GAZA CITY (Palestinian territory) – Hamas is in the final stage of selecting a new leader, with two senior figures, Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al-Hayya, competing for the position, a senior Hamas official told AFP on Sunday. The movement recently formed a new Shura Council of over 80 members and an 18-member political bureau to […]
Gaza Conflict
Director Kaouther Ben Hania refuses award over Gaza atrocities
BERLIN – Kaouther Ben Hania, director of the acclaimed film The Voice of Hind Rajab, declined to accept the Most Valuable Film award at the Cinema for Peace gala on Monday, held alongside the Berlin International Film Festival. Read More: Dozens of film figures condemn Berlin Film Festival’s ‘silence’ on Gaza In a powerful speech, Ben […]
Deadly strikes shake Gaza despite ceasefire
At least 12 people were killed in fresh Israeli air strikes across Gaza on Sunday, according to the territory’s civil defence agency, despite an ongoing ceasefire. Israeli military officials said the attacks were carried out in response to alleged violations by Hamas near areas where Israeli troops were positioned. Meanwhile, rescue teams reported that one […]
UN experts face criticism over Palestine remarks
GENEVA – A United Nations human rights spokesperson expressed concern on Friday over attacks on independent UN experts, following calls from several European governments for the resignation of Francesca Albanese, the organisation’s special rapporteur for Palestine. Read More: UN expert accuses global firms of profiting from violence against Palestinians Albanese, an Italian lawyer, has been […]
PM Shehbaz likely to attend Gaza peace board meeting
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to attend the first leaders’ meeting of the US-initiated Gaza “Board of Peace” in Washington on February 19, according to diplomatic sources. The development follows an invitation extended by US President Donald Trump for Pakistan to join the Board of Peace on Gaza, which the Foreign Office confirmed […]
US blasts South Africa over Israeli diplomat expulsion
The United States has strongly condemned South Africa’s decision to expel Israel’s top diplomat, calling the move politically motivated and damaging to diplomatic stability. American officials said the action reflects grievance-based politics instead of responsible international engagement and dialogue. According to the State Department, the diplomat was targeted after publicly criticizing the ruling African National […]
Diplomatic rift deepens as US slams South Africa Israel decision
The United States has strongly criticized South Africa’s decision to expel Israel’s top diplomat, calling the move politically driven and harmful to the country’s own diplomatic standing. Washington said the action reflected grievance-based politics rather than responsible international engagement. According to U.S. officials, the expulsion followed public remarks made by the Israeli diplomat regarding the […]
UAE urges political path on Gaza, warns against new Iran crisis
DUBAI, February 3, 2026 — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has warned that stabilising Gaza requires parallel progress on Palestinian statehood and Israeli security, stressing that diplomacy — not force — is the only viable path forward for the region. The UAE also cautioned that unresolved tensions with Iran could trigger another major Middle East […]
Pakistan reiterates backing for Palestinian statehood at UN
Pakistan has reaffirmed its strong support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state during a United Nations Security Council debate, stressing that a credible and time-bound political process remains essential for lasting peace in the Middle East. Read More: At UN, Pakistan warns against disregard for int’l law, citing India’s action Addressing the council’s open debate […]
Two Palestinians killed in Gaza amid ceasefire concerns
Israeli forces killed two more Palestinians in the Tuffah neighbourhood of northern Gaza on Sunday, while an Israeli drone attack wounded four others in a separate incident in Gaza City, according to local health authorities. Medical officials said the two Palestinians were shot by Israeli troops in Tuffah, while a drone strike later struck the […]