UN officials in Gaza are deeply concerned for their safety following an Israeli airstrike on the Al-Jawni School shelter, which killed 18 people, including six UNRWA employees. This attack, the deadliest for UNRWA in nearly a year, has prompted international outrage, with the Israeli military claiming they targeted Hamas militants on school grounds. The ongoing conflict has displaced nearly all 2.4 million Gaza residents at least once.

Meanwhile, Iran has rebuked recent Western sanctions over alleged arms exports to Russia, calling them ineffective and advocating for diplomatic dialogue. Britain, France, and Germany have targeted Iranian air transport, accusing Iran of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for the Ukraine conflict—a claim Iran denies. In response, Iran summoned four European ambassadors to protest the sanctions, insisting on dialogue grounded in mutual respect.

In Israel, thousands have rallied in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, urging the government to take stronger action to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Ninety-seven of the 251 individuals abducted during the October 7 attack remain captive, with protesters criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu’s administration for its perceived lack of effort. The demonstrations highlight the broader frustration with the ongoing conflict and its significant toll on civilians.

Adding to the tension, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has accused EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell of anti-Semitism after Borrell criticized an airstrike in Gaza that killed six UN staff members. The strike, which targeted a UN-run school shelter, claimed the lives of at least 18 people, sparking allegations of violating international humanitarian law. Katz defended the military's actions, reiterating that they were targeting Hamas militants amid ongoing hostilities initiated by Hamas on October 7.

In Tunisia, the presidential campaign season has kicked off amidst political turmoil and protests, with President Kais Saied seeking a second term despite facing criticism for cracking down on political opponents and civil liberties. The economic struggles and increasing unemployment have fueled public discontent, yet Saied continues to garner support through populist rhetoric. The authoritarian echoes of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's regime persist as opposition figures face imprisonment or disqualification.

Finally, the Gaza War is affecting the trajectory of Arab-Israeli normalization established by the Abraham Accords, initially signed in 2020 by Bahrain and the UAE. Despite recent conflicts, experts suggest the Accords remain viable, depending on future U.S. presidential results and potential Saudi Arabian involvement. Sustaining the Accords and advancing Palestinian-Israeli peace may ultimately hinge on regional diplomacy and a renewed commitment to a two-state solution.