Feb 05 Watch 3:03 Blinken returns to Middle East in push for Gaza cease-fire, release of hostages By Nick Schifrin, Solveig Rennan Secretary of State Blinken returned to the Middle East hoping to make progress on a deal to pause the war in Gaza and release Israeli hostages. The Biden administration hopes the deal could lead to larger diplomatic initiatives across the… Continue watching
Feb 05 Watch 9:24 Experts discuss obstacles to Palestinian statehood and Saudi-Israeli normalization By Nick Schifrin, Dan Sagalyn Saudi leaders say diplomatic normalization with Israel isn’t possible without steps toward a Palestinian state. The U.S. hopes a pause in fighting could lead to progress on reforming the Palestinian Authority, normalization and two states. Nick Schifrin discussed more with… Continue watching
Feb 05 U.S. rolls out visa restriction policy on people who misuse spyware to target journalists, activists By Aamer Madhani, Frank Bajak, Associated Press The new policy will apply to individuals who've been involved in the misuse of commercial spyware to target people including journalists, activists, perceived dissidents, members of marginalized communities, or the family members of those who are targeted. Continue reading
Feb 05 Orbán's party boycotts a session of Hungary's parliament to further stall Sweden's bid to join NATO By Justin Spike, Associated Press The governing Fidesz party, which holds an absolute majority in the Hungarian parliament, has stalled Sweden's bid since July 2022, alleging that Swedish politicians have told "blatant lies" about the condition of Hungary's democracy. Continue reading
Feb 05 France's new foreign minister presses for a cease-fire in Israel to end 'the tragedy in Gaza' By Sylvie Corbet, Associated Press Speaking at a news conference, Séjourné said it was France's role as a "friend" to tell Israeli leaders some truths they "may have difficulties hearing."… Continue reading
Feb 05 WATCH: Pentagon holds briefing as U.S. warns of more retaliation if attacked by Iranian allies By Jon Gambrell, Tara Copp, Associated Press After a weekend of retaliatory strikes, the United States is warning Iran and the militias it arms and funds that it will conduct more attacks if American forces in the Mideast continue to be targeted. Continue reading
Feb 05 King Charles III has cancer and is receiving treatment, Buckingham Palace says By Associated Press Buckingham Palace says the cancer is not related to the king's recent treatment for a benign prostate condition. It did not say what form of cancer the 75-year-old monarch has. Continue reading
Feb 05 El Salvador's Bukele appears to win reelection, but vote count issues delay results By Megan Janetsky, Marcos Aleman, Associated Press A jubilant Bukele declared a historic margin of victory even before electoral authorities released the first preliminary figures. Continue reading
Feb 05 Europe may see new influx of migrants if conflict in Sudan persists, UN refugee chief says By Tom Odula, Associated Press More than 9 million people are thought to be displaced in Sudan and 1.5 million refugees have fled the country in months of clashes between the Sudanese military and paramilitary forces. Continue reading
Feb 05 Obstacles loom as Blinken returns to Middle East to negotiate plans for Gaza By Matthew Lee, Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy, Associated Press Blinken hopes to press ahead with a potential cease-fire deal and postwar planning while tamping down regional tensions. But on on all three fronts he faces major challenges. Continue reading