Protesters gather in Times Square demanding release of Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil

Jordan to reinstate conscription in 2026, Amman confirms Jordan has announced plans to reintroduce military conscription in 2026 amid rising tensions with Israel, raising questions about the timing of this directive. The decision follows a report by Israel's public broadcaster KAN News, indicating a strategic shift in the nation's defense policy. Want More Context? 🔎

U.S.-based charity HEAL Palestine and other rights groups criticized the State Department's suspension of visitor visas for Palestinians from Gaza, claiming it jeopardizes medical treatment for injured children. The decision follows far-right claims about Palestinian refugees, while U.S. officials evaluate the visa process amid concerns of extremism ties, despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Want More Context? 🔎

The UN Security Council is debating a French-drafted resolution to extend the UN peacekeeping force in south Lebanon, UNIFIL, for a year, with a focus on eventual withdrawal contingent upon Lebanon providing security and achieving a political agreement. Opposition from Israel and the US complicates the situation, as Lebanon addresses the disarmament of Hezbollah amidst ongoing tensions and military operations in the region. Want More Context? 🔎

The UN Security Council is negotiating a French-drafted resolution to extend the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and signal a potential withdrawal of troops, contingent on the Lebanese Government's control over its territory and a political arrangement among parties. The U.S. has suggested a final one-year extension, emphasizing support for the Lebanese army amid tensions with Hezbollah, which dominates southern Lebanon. Want More Context? 🔎

A new Israeli settlement project in the occupied West Bank, approved by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, will displace around 7,000 Palestinians and isolate Bedouin communities, according to the Jerusalem Governor’s Office. The plan, criticized as a colonial scheme and a threat to the two-state solution, coincides with international recognition efforts for Palestinian statehood amid ongoing violence and illegal settlements. Want More Context? 🔎

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