Mushroom houses for Gaza? Arab designers offer home-grown innovations

"No Other Land" is an award-winning documentary about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, directed by a team of two Israelis and two Palestinians. The film follows the activists and journalists as they document the destruction of homes in the occupied West Bank, capturing the grief and suffering of families who have no other land to go to. Despite its critical acclaim, the documentary struggled to find a distributor in the US, highlighting the challenges faced by films...

Ayse Barim, a manager of Turkish television stars, was detained on charges of "attempting to overthrow the government" related to the 2013 Gezi park protests. This move is seen as part of a broader crackdown on cultural figures critical of President Erdogan's government, with other famous actors also under scrutiny. The government's targeting of journalists, lawyers, and opposition politicians, including Istanbul's Mayor Imamoglu, is creating a climate of fear in Turkey to suppress dissent and...

Israel and Hamas conducted a chaotic exchange of hostages, with Hamas releasing eight hostages, including an Israeli soldier and two others, leading Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to temporarily suspend the release of Palestinian prisoners. Despite the tumultuous handovers, all hostages were eventually freed, with crowds gathering in both Gaza and Israel to welcome them home. The exchanges took place during a provisional cease-fire, with negotiations ongoing for future rounds of releases. Full Article

Iraqi refugee Salwan Momika, known for controversial Koran burnings in Sweden, was shot dead after sparking outrage with his demonstrations. His protests, including stomping on the Islamic holy book and wrapping it in bacon, led to international condemnation and diplomatic tensions between Sweden and Iraq. Despite facing death threats, legal charges, and deportation, Momika expressed aspirations to enter politics in Sweden, aligning himself with the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats party, which distanced itself from his actions....

Israeli legislation taking effect on Thursday will ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating in Israel, cutting off its ability to deliver aid to Gaza. Israel accuses UNRWA of being influenced by Hamas and employing Hamas members, leading to the ban. This move could severely undermine humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza, as UNRWA is the largest organization providing aid in the region. Full Article

Hamas handed over Israeli soldier Agam Berger as part of a third hostage-prisoner exchange, with three Israelis and five Thai captives set for release under a ceasefire deal. Berger was paraded by militants before being handed over to the Red Cross. Aid deliveries into Gaza have caused tension, with Hamas accusing Israel of delays, a claim Israel denies. Full Article