Hamas guards were radicalized teachers, doctors, ex-hostage claims: ‘Normal people becoming terrorists’

Some of the Hamas terrorists who guarded the hostages in Gaza were teachers, university professors and even doctors who had been radicalized, a former Israeli captive said.

In the wake of this week’s hostage release, Tal Shoham — who was among the hostages freed in February — relived his 500 days of captivity under Hamas, forcing him to contend with just how deep-rooted the hatred for the Jewish state had grown in Gaza over the two years of war.

Security on high alert in Ondo as SSS intelligence reveals fresh threats of terrorists attack

According to the security alert, the ISWAP operatives have already commenced surveillance on soft targets in the identified areas, prompting a call for the immediate strengthening of security operations to avert tragedy.

Security agencies in Ondo State have been set on high alert following a leaked memo from the State Security Services (SSS) , warning of threats by terrorists to attack parts of Ondo and Kogi states.

Weakened Islamic State Eyes Resurgence in Libya

Executive Summary

Islamic State’s Libyan network remains degraded but resilient, sustained by integration with transnational smuggling and financial networks in the country’s south and links to instability in Sudan and the Sahel.

Political and militia fragmentation in Tripoli and Haftar’s dynastic consolidation in the east are deepening Libya’s governance vacuum—conditions that could enable jihadist regrouping.

Türkiye and Iran Battle for Influence in the South Caucasus

Bottom Line Up Front

Iranian leaders fear that Türkiye, emboldened by the ousting of the Assad regime in Syria, will further advance its influence in the South Caucasus at the expense of Iran.

Iran’s foreign minister visited Tehran’s key South Caucasus ally, Armenia, last week to coordinate efforts to thwart the establishment of a Turkish-backed transit corridor that would block Iran’s land access to Armenia.

Syria Exploits Great Power Competition in Drive for Stability and Security

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa is calibrating relations with both Washington and Moscow to ensure they both contribute to the country’s stability and security.

Sharaa’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week sought, in part, to prod Trump officials to pressure Israel to end its assaults on Syrian territory and Syrian strategic assets.