May 10 Leaders worldwide struggle to draft 'pandemic treaty' to avoid COVID mistakes in the future By Maria Cheng, Jamey Keaten, Associated Press Envoys have been working long hours in recent weeks to prepare a draft ahead of a self-imposed deadline later this month: ratification of the accord at WHO's annual meeting. But deep divisions could derail it. Continue reading
May 10 Over 40 arrests made as police clear pro-Palestinian protests camps at Penn, MIT By Bruce Shipkowski, Michael Casey, Associated Press Tensions have ratcheted up in standoffs with protesters on campuses across the United States and in Europe. Some colleges cracked down immediately, while others have tolerated the demonstrations. Continue reading
May 10 Eurovision Song Contest sees boos, cheers and tighter security for Israel's contestant By Jill Lawless, Associated Press Golan has become a focus for protests by pro-Palestinian demonstrators who want her country kicked out of Eurovision over its war against Hamas. Continue reading
May 10 WATCH: UN General Assembly approves resolution granting new rights to Palestine, reviving membership bid By Edith M. Lederer, Associated Press The final list of rights and privileges in the draft annex includes giving Palestine the right to speak on all issues not just those related to the Palestinians and Middle East, the right to propose agenda items and reply in… Continue reading
May 10 Civilians flee Rafah for the north as heavy fighting keeps Gaza aid crossings closed By Wafaa Shurafa, Joseph Krauss, Associated Press Over a million Palestinians have fled to Rafah to escape fighting elsewhere, with many packed into U.N.-run shelters or squalid tent camps. The city on the border with Egypt is also a crucial hub for bringing in food, medicine, fuel… Continue reading
May 09 Watch 4:18 Netanyahu vows Israel will continue Rafah operation after U.S. freezes bomb delivery By Nick Schifrin Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said his country would “stand alone if necessary," in response to President Biden’s move to pause deliveries of some bombs to Israel. That decision has created a possible turning point in the U.S.-Israel relationship and the… Continue watching
May 09 Watch 8:52 Middle East experts discuss if U.S. weapons pause will change Israel's tactics in Gaza By Nick Schifrin, Zeba Warsi, Dan Sagalyn Will the Biden administration's holding up sending bombs to pressure Israel from launching a large-scale assault on Rafah have the desired effect? Nick Schifrin has views from Dennis Ross, who played leading roles in the Middle East peace process for… Continue watching
May 09 Russia celebrates Victory Day as Putin reminds the world of nuclear ability By Associated Press Even though few World War II veterans are still alive 79 years after Berlin fell to the Red Army, the victory over Nazi Germany remains the most important symbol of the country's prowess. Continue reading
May 09 Chad's military ruler declared winner of presidential election, while opposition disputes the result By Edouard Takadji, Mouta Ali, Associated Press Chad's military leader, Mahamat Deby Itno, has been declared the winner of this week's presidential election, according to provisional results released Thursday. Continue reading
May 09 Netanyahu says Israel 'will stand alone' if it has to after U.S. threatens halt in weapons delivery By Joseph Krauss, Sam Mednick, Menelaos Hadjicostis, Associated Press Israel says that Rafah is Hamas' last stronghold in Gaza and Netanyahu has repeatedly vowed to invade the city, despite widespread international opposition due concerns over the more than 1 million Palestinian civilians are huddled in the city. Continue reading