Pregnancy and childbirth a growing risk under Israeli blockade and bombardment

Residents of Tripoli are preparing for Eid al-Adha in a fragile calm following deadly clashes between rival armed groups last month, with many expressing skepticism about lasting peace. Despite a semblance of normalcy, concerns linger about potential violence after the holiday, particularly among families affected by the recent turmoil, which resulted in at least eight deaths. The ongoing political division in Libya, marked by a power struggle between the UN-recognized government in Tripoli and a...

Bugesera, a district 45km south of Kigali, Rwanda, currently lacks significant development but is poised for transformation through a major airport complex project supported by Qatari funding. Rwandan President Paul Kagame envisions this project as a key element of his legacy, aiming to turn Rwanda from the site of a tragic genocide in 1994 into a prosperous commercial hub and tourist destination, particularly for gorilla trekking. Additionally, Kagame aspires to establish Africa's only Formula One...

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...