Syria expressed gratitude as Saudi Arabia and Qatar cleared its World Bank debt, paving the way for institutional rebuilding and development aid.

Putin congratulated Ramaphosa on Freedom Day, reaffirming Russia-South Africa ties across trade, science, and international platforms.

Hamas is ready for a five-year truce and exchange of hostages, insisting on a permanent end to the war and a comprehensive agreement.

The explosion shattered windows in the surrounding area, and footage shared online showed a mushroom cloud rising after the blast

Pakistan and India are at their lowest point of diplomatic relations in years, with India accusing Pakistan of supporting “cross-border terrorism” following the worst attack on civilians in Kashmir in 25 years

The EFCC in Nigeria confiscated properties tied to foreign nationals arrested in a major cybercrime and internet fraud case in Lagos.

Over 117,400 Palestinians injured in Israeli assault since October 2023, Health Ministry says

Ben-Gvir, who did not meet with Trump during his visit, later planned to address a gathering at Yale hosted by Shabtai, a Jewish society at the university

French President Macron visits Madagascar, marking the first French leadership trip in 20 years, focusing on economic ties and historical disputes.

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas called on Hamas to release all hostages in Gaza, warning that their detention gives Israel justification for continued attacks. His statement came as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 25 people across the besieged enclave, with rescue teams recovering charred bodies from the rubble. Abbas, speaking in Ramallah, denounced Hamas for holding hostages and said the Palestinian people, not Israel, are paying the ultimate price for the group’s actions. “You sons of dogs, hand over what you have and get us out of this,” Abbas said, using a harsh Arabic epithet aimed at Hamas. Hamas official Bassem Naim condemned the remarks as “insulting,” accusing Abbas of deflecting blame from Israel’s military aggression in Gaza. The Israeli offensive resumed on March 18, ending a temporary ceasefire that had allowed for the release of 33 hostages in exchange for about 1,800 Palestinian prisoners. Talks on a renewed truce remain stalled, although a Hamas delegation has arrived in Cairo for discussions with Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Meanwhile, Germany, France, and Britain jointly called on Israel to lift its blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, warning of catastrophic civilian suffering. The deep rift between Abbas’s Fatah movement and Hamas continues to fracture Palestinian leadership, complicating efforts for unity and peace. For nearly two decades, the factions have traded accusations—Fatah blaming Hamas for internal division, and Hamas accusing the Palestinian Authority of collusion with Israel.

Critics label the group as a terrorist organization and argue it poses a threat to the state.

Currently, around 2,600 Afghan refugees approved for entry by Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) are waiting in Pakistan for visas and flight arrangements

‘No reports of destruction have been received,’ says governor’s office

Iran has delayed a technical nuclear meeting with the US to Saturday as part of ongoing indirect negotiations mediated by Oman.

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed 26 as Hamas leaders headed to Cairo to discuss a possible ceasefire agreement.

Funeral to be held on Saturday at 0800GMT

The Al Quds Brigades issued a statement condemning the detentions, stating that the arrests were made “without any explanation” and in a manner “we would not have hoped to see from brothers”

Sentencing is scheduled for June 12, 2025, in front of U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein in Manhattan

Pope Francis’ death deeply moves DR Congo where many recall his 2023 visit and advocacy for peace.

France announces €3.2 billion funding to rebuild Mayotte after Cyclone Chido’s devastation left 40 dead and widespread damage across the archipelago.

Five individuals were initially arrested, including four Syrian males aged 16 to 20, on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm resulting in death

The Catholic Church enters a phase known as Sede Vacante (Vacant See), during which day-to-day responsibilities fall to the camerlengo (chamberlain)

More than 50 MPs from Iran-aligned Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Kataib Hezbollah have filed criminal complaints accusing Jolani of terrorism

‘Unlike you, we do not have political prisoners,’ Nayib Bukele tells Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro