White House says ‘not there yet’ on Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal

Thousands of Afghans protested nationwide on Friday against Israel's actions in Gaza, responding to a call from Taliban authorities, with demonstrators gathering in multiple cities after prayers, waving Palestinian flags and burning images of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Taliban Prime Minister Hassan Akhund condemned Israel's actions as "genocide," emphasizing the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the severe impact of the blockade on Gazans, who face famine risks. The Taliban government, which remains internationally unrecognized, continues...

The United Arab Emirates, a significant oil exporter, has initiated mandatory emissions monitoring for companies under a new climate change law, marking a first for the Middle East. Greenpeace praised this "bold leap toward regional climate leadership," as companies must now report and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, facing fines up to two million dirhams ($545,000) for non-compliance. While the UAE aims for net-zero domestic carbon emissions by 2050 and has committed to a 47% reduction...

In a small Moroccan coastal village, women engage in collaborative textile art at a workshop founded by Margaux Derhy, providing them with employment and a platform to showcase their work internationally. With only 19% of Moroccan women in steady jobs, this initiative has empowered local women, helping to challenge societal norms and improve their livelihoods, as expressed by participants like Hanane Ichbikili and Aicha Jout. The workshop not only fosters creativity through collaborative embroidery but...

President Donald Trump has drastically reduced US aid and is re-evaluating global assistance strategies, as exemplified by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which began distributing food in Gaza under US and Israeli oversight after Israel halted supplies. The GHF, which has distributed 2.1 million meals, operates independently of the UN, leading major aid groups to reject collaboration due to concerns over humanitarian principles and accusations of aligning with Israeli military objectives. Amidst ongoing violence,...

Israel warned Hamas to accept a hostage deal or face annihilation, as US President Trump indicated a ceasefire agreement was imminent amidst worsening conditions in Gaza, where the UN reported the entire population was at risk of famine. Israel's Defence Minister emphasized the need for Hamas to agree to the ceasefire proposed by US envoy Witkoff, while the humanitarian crisis deepened with food shortages and ongoing violence resulting in significant civilian casualties. Meanwhile, Israel expanded...

The Sarajevo Declaration of the Gaza Tribunal condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, labeling them as genocide, after sessions on various topics related to Gaza's destruction were held at the International University of Sarajevo. Since October 2023, Israel has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, leading to severe humanitarian crises, with the declaration demanding an end to military actions, forced displacement, and the siege of Gaza. The tribunal calls for global accountability for war crimes, recognition of Palestinian...