Middle East Conflict News
LAST UPDATE: September 18, 2025
Israel warns EU any sanctions will get ‘appropriate response’
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned EU proposals to suspend trade arrangements and sanction Israeli ministers, calling them “morally and politically distorted” and warned that any sanctions will be met with an “appropriate response.”
Insight
The warning reflects Israel’s concern that EU sanctions could hurt not just its international relations but economic interests. It also indicates that Israel sees the proposals as crossing red lines and may escalate diplomatically.
Israel opens new route out of Gaza City, death toll passes 65,000
The Israeli military opened a 48-hour evacuation corridor from Gaza City as it steps up operations against Hamas. Despite the corridor, many Palestinians are hesitant to flee due to violence, lack of aid, and fears of displacement. The death toll in the conflict has now exceeded 65,000.
Insight
The opening of a corridor may be intended to reduce civilian casualties, but distrust and humanitarian conditions complicate its effectiveness. The high death toll underscores the continuing severity of the conflict and the urgency for ceasefire or diplomatic intervention.
Britain will recognise Palestinian state this weekend, Times reports
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reported to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the weekend, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump finishes his state visit. The move follows Starmer’s earlier condition that Israel must take concrete steps to ease humanitarian suffering in Gaza and agree to a ceasefire.
Insight
Such recognition would be a significant diplomatic shift, likely increasing pressure on Israel and potentially influencing other countries to act. But it also risks straining UK-U.S. relations given U.S. opposition and could impact peace process dynamics.
Syria’s Sharaa says talks with Israel could yield results ‘in coming days’
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said negotiations with Israel could lead to a security pact in the near future. The discussions aim to protect Syria’s airspace, restore its territorial integrity, and halt Israeli airstrikes and troop incursions in southern Syria. UN monitoring is expected.
Insight
If a security agreement is concluded, it could reduce cross-border hostilities and ease one front of tension in the region. However, trust, verification, and enforcement will be crucial, especially regarding Syrian demands over sovereignty and airspace.
