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 ·

Special How AI is transforming music and preserving legends — but raising ethical concerns graphic

How AI is transforming music and preserving legends — but raising ethical concerns

  • AI is revolutionizing music by composing, recreating voices, and enhancing collaboration between artists and technology
  • Experts say its future depends on balancing innovation with ethical considerations of ownership and artistic integrity
By Waad Hussain ·

Hezbollah supporters protest banning Iranian plane from landing in Beirut

Hezbollah supporters protest banning Iranian plane from landing in Beirut

  • Young men set tires on fire, leading to scuffles between angry protesters and soldiers
  • The Lebanese army had been deployed at Beirut International Airport
By AFP ·

Russia rejoices at Trump-Putin call as Zelensky rejects talks without Ukraine present

Russia rejoices at Trump-Putin call as Zelensky rejects talks without Ukraine present

  • Trump’s change of tack seemed to identify Putin as the only player that matters in ending the fighting and looked set to sideline Zelensky, as well as European governments, in any peace talks
  • Zelensky said he would not accept any negotiations about Ukraine that do not include his country in the talks
By AP ·

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 ·