Turkey’s actors, artists under pressure as govt turns up the heat

When the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas was announced in January, celebrations erupted, but now, as the deal's first phase ends and Israel introduces a new proposal rejected by Hamas, fears of renewed conflict are growing. Hamas seeks the implementation of the original agreement's second phase, while Israel suggests a temporary cease-fire with hostage exchanges. The deadlock between the two sides persists as both pursue diplomatic and military strategies to navigate the fragile cease-fire....

Secretary of State Marco Rubio bypassed Congress to send $4 billion in weapons to Israel under emergency authority, the second time in a month the Trump administration skirted congressional approval. The move raised concerns as some munitions were still under review and included bombs unsuitable for urban combat in Gaza. The statement from Rubio falsely claimed to reverse a Biden administration arms embargo on Israel, despite Biden approving most weapons orders and withholding licenses for...

Iran's parliament impeached and sacked finance minister Abdolnaser Hemmati over soaring inflation and currency depreciation, with 182 out of 273 parliamentarians supporting his removal. The Iranian rial was trading at over 920,000 to the US dollar on the black market, compared to less than 600,000 in mid-2024. President Masoud Pezeshkian defended Hemmati, citing economic warfare and blaming chronic inflation as the country's main economic challenge, leading to Hemmati's replacement by deputy economy minister Rahmatollah Akrami....

Israel blocked aid entering Gaza, violating a truce deal and prompting UN calls for restoration of humanitarian assistance, amid talks on a ceasefire extension. Hamas rejected an extension, leading to Israeli military strikes in Gaza, causing casualties, and sparking condemnation from international leaders. Concerns over rising prices and hunger emerged in Gaza, while Israel suspended aid entry, sparking fears of renewed conflict, as the truce's future remains uncertain. Full Article

Critics and rights groups denounce the highly anticipated trial of Tunisian opposition figures accused of plotting against state security as unfair and politically motivated. The case involves around 40 defendants, including former diplomats, politicians, and media figures critical of President Kais Saied. The defendants face charges of plotting against state security and belonging to a terrorist group, with concerns raised about arbitrary detentions and a lack of fair trial procedures. Full Article

Israel proposed a temporary cease-fire extension in Gaza for the Ramadan and Passover holidays, as the initial phase of the truce was expiring, in an effort to clarify its negotiating position with Hamas. The proposal, attributed to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, involved releasing half of the remaining hostages held in Gaza on the first day of the agreement, with the rest to be returned if a permanent truce was reached by the end of the...