West Asia News Live: Stay up to date with breaking developments in politics, energy, diplomacy, security and social movements across the region, as alliances shift, conflicts evolve and reforms take shape
read more
From an intensifying heat wave and earthquake devastation to high-tension political proposals, diplomatic manoeuvres, and market-shaping energy decisions, today’s developments paint a volatile regional picture. Our live updates track these fast-moving events as they unfold — covering extreme weather, seismic shocks, economic policies and security challenges that are shaping West Asia’s political and financial landscape in real time:
West Asia in news today
West Asia News Live: Stay up to date with breaking developments in politics, energy, diplomacy, security and social movements across the region, as alliances shift, conflicts evolve and reforms take shape
August 12, 2025, 03:51:05 (IST)
Bereaved Israeli parents contest claim of unified support for economic shutdown strike
A dispute has emerged over the level of public backing for a proposed national strike aimed at shutting down the Israeli economy, after two bereaved mothers contested a media report claiming unified support, Israel National News says in a report. The statement by Laly Dery and Ofra Lax directly challenges a broadcast from Channel 12 News. The public disagreement introduces uncertainty about the potential scale of the industrial action and its capacity to exert economic pressure, a factor for market stability amid ongoing political tensions.
August 12, 2025, 03:49:35 (IST)
Widespread blackout hits central and southern Iraq, stoking fears of economic disruption and unrest
Central and southern regions of Iraq are experiencing a major power blackout, an event that underscores the country’s severe infrastructure vulnerabilities and carries significant economic and political risk, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The outage is expected to cripple economic activity, deter much-needed foreign investment, and could reignite public protests in regions already prone to unrest over poor service delivery. Analysts note that such events stem from a combination of systemic issues, including dilapidated infrastructure, governmental corruption, and Iraq’s critical dependence on energy imports from Iran, a reliance complicated by international sanctions. The blackout places immense pressure on the Iraqi government and highlights the persistent instability that hampers the nation’s economic recovery and diversification efforts.
August 12, 2025, 03:45:18 (IST)
Countries resort to Gaza aid air-drops amid disputes over land access
Several nations have initiated humanitarian aid air-drops into Gaza, citing a lack of confidence in Israel’s procedures for allowing sufficient aid via land crossings, according to a report in Haaretz. This logistical shift to air-drops, a method considered significantly more expensive and less efficient than ground transport, signals a breakdown in diplomatic cooperation and introduces market uncertainty. The move highlights the economic strain of such operations, which deliver only a fraction of the required aid at a much higher cost, while also increasing diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel over perceptions of aid obstruction. For investors and regional markets, the development points to heightened geopolitical risk and potential instability.
August 12, 2025, 03:43:57 (IST)
Herzog and Netanyahu exchange remarks on judicial powers at museum opening
During the opening of the new Knesset Museum, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly expressed conflicting views regarding the balance of power in government, as per a report in The Times of Israel. President Herzog emphasized the need for respect between the different branches of government. In response, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel functioned as a parliamentary democracy when its governmental branches ‘knew their place,’ a comment related to the government’s controversial judicial overhaul plan which seeks to curb the judiciary’s authority.
August 12, 2025, 03:39:39 (IST)
Report alleges former Mossad official provided services to Qatar whilst on hostage talks team
A former Mossad official, who was also a member of Israel’s hostage negotiation team, reportedly provided services to Qatar, according to a report in Haaretz. The allegation raises serious concerns about a conflict of interest at the heart of the sensitive Israel-Hamas hostage talks, potentially undermining the integrity of the negotiations. This development could damage the credibility of both the Israeli security establishment and Qatar’s role as a neutral mediator. Such a revelation introduces significant political risk, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts by international partners to secure a resolution and increasing instability in the region by eroding trust between the negotiating parties.
August 12, 2025, 03:36:18 (IST)
JNF’s $220 million rehabilitation fund signals major post-conflict investment in southern Israel
The Jewish National Fund (JNF) has earmarked $220 million for the long-term rehabilitation of Israeli communities impacted by the recent conflict, a move signifying a shift from emergency relief to strategic reconstruction, as per a report in the Times of Israel. This substantial capital injection is a key non-governmental contribution to the economic revitalisation of southern Israel. The allocation includes a targeted $22 million for Kibbutz Nir Oz, highlighting a focus on areas most severely affected by the events of October 7, 2023. From an economic standpoint, this funding is crucial for rebuilding infrastructure, restoring local businesses, and providing the stability needed to attract residents and further investment back to the region, which is vital for the area’s long-term economic viability.
August 12, 2025, 03:30:09 (IST)
Progressive rabbis booed at UK hostage rally after backing Palestinian state
Two leaders from the Progressive Judaism movement were booed off stage during a hostage rally in the United Kingdom after expressing support for a future Palestinian state, the Times of Israel said in a report. In their statement, the rabbis rejected ‘violence, terror, and the suffering of civilians’ as a method to build a state and expressed sympathy for innocent people killed in the ongoing conflict.
August 12, 2025, 03:06:33 (IST)
Al Jazeera holds moment of silence for staff killed in Gaza strike
Employees at Al Jazeera held a moment of silence to honour five of its staff members killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza, Al Jazeera said in a report. The tribute comes amidst the ongoing conflict in the region, which has seen a high number of casualties among media professionals. The deaths of the journalists have drawn attention from international bodies and press freedom advocates, who have consistently called for the protection of media workers in conflict zones.
August 12, 2025, 03:00:09 (IST)
Reported retirement of Netanyahu confidant Dermer signals potential political instability in Israel
The reported plan of Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer to retire from politics introduces a new layer of uncertainty for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, as per a report in The Times of Israel. Dermer is a central figure in strategic policy, particularly concerning Iran, and a leader in the sensitive hostage negotiations, making his potential departure significant. For investors and markets, the exit of such a key confidant could be interpreted as a sign of instability within the ruling coalition, potentially affecting market sentiment and risk assessment for Israeli assets, especially if it presages early elections. The report notes that while Dermer has reportedly discussed the move, no official date has been set.
August 12, 2025, 02:30:08 (IST)
Former Israeli official’s call for ICJ action raises political risk for economy
A prominent former Speaker of the Israeli Knesset has issued a public call for Jewish communities globally to initiate proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice concerning its military conduct in Gaza, as per a report in Haaretz. This development signals a significant fracture within Israel’s political establishment and adds a new layer of internal dissent to the external legal pressures the country already faces, notably from South Africa’s ongoing ICJ case. For investors and markets, such high-profile internal opposition heightens political risk, potentially impacting investor confidence in the Israeli economy, the stability of the shekel, and the valuation of companies listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, particularly within the technology and defence sectors sensitive to international sentiment and potential sanctions.
August 12, 2025, 02:00:10 (IST)
Former students of an Israeli institute raise approximately $60,000 for Gazan alumni
Alumni of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies have raised approximately $60,000 to assist former Gazan classmates, according to a report in The Times of Israel. The fundraising initiative has successfully helped two Gazan alumni of the Israeli institute leave the enclave to attend universities overseas. The funds are also being used to support a third alumnus who remains in the Strip, as well as the families of all three individuals.
August 12, 2025, 00:00:10 (IST)
American Jewish federation pledges $1m for Gaza aid through Israeli non-profit organisation
The UJA-Federation of New York has pledged a $1 million donation to support humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza, which will be channelled through the Israeli non-profit relief group IsraAID, according to a report in The Times of Israel. Citing a “Jewish imperative to act,” the major American philanthropic organisation’s contribution is directed to IsraAID, an NGO that specialises in disaster relief and is now also operating in both Israel and Gaza amid the ongoing crisis.
August 11, 2025, 23:45:08 (IST)
Passenger plane lands safely at Ben Gurion Airport after emergency
An A320 passenger aircraft successfully landed at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel after declaring an emergency, Israel National News said in a report. The pilot reported a technical issue, citing concerns over a potential wheel failure. The aircraft conducted several landing attempts before touching down safely, with no injuries reported.
August 11, 2025, 23:01:40 (IST)
Norway’s sovereign wealth fund divests from 11 Israeli companies citing humanitarian crisis
Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, which manages the nation’s oil and gas profits, has divested from 11 Israeli companies, a move its managers attributed to the ‘serious humanitarian crisis’ in West Asia, according to a report in AP. The decision, made last week, reduces the fund’s exposure to the country, though it continues to hold investments in 50 other Israeli firms as of the end of this year’s first half. This action represents a significant move by one of the world’s largest investment funds to align its portfolio with stated humanitarian concerns, signalling potential non-financial risks for companies operating in the region.
August 11, 2025, 21:45:06 (IST)
Deadly Houthi attack on MV Tutor underscores Red Sea shipping crisis and risks to global trade
A deadly Houthi attack on the MV Tutor, a cargo ship carrying coal from Russia to India, has highlighted the severe human and economic consequences of the ongoing maritime crisis in the Red Sea, The Washington Post says in a report. The incident, which resulted in the death of a Filipino crew member, demonstrates the indiscriminate nature of the Houthi campaign, which they claim is in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. This attack, part of a broader series of assaults, is forcing global shipping companies to weigh the substantial costs of rerouting vessels around Africa against the grave dangers posed to crews transiting the vital waterway. The vulnerability of seafarers, particularly from the Philippines which supplies a large portion of the world’s maritime labour, and the persistent threat to supply chains underscore the significant economic implications and the challenges facing international naval coalitions attempting to secure freedom of navigation.
August 11, 2025, 21:32:42 (IST)
Israel suspends youth camps and hiking activities due to extreme heatwave
A directive from Israel’s Ministry of Education has suspended all youth camping and hiking activities until Saturday night due to an extreme heatwave, Israel National News said in a report. Following the directive, major youth movements Bnei Akiva and Ezra announced the cancellation of their summer camps and are sending the children home.
August 11, 2025, 20:18:06 (IST)
Smotrich reveals Netanyahu planned to form government with Arab party leader Mansour Abbas
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously intended to form a government with the Ra’am party, led by Mansour Abbas, Israel National News said in a report. According to the source, Smotrich made the revelation for the first time during an appearance on ‘The Patriots’ program. The claim concerns past coalition-building considerations by Netanyahu prior to the formation of the current government.
August 11, 2025, 20:17:12 (IST)
Two women killed in separate road accidents in West Bank
Two women have been killed and nine other people were injured in two separate traffic accidents in the West Bank on Monday, according to a report in Israel National News. One fatal incident occurred in the Hebron Hills (Har Hevron), while the second took place near Ma’ale Efraim in the Jordan Valley.
August 11, 2025, 20:15:05 (IST)
Support for Palestinian statehood reaches three-quarters of UN members
Three-quarters of United Nations members now officially support the establishment of a Palestinian state, marking a significant level of international consensus on the issue, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This widespread support, equivalent to approximately 145 of the 193 member states, is primarily demonstrated through votes in the UN General Assembly and official diplomatic positions. The growing backing for statehood increases international diplomatic pressure on Israel and its allies to address the long-standing conflict through a two-state solution framework.
August 11, 2025, 20:10:35 (IST)
US congressman meets with Syrian president to discuss repatriation of American’s remains
A US congressman has met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to discuss the repatriation of the remains of an American killed in the country, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The discussion focuses on the humanitarian objective of returning the body to the United States. This engagement occurs despite the official US policy of non-normalisation with the Assad government and ongoing sanctions against his regime.
August 11, 2025, 20:06:20 (IST)
Jordanian king to meet Saudi crown prince in Riyadh
Jordan’s King Abdullah II is scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh to discuss bilateral ties and key regional issues, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. The talks are expected to cover Jordan’s need for economic support amid its financial challenges, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s role as a key regional donor and its Vision 2030 diversification plan. The meeting also occurs during a period of wider diplomatic rapprochement in West Asia, with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional security likely to be significant topics on the agenda, given Jordan’s custodial role over holy sites in Jerusalem.
August 11, 2025, 19:34:40 (IST)
Israeli president to host screening of film about Nova festival attack
Israeli President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to host a special screening of the Emmy Award-winning film ‘We Will Dance Again’ on August 12, 2025, as per a report in Israel National News. The event will be attended by survivors of the Nova music festival massacre, which was part of the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. Individuals who survived captivity by Hamas are also expected to be in attendance for the screening, which documents the experiences of those at the festival.
August 11, 2025, 19:30:07 (IST)
Netanyahu refutes genocide claim, makes disputed statement on Gaza aid
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly refuted accusations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, a charge currently under examination by the International Court of Justice, The Times of Israel reports. In the same address, Mr Netanyahu also claimed that Israel had never halted the entry of humanitarian aid into the territory. This stateme