Arab League condemns storming of Al Aqsa Mosque by Israeli Minister, 270 settlers
Cairo: The Arab League on Wednesday strongly condemned the storming of the Al Aqsa Mosque compound by the Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, and 260 settlers, who performed Talmudic and provocative rituals in its courtyards under the protection of the occupation forces. In a sta»»»
Supreme Court revives Illinois congressman's mail-in ballot challenge - UPI.com
The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that political candidates have legal standing to sue respective states over the counting of mail-in ballots received after election day. File Photo by Annabelle Gordon/UPI | License Photo Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Political candidates have legal standing to sue states th»»»
Palestinian factions meet in Cairo to advance next phase of Gaza ceasefire
Several Palestinian factions have met in Cairo at the invitation of Egypt and under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, as part of ongoing mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar and Turkey to advance the next stages of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, according to a statement issued Wednes»»»
Egypt’s cabinet approves state land disposal rules, expands AI council mandate
Egypt’s cabinet on Wednesday approved the executive regulations for a law governing the disposal of state-owned land and expanded the mandate of the National AI Council to include quantum computing and emerging technologies. The cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, ratified the exec»»»
Trump offers new reason to acquire Greenland
America must take control of Greenland for the sake of national security, as the island is crucial for building the proposed Golden Dome missile defense system, US President Donald Trump has said. Trump’s statements regarding Greenland have escalated in recent weeks, with the US president growing i»»»
US opens missile facility in Qatar amid Iran tensions
The US has opened a new air and missile defense coordination cell at a key airbase in Qatar amid rising tensions with Iran and President Donald Trump’s promises to assist protesters in the Islamic Republic. In a statement on Tuesday, US Central Command said the facility at the Al Udeid Air Base, wh»»»
Venezuela’s 'law of terror' grips streets amid detentions, fear - UPI.com
Paola Lander, sister of 17-year-old Venezuelan activist Neomar Alejandro Lander, who died during the 2017 anti-government protests, becomes emotional during a press conference in Madrid on Wednesday. Relatives of those killed in the 2014, 2017, and 2024 protests in Venezuela are calling for the tra»»»
Hidden rock art dating back 5,000 years uncovered in Saudi Arabia
Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission, in partnership with Soudah Development Company, has announced the discovery of 20 rock formations bearing ancient inscriptions within the Soudah Peaks Project area, in what experts describe as some of the oldest cultural evidence yet identified in the regi»»»
Saudi students to enjoy long break during Ramadan
Dubai: More than six million students across Saudi Arabia will return to classrooms on Sunday for the start of the second term of the current academic year, following a nine-day midyear break. Education authorities have confirmed that students will attend school for only 11 days during Ramadan, ref»»»
U.S., Britain pulling troops from Qatar - UPI.com
1 of 3 | U.S. troops and staff await President Donald Trump at the Al-Udeid air base southwest of Doha in Qatar, May 15. The United States and Britain are pulling troops from the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar ahead of potential U.S. military intervention against Iran. File Photo courtesy of the White »»»
Trump administration pauses immigrant visa processing for 75 countries
The Trump administration is placing an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing from 75 countries, further restricting the legal routes for entering the US. The State Department on Wednesday said the administration wants to bring "an end to the abuse" of the system "by those who would extract »»»
Qatar plays influential role on regional, global stages: Speaker of Australian House of Representatives
Doha, Qatar: Speaker of the House of Representatives of Australia, HE Milton Dick, underlined that the State of Qatar has played an influential role on the global stage, stressing that it has become one of the nations that possess vibrant and energetic characteristics both in the regional and globa»»»
EIB commits $80m to RMBV North Africa Fund III, catalysing over $300m in investments
The European Investment Bank (EIB), through its development arm EIB Global, has committed $80m to the RMBV North Africa Fund III to accelerate private sector development and sustainability in Egypt, as part of a broader regional investment strategy covering North Africa. The signing took place at a»»»
Starlink reportedly made free in Iran - but protesters are taking huge risks by using it
Starlink has reportedly waived monthly subscription payments for users inside Iran after its government shut down the internet last Thursday - cutting off millions of people from their families, livelihoods and access to information, during a deadly crackdown on protests. The satellite technology h»»»
Tourism revenue rises by 7.6% in 2025
AMMAN— The tourism revenue increased by 15.1 per cent in December 2025, reaching $630 million, compared with a rise of 8.0 per cent to $547.2 million in the same month of 2024.Preliminary data released on Wednesday by the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) shows that for the full year 2025, tourism reven»»»
Trump flips off worker who called him ‘pedophile protector’
US President Donald Trump has been filmed raising his middle finger and appearing to mouth “f**k you” at a Ford autoworker who heckled him during a factory visit near Detroit. The insult was linked to the controversy over the Epstein files, which Trump has sought to play down after previously promi»»»
Joint statement from mediators on the formation of the Palestinian Technocratic Committee to Administer the Gaza Strip
Doha, Qatar: The mediators, the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Republic of Türkiye, welcome the formation of the Palestinian Technocratic Committee to Administer the Gaza Strip, headed by Dr. Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath, in a step that is considered an important development that wil»»»
Committee unveils particulars of new edition of National Sports Day events 2026
Doha, Qatar: The National Sports Day Committee of the State of Qatar 2026 announced the particulars of the new events, set to be launched statewide in February 2026. Under the motto "I Chose Sports", these events are intended to help community members familiarize themselves with the importance of p»»»
Gaza peace plan entering second phase: US
WASHINGTON: The implementation of the Gaza peace plan is entering its second phase, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said on Wednesday, with disarming Hamas, establishing a technocratic government and beginning reconstruction as its main aims. "Today, on behalf of President Trump, we are announcing t»»»
FBI searches home of Washington Post reporter in classified documents probe
Agents with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) raided the home of a Washington Post reporter this week as part of an investigation into a government contractor accused of leaking classified information, officials said. In a post on X, US Attorney General Pam Bondi said agents had searched»»»
Egypt Says All Parties Agree on Gaza Technocratic Committee Members
Egypt said Wednesday that all the members of a 15-person Palestinian technocratic committee meant to administer post-war Gaza had been agreed upon by all Palestinian factions, who swiftly offered their support. Under a 20-point Gaza truce plan brokered by US President Donald Trump in October, the P»»»
Syrian Military Tells Civilians to Evacuate Contested Area East of Aleppo Amid Rising Tensions
Syria’s military said it would open a corridor Thursday for civilians to evacuate an area of Aleppo province that has seen a military buildup following intense clashes between government and Kurdish-led forces in Aleppo city. The army’s announcement late Wednesday — which said civilians would be ab»»»
Why two Canadian provinces are in a spat over Crown Royal whiskey
A British-owned, Canadian-made whiskey is at the centre of a spat between two provinces that is testing a unified "Team Canada" approach in the face of US tariffs. It started after the whiskey maker, Diageo, said it will shut down a bottling plant in Ontario to move it closer to US consumers. Soon »»»
EU-Mercosur trade deal to be signed in Paraguay - UPI.com
Through the new trade deal with the European Union, Mercosur would strengthen its role as a supplier of food, meat, grains, oilseeds, fruit and wine. File Photo by Sebastiao Moreira/EPA BUENOS AIRES, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Paraguay will host the signing of a free trade agreement between the European Unio»»»
Lebanon Arrests Syrian Citizen Suspected of Funding Pro-Assad Fighters
Lebanese authorities have arrested a Syrian citizen who is suspected of sending money to fighters loyal to former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, judicial officials said Wednesday. Ahmad Dunia was detained in recent days in Lebanon’s region of Jbeil north of Beirut and is being questione»»»
Sudan Peace Talks Resume in Cairo as War Nears 3-Year Mark
Sudan peace efforts resumed in Cairo on Wednesday as Egypt, the United Nations and the United States called for the warring parties to agree to a nationwide humanitarian truce, as the war between the army and its rival paramilitary nears the three-year mark. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty»»»
US suspends immigrant visa processing for 75 countries: White House
Washington: The United States said Wednesday it was suspending the processing of immigrant visas from 75 countries, President Donald Trump's latest move against foreigners seeking to come to America. The United States has long rejected visas from people who appear likely to end up needing governmen»»»
FBI Washington Post raids home of reporter Hannah Natanson - UPI.com
Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s home was raided by the FBI on Wednesday morning as part of an investigation into a government contractor. Attorney General Pam Bondi, pictured, alleged that Natanson was reporting on illegally leaked classified information. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | »»»
UAE flight delayed or cancelled? Compensation you’re legally entitled to
Dubai: A wave of flight disruption swept across the Middle East, affecting major transit hubs and leaving hundreds of passengers dealing with missed connections, long terminal waits, and overnight airport stays. Travellers flying on GCC-based airlines and other carriers faced a combined total of 15»»»
Trump envoy not welcome at Greenland dog sled race – organizers
The organizers of Greenland’s premier dog sled race have said the presence of US President Donald Trump’s envoy Jeff Landry at the event would be “wholly inappropriate,” and launched a probe into his alleged invitation. Landry has openly backed Trump’s push to incorporate the Arctic island into the»»»
Tête à tête - Exclusive: 'International law has died' with Maduro's capture, Venezuela's attorney general says
In an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24, Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab condemned the January 3 capture of Nicolas Maduro by US special forces as "an unprecedented event" that violated the country's airspace and sovereignty. "International law has died at this time," he decla»»»
Trump says US control of Greenland ‘vital’ for Golden Dome
US control of Greenland is "vital" for the country's planned Golden Dome air and missile defence system, President Donald Trump said in a social media post on Wednesday. Trump's post came as Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen sought to ease US concerns about security in Greenland, tel»»»
Tehran morgue videos show the brutality of Iran's crackdown on protesters
Warning: this story contains content which some readers might find distressing Distressing new videos have emerged from a mortuary in Tehran showing rows of bodies, blood soaked floors and crowds of people searching for loved ones following a deadly government crackdown on protesters in Iran. The v»»»
US suspends immigrant visa processing for 75 countries: White House
The United States said Wednesday it was suspending the processing of immigrant visas from 75 countries, US President Donald Trump's latest move against foreigners seeking to come to America. "The State Department is pausing immigrant visa processing for 75 countries," a State Department spokesperso»»»
Saudi Arabia tells Iran its land, airspace won't be used in strike
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has informed Iran it will not allow its airspace or territory to be used to attack it, two sources close to the kingdom's government told AFP on Wednesday, as Washington threatens Tehran with possible military strikes. The message was conveyed as the United States warned it coul»»»
Swiss regions ban pyrotechnics after ski bar fire
The Swiss canton of Valais has banned pyrotechnic devices in all indoor public venues following the devastating fire at a bar on New Year's Eve where 40 people were killed and 116 were injured. Authorities said each of the victims would get a 10,000 franc ($12,500; £9,200) emergency payment, with a»»»
Corrie legend joins cast of Irish soap
Actress Beverley Callard has swapped one iconic soap opera for another as it has been announced she is joining the cast of Fair City. Callard, best known for her role as Liz McDonald on Coronation Street, will play a new character called Lily. She joined the cast of the cobbles with her on screen h»»»
Russia announces capture of town in Sumy region, northeast Ukraine
Moscow: The Russian Ministry of Defence announced, Wednesday, that its forces have taken control of a new town in northeastern Ukraine and that they eliminated 1,065 Ukrainian soldiers across various combat fronts. In a statement, the ministry said that its 'North' group of forces succeeded in taki»»»
Iran protests and US personnel pullback amid rising tensions: What we know so far
Dubai: Iran’s protests, which began as demonstrations over worsening economic conditions, have intensified into one of the most serious challenges to clerical rule in decades, drawing a deadly response from security forces and pushing the country toward a broader confrontation with the outside worl»»»
'Sentenced to death within days': Who is Erfan Soltani, Iranian protester reportedly facing execution?
A man arrested in connection with the current wave of protests in Iran has been sentenced to death and told he faces imminent execution, his family and a human rights group say. Erfan Soltani, 26, was arrested last Thursday in the city of Fardis, just west of Tehran. Days later, authorities informe»»»
Egypt says won't 'hesitate to take necessary measures' to preserve Sudan unity
Cairo: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said on Wednesday that Cairo would take all necessary measures to preserve Sudan's unity, as the neighbouring country approaches its fourth year of war between the army and its paramilitary rivals. Speaking at a press conference with the UN secretary-»»»
Lindsey Halligan defends use of U.S. attorney title in court filing - UPI.com
President Donald Trump’s first choice to serve as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia is defending her use of the title despite a judge ruling she was unconstitutionally appointed. File Pool Photo by Al Drago/EPA Jan. 14 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump's first choice to serve as U.S.»»»
Watch: Connecticut Great Dane is world's tallest female dog - UPI.com
Jan. 13 (UPI) -- A Connecticut family's Great Dane, named Minnie, is officially the tallest female dog in the world, standing at 3 feet and 2 inches from floor to withers. Minnie arrived at the North Stonington home of owners Ken and Lisa Nogacek when she was just 2 months old, and quickly started »»»
'Appropriate and unambiguous': White House defends Trump over middle-finger gesture at heckler
The White House has defended US President Donald Trump after he aimed an offensive gesture at a heckler during his appearance at a Ford factory in Detroit on Tuesday. Footage of the incident published by TMZ appears to show the president responding to a man who shouted at him from afar. The White H»»»
The Observers - Israel used white phosphorus widely in southern Lebanon, study finds
An investigation by open-source researcher Ahmad Baydoun highlights Israel's use of white phosphorus munitions during the recent conflict with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon between October 2023 and November 2024. Although not explicitly prohibited by international law, the use of white phosphorus i»»»
Iran calls for fast trials of protesters despite Trump’s warning
Iran's judiciary chief on Wednesday called for fast-track trials for detained protesters, despite US President Donald Trump's threat of "very strong action" if the Islamic republic goes ahead with executions. It came as the verified death toll of people killed in a crackdown on protesters passed th»»»
IOM reports 928,839 migrants identified across Libya in 2025
There were 928,839 migrants identified in Libya by the IOM Libya’s DTM Round 59 covering August to October 2025. These migrants were across 663 assessed communities. There were migrants from 44 different nationalities with 66 percent originating from the MENA region. The top nationalities were Suda»»»
US senators target Trump branding of federal institutions
A group of US senators has introduced legislation that would prohibit naming or renaming federal buildings, land, and other government property after sitting presidents. The move aims to counter US President Donald Trump’s efforts to link his personal brand to public infrastructure and programs. US»»»
Death toll in central Philippine landfill landslide rises to 20
Manila: The death toll from the deadly landfill landslide in the central Philippine city of Cebu has climbed to 20, as rescuers continued searching on Wednesday for 16 missing workers, authorities said. Cebu City officials said the number of individuals rescued remained at 18, all of whom sustained»»»
Israeli Prime Minister's Plane Returns From Crete Amid Iran Tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plane has returned to Israel following a flight to Crete. Benjamin Netanyahu's plane, the Wing of Zion, flew to the Greek island of Crete on Wednesday as tensions rose over a possible military clash with Iran, according to FlightRadar24 flight tracking da»»»