Fifteen Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel under the Gaza ceasefire have arrived in Turkey, according to foreign minister Hakan Fidan. They were issued visas by the Turkish embassy in Cairo. This follows the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, where 33 Israeli hostages were released in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Some of the freed prisoners will be permanently exiled, with Turkey offering to take in a number of them.
Related news
Over 300 people are nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, organisers said Wednesday, with politicians claiming they had put US President Donald Trump and Pope Francis forward for the award. In January, thousands of people signed a UK petition calling for Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
President Joe Biden announced a three-phase ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, ending a 15-month conflict. The agreement includes a ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of hostages, including Americans. Negotiations involved the US, Egypt, and Qatar, with the UN Security Council's endorsement. The deal aims to halt Gaza fighting and reunite families.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to make in-vitro fertilization (IVF) free for those facing infertility. The order instructs the Domestic Policy Council to recommend policies to reduce IVF costs within 90 days. Trump had pledged free IVF during his campaign, aiming to support families in their journey to parenthood.
Bangladeshi Americans, Buddhists, and Christians appeal to US President-elect Donald Trump to secure the release of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das and address the ongoing persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh. They urge for intervention linking Bangladesh's UN peacekeeping involvement to the cessation of internal persecutions.
A drunk driver in Brooklyn drove his SUV onto LIRR tracks near Elmont-UBS Arena station, causing a fire and service disruptions on Sunday. The vehicle was removed after three hours, and the driver was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment, trespassing, and DWI. No injuries were reported, but commuters experienced significant delays.
Britain and France are organizing a meeting of defense ministers. The meeting aims to discuss deploying troops to Ukraine. The troops would monitor a future peace agreement with Russia. The United States will not participate in the meeting. The coalition's success depends on US military assistance. A fresh Russian offensive in Ukraine is expected soon. Representatives from 50 nations will gather to support Ukraine.
A ferry passenger was rescued after falling overboard near Tsawwassen terminal. The incident led to two canceled sailings. Emergency teams, including police and the Coast Guard, responded swiftly. The passenger's condition remains undisclosed. Services resumed at 12:45 pm, and affected passengers were rebooked. The event is classified as a mental health incident.
Ken Martin has been elected as the new chair of the Democratic National Committee, succeeding Jaime Harrison. Martin aims to strengthen party infrastructure, regain working-class support, and enhance rapid response against Donald Trump, as the Democratic Party grapples with low approval ratings and internal divisions.
US President Trump has reinstated the "foreign terrorist organisation" label on Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, reversing former President Biden's decision. This move follows recent Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and their declaration targeting US and British interests. The executive order highlights the group's attacks on civilian targets, including Saudi airports and Israel, with implementation expected in weeks.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has endorsed the Arab League's counter-proposal to US President Donald Trump's Gaza plan. The proposal supports nearly 2 million Palestinians remaining in Gaza under an interim administration until a reformed Palestinian Authority takes over governance, contrasting with Trump's vision of expulsion and redevelopment.