also intensified military strikes in Syria, particularly since the start of the Gaza conflict, primarily targeting Iranian-linked forces, Hezbollah, and other allied groups. While Gaza is Hamas's primary base, the organization maintains a regional presence and network, and this strike highlights Israel's focus on dismantling this broader network.

The United Nations has welcomed the establishment of new committees tasked with tackling significant security challenges in Libya, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. These committees are intended to address issues stemming from ongoing political divisions, such as the proliferation and influence of armed militias, the continued presence of foreign fighters and mercenaries, the need for comprehensive security sector reform including the unification of military and police forces, enhancing border security, and coordinating counter-terrorism efforts. The formation of these committees is a development following previous initiatives, notably the 2020 ceasefire agreement which established the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC), and is part of the UN Support Mission in Libya's (UNSMIL) ongoing mediation efforts to stabilize the country.

Markets in Makkah have opened their doors as pilgrims commence their departure following the conclusion of a significant pilgrimage season, Asharq Al-Awsat reports. This development signifies a transition in the holy city, with local businesses resuming full operations to cater to departing pilgrims and the local community, reflecting the substantial economic activity linked to religious tourism. The orderly departure of pilgrims and the functioning of essential services such as markets are indicative of the logistical management involved in these large-scale religious gatherings in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia's Adahi project has set a target to carry out 950,000 animal sacrifices within an 84-hour timeframe, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. This initiative is a key part of the logistical operations for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, specifically facilitating the Udhiyah, or ritual sacrifice, which is a requirement for many pilgrims during Eid al-Adha. The project's objective is to manage this large number of sacrifices in an organized and timely manner consistent with religious stipulations.

Thousands demonstrated in Tel Aviv on Saturday night, urging the release of hostages held in Gaza and a ceasefire in the ongoing 20-month conflict between Israel and Hamas, Gulf Today said in a report. Protesters at the area known as Hostages Square chanted for a "comprehensive deal" for the hostages' return, following Hamas's release of a photograph showing hostage Matan Zangauker apparently in poor health. Einav Zangauker, Matan's mother, criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the rally, while Noam Katz, daughter of Lior Rudaeff, a hostage declared dead whose body remains in Gaza, called for an agreement to bring hostages back and an end to the war. The protest occurred after the Israeli army announced on Friday the death of four soldiers in Gaza and stated a need for 10,000 more troops. Negotiations for a ceasefire, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, have so far been unsuccessful. According to Israeli authorities, 55 of the 251 people abducted on October 7, 2023, are still held in Gaza, with at least 31 of them confirmed dead.

The United Arab Emirates is increasing its anti-money laundering (AML) scrutiny, with Dubai Police actively participating in enhanced checks and operations, according to a report in Gulf News. This move aims to further strengthen the nation's AML framework and comes after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) removed the UAE from its 'grey list' in February 2024, supporting the country's strategic goal of being a leading global financial center.

Pakistani citizens recently deported from an unspecified Gulf country are now confronting a five-year travel ban preventing their re-entry into that nation and are also facing First Information Reports (FIRs) upon their return to Pakistan, Gulf News said in a report. The lodging of FIRs in Pakistan signifies the initiation of police investigations against the deportees. While the specific reasons for the deportations and the details of the alleged offenses leading to FIRs were not immediately provided, these actions occur amid ongoing efforts by several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to enforce stricter immigration and labor laws.

Light to moderate rain fell on Saturday in various parts of the Northern Emirates, with the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasting continued rainfall for Sunday and Monday in eastern and northern areas, Gulf Today said in a report. The NCM attributed Saturday's weather to a combination of low and high-pressure systems, reporting cumulus cloud formation with rainfall and active winds up to 40 km/h in eastern and northern regions, which also stirred dust and sandstorms. Specific areas receiving rain on Saturday included Khor Fakkan, Al Rafisah Dam, Wadi Al-Hilo, Al Suhub Rest Area, Shees-Al-Nadwa road, Al-Nahwah, Al-Madam in Sharjah, and Mirbah, Qidfa/Al-Qarya, and Al-Hayl in Fujairah. For Sunday, the NCM predicted rising temperatures, clear to partly cloudy skies, and potential cumulus clouds leading to rain in eastern and northern regions, with humidity and possible fog at night. Monday is expected to have similar conditions with potential rainfall in eastern and northern areas and humidity with possible fog at night, especially in the west.

A surge in antiquities smuggling is occurring in Syria, with ancient sites like Palmyra heavily affected by looting, The Guardian said in a report. This increase is attributed to what the article describes as the 'fall of Assad,' which is clarified as the collapse of the state's security apparatus and weakening of central control in many regions—as Bashar al-Assad remains Syria's president—coupled with widespread poverty. Desperate individuals are driven to exhume ancient graves for valuable artifacts like funerary gold, which are subsequently sold, including through online platforms, leading to significant destruction of Syria's cultural heritage.

The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) launched its Eid Al Adha Sacrificial Meat Distribution Project in Hadhramaut Governorate, Yemen, on Saturday, benefiting 1,368 individuals from underprivileged families and low-income households in the Al Mukalla District, Gulf Today said in a report. Ahmed Salem Bazroos, Director General of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour Office in Hadhramaut Coast, and ERC representatives were present. Bazroos acknowledged the UAE's humanitarian role, stating such initiatives alleviate burdens on needy families. Humaid Rashid Al Shamsi, Development and International Cooperation Adviser and Representative of the ERC in Hadhramaut, noted the project is part of ERC's efforts to promote solidarity and social cohesion during Eid Al Adha, aiming to reach many beneficiary families. This initiative is within the ERC's broader humanitarian projects in the governorate. The ERC's overall annual sacrificial meat campaign, “Your Giving Makes Their Eid,” aims to benefit over 6.2 million people globally.

At least nine Palestinians were killed while attempting to access aid distribution sites in Rafah, leading to the renewed closure of these centres, Al Jazeera said in a report. This incident is the latest in a series of deadly events at aid distribution points in Gaza, highlighting the extreme danger civilians face when trying to obtain essential supplies. The event occurs amidst ongoing international pressure for increased humanitarian aid access to Gaza and stalled ceasefire negotiations, while Israeli military operations continue in the region.

Iranian rapper Tataloo, whose full name is Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, is currently awaiting execution in Iran after being convicted on charges of “insulting Islamic sanctities,” AP says in a report. The 37-year-old artist's situation marks a dramatic turn, given he once supported a hard-line presidential candidate in the country. This development occurs amid what is described as an increased crackdown on dissent and cultural expression in Iran.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza has warned of mounting casualties in areas designated for aid distribution, reporting 10 deaths and more than 110 injuries in these zones within the last 48 hours, according to a report in Middle East Eye. This recent toll brings the total number of casualties in incidents related to aid distribution to 110 killed and over 1,000 injured, with the Ministry stating these occurred since Israel began targeting zones set up for humanitarian assistance.

Recent Middle Eastern developments highlight evolving regional partnerships, notably involving Israel and several Arab nations through initiatives like the Abraham Accords and ongoing normalization discussions, Haaretz says in a report. These shifts are often driven by shared security concerns, particularly regarding Iran and its proxies, fostering intelligence and defense cooperation. Such partnerships, which vary from full diplomatic normalization to more targeted cooperation, carry significant political weight: the Israeli government views them as key diplomatic successes enhancing national security, whereas the Palestinian Authority and its factions may perceive them as isolating and detrimental to their leverage. For Arab states participating, these agreements offer potential economic and security advantages but can also trigger domestic criticism due to public sentiment on the Palestinian issue. The long-term impact of these partnerships on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process remains a central point of debate among analysts, with some suggesting they could foster a new regional dynamic conducive to peace, while others fear they sideline core Palestinian rights and statehood aspirations.

The Met Office has forecast that rainfall will continue to move eastward and northward of the United Arab Emirates, Gulf News said in a report. This weather pattern indicates ongoing precipitation for regions extending in these directions from the UAE.

A weather event featuring a whirlwind, significant dust, and heavy rainfall was reported in Sharjah, an emirate within the United Arab Emirates, Gulf News said in a report. The phenomenon involved a whirlwind stirring up dust particles before the onset of substantial rain in the area; the article's title suggests it may include video footage of the event.

Hamas has issued a new threat concerning Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker, warning he "will not return alive," The Jerusalem Post said in a report. The Gazan group has previously killed hostages, sometimes claiming these actions were in response to nearby Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operations.

More than 70 Palestinians were killed in Gaza due to Israeli military actions, which included the bombing of a family building resulting in 16 deaths, Al Jazeera English reports. A separate deadly attack at a US-backed aid hub killed eight Palestinians who were seeking food, with these events reportedly occurring on the second day of Eid al-Adha.

Mall of the Emirates in Dubai has introduced a new barrierless parking system, according to a report in Khaleej Times. This development aims to enhance visitor convenience at the major retail hub and aligns with Dubai's broader 'Smart City' initiatives and push for digital transformation in urban services.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has released drone video footage that it claims shows a Hamas command center operating within a tunnel network located beneath the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza, The Jerusalem Post said in a report. According to the IDF, this subterranean facility was utilized by Hamas to coordinate attacks and for storing weapons. The release of this footage occurs amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and builds on previous IDF assertions regarding Hamas's alleged use of civilian infrastructure for military purposes.

Smoking rates are reportedly increasing among young Israelis in the period following October 7, 2023, a trend that is worsening the risks of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), The Jerusalem Post said in a report. Fridlender, an internationally renowned researcher focusing on neutrophil white blood cells of the immune system and their role in lung cancer, noted these growing smoking rates among the younger demographic.

An Indian expatriate passed away while scuba diving at Jumeirah Beach in Dubai, Khaleej Times said in a report. The incident has necessitated standard consular assistance from Indian diplomatic missions for the deceased's family. While the event is primarily a personal tragedy, it may prompt a review of safety regulations for recreational water activities in the area by Dubai authorities, though it is not expected to have significant political repercussions.