France finance minister says Hormuz must open, 'but not at any price' — G7 ready to mitigate war fallout
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure told reporters Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz needs to reopen "but not at any price," adding that G7 leaders stand ready to mitigate the war's economic fallout. Finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of Seven advanced economies added i»»»
Palestinian Authority extradites suspect in 1982 Paris attack
A man accused of coordinating a 1982 attack on a Jewish restaurant in Paris that killed six people arrived in France Thursday after being extradited by the Palestinian Authority. Hicham Harb, one of four suspects sought in connection with the August 9, 1982 attack, was detained on arrival at an air»»»
Iran war live: Lebanon truce begins at midnight as US blockades Iran for deal – Ya Libnan
Share: Smoke rises after an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, Lebanon, March 10, 2026. REUTERS/Raghed Waked/File Photo Summary A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has come into effect»»»
Stocks rise as optimism over Mideast war takes hold
Wall Street stocks ended higher Thursday (April 17), adding to records as investors greeted optimistic comments from US President Donald Trump about negotiations with Iran while shrugging off a jump in crude prices. After veering between gains and losses much of the day, all three major US indices »»»
Behind the scenes of the Israel-Lebanon 10- day ceasefire – Ya Libnan
Share: President Joseph Aoun refused to call Israeli PM Netanyahu to ask for a truce in Lebanon. US President Donald Trump pressured Israel to agree to a ceasefire in Lebanon During a security cabinet meeting, Netanyahu was asked what led to the sudden change and Israel’s decision to agree to a cea»»»
Israel-Lebanon ceasefire takes effect: Live updates
The 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon entered into force on Friday, with US President Donald Trump insisting that Hezbollah is part of the agreement, although the armed group had boycotted peace talks with Israel as futile. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) renewed their operation in Lebano»»»
Al Khulaifi exchanges views on regional developments with German FM, officials
QNA Berlin Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi held a series of high-level talks in Berlin on Thursday to discuss recent regional developments. Dr. Al Khulaifi met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Johann Wadephul. He also met sepa»»»
UAE welcomes lebanon-Israel ceasefire, laud US efforts
ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, and commended the diplomatic efforts led by President Trump in facilitating this agreement. Also Read: UAE President accepts US invitation to Board o»»»
Doha holds virtual draw ceremony for team sports of 4th GCC Games
Tribune News Network Doha The Organizing Committee of 4th GCC Games – Doha 2026 staged the official draw ceremony for the team sports competitions on Thursday via advanced virtual communication technology. Held at Lusail Hall at the Qatar Olympic Committee headquarters, the event brought together h»»»
Al Ghanim affirms Qatar’s continued mediation approach, issues call for emergency item to support peace
QNA Istanbul Speaker of the Shura Council HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim affirmed that the State of Qatar, under the leadership of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, will continue its steadfast approach based on dialogue, mediation, and preventing escalation, which contributes»»»
Oil tanker traffic explodes at Panama canal as global energy routes shift amid Mideast war
A surge of oil tankers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers is crowding the Panama Canal, as shifting global energy routes driven by conflict in the Middle East push the strategic waterway to near-maximum capacity. Videos circulating online this week show long lines of vessels waiting to transi»»»
Israel's Netanyahu says he agrees to a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he has agreed to a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon. In a video statement, Netanyahu said he was taking the step in an attempt “to advance” peace efforts with Lebanon.FRANCE 24's Noga Tarnopolsky reports from Jerusalem. FRANCE 24's Fraser Jackson r»»»
Truth or Fake - Israeli military admit to posting AI photo of Lebanese journalist it killed
The Foreign Press Association has accused the Israeli military of discrediting a Lebanese journalist it killed in March, by using an AI-generated photo to present him as a “Hezbollah terrorist.” The Israel Defence Forces claimed responsibility for killing Ali Shoeib in a targeted Israeli airst»»»
The Debate - Leo and "the tyrants": Does new pope's defiant message resonate?
A new U-S-born Pope on a first-ever visit to Cameroon’s restive English-speaking northwest, and who’s not turning the other cheek: “Blessed are the peacemakers! But woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic and political gain, dragging that »»»
Israel, Lebanon agree to 10-day cease-fire - UPI.com
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a cease-fire for 10 days to allow for talks about ejecting Hezbollah from that country, which Israel said is its primary goal in strikes launched on its neighbor over the last six weeks. File Photo by Jim Hollander/UPI | License Photo April 16 (UPI) -- President Do»»»
Qatar welcomes ceasefire announcement in Lebanon
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar welcomes the ceasefire announcement in the sisterly Republic of Lebanon, considering it an initial step towards de-escalation. Qatar emphasizes the necessity of adhering to the ceasefire and building upon it urgently to solidify the truce and prevent the spread of te»»»
Hezbollah reacts to ceasefire announcement
Hezbollah said in a statement that “any ceasefire must be comprehensive across all Lebanese territory and must not allow the Israeli enemy any freedom of movement.” Hezbollah added that “Israeli occupation on our land grants Lebanon and its people the right to resist it, and this matter will be det»»»
Northern Israeli leaders criticize Lebanon ceasefire
Two local leaders in northern Israel criticized the nascent ceasefire with Lebanon, warning it would leave communities vulnerable. Moshe Davidovich, head of the Mateh Asher Regional Council, said agreements may be signed in Washington but “the price is paid here in blood, in destroyed homes and sha»»»
Iranian embassy shares AI clip of Jesus slapping Trump
An Iranian embassy has shared an AI-generated video depicting Jesus casting Donald Trump into hell, following backlash over a social media post in which the US president appeared to portray himself as a Christ-like healer. Trump posted the image on Truth Social on Sunday but deleted it the followin»»»
EU chief welcomes Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as 'a relief'
European Commission president Ursula Von Der Leyen welcomed a 10-day ceasefire declared Thursday between Israel and Lebanon that was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. "This is a relief, as this conflict has already claimed far too many lives," von der Leyen wrote on X, adding that it must l»»»
Netanyahu says Lebanon truce opportunity for 'historic peace'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that the ten-day ceasefire with Lebanon offered an opportunity for a "historic peace agreement" with Lebanon, but insisted that the disarmament of Hezbollah remained a precondition. "We have an opportunity to make a historic peace agreement wi»»»
One injured in Israel after shelling from Lebanon before truce begins
Israeli rescue services said on Thursday that one person was seriously injured in northern Israel after shelling from Lebanon that came less than two hours before the start of a truce agreed with Lebanon. In the Karmiel area, rescuers "are providing medical treatment on site to a 25-year-old man in»»»
Trump expects Aoun, Netanyahu at White House in 'four or five days'
U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he expected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanhyahu and President Joseph Aoun to visit the White House in coming days, after the U.S. leader announced a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. "As of two hours from now, we have a ceasefire with Israel and »»»
Arsenal ex-goalkeeper Manninger dies after car struck by train
Vienna: Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who played for Austria at Euro 2008, died on Thursday after his car was hit by a train, his former club Red Bull Salzburg said. The 48-year-old died when a train hit his car while crossing the tracks in the Salzburg region, the Austrian news ag»»»
Trump says Iran agrees to hand over enriched uranium, believes deal 'close'
U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran has agreed to hand over its store of enriched uranium and that the two sides were "close" to a peace deal to end the war that has engulfed the Middle East. The United States had earlier threatened to resume airstrikes on the Islamic republic and m»»»
UAE welcomes move to end hostilities between Lebanon and Israel
The UAE has welcomed the announcement by US President Donald Trump of a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, commending the diplomatic efforts that led to the breakthrough. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that the development would represent a positive step»»»
Sharjah Police add off-road Grenadier for fast response
Sharjah: In a move aimed at strengthening frontline policing, Sharjah Police has introduced the rugged “Grenadier” vehicle into its operational fleet, enhancing officers’ ability to respond swiftly and safely across challenging environments. Developed for endurance and reliability, the Grenadier is»»»
Army, Berri and Hezbollah tell citizens not to return south until truce starts
The Lebanese Army on Thursday urged people not to return to the country's southern villages and towns before a ceasefire with Israel takes effect at midnight local time (2100 GMT), and warned against approaching Israeli forces there. In a statement, the Army Command also called on citizens to heed »»»
KSA lauds 'role played by Aoun, Salam, Berri' in reaching ceasefire
Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry on Thursday welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel has been fighting militant group Hezbollah since last month. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom's welcome of the announcement by... Trump of a ce»»»
Trump says Iran to hand over uranium as ceasefire talks advance
Washington, United States: US President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran has agreed to hand over its store of enriched uranium and that the two sides were "close" to a peace deal to end the war that has engulfed the Middle East. The United States had earlier threatened to resume airstrikes on t»»»
Jordan–Saudi economic partnership entres advanced stage, says minister of investment
AMMAN — Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jordan marks a "further" step in deepening investment ties between the two countries, as bilateral cooperation shifts toward implementation across key sectors.Investment Minister, Tareq Abu Ghazaleh, said the agreem»»»
Agricultural exports hit a record high last year, says minister of agriculture
AMMAN — Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khreissat on Thursday said Jordan’s agricultural sector continues to post strong performance, underpinned by improved supply chains and growing domestic production.Speaking to Al Mamlaka TV, Khreissat described the sector as a "success story" despite limited nat»»»
South Korea pet insurance market grows but uptake remains low - UPI.com
Pet insurance grows 3.5-fold in three years... insurance industry moves to boost awareness A chart shows the number of pet insurance policies in South Korea rising sharply from 51,727 in 2021 to 251,961 in 2025. Graphic by Asia Today and translated by UPI April 15 (Asia Today) -- South Korea's pet »»»
UAE has right to guarantees, compensation after Iranian aggression, says Gargash
Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, said the UAE has the right to seek guarantees to prevent the repetition of cowardly Iranian attacks and to be compensated after the Iranian aggression against GCC countries. “The Iranian regime has attacked everyone in the Gulf, ev»»»
Fine Arts Commission OKs Trump's arch project - UPI.com
1 of 4 | White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt holds an illustration on Wednesday of the proposed Triumphal Arch that President Donald Trump wants to build. Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI | License Photo April 16 (UPI) -- The Commission of Fine Arts voted Thursday to OK President Donald Trump's pla»»»
Iran deal ‘very close’: Trump hints at signing agreement in Pakistan
Washington, United States: President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States and Iran were "very close" to a peace deal and that he would consider going to Pakistan to sign an agreement. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump added that Tehran had agreed to hand over its store of»»»
GOP blocks House war powers resolution for second time - UPI.com
Republicans in the House of Representatives voted down a war powers resolution that would rein in President Trump's ability to wage war in Iran for a second time, although with just a one-vote margin this time. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 16 (UPI) -- Republican members of th»»»
Top schools honored by Sharjah EPAA for green efforts
Sharjah : Seventy schools and nurseries from across the UAE took part in the third edition of the “My Green Environment is My Future” initiative, it was revealed when the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah honoured winners during a closing ceremony at Al Dhaid Wildlife Muse»»»
What have Lebanon and Israel agreed to?
Lebanon and Israel have agreed to observe a 10-day ceasefire that begins at midnight Beirut time, the United States said. Below is the full text of the statement that was agreed to by the Government of Israel and Government of Lebanon, as published by the U.S. State Department: "Following productiv»»»
State Minister at Ministry of Foreign Affairs holds talks with German officials
Berlin: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi held a series of high-level talks in Berlin on Thursday to discuss recent regional developments. HE Al Khulaifi met separately with senior German officials including HE Dr Guenter Sautter, Foreign »»»
Minnesota charges ICE agent with assault for pointing gun - UPI.com
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer takes part in a stop in Minneapolis on January 9. Hennepin County prosecutors announced charges against an ICE officer accused of pointing his weapon at people in a moving vehicle in February. File Photo by Craig Lassig/UPI | License Photo April 16 (UP»»»
Middle East Matters - 'Lebanon is being held hostage by Hezbollah acting at Iran's behest'
Hezbollah plunged Lebanon into war with Israel in early March. Six weeks later, the group, which had suffered setbacks in 2024, is still putting up a fight. But how? And can the Lebanese government succeed in getting the militant group to disarm? In this edition of Middle East Matters, we are »»»
The Observers - ‘We're asking for our husbands' salaries’: The plight of soldiers' widows in eastern DR Congo
Plastic sheeting serving as tents and mattresses laid on the ground: in Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo, the widows of fallen soldiers are struggling to survive in a makeshift camp. They say they fled the capital of North Kivu province, Goma, after it fell to the M23 rebels in January 2025. Left»»»
Chilean government offers reforms package to revive economy - UPI.com
Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast (C) arrives by car at the Metropolitan Cathedral to attend aass and a 'Prayer for the People of Chile and the New Government' in Santiago on Sunday. Photo by Allen Diaz/EPA SANTIAGO-Chile, April 16 (UPI) -- Chilean President José Antonio Kast announced a package »»»
Middle East Conflict Severely Impacting Global Energy Security - Top Chinese Diplomat
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The protracted Middle East conflict has had significant impact on international energy security and the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday. "The US-Israel war against Iran should never have started. The protracted conflic»»»
Trump announces 10-Day ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel
Washington, April 16 (SANA) US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday an agreement for a ten-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. “I had excellent talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and they agreed that in order to achieve peace betwe»»»
Cabinet Approves Agreement on Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity within UN Law of the Sea Convention
The caretaker Government Thursday approved an Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (the BBNJ Agreement), signed by the Republic of Bulgaria on September 20, 2023. The Government proposes that the Nat»»»
Trump says Israel, Lebanon have agreed ceasefire, invites Aoun and Netanyahu to White House
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a ceasefire Thursday, and said he was trying to set up the first-ever meeting between the leaders of the two countries. Following what he called "excellent" phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Leb»»»
Pope Leo blasts 'handful of tyrants' ravaging world during Cameroon visit
Pope Leo XIV condemned "a handful of tyrants" that were ravaging the world with war on Thursday, calling instead for the billions spent every year on weapons to go instead towards healthcare and education. The pontiff's strident comments came during a visit to Cameroon's separatist west, where thou»»»