This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Wednesday, May 14th.

Palestine says Israel continues to 'weaponise aid' to punish Gaza

"Palestine's representative to the UN, Riyad Mansour, says Israel is using starvation as a deliberate weapon in Gaza.

He accused Israeli authorities of systematically blocking aid and manipulating its delivery—not just occasionally, but in a way he described as deliberate and ongoing for over two months.

Mansour told the UN Security Council that this isn't just mismanagement, it's what he calls ""engineered starvation""."

Trump's Arab ally worked discreetly to secure release of US-Israeli captive:sources

"Sources have told TRT World that the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander was the result of quiet, behind-the-scenes diplomacy, and a key figure in this was American-Arab activist Bishara Bahbah.

According to the sources, a senior Hamas official reached out to Bahbah last month in search of a communication channel to Steve Witkoff, who served as Donald Trump's Middle East envoy.

That backchannel eventually led to Alexander's release, carried out by Hamas's armed wing, the Qassam Brigades."

Celebrations in Damascus as Syria calls Trump's decision to lift sanctions 'a turning point'

"Over in Syria, officials are celebrating what they see as a major shift in US policy.

President Donald Trump's move to lift sanctions on Syria is being hailed as a ""turning point"" by the country's leadership.

Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani welcomed the announcement, saying it marks a significant moment for the Syrian people. He called it a step toward greater stability, economic independence, and the chance to rebuild after years of war."

Trump secures $600B Saudi investment pledge on Gulf tour

"Donald Trump has locked in a massive $600 billion investment pledge from Saudi Arabia during his Gulf tour.

As Trump stepped off Air Force One, he was greeted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Later, the two signed a major agreement in Riyadh that includes cooperation in energy, defence, mining and more.

The deal also features what Washington is calling the biggest-ever defence sales agreement between the two countries—nearly $142 billion worth of commitments in that area alone."

Spain chooses Turkish HURJET as advanced trainer for its air force

"In a notable boost for Turkish aerospace, Spain has picked Türkiye's HURJET as the next advanced jet trainer for its air force. The news comes just as the 2025 International Defence and Security Exhibition (FEINDEF) wraps up.

According to Spanish aviation media outlet Avion Revue Internacional, an official signing is expected this Wednesday between the Spain's defence industry and HURJET's manufacturer Turkish Aerospace.

The agreement sets the stage for future collaboration and the formal inclusion of HURJET into the Spanish Air and Space Force's training fleet."