West Asia News Live: Israel’s heat wave, Turkey’s earthquake defines a turbulent day in Middle East

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General 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

general West Asia News Live: Israel’s heat wave, Turkey’s earthquake defines a turbulent day in Middle East

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:

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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, 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 statement is contradicted by factual reports that his own office had announced a policy in March which restricted aid, a measure that was reversed 11 weeks later following significant international pressure over the worsening humanitarian crisis.

August 11, 2025, 18:08:49 (IST)

Armed unmanned Israeli military vehicle stolen and taken into southern Lebanon

An armed, unmanned Israeli military vehicle has been stolen and transported deep into southern Lebanon, as per a report in Haaretz. The Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) was taken from the border region and moved into territory effectively controlled by Hezbollah. This event marks a significant security incident amid the ongoing cross-border skirmishes that have been taking place in the region since late 2023.

August 11, 2025, 18:00:12 (IST)

Shas denies leader Aryeh Deri advocated for draft evasion amid Haredi conscription debate

The ultra-Orthodox Shas party has officially denied that its leader, Aryeh Deri, called for evasion of mandatory military service, labelling the accusation as “false libel,” Israel National News says in a report. According to the party, Deri’s remarks were misinterpreted and solely intended to encourage full-time religious students in their Torah studies. The denial comes as Israel’s governing coalition, where Shas is a key partner, navigates a highly charged national debate over a new Haredi draft law, an issue with significant implications for political stability and military manpower amid heightened security needs.

August 11, 2025, 16:30:14 (IST)

Israeli finance and transport ministries clash over compensation for citizens stranded by conflict

A disagreement within the Israeli government has become public after the Finance Ministry rejected providing full compensation for citizens stranded overseas by the conflict with Iran, a decision the Transportation Ministry has strongly condemned, as per a report in Israel National News. The dispute stems from travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and airspace closures, that followed the direct military exchanges between Israel and Iran which began in April 2024. The Finance Ministry’s decision places the financial burden of extended stays abroad on individual citizens.

August 11, 2025, 15:35:07 (IST)

Israeli justice minister and supreme court officials discuss judicial appointments amid reform dispute

Amid a protracted political rift over the government’s proposed judicial overhaul, Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin has entered into discussions with Supreme Court officials to address the appointment of new judges, according to a report in Israel National News. The talks are focused on filling vacancies in the Magistrate and District Courts, which have been stalled due to the political stalemate. These discussions are taking place despite the significant disagreements between the government and the judiciary over broader reforms that seek to alter the composition of the Judicial Selection Committee and the powers of the Supreme Court.

August 11, 2025, 15:21:22 (IST)

UN condemns actions undermining stability in Syria

The United Nations has formally condemned ongoing efforts that undermine stability in Syria, a move that highlights the persistent challenges facing the war-torn country, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The condemnation comes amid a complex geopolitical landscape where some Arab nations are pursuing normalisation with the Assad government, while Western powers maintain sanctions. The UN’s deliberately broad statement is subject to varied interpretations by key regional actors, including Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, each viewing it through the lens of their own strategic interests. This persistent instability remains a primary obstacle to significant foreign investment and large-scale reconstruction efforts, directly impacting the country’s dire humanitarian situation and delaying any potential economic recovery.

August 11, 2025, 15:15:12 (IST)

CENTCOM commander Michael Kurilla concludes tenure with visit to Israel

General Michael Erik Kurilla is stepping down from his role as commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM) as part of a standard military leadership transition, Israel National News says in a report. During a final visit to Israel to mark the end of his tenure, Kurilla met with senior Israeli officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who praised the outgoing commander’s contributions to Israel’s security. The leadership transition at CENTCOM, which oversees US military operations in West Asia, is being closely watched due to its potential implications for regional stability and the security of critical maritime trade routes like the Red Sea, which have been disrupted by ongoing conflicts.

August 11, 2025, 15:08:02 (IST)

Iran’s top security official visits Iraq and Lebanon for strategic talks

The head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has travelled to Iraq and Lebanon for high-level meetings, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This visit occurs amidst significant regional tensions linked to the ongoing Gaza conflict. The trip is reportedly focused on coordinating strategy with key allies within Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ network in both countries, underscoring Tehran’s engagement in regional security matters.

August 11, 2025, 15:04:46 (IST)

New mothers’ movement in Israel pressures government to end Gaza war and free hostages

A new grassroots movement, comprised of approximately 500 people, has set up a protest camp in southern Israel to advocate for an end to the conflict in Gaza and secure the freedom of hostages, The Times of Israel says in a report. The initiative is deliberately echoing the ‘Four Mothers’ movement, a successful campaign from the late 1990s that is widely credited with influencing Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. This development introduces significant domestic pressure on the Israeli government, creating potential political uncertainty that could impact its war strategy and negotiating position. For financial markets, the movement represents a notable political risk factor, as sustained public pressure could lead to policy shifts or challenges to the current government’s stability, thereby affecting investor sentiment and the broader economic outlook.

August 11, 2025, 14:34:38 (IST)

One person killed after magnitude 6.1 earthquake strikes western Turkiye

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck western Turkiye, resulting in the death of one person, Al Jazeera said in a report. Turkiye’s interior minister stated that an 81-year-old individual died after being rescued from rubble by emergency response teams following the tremor.

August 11, 2025, 14:02:19 (IST)

Saudi telecom sector reports revenues approaching $7.2 billion for Q2

The telecommunications sector in Saudi Arabia reported strong second-quarter revenues nearing $7.2 billion, a figure that underscores the progress of the nation’s economic diversification plan, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. This performance is a significant indicator of the implementation of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritises digital transformation and the development of non-oil sectors. The robust revenue growth positions the Kingdom competitively within West Asia, where nations like the UAE and Qatar are also investing heavily in becoming regional technology hubs. For foreign investors, such strong results in a key non-oil industry signal a resilient and growing market, reinforcing the government’s objective to attract international capital.

August 11, 2025, 14:00:06 (IST)

Saudi Electricity Company reports 22% net profit growth in Q2 2025

Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), the kingdom’s majority state-owned utility, announced a 22% year-on-year growth in net profit for the second quarter of 2025, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The financial performance is being presented as an indicator of progress for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic programme, which aims to improve the efficiency of state-owned enterprises and diversify from oil revenues. The profit increase is attributed to rising electricity demand from major infrastructure developments and mega-projects. The results are also being framed as a signal of stability and growth in the Saudi non-oil sector for foreign investors. The company’s financial health is considered important for funding its planned shift towards renewable energy and grid modernisation as part of the region’s energy transition.

August 11, 2025, 13:32:50 (IST)

Starlink initiates service in Israel, excluding the West Bank and Gaza

Elon Musk’s StarLink satellite internet service has launched in Israel, but its coverage excludes the Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank (referred to by the source as Judea and Samaria), as well as the Jordan Valley, according to a report in Israel National News. This policy decision, not a technical limitation, affects connectivity for millions of Palestinians and over half a million Israeli settlers residing in those areas. The move highlights the significant operational and political challenges global technology firms face in contested regions, balancing host-country regulations, such as Israel’s control over telecommunications licensing, with international calls for digital access. The exclusion has direct implications for humanitarian aid organisations operating in Gaza, which rely on stable communications, and exacerbates the existing digital divide for Palestinian residents.

August 11, 2025, 12:49:29 (IST)

Israel awards Elbit Systems $260M contract to expand aerial munitions production

Israel’s Defense Ministry has awarded a $260 million contract to Elbit Systems, an Israeli defence electronics company, for the supply of advanced aerial munitions, Israel National News says in a report. The agreement is part of a broader effort by the ministry to expand domestic production capacity for various munitions in response to heightened operational demand.

August 11, 2025, 12:45:09 (IST)

Egypt’s defense minister calls for military to maintain ‘combat readiness’ amid regional tensions

Egypt’s defense minister has urged the nation’s armed forces to maintain the highest levels of combat readiness, Asharq Al-Awsat said in a report. The directive comes amid heightened regional tensions, primarily stemming from the ongoing conflict in the adjacent Gaza Strip and persistent attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels. These threats are seen as directly impacting Egypt’s national security, particularly its border with Gaza and the economic stability of the Suez Canal, a vital source of national revenue.

August 11, 2025, 12:15:06 (IST)

Israel’s defence minister forms committee to review future of military radio station

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has initiated a review of the military-run radio station Galei Tzahal, forming a committee to submit recommendations on its future within 50 days, Israel National News said in a report. The move addresses the long-standing controversy surrounding the station, which is operated by the Israel Defence Forces but functions with significant journalistic independence, leading to frequent accusations of a left-leaning bias from right-wing politicians. Potential outcomes include privatisation or civilianisation, which could alter Israel’s media landscape. From a market perspective, the action highlights a trend of increased government influence over independent institutions, potentially elevating the political risk profile for investors concerned with regulatory stability and press freedom.

August 11, 2025, 12:12:22 (IST)

AlUla to host Perseid meteor shower viewing event on August 12

Saudi Arabia’s historic region of AlUla will host a public event to observe the Perseid meteor shower on August 12, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. This event is aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and significantly develop the tourism, cultural, and entertainment sectors. AlUla, home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, is a central part of this strategy, with significant investment directed towards establishing it as a global heritage and cultural destination.

August 11, 2025, 12:04:33 (IST)

Alleged Iran-Houthi smuggling routes heighten maritime risk in key trade corridor

Testimony from detained sailors has reportedly uncovered direct arms smuggling routes from Iran to Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, a development that significantly raises the geopolitical stakes for maritime trade, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. For financial markets, this confirmation of a sophisticated supply chain for the Houthis’ advanced weaponry reinforces the persistent threat to commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The news is likely to sustain high shipping insurance premiums and rerouting costs, impacting global supply chains. Furthermore, it provides justification for continued military interdiction by a US-led coalition, escalating regional tensions with Iran and creating further volatility for energy markets and international trade reliant on the Suez Canal route.

August 11, 2025, 12:00:09 (IST)

Saudi and UK foreign ministers discuss Gaza developments amid regional stability concerns

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, held talks with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron regarding ongoing developments in the Gaza conflict, as per a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The meeting represents a key diplomatic engagement between a major energy producer and a leading global financial centre concerning a crisis that continues to affect regional stability. From a market perspective, such high-level discussions are monitored closely by investors for signals of potential de-escalation, which could impact geopolitical risk premiums, particularly in energy markets and for businesses with exposure to West Asia. The dialogue underscores the ongoing international efforts to contain the conflict and manage its wider economic and political fallout.

August 11, 2025, 11:19:27 (IST)

Extreme heat wave persists in Israel and is expected to intensify

An extreme heat wave is continuing across Israel, with forecasters predicting temperatures will keep rising through the middle of the week, according to a report in Israel National News. The forecast also indicates the possibility of light rainfall amidst the period of heavy heat.

August 11, 2025, 11:15:14 (IST)

Israeli minister’s plan to remove historic tomb sparks fears of regional instability

An Israeli Knesset committee is scheduled to debate a contentious proposal from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to remove the tomb of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam, a 20th-century anti-colonial leader revered by many Palestinians, from state land near Haifa, Israel National News says in a report. The initiative, which proponents frame as an assertion of Israeli sovereignty, has reportedly led to a confrontation with security officials. These officials are said to be concerned that the highly symbolic act could provoke significant protests and violence, thereby creating regional instability. From a market perspective, such a development poses risks to investor confidence and the local economy, as escalating tensions could negatively affect Israeli markets and necessitate a diversion of state funds towards security operations.

August 11, 2025, 09:36:44 (IST)

Magnitude 6.1 earthquake in Turkey’s Balikesir province causes one death and collapses 16 buildings

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Turkey’s north-western Balikesir province, resulting in at least one death and the collapse of 16 buildings, according to a report in BBC. The event brings renewed attention to the country’s disaster preparedness and building standards, particularly following the major earthquakes in 2023. The need for reconstruction efforts occurs as the Turkish economy is already managing high inflation, adding a potential new financial pressure to the national budget.

August 11, 2025, 09:30:09 (IST)

Netanyahu says he discussed Gaza takeover plan with US President Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a discussion with US President Donald Trump regarding a plan for Israel to assume control over central Gaza, as per a report in Haaretz. This development, occurring on what was noted as day 674 of the ongoing conflict, suggests a potential alignment between the Israeli government and the current US administration on a long-term security strategy for the territory. Such a plan would represent a major policy shift, implying a sustained Israeli military presence and control, which carries substantial economic and geopolitical ramifications. For investors, this signals heightened regional instability and risk, likely impacting sectors reliant on Middle East stability. The move also suggests continued high-level expenditure on defence for Israel and alters the long-term economic outlook for Gaza, moving away from internationally-backed reconstruction models premised on a two-state solution.

August 11, 2025, 09:09:48 (IST)

Azerbaijan affirms energy cooperation with Ukraine will continue despite Russian strikes

Azerbaijan has affirmed its energy cooperation with Ukraine will continue unabated despite persistent Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, according to a report in Asharq Al-Awsat. The statement comes as Ukraine’s power grid continues to sustain severe damage from the strikes, and the cooperation is aimed at supporting Ukraine’s energy stability during the ongoing conflict.

August 11, 2025, 09:06:44 (IST)

IAEA official’s Iran visit seen as minor de-escalation, but market risks remain high

A deputy head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog is scheduled to visit Iran on Monday, a move aimed at mending diplomatic ties but which stops short of any substantive nuclear inspections, as per a report in AP. From a market perspective, this engagement is a tentative step toward de-escalation following a recent conflict with Israel and Iran’s suspension of some IAEA cooperation. However, the absence of verification measures means underlying geopolitical tensions, which contribute to volatility in oil prices and regional investment risk, are set to persist. The visit, announced by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is the first since a reported 12-day conflict in June where Iranian nuclear sites were allegedly struck, a factor that continues to weigh on investor sentiment regarding stability in West Asia.

August 11, 2025, 09:04:16 (IST)

Israel launches initiative with grants and incentives to attract skilled Jewish immigrants

Israel has introduced a new government initiative designed to attract talented and affluent Jewish individuals to immigrate, aiming to address economic challenges such as a ‘brain drain’ and labour shortages in key industries, The Times of Israel says in a report. The plan offers a range of incentives and grants to workers possessing skills in high demand within Israeli companies, particularly in the technology sector. Operating within the existing framework of the Law of Return, this policy adds specific economic inducements to make immigration more appealing for targeted professionals and investors. The stated goals of the initiative are to inject capital and expertise into the Israeli economy, enhance its global competitiveness, and stimulate innovation and growth.

August 11, 2025, 09:01:56 (IST)

Israeli tech firms to join strike aimed at ending war

Several of Israel’s prominent software and hi-tech companies have announced they will permit their employees to join a strike aimed at compelling the government to end the ongoing conflict, Israel National News says in a report. This action is framed as an act of ‘solidarity’ with the families of hostages taken during the conflict, which began on October 7, 2023. The strike organisers are also reportedly in discussions to bring the Histadrut, Israel’s largest labour federation, into the protest. The involvement of the Histadrut would significantly escalate the action into a potential general strike, capable of paralysing the national economy and placing immense pressure on the government. The move by the tech sector, a critical engine of the Israeli economy, highlights the significant financial and social strain the prolonged war is causing.

August 11, 2025, 09:01:34 (IST)

Azerbaijan affirms energy cooperation with Ukraine will continue despite Russian attacks

Azerbaijan has publicly stated that its energy cooperation with Ukraine will proceed unaffected by Russia’s persistent attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Asharq Al-Awsat says in a report. This decision underscores Azerbaijan’s multi-vector foreign policy, balancing its economic interests and relationships with Western partners against its complex ties with regional power Russia. For Ukraine, the commitment offers crucial support for its energy security and resilience amidst the ongoing conflict. While the move is seen as a symbolic assertion of sovereignty that aligns with broader European efforts to diversify energy supplies away from Moscow, analysts note that the tangible impact on regional energy markets will ultimately depend on the specific nature and volume of the cooperation, which has not been detailed.

August 11, 2025, 09:00:10 (IST)

Al Jazeera journalist killed in Israeli airstrike on Gaza

Prominent Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif was killed along with three colleagues 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. Al-Sharif was known for his work documenting the release of hostages during the conflict.

Israel’s heat wave, Turkey’s earthquake define a turbulent Day in Middle East”

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