Global Affairs
Iran confirms Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dead after US-Israeli attacks
A 40-day mourning period for the longtime Iranian leader has been announced.
Israel
Global Affairs
Iran strikes US bases across Middle East in retaliation
Huge plumes of black smoke were seen near the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain.
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Israel launches strike against Iran, declares state of emergency
The government declared the state of emergency because of the expectation of Iranian retaliation with drones and ballistic missiles.
Global Affairs
US embassy in Israel says non-emergency staff can leave the country
The New York Times reported that US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told embassy staff in an email early on Friday that those wishing to leave "should do so TODAY".
Global Affairs
West Bank village reflects mounting strain on Palestinian Authority
At the same time, Israel stopped transferring tax revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority. The disagreement involves Palestinian school materials and payments to families of Palestinians jailed or killed by Israel, including attackers. Palestinian officials say more than four billion dollars is now being withheld.
Global Affairs
Eleven killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza, rescuers say
The Palestinian Red Crescent said a strike on a tent encampment in northern Gaza killed at least six people, while another strike in the south of the strip killed five.
Global Affairs
Israel to terminate MSF work in Gaza by February 28
The decision follows “MSF’s failure to submit lists of local employees, a requirement applicable to all humanitarian organizations operating in the region.
Global Affairs
Israeli strikes kill at least 32 Palestinians in Gaza- Authorities
Palestinians have described these strikes as the heaviest since the second phase of the ceasefire, brokered by US President Trump last October, came into effect earlier this month.
Global Affairs
Diplomatic tensions soar as South Africa and Israel expel envoys
The crisis began when South Africa declared Ariel Seidman, Israel’s chargé d'affaires in Pretoria, persona non grata, ordering him to leave within 72 hours.
Global Affairs
Israel finds final hostage in Gaza, ending long search
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the retrieval a momentous accomplishment, highlighting the fulfillment of a promise to bring all captives home.
Global Affairs
New Gaza vision includes housing, industry, and security zones
Visuals shared at the event depicted sprawling skyscrapers along the coast, new residential zones in Rafah, and a phased approach to developing industrial, agricultural, and recreational areas for Gaza’s 2.1 million residents.
Global Affairs
Israel cuts ties with seven UN agencies over bias and bureaucracy
Israel also cited repeated “virulent anti-Israel reports” from UNCTAD and ESCWA as reasons for its disengagement. The UN Alliance of Civilisations was described as “a platform for attacks against Israel,” while UN Energy was labelled “a wasteful organisation” reflecting the UN’s “excessive and inefficient bureaucracy.”