Two women were found dead and 39 migrants rescued on the remote Greek island of Farmakonisi after a suspected boat sinking, authorities said Monday. The vessel, believed to have departed from the Turkish coast, was not located. The incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe via the eastern Mediterranean route.
Tag: Middle East
Greek yogurt, a creamy, protein-rich superfood, traces its roots to the Middle East and Central Asia, where ancient Greeks and Turks used it for culinary and medicinal purposes. Popularized globally in the 2000s by brands like Fage and Chobani, it offers 15–20g of protein per serving, probiotics for gut health, and low sugar content. Versatile in dishes like smoothies and tzatziki, plain organic varieties maximize its benefits while minimizing additives.
At the Delphi Economic Forum, Israeli Ambassador to Greece Noam Katz emphasized the deepening strategic partnership between Greece and Israel, grounded in shared values and regional interests. Addressing regional instability, he highlighted cooperation in energy, defense, and diplomacy, while reaffirming Israel’s firm stance on Hamas and security threats in Gaza and Syria.
Turkey’s advanced Bayraktar Akinci drone suffered a tough March 2025, with two units shot down in two weeks—one in Mali near Algeria’s border and another in Iraqi Kurdistan by the PKK. These losses, alongside downings of other Turkish drones like the TB2 by groups such as Syria’s SDF, highlight vulnerabilities despite the Akinci’s sophisticated capabilities. With sales to 11 countries and a high-profile role in Iran’s 2024 presidential helicopter search, the drone’s recent setbacks could impact Turkey’s booming drone export market, especially for cost-sensitive buyers like Mali and Somalia.
Turkey’s growing military presence in Syria, including plans to control the T4 air base near Palmyra, has sparked new tensions with Israel. As Ankara seeks to expand its influence by supporting Syria’s transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa and deploying air defense systems, Israel has responded with airstrikes to deter Turkish encroachment
The EU’s border agency, Frontex, is reviewing 12 serious incident reports involving Greece, some linked to alleged illegal pushbacks of migrants—a practice recently condemned by the European Court of Human Rights. While Greece denies such actions, the investigation underscores ongoing concerns about border management and human rights compliance at Europe’s southeastern frontier.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is lobbying U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump to block the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, citing Ankara’s expanding influence in Syria. During his White House visit on April 7, 2025, Netanyahu pressed Trump on the issue, following multiple discussions with Rubio in March and April. Israel fears Turkey’s control of Syrian bases, like T4, could threaten its security, especially as Ankara negotiates a defense pact with Damascus and deploys air defense systems.
Tragedy struck off the Greek island of Lesbos as four migrants—a boy, a girl, and two women—were confirmed dead after their boat sank in the early hours of Thursday. Greece’s coastguard rescued 23 survivors, but the total number of passengers remains unknown, prompting an ongoing search and rescue operation. The incident highlights the continuing risks faced by migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings to Europe.
Israel has cratered the runway of Syria’s T4 air base to block Turkey from establishing a military presence that could threaten Jerusalem’s control over Syrian airspace
Jonathan Adiri, former advisor to Israeli President Shimon Peres, warns that Türkiye, under Erdogan, is no longer seeking influence in the Middle East—it’s shaping the region itself. With plans for bases in Syria, a powerful NATO military, and control over Europe’s natural gas pipelines, Türkiye poses a greater threat to Israel than Iran. Adiri suggests alliances with a Sunni bloc or Greece and Cyprus, but urges Israel to find shared interests with Türkiye to avoid conflict and foster cooperation.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis participated in a high-level quadrilateral summit in Paris, addressing regional security, migration, and energy cooperation alongside leaders from France, Cyprus, and Lebanon.
For centuries, the location of the Ark of the Covenant, believed by some to contain…
After Tuesday’s Geneva meeting on Cyprus, Greek FM George Gerapetritis called reunification the sole solution, pushing for dialogue and announcing a five-party meeting by July. He met Turkish FM Hakan Fidan to discuss progress and regional issues.
Greek, Cypriot, and Israeli foreign ministers will meet in Athens on Thursday to strengthen trilateral cooperation and discuss regional developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. Hosted by Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, the meeting will include bilateral talks with his Cypriot and Israeli counterparts, highlighting the nations’ strategic collaboration.
Greek and Cypriot officials are optimistic about renewed U.S. engagement in the Eastern Mediterranean, seeing opportunities for regional peace and economic growth. Speaking at the Delphi Forum in Washington, D.C., leaders highlighted the potential expansion of the Abraham Accords and the strategic role of Greece and Cyprus in the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Corridor. With strong diplomatic ties to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, they envision a stable and prosperous region closely linked to Europe and the U.S.
Greece’s Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over reports of violent clashes in Syria, resulting in numerous civilian casualties. In a statement, Athens called for all parties to show restraint and seek peaceful solutions to prevent further escalation. Greece emphasized the need for an inclusive political transition that protects all ethnic and religious communities, urging national unity amid ongoing instability in the region.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio caused a stir during his Fox News interview on March 6, 2025, when he appeared with a cross painted on his forehead, marking Ash Wednesday. Rubio discussed various international issues and domestic politics, while his religious display sparked diverse reactions on social media, ranging from support to criticism.
Israel has ruined the expansionist places of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the Syrian…
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis met with key U.S. lawmakers in Washington, securing bipartisan support for strengthening Greece-U.S. relations. Discussions focused on Greece’s role as a strategic energy hub, an investment destination, and a reliable partner in regional stability. Gerapetritis also briefed officials on his recent Middle East tour, highlighting Greece’s diplomatic efforts. His meetings continue with further engagements in the U.S. Senate.
Former Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu claims Gaza is still part of the Ottoman Empire and its residents are Turkish citizens. This controversial statement has raised concerns about regional stability and potential implications for Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, as Davutoğlu suggests Turkey should assume control of Gaza.