Russia beefs up defences in Syria
Craig TaylorRussia strengthens its anti-aircraft defences in Syria by moving up a cruiser and deploying new missiles at an air base. BBC News – Middle East
Middle East
Israel ‘to open mission in UAE’
Israel is to open its first diplomatic mission in the UAE, Israel says, despite the absence of diplomatic relations between the two countries. BBC News – Middle East
Qatar PM orders inquiry after flooding
Qatar’s prime minister orders an inquiry after heavy rain exposed poor construction in the country set to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup. BBC News – Middle East
Four killed in attack on Sinai hotel
Two suicide bombers and a gunman attack a hotel in the city of el-Arish in Egypt’s northern Sinai, killing four people, officials say. BBC News – Middle East
Syrian army takes western towns from IS
Syrian government forces are reported to have captured two towns from Islamic State militants in the west of the country. BBC News – Middle East
Four Israelis injured in stabbings
Four Israelis have been injured, two of them seriously, after being stabbed in the southern city of Kiryat Gat, Israeli police say. BBC News – Middle East