Ron Dermer calls Qatari prime minister over hostage deal progress

On Thursday, Muslim worshippers gathered on Mount Arafat for the peak of the hajj pilgrimage while Saudi authorities urged them to avoid the intense midday heat following last year's tragedy, where 1,301 pilgrims died due to extreme temperatures. The government has expanded shaded areas, increased medical staff, and deployed cooling units to mitigate heat risks, while also cracking down on unregistered pilgrims who contributed to last year's fatalities. Despite the heat reaching 42°C (107.6°F), many...

Tripoli’s Government of National Unity (GNU), led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, faces significant challenges amid public unrest triggered by the killing of militia leader Abdulghani Al-Kikli on May 12. Protests erupted demanding Dbeibah's resignation, leading to three ministerial resignations and the House of Representatives seeking a replacement for the prime minister. Despite a temporary lull in demonstrations, the UN has proposed that the GNU be replaced to facilitate national elections within a new 24-month transitional...

Iranian football fans are disheartened as a new US travel ban prevents them from attending the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Despite hopes of supporting Team Melli in a historic tournament, the ban arises amidst ongoing US-Iran tensions over nuclear negotiations, with many fans expressing frustration over politics affecting their aspirations. While the travel ban exempts athletes, supporters fear it may hinder chances for sports diplomacy, though some remain hopeful...

President Donald Trump signed a new travel ban set to begin on Monday, targeting nationals from 12 countries including Afghanistan, Iran, and Yemen, citing security concerns following a violent incident in Colorado. The ban prohibits travel from these countries and imposes partial restrictions on seven others, while notably exempting athletes for major upcoming events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Critics, including Amnesty International, condemned the ban as discriminatory, and it may face...

US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation banning citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Yemen, from entering the United States, citing the need to protect against "foreign terrorists." This directive is part of a broader immigration crackdown that began at the start of his second term and includes partial restrictions on seven additional countries. Trump emphasized the importance of vetting entrants for security purposes, while Somalia expressed willingness to collaborate with the US...

Israeli forces have recovered the bodies of Judi Weinstein Haggai, 70, a Canadian citizen, and her husband Gadi Haggai, 72, who were taken as hostages during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023. They were murdered by gunmen from the Mujahideen Brigades at Kibbutz Nir Oz, and their bodies were found in Khan Younis, Gaza, before being returned to Israel for identification. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences to their families,...