Update Israel intensifying Gaza strikes to press Hamas into freeing hostages, defense minister says

Israel intensifying Gaza strikes to press Hamas into freeing hostages, defense minister says

  • US envoy Steve Witkoff last week a ‘bridge’ plan to extend the ceasefire in Gaza into April beyond Ramadan and Passover
By Reuters ·

Sudan’s military says it has retaken the last area of the capital held by rival paramilitary forces

Sudan’s military says it has retaken the last area of the capital held by rival paramilitary forces

  • Social media videos showed its soldiers inside giving the date as the 21st day of Ramadan, which was Friday.
  • The war has killed more than 28,000 people and forced millions to flee their homes
By AP ·

Update London’s Heathrow airport closed after fire causes major power cut

London’s Heathrow airport closed after fire causes major power cut

  • Airport authorities said they ‘expect significant disruption’ over the coming days
By AFP ·

Spanish ambassador bids fond farewell to Saudi Arabia video

Spanish ambassador bids fond farewell to Saudi Arabia

  • ‘The future is bright in our bilateral relations,’ says envoy Jorge Sierra, who is returning to Madrid after more than 3 years in the Kingdom
  • ‘It’s been a wonderful experience to know such a beautiful country with such a strong personality, at a moment of social and economic changes that is fascinating to see,’ he adds
By Lama Alhamawi ·

Update Israel intensifying Gaza strikes to press Hamas into freeing hostages, defense minister says

Israel intensifying Gaza strikes to press Hamas into freeing hostages, defense minister says

  • US envoy Steve Witkoff last week a ‘bridge’ plan to extend the ceasefire in Gaza into April beyond Ramadan and Passover
By Reuters ·

‘I need to be home’: stranded Heathrow passengers separated from loved ones

‘I need to be home’: stranded Heathrow passengers separated from loved ones

  • Fire at electrical substation causes Heathrow shutdown
  • Global flight schedules affected, incoming flights rerouted
By Reuters ·

Gold retreats on firm US dollar, en route third weekly gain

Gold retreats on firm US dollar, en route third weekly gain

  • Gold hit record high of $3,057.21 per ounce on Thursday
  • Silver, platinum, palladium poised for weekly declines
By Reuters ·

Turkiye detains 37 over ‘provocative’ social media posts following arrest of Istanbul mayor video

Turkiye detains 37 over ‘provocative’ social media posts following arrest of Istanbul mayor

  • Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said authorities identified 261 social media accounts that shared provocative posts inciting public hatred or crime
  • Imamoglu’s arrest came just days before he was expected to be nominated as the opposition Republican People’s Party’s presidential candidate
By AP ·

Turkiye detains 37 over ‘provocative’ social media posts following arrest of Istanbul mayor video

Turkiye detains 37 over ‘provocative’ social media posts following arrest of Istanbul mayor

  • Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said authorities identified 261 social media accounts that shared provocative posts inciting public hatred or crime
  • Imamoglu’s arrest came just days before he was expected to be nominated as the opposition Republican People’s Party’s presidential candidate
By AP ·

Lewis Hamilton wins pole position in the sprint for Ferrari at the Chinese F1 Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton wins pole position in the sprint for Ferrari at the Chinese F1 Grand Prix

  • Hamilton arrived in China after a disappointing season-opening race last weekend in Australia, where he finished 10th
  • He only managed fourth fastest in opening practice Friday for a modest improvement in Shanghai
By AP ·