Topic: Middle East

Middle East coverage follows the region’s conflicts, diplomacy, security and humanitarian pressures, from Israel and the Palestinian territories to Iran, the Gulf and neighbouring states. It also tracks the international powers, trade routes and political decisions that shape events across the area.

Developments in the Middle East can affect civilian lives, regional stability, energy supplies and global relations. This hub brings together reporting and analysis to help readers follow the immediate news and the wider context.

  • UK house prices up 0.1% in July as buyers remain cautious on interest rates

    UK house prices rose by 0.1% in July, but the market remained subdued as buyers weighed uncertain interest-rate prospects and wider economic risks linked to the US-Iran conflict. The figures suggest that the usual summer peak in housebuying activity has been weakened by concerns over inflation, energy prices and borrowing costs. Nationwide said the average…

  • Jaissle heads for Newcastle after success in Saudi Arabia that has eluded so many

    Matthias Jaissle is expected to become Newcastle United’s next manager after Eddie Howe’s departure, arriving with a strong record from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli. The 38-year-old German has succeeded in a league known for rapid managerial turnover, and his appointment would also link two clubs owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. After winning two…

  • Trump announces a deal for Hamas to disarm, but many hurdles and uncertainty remain

    President Donald Trump says an agreement has been reached for Hamas to disarm and for Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza in stages. If implemented, it could unlock the most difficult part of the US-brokered ceasefire and pave the way for a new Palestinian administration, international security support and reconstruction; however, Israel has not confirmed…

  • Rushdi Abualouf: If Hamas disarmament plan holds, it could mark first credible step to ending Gaza war

    Hamas has accepted, for the first time, a framework to completely disarm in Gaza under the Board of Peace plan, potentially removing a major barrier to a Trump-backed peace initiative. If implemented, the arrangement could be the first credible step towards ending a war that has lasted nearly three years, though there is significant uncertainty…

  • Stephen Wilson Jr. Interpolates a Pixies Classic on a New Song Featuring Miranda Lambert

    Stephen Wilson Jr. has released “Hardwired”, a collaboration with Miranda Lambert that incorporates elements of the Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind?”. The song blends country songwriting with alternative-rock influences to portray working-class strain, exhaustion and the mental pressure of constant hard living, reinforcing Wilson’s interest in rural and blue-collar stories. Written by Wilson, Lambert, Jesse…

  • Hamas says it has agreed to disarm after Trump announces Board of Peace plan

    Donald Trump says the Board of Peace has secured agreement for Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza to completely disarm, a move he described as a major step in a US-brokered ceasefire plan. A senior Hamas official told the BBC that the group had agreed and would issue a statement, although Israel had not…

  • Boy George quits London Jesus Christ Superstar after Israel song backlash

    Boy George withdrew from the London Palladium production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” after his pro-Israel AI-generated song “We Will Dance Again” prompted backlash. His manager said stepping aside would allow the production to remain the focus, illustrating how public interventions on the Israel-Gaza conflict can affect professional commitments. The 65-year-old Culture Club singer had been…

  • Trump announces proposed Gaza disarmament deal with Hamas

    Donald Trump announced a proposed agreement under which Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza would disarm, presenting it as a major step towards a broader Middle East peace settlement and stronger Israeli security. The significance of the proposal depends on implementation: disarmament could enable changes to Gaza’s post-war governance and Israeli military presence, but…

  • Saudi Arabia set to complete $55bn Electronic Arts acquisition next week

    Saudi Arabia is reportedly set to complete its $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts next week, marking one of the largest takeovers in the video games industry. The deal would place the publisher behind franchises such as EA Sports FC, The Sims and Battlefield under Saudi ownership, intensifying scrutiny of the country’s expanding investments in…

  • White House looks to reopen refineries

    The article text was unavailable because access to the page was denied, so its contents cannot be summarised reliably. The title indicates that the White House may be exploring reopening oil refineries, a move that could affect fuel supply, energy prices and industrial policy. No further details, figures, timing or policy rationale were provided in…