US, Saudi Arabia closing in on security, nuclear deal
US and Saudi negotiators prioritize a bilateral security accord, part of a broader effort to enhance regional stability amid ongoing challenges.
UNESCO awards press freedom prize to Palestinian journalists
UNESCO awards its press freedom prize to Palestinian journalists covering the Gaza war in recognition of their bravery and commitment to freedom of expression.
Houthis: 107 ships targeted in retaliation against Israel’s Gaza war
Houthis hit 107 ships in retaliation against Israel’s Gaza offensive, targeting cargo ships owned by Israeli companies, leader says.
Israel warns of retaliation if ICC issues arrest warrants
Retaliation could include withholding of Palestinian tax revenues, which could lead to PA’s collapse, Axios reports
Haiti: Fritz Bélizaire appointed Prime Minister
Fritz Bélizaire was chosen in a surprise move to replace current interim Prime Minister Michel Patrick Boisvert
US accuses Russia of chemical weapon use, announces sanctions
US blames Russia for chemical attack on Ukrainian forces, unveiling sanctions to cripple Moscow’s military capabilities.
Judge casts doubt on verdict in contractor’s Abu Ghraib abuse trial
The judge in the first lawsuit brought by Abu Ghraib detainees against a US contractor fears the jury may not reach a verdict after a week of deliberations.
EU aspirations at risk: Thousands rally against Georgia’s NGO bill
Despite protests and warnings from the EU, Georgia’s parliament pushes forward a bill critics say stifles NGO activity and threatens its European aspirations.
Turkey to join ICJ genocide case against Israel, says foreign minister
Ankara will continue to stand by Palestinian people ‘under all circumstances,’ says Hakan Fidan
Oil prices fall amid Middle East cease-fire hopes, US stockpile building
Potential for cease-fire deal easing concerns of escalation of conflict and possible disruptions to supply
Turkey rescues 26 irregular migrants in Aegean Sea
Migrants pushed back by Greek authorities into Turkish territorial waters, says Turkish Coast Guard
Turkish intelligence chief meets Somali president in Mogadishu
Ibrahim Kalin, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud discuss ways to further bilateral strategic cooperation
UN chief urges Israel to halt Rafah invasion amid Gaza crisis
Israel warned by UN Chief Guterres against launching a military assault on Rafah amid escalating Gaza crisis, stressing the dire consequences for civilians in the region.
Gas explosion in Lebanon restaurant leaves at least eight dead
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety in Lebanon’s struggling economy.
Egyptian, US presidents discuss efforts to reach cease-fire in Gaza
Egypt confirms there is a new proposal for a truce in the blockaded Gaza Strip
Houthis fire 3 anti-ship ballistic missiles into Red Sea
Yemen’s Houthi group fired anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) and launched unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into the Red Sea
Gaza pier for aid delivery operational in May — Pentagon
Pentagon spokesperson confirms the operational readiness of a temporary pier off Gaza’s coast for humanitarian aid delivery by early May.
Al-Qaeda attack kills six UAE-backed troops in southern Yemen
A suspected Al-Qaeda attack in southern Yemen killed six UAE-backed troops, highlighting the dangers posed by the extremist group amid the country’s ongoing civil war.
WHO restarts talks on pandemic treaty, key issues remain
Countries are negotiating a new global agreement to combat future pandemics at the WHO, facing time pressure and needing to bridge differences on access and equity.
NATO chief: ‘Not too late’ for Ukraine to prevail in war
NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg remains optimistic about Ukraine’s ability to win the war against Russia, despite facing significant challenges and delays in receiving military aid from allies.
Russian diplomat visits Sudan as tensions rise
Russia’s visit to Sudan fuels speculation about allegiances in the country’s year-long conflict.
Speeding, poor roads blamed in fatal Peru bus crash
A bus crash in Peru’s northern Andes mountains killed at least 23 people and injured many more, raising concerns about poor road conditions and speeding.
US-Mexico presidents act to reduce illegal border crossings
Biden and Lopez Obrador have ordered concrete measures to reduce illegal border crossings between the US and Mexico, without disclosing specific details.
Israeli airstrikes kill over 20 Palestinians in Rafah
3 air raids target several neighborhoods across southern Gazan city
Haitians demand new leaders find swift solutions to gang violence
More than 2,500 people were killed or injured from January to March alone, and more than 90,000 have fled the capital
Islamic Development Bank celebrates its 50th anniversary
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group celebrated its 50th anniversary with a golden jubilee ceremony on Sunday.
Pro-EU rally floods Tbilisi streets against controversial Russia law
Massive protests erupt in Georgia as citizens demand the government revoke a foreign influence bill seen as jeopardizing the country’s EU aspirations.