News:

The new UN Middle East Peace Envoy Nickolay Mladenov arrives in Gaza. (Ma’an)

An Israeli official says Israel has allowed more than 15,000 tons of building material into war-devastated Gaza today. (Times of Israel) 

Mohammed Deif, the commander of the Hamas military wing, is reportedly alive and involved in Hamas’ military decisions. (Ha’aretz/Times of Israel/Ynet)

Hamas leader Haniyeh says Deif is the proof of Israel's failure to reach senior Palestinian leaders. (Jerusalem Post)

The IDF is reportedly training for the possible reconquering of the entire coastal Palestinian territory in a future confrontation with Hamas. (Times of Israel)

Israel and New Zealand resolve a diplomatic dispute that had prevented New Zealand's new ambassador from taking up his post. (Ynet)

The National looks at how last summer's war in Gaza shifted the unemployment rate to 50 per cent. (The National)

Former Palestinian official Dahlan reportedly mediated the signing of an agreement for the construction of a controversial River Nile dam project. (Newsweek)

Israeli forces detain 19 Palestinians in raids across the occupied West Bank. (Ma’an)

Israeli forces demolish a barn belonging to a Palestinian near Nablus. (Ma’an)

A group of Jewish settlers damage water pipes serving Palestinians in Hebron's Old City. (Ma’an) 

The Solidarity Festival in Jaffa will feature an exhibition of photos that highlight the victims' view of the Gaza war. (Ha’aretz)

Houthis advance into Yemen’s Aden killing 12 civilians. (Reuters)

Houthi rulers launch an investigation against dozens of public figures, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakul Karman. (Reuters)

The UN says more than 300,000 Yemenis have been driven out from their homes. (AP)

The erosion of the Syrian army, which has struggled to replenish its ranks, is forcing the government to rely on Syrian and foreign militias. (New York Times)

EU Foreign Policy Chief Mogherini says she would like Iran to help usher in security and stability in the Middle East. (New York Times)

King Salman of Saudi Arabia appoints a new heir and makes his young son second in line to rule. (Reuters/AP/New York Times/The National/AFP/Al Arabiya)

Reuters profiles Saudi Arabia’s new FM, former Amb. to the US al-Jubeir. (Reuters)

Reuters profiles new Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia announces the arrest of 93 suspects with ties to ISIS and foils an attack on the US embassy. (AP/New York Times)

The US Senate rejects an effort to require any nuclear agreement with Iran to be considered an international treaty. (Reuters/AP)

Commentary:

Colum Lynch says the US is prioritizing an Iran deal over the two-state solution. (Foreign Policy)

Rami Khouri says the recent UN report on the actions of Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza war is an opportunity to hold everybody accountable. (Daily Star)

Zvi Bar’el says ignoring the occupation will not make Israel a “normal country.” (Ha’aretz)

Joel Braunold says the Israeli High Court's decision to uphold the “Anti-Boycott Law” further tears apart the Jewish pro-Israel community in the Diaspora. (Ha’aretz)

Ahmad Melhem says the crisis in the Yarmouk refugee camp reveals the weakness of the PLO. (Al-Monitor)

Hassan Hassan says backed by Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, the Islamist Army of Conquest is putting the hurt on the Syrian regime. (Foreign Policy)

Tariq Alhomayed asks what “Operation Decisive Storm” achieved. (Asharq al-Awsat)

The National says King Salman’s leadership reshuffle takes into account recent developments in the region. (The National)

Michael Young unpacks the American pivot away from the Middle East. (The National)

Zaid Belbagi says the GCC states have yet to formalize their influence on international politics and economics through a strategic approach to lobbying. (Al Arabiya)