Update Hamas to release hostages as planned, apparently resolving ceasefire dispute

Hamas to release hostages as planned, apparently resolving ceasefire dispute

  • Hamas suspends handover of Israeli hostages over what it said were Israeli violations of the terms
  • Israel has called up military reservists to brace for a possible re-eruption of war in Gaza
By Agencies ·

Trump to meet Putin in Saudi Arabia on Ukraine

Trump to meet Putin in Saudi Arabia on Ukraine

  • US President: A date for the meeting “hasn’t been set” but it will happen in the “not too distant future”
By Arab News ·

France urges Syrian transitional govt to partner coalition fighting Islamic State

France urges Syrian transitional govt to partner coalition fighting Islamic State

  • Trump’s controversial decision to freeze foreign assistance has raised concerns in Syria, a country that had depended on hundreds of millions of dollars in aid from the US and now left in ruins by a civil war
By AP ·

Saudi Interior Ministry establishes General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes

Saudi Interior Ministry establishes General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes

  • Department was set up after a directive from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
  • It aims to eliminate crimes by dismantling criminal networks in coordination with local and international authorities
By Arab News ·

Special Israel asserts presence in five strategically significant high points in southern Lebanon

Israel asserts presence in five strategically significant high points in southern Lebanon

  • Lebanon rejects any extension of Israeli forces’ presence in the border areas
  • Egyptian foreign minister: Resolution 1701 must be implemented by all parties
By NAJIA HOUSSARI ·

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump. (File/AFP)

Zelensky wants plan with US to ‘stop Putin’ before talks with Russia

  • Comments came after Trump held a long phone call with Putin and said the sides had agreed to begin negotiations on Ukraine immediately
By AFP ·

124 journalists killed, most by Israel, in deadliest year for reporters

124 journalists killed, most by Israel, in deadliest year for reporters

  • The uptick in killings marks a 22 percent increase over 2023
  • Journalists murdered across 18 different countries, including Palestine's Gaza, Sudan and Pakistan
By AFP ·

124 journalists killed, most by Israel, in deadliest year for reporters

124 journalists killed, most by Israel, in deadliest year for reporters

  • The uptick in killings marks a 22 percent increase over 2023
  • Journalists murdered across 18 different countries, including Palestine's Gaza, Sudan and Pakistan
By AFP ·