Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized recent Western sanctions over alleged arms exports to Russia and called for diplomatic dialogue instead. Britain, France, and Germany accused Iran of delivering ballistic missiles to Russia for the Ukraine war, a claim Iran denies and responded to by summoning four European ambassadors for protests.

Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, demanding government action to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. With 97 still captive from the October 7 attack, demonstrators criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu’s administration for insufficient efforts in their release and highlighted the conflict's continued casualties.

In related news, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell of anti-Semitism after Borrell condemned an Israeli airstrike in Gaza that killed six UN staff members. The airstrike, which targeted a UN-run school shelter, has brought attention to the ongoing hostilities initiated by Hamas on October 7.

Shifting to North Africa, Tunisia’s presidential campaign kicked off amid widespread protests and political turmoil. President Kais Saied, seeking re-election, faces criticism for his authoritarian-like crackdown on opponents and civil liberties, reminiscent of former President Ben Ali’s regime.

The recent conflict between Gaza and Israel also casts a shadow over the Arab-Israeli normalization achieved through the Abraham Accords. Despite the tension, experts believe the Accords remain viable and their future may depend on upcoming U.S. elections and actions by regional powers like Saudi Arabia.

Lastly, Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has called on the EU to end welfare for Ukrainian men abroad to support Ukraine’s military draft. By halting benefits, Sikorski aims to bolster Ukraine's military numbers and shift some of the financial burden away from host countries, as the EU shelters over 4.1 million Ukrainians, including eligible adult men.