London-based pan-Arab news outlet owned by Fadaat Media
Mexico has beaten South Africa 2-0 at Estadio Azteca to open the 2026 World Cup before about 80,000 fans. The stadium celebration has been accompanied by clashes outside: teachers, families of missing people and other groups have been protesting high public spending and social grievances, briefly confronting police and breaching barriers around fan zones.
Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National and Dulles International face intermittent flight suspensions during America 250 events, with the MWAA warning that airspace closures could affect schedules through late summer. Travelers are urged to monitor updates and contact airlines for changes.
The United States has launched strikes on Iran, targeting surveillance, communications and air-defence sites, in response to Iran’s downing of a US Apache helicopter. Iran has retaliated with attacks on US bases and threats to close the Strait of Hormuz. The crisis has drawn in regional partners and heightened energy-market volatility as leaders promise further action.
The White House has hosted UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn to mark President Trump’s 80th birthday and the nation’s 250th anniversary. Organisers have built a 600‑ton structure called "The Claw," staged seven professional fights for about 4,300 invited guests and streamed the card on Paramount+. Critics have challenged the event as a private commercial use of federal land; a court has allowed it to proceed.
At Evian-les-Bains, G7 leaders press Trump to help break deadlock over Ukraine while eyeing renewed sanctions on Russia and pursuing a broader Iran endgame. Zelenskyy attends sessions on Ukraine; Macron seeks consensus and European autonomy amid tensions over U.S. engagement and Iran diplomacy.
Multiple reports confirm that Israeli officials have advanced plans to expand settlements in the West Bank, including thousands of new homes and infrastructure. The push is led by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and could reshape settlement footprint, raising tensions with Palestinians and drawing international condemnation.
Multiple outlets have reported that President Trump has said he 'doesn't think about' Americans' financial situation while negotiating with Iran, insisting preventing Tehran from a nuclear weapon is his sole focus. The comment has come as inflation has accelerated to 3.8% and gasoline has jumped above $4.50 a gallon since the war with Iran began.
Intelligence assessments indicate Iran has regained substantial access to its missile sites and underground storage along the Strait of Hormuz, with about 30 of 33 sites potentially usable. Officials warn the ability to project power endures, despite public assurances that Iran’s military has been decimated. The cost of the conflict has climbed, and diplomacy remains unsettled.
Islamic Center shooting in San Diego has killed three worshippers and two assailants. US Muslim leaders say the incident is part of a broader rise in anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate incidents tied to regional conflicts and political discourse; communities urge solidarity and continued engagement with elections.
Since mid-May, Iran has conveyed a revised peace proposal to the United States through Pakistan demanding lifting of sanctions, release of frozen funds, reparations and continued enrichment rights. President Donald Trump has said he paused planned strikes and warned a new limited attack will happen in days if no deal is reached; talks are stalled but continuing.
Australian authorities have overseen the return of seven women and 12 children linked to Islamic State fighters from the al-Roj camp in northeast Syria. Several women have been charged with slavery or terrorism offences on arrival; others are under investigation. The government maintains it has not provided assistance for these returns and is monitoring ongoing cases.
A NYT/Siena poll shows 74% of Democratic voters oppose additional US military and economic aid to Israel, with sympathy leaning toward Palestinians. The results highlight a changing public posture toward Israel amid the Gaza war, Iran tensions, and domestic focus.
Israel has launched new ground operations in Lebanon outside the yellow line, with strikes across Lebanon’s south and Bekaa. Lebanon reports thousands killed and tens of thousands wounded since March. Iran’s top negotiator has returned to Tehran amid mediation efforts with the United States, while US forces have attacked Iranian missile-launch sites in the region. President Trump calls for regional powers to join a broader Abraham Accords framework.
Syria has completed the final stage of forming its People’s Assembly in the northeast, with Hasakah and Ain al-Arab voting to fill the last 11 seats. The process follows recent reintegration of the region under Damascus and signals ongoing efforts to rebuild state institutions after years of conflict.
The United States and Iran have been negotiating a memorandum of understanding that would extend the current ceasefire by 60 days, reopen the Strait of Hormuz without tolls and launch talks on Iran's nuclear programme. Officials have reported progress but key disputes remain over frozen Iranian assets, highly enriched uranium and precise sequencing of sanctions relief.
Israel has escalated its offensive in southern Lebanon, with airstrikes killing dozens, mass displacement orders, and threats of further heavy retaliation. The clash polarises regional diplomacy as Washington seeks to broker a broader deal with Iran, while Lebanon and Hezbollah resist Israeli occupation and pursue withdrawal. A cabinet dispute in Jerusalem signals divergence over response tactics, even as the conflict widens.
The ceasefire that began on 16 April has been strained as Israeli air and ground operations expand across southern and eastern Lebanon. Civil casualties and damage continue to mount, with dozens killed or injured in the latest round of strikes. Negotiations mediated by the US, Pakistan, and Qatar are under renewed focus as regional tensions rise.
Pilgrims continue the Hajj in Mecca under extreme heat. Reports outline heat-avoidance measures, a fragile Iran-US war ceasefire backdrop, and a global energy crisis shaping the pilgrimage this year.
The Gaza Strip remains under a fragile ceasefire. Israel has expanded its control to about 70% of Gaza, with warnings that more territory could be seized. Crossings remain restricted; aid and civilian suffering persist. International bodies urge open crossings and humanitarian access.
Armed groups in Iraq have begun inventorying weapons and aligning under state authority following calls from top Shiite authorities and political blocs. Muqtada al‑Sadr has pledged to separate Saraya al‑Salam from his movement and integrate it into state structures, while Asaib Ahl al‑Haqq and Imam Ali Brigades are also moving to surrender arms and coordinate with the armed forces amid renewed U.S. pressure.
Leaders remain in talks as a U.S.-led initiative seeks a long-term settlement with Iran. Washington is pursuing a deal that would address Iran's nuclear program and related regional threats while balancing Israel's security concerns. Officials warn the outcome remains uncertain as negotiations continue.
The Sudanese conflict continues as RSF-aligned forces in Darfur and Kordofan are blamed for civilian harm, with new drone and village attacks worsening humanitarian conditions amid calls for ceasefire and restraint.
Edgar Morin, the globally influential French thinker known for cinema verité and a transdisciplinary approach, has died at 104. Macron has praised him as a defender of humanity and humanism personified. Morin’s work spanned autobiography, sociology, philosophy, ecology, and more, shaping debates on globalization and the climate and influencing generations of scholars.
The United States has left its Baghdad ambassador post vacant for 18 months. President Trump has appointed Tom Barrack as Special Presidential Envoy to Iraq and Syria while he remains ambassador to Turkey. Barrack’s role in Syria and Iraq is expanding amid shifting diplomatic priorities, with several chargés d’affaires having led the Baghdad mission since late 2024.
Israeli-backed ceasefire discussions in Cairo have progressed while fighting across Gaza persists. Hamas says it will not disarm yet, and talks focus on a phased withdrawal and security arrangements. Civilian tolls rise as Israeli strikes and displacement continue amid renewed pressure on both sides.
Palestinian communities face renewed displacement as settlers advance into areas near Ramallah and East Jerusalem, intensifying clashes amid a broader Western sanctions package targeting settlements. The Palestine Professional League remains suspended due to security concerns, affecting players and clubs.
The Italian coastguard has recovered bodies after a boat packed with refugees capsized near Malta. A fishing boat has rescued about 48 people, with the vessel believed to have departed from Libya. EU talks on asylum returns and new rules are unfolding as rescue operations continue amid ongoing crossings that have claimed many lives this year.
Thousands of Albanians have protested daily after work began on a multi‑billion‑euro luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump that will span the Vjosa‑Narta protected wetlands and Sazan island. Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the investment, the state anti‑corruption body has opened an inquiry, and environmental groups have lodged legal complaints.
A roundup of how African, Arab and European teams are finalising squads and tactics for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Managers reshuffle, injuries and tactical changes shape expectations as teams prepare to the tournament. The Guardian and other outlets report on Egypt, DR Congo, Jordan, Tunisia, and more as they approach their first appearances or campaigns.
Iraq has secured a historic World Cup berth after a tense qualifying campaign, overcoming political and logistical obstacles. Arnold’s side has battled through stress, war-related disruption, and long travels to reach Monterrey and clinch a place in the finals.
Progressives win key primaries in New Jersey and California, led by Adam Hamawy in NJ-12 and Analilia Mejia in NJ-7, with other candidates advancing in California. The results reflect growing support for left-leaning, anti-war platforms and Palestine advocacy, while facing scrutiny over past ties to controversial figures. The broader national trend shows progressives expanding their influence in blue districts ahead of November.
A US-mediated Israel–Lebanon ceasefire has been announced contingent on a complete halt to Hezbollah fire and the removal of its operatives from southern Lebanon. Lebanese and Israeli officials have agreed pilot zones to be held by the Lebanese army, but Hezbollah has rejected the arrangement and cross-border attacks have continued.
Palestinian playwrights (from Gaza and in exile) have nine short works staged at Theatre503 in London as Tomorrow Will Be A Palestinian Day. The English-language premiere includes a piece from Walid Daqqa, who died in custody in 2024. The project is co-curated by White Kite Collective, PalArt, and Bet’n Lev Theatre, and features writers from Gaza and the diaspora.
A seven‑month‑old Palestinian boy, Sam Fahd Abu Haikal, has been killed and his parents have been wounded after an Israeli soldier has fired at the family’s car in Tel Rumeida, south of Hebron. Rights group B'Tselem has released video that it says shows the vehicle was stopping, and Israel’s military has opened a Military Police investigation.
Iran has launched a series of missiles at Bahrain and Kuwait. CENTCOM says six were intercepted and one did not reach its target. The United States has responded by striking radar sites in Iran. Gulf states condemn the attacks and call for sovereignty and de-escalation.
The US Treasury has directed a team to assess costs of damage Iran has inflicted on Gulf allies and is considering using Iranian assets to fund repairs, a source has told Reuters and other outlets. The move has prompted protests from Iran, which has warned any seizure would be "a new internationally wrongful act."
A Palestinian man has been detained in Crete on suspicion of links to Hamas and planning terrorist acts. He is being questioned after authorities found online orders for explosive materials and devices, with ties to suspects in Cyprus and potential training abroad. Cyprus also detains two others in a related investigation.
The New York Times has verified footage showing the use of white phosphorus by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, including Nabatieh, Tyre, and other towns, as fighting with Hezbollah continues since March. The substance creates smoke screens and can ignite, prompting concerns about civilian harm under international law. Israel denies deliberate violations, while rights groups warn of potential harm.
Israel and Iran have exchanged strikes for the first time since an April ceasefire and then halted offensive action after intense exchanges. Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanon; Israel struck military and energy sites in Iran. Both sides have warned they will resume if attacks continue.
President Donald Trump has intervened to stop an Israeli plan for large strikes on Iran after weeks of exchanges that have left the US negotiating a broader ceasefire with Tehran. Trump has told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to restrain operations in Lebanon and Iran while Washington pursues a deal that would include sanctions relief and a limited Iranian nuclear pledge.
Palestine Action activists convicted of criminal damage are being treated as terrorists for sentencing purposes. Judge Johnson is set to determine whether there is a terrorist connection, with implications for sentences, civil liberties and post-sentence monitoring.
The US has launched strikes in response to an Iranian attack, with Iran retaliating by firing missiles at targets in Jordan and Bahrain. The situation deepens a regional crisis as the two sides exchange threats amid a fragile ceasefire and ongoing talks on ending the war.
The IAEA Board of Governors has backed a US-led resolution urging Iran to declare remaining enriched uranium stocks and allow inspectors access. The move comes as US-Iran strikes resume in the Strait of Hormuz, heightening tensions and complicating ongoing ceasefire talks.
Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, remains detained in Israel without charges, recently moved to solitary confinement. Courts are reviewing his case under the unlawful combatants law; rights groups demand his release as medical care is reportedly withheld.
Mosques in nearby Palestinian towns have been torched in separate attacks by Israeli settlers. Eyewitnesses report arson, graffiti, and damage to religious sites, with authorities calling for accountability as violence enters a new phase amid growing international sanctions against settler groups.
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A seven-month-old boy was killed in Hebron while his family was stopped near Checkpoint 17. Video evidence challenges the military account that the car accelerated toward troops. The incident follows a pattern of killings and detentions involving Palestinian civilians and raises questions about the use of force and accountability. Investigations are ongoing as rights groups call for greater scrutiny.
Mediators have drawn up an agreed text that would extend the ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and start a 60‑day process on Iran’s nuclear programme. Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iran’s foreign minister have said a signing could happen in days; US officials say technical approvals remain and details are disputed.
The Israeli military continues operations in southern Lebanon and issues evacuation orders for 20 towns as talks with Iran over a broader war settlement appear imminent. Israel maintains it will not be party to any deal, while the US and Iran signal progress toward a ceasefire. Meanwhile, reports from France and Pakistan highlight external influence and mediation efforts.
Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar has protested U.S. strikes on Indian-crewed vessels near Oman, prompting New Delhi to summon a U.S. diplomat. Three sailors have died in recent attacks; India warns vessels transiting conflict zones to exercise caution as tensions rise.