West Asia News Highlights, 10 August 2025: Al Jazeera journalist killed in Israeli airstrike in Gaza

Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, according to a report in The Guardian. The strike hit a tent designated for journalists located outside the al-Shifa hospital, killing al-Sharif and three of his colleagues. Al-Sharif was known for his reporting on the conflict, including documenting the release of hostages.

Several major software and hi-tech companies in Israel will allow their employees to participate in a strike intended to force an end to the ongoing war, Israel National News says in a report. The move is presented as an act of solidarity with the families of hostages taken during the conflict. Organizers are also working to persuade the Histadrut, Israel's largest labor federation, to join the action, which would significantly escalate the strike's potential impact on the national economy.

The Israeli government has introduced a new plan aimed at encouraging the immigration of talented and wealthy Jewish people to the country, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The initiative is designed to address labor shortages by offering new incentives and grants to workers who possess professional skills that are in high demand within Israeli companies. This policy operates within the existing framework of the Law of Return, adding specific economic benefits to make immigration more attractive for individuals who can contribute to key sectors of the nation's economy.

The deputy head of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog is scheduled to visit Iran on Monday to help improve strained relations, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced Sunday, as per a report in AP. Araghchi specified that the visit will not include any inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities. The diplomatic engagement is the first of its kind since a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June, during which some of Iran's nuclear sites were reportedly struck, and follows Iran's decision on July 3 to suspend some cooperation with the watchdog.

Azerbaijan has affirmed its commitment to continue energy cooperation with Ukraine, stating that the partnership will not be derailed by Russia's ongoing attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The assurance comes as Ukraine works to secure its energy supply and maintain stability while facing persistent attacks on its infrastructure.

Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain their presence in refugee camps in the northern West Bank until at least the end of 2025. Katz also asserted that "Today there is no terror in the camps," while Israeli forces arrested three suspects accused of planning a major terror attack. In a separate incident, an Arab Israeli man was reportedly killed by Israeli troops in the West Bank city of Jericho.

Iran has announced that an official from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will visit the country for discussions, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. Tehran has specified that the planned visit is for talks only and will not grant the UN's nuclear watchdog any access to its nuclear sites. The engagement comes amid continued international concern over the scope of Iran's nuclear program and the IAEA's limited monitoring capabilities.

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake has struck Türkiye, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The country, which is located on major active fault lines, is one of the world's most earthquake-prone regions. This event occurs while Türkiye is still engaged in recovery efforts following the much larger twin earthquakes in February 2023 that resulted in over 50,000 deaths.

UK Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has criticised the Labour party's pledge to recognise a Palestinian state, stating at a London march that the release of hostages held by Hamas should come before any such recognition, according to a report in The Guardian. The "national march for the hostages," organised by several Jewish groups and attended by family members of those taken on October 7, proceeded to Downing Street to urge the release of individuals held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Hundreds of protesters marched through London to voice their support for Israel and demand the release of hostages still being held in Gaza, according to a report in BBC. The demonstration is a direct response to the ongoing conflict in the region, with the primary call to action being the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks.

Israel's Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, has formally warned that the government's continued delays in establishing a state commission of inquiry into the events of the October 7th massacre are obstructing future efforts to properly investigate the failures, according to a report in Haaretz. The statement highlights concerns that the reluctance to create a powerful, independent investigative body is compromising the ability to conduct a thorough probe later. This development underscores the ongoing friction between the Israeli government and the Attorney General's office regarding accountability for the security and intelligence lapses that occurred.

Idan Roll has resigned from his seat in the Israeli Knesset after leaving Yair Lapid's centrist Yesh Atid party, according to a report in Haaretz. Roll also announced that he will not be a candidate in the next national election, marking his departure from his role in the opposition.

Firefighting teams are currently battling a blaze located between the city of Beit Shemesh and its nearby industrial zone, Israel National News says in a report. As a result of the ongoing emergency response, authorities have closed Route 38 to all traffic. The closure affects travel in the area as emergency crews continue their efforts to contain and extinguish the fire.

Olga Weisberg, a 91-year-old Holocaust survivor from Rehovot, has died after collapsing in her home on August 9, Israel National News says in a report. Weisberg had been seriously injured during the large-scale Iranian missile strike against Israel in April 2024. Her death is reported as a result of the injuries sustained in that past attack.

Israel's Police Chief, Kobi Shabtai, intends to promote a commander to a high-level post amid a significant rise in crime, according to a report in Haaretz. The move comes as the country grapples with an 80% spike in its murder rate, a surge concentrated largely within Israel's Arab society. This decision is being scrutinized in the context of the influence of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and public concern over the government's ability to ensure citizen security.

An Israeli-Arab citizen from the town of Nazareth was shot and killed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) while on vacation in the West Bank, according to a report in Haaretz. The incident involves an Israeli citizen being killed by Israeli military forces in the occupied territory. The event occurs amid a period of increased Israeli military operations and violence in the West Bank, and ongoing debate regarding the IDF's rules of engagement.

The Shin Bet and Jerusalem police have arrested a father, his son, and an accomplice from eastern Jerusalem for allegedly planning multiple attacks, Israel National News says in a report. The three are accused of plotting to bomb a club in central Israel and murder an Israeli Air Force (IAF) pilot. The alleged plans also included attacks against Israeli security forces and civilians.

Egypt's central bank is set to auction €550 million in one-year treasury bills denominated in euros, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. The move is aimed at securing foreign currency to address the country's ongoing shortages, which have been intensified by a decline in Suez Canal revenues due to Red Sea shipping disruptions and broader regional instability impacting tourism and investment. This auction for euro-denominated debt is part of Egypt's broader strategy to manage its finances and stabilize its economy amid these pressures.

Saudi Arabia is actively encouraging its firms to take advantage of new import-related policies established by the Iraqi government, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. This initiative is part of a broader trend of strengthening economic cooperation between Riyadh and Baghdad. The new Iraqi policies are understood to be aimed at streamlining trade procedures and attracting foreign capital to support the nation's economic reconstruction and diversification efforts.

More than 600 Shia pilgrims have been hospitalized in Iraq following a chlorine gas leak, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Authorities stated the incident occurred overnight on the route connecting the two Shia holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. The event has affected a significant number of religious travelers in the region.

The Iraqi government has officially accused the Hezbollah Brigades (Kataib Hezbollah) of breaking the law, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. Kataib Hezbollah is a distinct Iraqi Shia militia that, while nominally integrated into the state's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), operates with significant autonomy and is backed by Iran. The accusation from Baghdad is part of a broader effort by the Iraqi state to assert its sovereignty and establish a monopoly on the use of force within its borders by bringing all armed groups under government control.

Kuwait has officially signed contracts to move forward with the Al-Zour North power plant project, one of the nation's largest Independent Water and Power Projects (IWPPs), according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The development is a key component of the 'Kuwait Vision 2035' national plan and is designed to address the country's rising demand for both electricity and desalinated water. This project represents a significant expansion of Kuwait's national infrastructure to support population and industrial growth.

Saberin News Agency, a media outlet considered to be affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has published a graphic list naming senior Israeli security officials as targets for assassination, as per a report in Israel National News. The publication explicitly identifies individuals within Israel's top security echelon, which includes high-ranking officials in the country's military and intelligence agencies.

Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem has announced that an eye infection was detected last week in 11 patients who were treated with an injection of Avastin, Israel National News says in a report. The hospital confirmed the inflammation occurred in a group of patients who had all undergone the same medical procedure.

The Jewish community in the Iranian city of Isfahan has started a fundraising campaign to provide aid to the children of Gaza, as per a report in Israel National News. The initiative is collecting food and other essential items for residents affected by the humanitarian crisis. In announcing the drive, the community also expressed solidarity with Palestinians, condemned Israeli military actions in the region, and called for global efforts to end the oppression.

Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, plans to demand that the government take significant steps to dismantle the Palestinian Authority during an upcoming Cabinet meeting, Israel National News said in a report. This call from the far-right minister comes amid a surge in violence in the West Bank and a period of financial crisis and eroding control for the Palestinian Authority. The demand is consistent with the ideological platform of Ben Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party, which advocates for greater Israeli control over the West Bank.

The conservative legal aid organization Honenu has called for the immediate suspension and prosecution of an Israeli Border Police officer after the officer allegedly shot and seriously injured a teenage boy unlawfully near the West Bank settlement of Beit El, Israel National News says in a report. This call is particularly significant as Honenu is a right-wing organization that typically provides legal defense for Israeli soldiers and settlers involved in security incidents. The demand comes amid heightened tensions in the region and ongoing debate regarding the use of force by Israeli security personnel.

The World Bank's private sector arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has approved financing for a significant polysilicon production project in Oman, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. Polysilicon is a critical raw material used in the manufacturing of solar panels. This initiative is a key part of Oman's "Vision 2040" national strategy, which seeks to diversify the country's economy away from its reliance on oil and gas revenues. The project aims to establish Oman as a player in the global renewable energy supply chain, create high-value manufacturing jobs, and attract further foreign investment into non-oil sectors.

A group of student leaders from the United States visited Kibbutz Be’eri, the site of a major attack on October 7th, 2023, according to a report in Israel National News. During the visit, the delegation met with Ohad Ben Ami, a resident who was taken hostage by Hamas and held in Gaza for 54 days before his release. Ben Ami recounted his experience as a captive to the student leaders, providing them with a firsthand account of the events.

Eliya Cohen, who survived being held captive by Hamas, has shared details of his experience, including praying during his final moments of captivity, Israel National News said in a report. Cohen stated that he lives with daily feelings of guilt and made a public plea for a deal to be secured that ensures the return of all remaining hostages.

Rabbi Shmuel Gelbstein, described as a well-known Chabad figure in Jerusalem, has passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest, Israel National News said in a report. His sudden death marks the loss of a prominent member within the local religious community.

Russia's Foreign Ministry on Saturday condemned and rejected Israel's plan to expand its military operation in the Gaza Strip, Reuters said in a report. In a statement, the ministry said the implementation of such plans is "fraught with the risk of exacerbating the already extremely dramatic situation in the Palestinian enclave." The ministry added that the situation in Gaza has "all the hallmarks of a humanitarian catastrophe."

A spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has urged the United Nations Security Council and US President Donald Trump to intervene in the ongoing conflict by compelling Israel to cease its military operations, Israel National News says in a report. The spokesperson also called for the international body to allow the "State of Palestine" to assume full responsibility in the region, linking the cessation of hostilities to a push for Palestinian sovereignty.

Hundreds of runners in Dubai participated in an indoor 'Mallathon' on Saturday to escape outdoor temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius, according to a report in Al-Monitor. The event, held inside a large, air-conditioned shopping center, is a government-backed initiative designed to encourage exercise during the UAE's hottest month of August. The race aims to provide a safe alternative for running during the summer in the Gulf, where extreme heat can make outdoor physical activity unsafe, and to utilize the city's large malls during typically quiet hours.