Israeli negotiators return home as ceasefire talks in Cairo continue
Israeli negotiators have left Cairo after discussing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire with Hamas, though talks are set to continue.
Multi-national crackdown on scam compounds strands hundreds
The detainees, relocated to a camp run by Myanmar’s Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) near the Thai border, describe deteriorating conditions and uncertainty over their fate
Russia says annexation of Ukrainian land is not up for discussion
The Kremlin has declared that the annexed Ukrainian regions are “non-negotiable” in any future peace deal, setting a firm red line as US-Russia talks aim to normalize relations.
Pope Francis resting well, Vatican reports
At 88 years old, Pope Francis is now in his 14th day at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, marking the longest hospital stay of his papacy
Turkey’s DEM party delegation meets jailed PKK ringleader Ocalan
The seven-member delegation’s visit marks the third meeting with Ocalan since December
Freed Palestinian prisoners arrive in Ramallah
Bus carrying dozens of Palestinian prisoners arrives at Cultural Palace, says Anadolu correspondent
Algeria condemns France’s fresh sanctions and travel restrictions
Algeria condemned France’s new sanctions, calling them threats and harassment, as tensions rise over immigration and diplomatic disagreements.
Mediators reach deal for prisoner swap and hostage remains
The source, who has knowledge of the negotiations, stated that the exchange will take place under Egyptian supervision
Church of England moves to discipline clergy over abuse scandal
The disciplinary process could lead to penalties ranging from a permanent ban from ministry to resignation
Algerian interior minister visits Spain, first since 2022 crisis
Algeria’s interior minister begins a visit to Spain, marking the first official trip since the 2022 diplomatic crisis, with discussions focused on bilateral cooperation.
Missing Briton found dead in Kenya, two arrested
A British businessman, Campbell Scott, who disappeared from Nairobi on February 17th, has been found dead in Makongo Forest in Kenya.
Egypt unveils plan to reconstruct Gaza without relocations
Egypt has pledged to rebuild the war-torn Gaza Strip in the shortest possible time while ensuring that Palestinian residents are not displaced.
Turkey rejects plan to relocate Palestinians to other countries
Turkish President Erdogan told French President Macron that relocating Palestinians to Egypt, Jordan, or a third country is unacceptable.
Conservatives secure German election win as far-right surges
Germany’s conservatives, led by Friedrich Merz, won the elections, while the far-right AfD surged to second place with record gains, sparking concerns over immigration, security, and coalition-building.
Israeli tanks enter the West Bank for the first time since 2002
Israeli tanks entered the occupied West Bank for the first time since 2002 as part of an intensified military crackdown, prompting Palestinian condemnation and international concerns over escalating violence.
US close to agreement on Ukraine minerals Trump says
Trump says the US is close to a minerals deal with Ukraine as part of efforts to recover military aid given during the war.
Fears of spillover: US tells diplomat families to leave Burundi
Amid growing concerns about regional instability, the US Embassy in Burundi has ordered the evacuation of diplomat families and authorized the departure of non-essential staff.
Hamas frees six Israeli hostages in prisoner swap
Hamas releases six Israeli hostages in exchange for 602 Palestinian prisoners, marking a key moment in the fragile ceasefire deal
US and Ukraine close to reaching agreement on mineral rights deal
Agreement could be finalized as early as Saturday, though negotiations are still ongoing, says report
Trump says Ukraine has no leverage in war talks with Russia
Trump dismissed the importance of Zelensky in Ukraine war talks, stating that Kyiv has no strong position in negotiations while defending his discussions with Russia.
UN reports rise in settler violence across occupied West Bank
The UN has expressed concern over Israeli forces’ prolonged military operations and rising settler violence in the occupied West Bank, which have displaced thousands of Palestinians.
Airlines reroute as China holds live-fire drills near Australia
Qantas, Emirates, and Air New Zealand adjusted their flight paths on Friday after China broadcast a warning that its navy would conduct live-fire exercises off the coast of New South Wales
China urges G20 to prioritize Africa’s concerns
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on the G20 to take Africa’s concerns seriously and support the continent’s development at the summit in Johannesburg.
Hamas probes hostage remains mix-up, Israel vows response
Despite the fallout, there was no immediate indication that Israel would withdraw from talks on the next phase of the ceasefire
Sweden probes new Baltic Sea cable damage
Damage is only minor and hence it would not affect communications, says company that owns cable
US sanctions Rwandan minister over DRC conflict
The US accuses Kabarebe of being central to Rwanda’s support for the M23, including coordinating military assistance and the export of minerals from DRC.
Saudi Arabia to host Gulf, Egypt, and Jordan leaders for talks on Friday
The talks come as Arab states work on a post-war reconstruction plan for Gaza