The situation in Gaza remains dire as political fragmentation continues to hinder efforts for stability and reconstruction. The longstanding divide between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA) is deepened by Israel's ongoing military actions, leaving Gaza devastated and its future uncertain. International mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, have tried to bridge the divide, but mistrust persists. Attempts at unity, such as the 2024 agreements in Beijing and Moscow, have yet to yield a functional, unified leadership. With the war's destruction, Gaza’s governance remains fragmented, delaying much-needed humanitarian aid and reconstruction.

Lebanon is facing its worst security crisis in years as tensions with Israel escalate into full-scale conflict. In late September 2024, Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah positions left hundreds dead and thousands injured, including civilians and children, displacing over 90,000 people. This follows a series of targeted assassinations and bombings, deepening the regional crisis. Hezbollah retaliated with rocket fire, prompting an Israeli ground invasion of southern Lebanon. The situation has drawn global concern, with the UN warning of Lebanon’s potential collapse. The Security Council’s failure to act has sparked calls for reform, as the conflict continues unchecked.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated as Israel expands its military actions beyond Gaza, targeting Yemen, Lebanon, and Iran. This escalation has sparked fears of a broader regional conflict. In July, Israel assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, prompting the U.S. to deploy additional military forces to the region. Israel has also launched airstrikes on Yemen and intensified attacks on Lebanon, killing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The U.S. is working to prevent Iran from further involvement, while Israel signals it is prepared for continued conflict. The international community now faces urgent pressure to prevent further escalation and seek peace in a region on the verge of disaster.

Gaza has faced severe destruction over the past year, with Israel’s military actions causing widespread devastation. The U.S. has played a key role by providing billions in military aid and arms sales to Israel from October 2023 to August 2024. Additionally, the U.S. has used its veto power at the UN to block resolutions that could hold Israel accountable, enabling continued military operations. Critics argue that while the U.S. promotes democracy, its support for Israel's actions contradicts its stance on human rights, making it complicit in the crisis.

Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries seek to expand the production of green hydrogen as the "fuel of the future" to make their economies environmentally friendly. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the Sultanate of Oman invest heavily in this fuel when looking for alternative sources of revenue to oil and gas. Ahmad Abdel-Rahman reports.

The Israeli Ministry of Finance said that the Economic Arrangements Bill will be attached to its budget for 2025. It includes imposing new taxes on bank profits and privatising the Ashdod port—the only one the government owns. Our correspondent in Egypt, Ahmad Abdel-Rahman, reports.