Israel seizes Rafah crossing as Gaza truce talks resume
Egypt's state-linked Al-Qahera News reported that mediators from Qatar, the United States and Egypt were meeting with a Hamas delegation.Geostrategy
Blinken says US ‘determined’ to get Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal ‘now’
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken renewed calls for Hamas to accept a ceasefire deal Wednesday as he started talks...Geostrategy
Hopes of finding survivors fade as Turkey-Syria quake toll nears 20,000
Bitter cold has hampered the four-day search of thousands of flattened buildings and threatened the lives of many quake victims...Chances of finding survivors have dimmed now that the 72-hour mark that experts consider the most likely period to save lives has passed.
Despite the dimming hopes for rescues, thousands of local and foreign searchers have not given up in the hunt for more survivors.
European Union leaders offer ‘full solidarity’, aid to Erdogan
Brussels, Belgium--The 27 EU leaders wrote to their Turkish counterpart President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday to express their "full...The leaders sent their message at the start of their Brussels summit. A video call with Erdogan was contemplated but it was not clear if this would be possible.
Many countries around the world, including EU members, have sent emergency teams and aid, and Europe is keen to do more, fearing a new wave of refugees from the region.
Turkey, Syria quake economic losses may exceed $4 billion: Fitch
More than 17,500 people have died so far in the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria.More than 17,500 people have died so far in the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria.
Insured losses will be much lower, possibly around $1 billion, due to low insurance coverage in the area.
Row over West Bank outpost exposes Israel cabinet split
Jerusalem--Cracks have emerged within Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hardline government, with a row over the demolition of a settlement...Netanyahu vowed in December to expand settlements across the West Bank, as he returned to power at the helm of the most right-wing government in Israeli history.
Despite being considered illegal by the state, two far-right members of the cabinet, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, objected.
Bahrain loses state immunity bid in spyware lawsuit in UK filed by dissidents
According to Saeed Shehabi and Moosa Mohammed, Bahrain infected their computers with FinSpy spying software, allowing agents access their data.According to Saeed Shehabi and Moosa Mohammed, Bahrain infected their computers with FinSpy spying software, allowing agents access their data
The software also allows users to enable microphones and cameras on electronic gadgets to perform live surveillance and monitor their whereabouts
Rival Libya administrations agree to remove foreign fighters: UN
Cairo, Egypt-- Senior Libyan officials from both rival administrations on Wednesday endorsed a coordination mechanism to clear the war-torn country of...According to UN estimates there are more than 20,000 foreign fighters, both military and paramilitary, in the country
The country descended into a decade of violence following the 2011 overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in a NATO-backed rebellion
Morocco criticizes ‘unjust’ EU campaign over Pegasus spyware
Rabat, Morocco--The Moroccan parliament decried Wednesday an "unjust campaign" against it at the European Parliament ahead of a hearing in Brussels...The parliament is set to hear from experts, human rights defenders and journalists on Thursday on claims that Morocco had used the spyware against politicians and journalists
The Moroccan parliament voted unanimously to review ties with the European Parliament, accusing it of meddling
Algeria recalls envoy from France in fresh outbreak of tensions
Tensions between Algeria and France have spiked again after Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Wednesday decided to recall his country's...According to a statement released by Algeria, it has protested against the "clandestine and illegal exfiltration of an Algerian citizen" via Tunisia to France
Ties between the two countries had been frosty since autumn 2021, but warmed when French President Emmanuel Macron visited Algiers last August
Syria’s White Helmets rescuers urge international quake help
First responders from the group that was formed a decade ago to save the lives of civilians during Syria's civil...Their volunteers include 3,300 young men and women, including 1,600 dedicated to search and rescue operations.
AFP correspondents across the war-ravaged country said rescue workers and residents have had to sift through the rubble with their bare hands.
Iran unveils an underground air force base. IRNA says
Last week, Iran claimed Israel launched a drone strike on a military plant in the central city of Isfahan.Last week, Iran claimed Israel launched a drone strike on a military plant in the central city of Isfahan
Western powers accuse Iran of seeking to build nuclear weapons, something that Tehran has always denied
