Israel Military Says Striking Hezbollah Targets in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli military said it had launched new strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure across southern Lebanon on Saturday, the day after the two countries agreed to extend an existing ceasefire. The military said that its forces “have begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure sites in several area»»»
Trump downplays urgency of removing Iran’s uranium stockpile
US President Donald Trump has said recovering Iran’s highly enriched uranium is “more for public relations” than anything else, downplaying what remains one of the key sticking points in negotiations aimed at ending the Middle East war. Following the US-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran last ye»»»
Israel military says striking Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon
The Israeli military said it had launched new strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure across southern Lebanon on Saturday, the day after the two countries agreed to extend an existing ceasefire. “The IDF has begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure sites in several areas in southern Lebanon,” the»»»
SFD continues providing financial aid to countries amid geopolitical tensions
RIYADH: Sudan, Cameroon and Palau were among countries that have received financial support from the Saudi Fund for Development so far in 2026, as it continued its work despite growing geopolitical tensions. Established in 1974 and commenced operations in 1975, SFD has financed more than 800 develo»»»
Startup Wrap: Saudi startups dominate MENA funding week as a16z makes first GCC bet
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia emerged as this week’s main mover in startup activity across the region, with five firms announcing new funding across fintech, health tech, and business operations. The largest deal in the sector from the Kingdom came from fintech Stitch, which raised $25 million in series A f»»»
Dubai paid parking: Parkin rolls out gateless system at Mirdif Avenue Mall, Dh10 hourly tariff
DUBAI: Parkin PJSC has introduced a seamless, gateless and paperless parking experience at Mirdif Avenue Mall, offering auto-payment and Pay Later options through the Parkin app for a smoother and more efficient user journey. The system is designed to streamline access, reduce manual ticketing, and»»»
Russia Views West’s Quasi‑Indifferent Reaction to Sarmat Tests With Irony - Deputy Foreign Minister
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia views the quasi‑indifferent response of Western countries to Russia’s tests of the Sarmat missile system with irony, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Saturday. On Tuesday, Commander of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces Sergei Karakayev reported to »»»
Iraq Exported 10 Million Barrels of Oil Through Strait of Hormuz in April
Iraq exported 10 million barrels of oil via the Strait of Hormuz in April, down from about 93 million barrels monthly before the Iran war, the country's new oil minister, Basim Mohammed, said at a press conference on Saturday. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran war has curtail»»»
Launch of Libyan-Turkish Business Forum for Building Materials and Construction Supplies in Benghazi
The Libyan-Turkish Business Forum for Building Materials and Construction Supplies commenced last Tuesday (12 May) in Benghazi. Several Turkish companies specializing in the building materials sector participated. The forum aims to strengthen economic cooperation, open new avenues for investment an»»»
New findings explain why flu can become deadly during pregnancy
Melbourne, Australia: Scientists in Australia have identified an immune system overreaction as a key driver of life-threatening influenza complications during pregnancy, offering a potential new target for treatment ahead of the winter flu season. While influenza typically remains confined to the u»»»
End of the ‘People’s Army’ Myth: Israel Weighs Resorting to Mercenaries
As Israel’s military grapples with a severe manpower shortage estimated at 15,000 troops — a situation Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has described as “dangerous for the future of the Jewish state” — Israeli ultra-Orthodox parties continue to reject military service in favor of Torah study even as Israe»»»
Defector ‘Savannah’ Arrives in Khartoum, Deepening RSF Crisis
Former Rapid Support Forces (RSF) field commander Brigadier General Ali Rizqallah, known as “Savannah,” arrived in the Sudanese capital Khartoum days after announcing his split from the paramilitary force led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), in a move observers say highlights growing divisions w»»»
[Interview] ‘Not enough’: Same-sex couples in Poland still denied their EU rights, activist says
As Poland faces mounting pressure to recognise same-sex marriages registered in the EU, one young activist from Warsaw tells EUobserver how conservative forces are trying to resist reform. A landmark ruling by the EU Court of Justice in Luxembourg on 25 November 2025 said Warsaw’s refusal to regist»»»
Artillery fire in Baghdad celebrating new govt: security source
BAGHDAD: Loud bangs heard on Saturday in the center of Baghdad were artillery being fired to celebrate the formation of the new government, a security source told AFP. The three blasts, heard by an AFP reporter, marked the establishment of a government under newly selected Prime Minister Ali Al-Zai»»»
MoPH advises safe dining and food preparation for celiac patients
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has advised people living with celiac disease to take preventive measures against gluten cross-contamination as the world marks International Celiac Disease Awareness Day on May 16 each year. In a social media post, the Ministry urged patients to en»»»
UAE’s skilled workforce keeps growing despite global uncertainty
Dubai: The UAE recorded fresh growth in its skilled private-sector workforce during the first quarter of 2026, with numbers rising by 1.5 per cent, thanks to the continued momentum of the country’s labour market and its ability to attract specialised talent from around the world despite ongoing glo»»»
Artillery fire in Baghdad celebrating new govt: security source
BAGHDAD: Loud bangs heard on Saturday in the center of Baghdad were artillery being fired to celebrate the formation of the new government, a security source told AFP. The three blasts, heard by an AFP reporter, marked the establishment of a government under newly selected Prime Minister Ali Al-Zai»»»
Former IRGC Chief Says No Direct Talks Before US Confidence-Building Steps
Mohammad Ali Jafari, former commander-in-chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said Iran would not enter negotiations with the United States before Washington implements “preconditions” and “confidence-building measures.” In an interview with the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency, Jafa»»»
Cabinet transfers fuel supplies for state-owned companies to single operator - | 24.KG
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has approved a new procedure for purchasing fuel and lubricants for state and municipal enterprises. According to the resolution, Kyrgyz Munayzat Corporation LLC has been designated as the primary supplier of fuel and lubricants and petroleum products for a nu»»»
Few steps help you survive the financial storm
By Ahmad Abu el-Hamd The nation’s struggling economy, housing crisis, and credit crunch have undeniably impacted many citizens. The tough nature of our turbulent economy makes many consumers feeling confused and powerless. While it’s important for consumers to try to understand what’s going on in o»»»
Report: Trump Administration Prepares to Seek Raúl Castro Indictment as It pressures Cuba
The Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, three people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Friday, as President Donald Trump threatens possible military action against the communist-run island. One of the people told the »»»
Artillery fire in Baghdad celebrating new government
Baghdad, Iraq: Loud bangs heard on Saturday in the centre of Baghdad were artillery being fired to celebrate the formation of the new government. The three blasts, heard by an AFP reporter, marked the establishment of a government under newly selected Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi»»»
On This Day, May 16: NBA names Michael Jordan rookie of the year - UPI.com
On May 16, 1985, the NBA named the Chicago Bulls' Michael Jordan rookie of the year after he led all players in points. 1 of 5 | Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan jams for two of his game-high 50 points during fourth-quarter action November 21, 1997, to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 111-102 in t»»»
Syria, China seek to enhance trade ties, ease business barriers
BEIJING, May 16 (SANA) Syria and China are moving to strengthen economic cooperation and unlock new investment channels, following high-level talks between trade representatives in the Chinese capital. Anas al-Bou, Head of foreign relations at the Syrian Chamber of Commerce Federation, met with the»»»
European Parliament says role of Ombudsman Institute should be strengthened - | 24.KG
Members of the European Parliament visited the Ombudsman Institute of Kyrgyzstan and met with Ombudsperson Jamilya Jamanbaeva. The delegation included the European Parliament’s standing rapporteur for Kyrgyzstan Nacho Sanchez Amor, MEP Kristian Vigenin, and the EU Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Rémi Dufl»»»
Iraq’s Coordination Framework on Verge of Collapse after Zaidi’s Govt Approved by Parliament
Iraq’s ruling pro-Iran Coordination Framework appears to be on the verge of collapse after Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's government was approved by parliament on Thursday. The PM submitted an incomplete lineup, but it still earned the vote of confidence. The parliament approved 14 ministers out of »»»
Meteorology Institute Issues Yellow Code Warning for Intense Rainfall in Several Regions
The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology issued a yellow warning for the risk of intense rainfall for several regions of the country on Saturday. The forecast applies to the regions of Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, Sofia, Pernik, Kyustendil and Blagoevgrad, as well as parts of Pleven, Lovech, »»»
Wordle Heads to Primetime as Media Seek Puzzle Reinvention
News organizations are racing to add puzzles and games to their digital offerings, hoping to replicate the success of a strategy The New York Times has been quietly perfecting for years -- and is now taking to primetime television. US broadcaster NBC is producing a game show based on the word puzzl»»»
Eurozone faces growth downturn amid geopolitical setbacks: QNB
Doha, Qatar: Qatar National Bank (QNB) has reported distinct indicators pointing to a deterioration in the economic growth outlook across the Eurozone, driven primarily by an accelerating slowdown in both the manufacturing and services sectors across several of the region's largest economies. In it»»»
Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi closes for Eid Al Adha: All you need to know
Dubai: The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi will be closed for four days in observance of Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha. In an advisory, the embassy has announced that regular operations will be suspended from May 26 to May 29. The closure covers Arafat Day on May 26 and the Eid Al Adha holidays from M»»»
Gaza Airstrike Targeted Hamas Military Wing Leader, Israel Says
An Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Friday targeted the leader of Hamas’ military wing, Israeli officials said, but it wasn't immediately clear if Izz al-Din al-Haddad was killed or injured. Hamas did not immediately acknowledge or comment on the strike. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and De»»»
Pretty in Pink: Dallas World Cup Venue Chasing Perfect Pitch
Dangling above field level at the biggest stadium of the 2026 World Cup, eighteen giant metal arms flood a newly laid grass pitch in an eerie pink glow. The mission: make sure the turf at the AT&T Stadium is match-ready -- and controversy free -- by the time the tournament kicks off. The 94,000-cap»»»
London police brace for big far-right rally, counter-demo
LONDON: London police braced for their busiest day in years on Saturday, when tens of thousands of protesters were expected to attend the latest rally staged by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. The British capital’s Metropolitan Police said it would deploy 4,000 officers — alongside horses, dogs,»»»
Uganda set to issue first sovereign sukuk to partly finance $3.16bn Kampala-Malaba railway
Uganda is preparing to issue its first sovereign sukuk as part of efforts to finance the construction of a standard gauge railway (SGR) linking Kampala to the Kenyan border town of Malaba, marking the country’s entry into Islamic capital markets, Ecofin Agency reports. The Ministry of Finance said »»»
Pakistan religious minister to inspect Hajj arrangements in Saudi Arabia visit today
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Mohammad Yousaf will arrive in Saudi Arabia on Saturday to review Hajj arrangements, his office said, as 117,000 Pakistani pilgrims arrive in the kingdom ahead of the annual pilgrimage. Pakistan is expected to send more than 179,000 pilgrims f»»»
China's second homegrown large cruise ship begins first sea trial
Shanghai, China: China's second domestically built large cruise ship set sail on Saturday on a 12-day sea trial, the final major step before the ship's official delivery as the country expands its push into the cruise tourism market. The shipbuilder, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a su»»»
Dávid Vitézy links MÁV management’s future to reforms
Dávid Vitézy said that the decision on whether structural changes are needed in the management of the state railway company MÁV will depend on a review of the company’s situation. The transport and investment minister spoke about this on Friday on ATV’s programme Egyenes beszéd. “We will review the»»»
A Greek Island Is Now Cheaper Than an Apartment in SofiaOpinions
A small Greek island once marketed as a luxury investment opportunity has seen its price collapse dramatically, now set for auction at 247,000 euros, a fraction of its earlier valuation, Bulgarian media "Focus" reported, citing Greek Reporter. The island of Makri, located in the Echinades arch»»»
Beneath a luxury hotel in Dubai: The secret 24/7 Fish Hospital keeping 65,000 marine lives alive
Dubai: Beneath one of the world's most recognisable luxury resorts, past the glittering lobbies and pools, something far more extraordinary is happening, shark eggs are incubating, jellyfish are being bred, and a team of marine specialists are preparing the next generation of ocean life for the Ara»»»
UN Security Council condemns attacks in Mali
New York, USA: The United Nations Security Council condemned attacks carried out by gunmen linked to Al-Qaeda and separatist groups in northern Mali since late April, calling for those responsible to be held accountable. In a statement, the council strongly condemned the attacks that targeted sever»»»
Syria Names New Central Bank Governor
Syria named a new central bank governor on Friday in the latest reshuffle since last week's partial government overhaul. The official SANA news agency said Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa named Abdul Hamid Raslan, a longtime banker and former head of the Syrian Development Fund, to the role. He wi»»»
Egypt, Türkiye Boost Cooperation Through Air Travel, Tourism
Egypt and Türkiye are strengthening their cooperation and “strategic partnership” by boosting air traffic and tourism as the two countries mark 75 years since the first flight between them. Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh el-Hefny said on Friday that the celebration sent “a positive messa»»»
Amid US-China competition in the Gulf, there is room for cooperation
The last time US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met before this week’s state visit to China was in Busan, South Korea, at the end of October 2025, when they agreed to lower tariffs. In a sense, it was an American retreat, as Beijing used its control over the rare-earth mine»»»
Thirst Grips Khartoum Residents as War Enters Fourth Year
As Sudan’s war enters its fourth year, civilians are enduring worsening hardship on an unprecedented scale, with prolonged power outages and the broad collapse of basic services turning access to water into one of the harshest challenges of daily life. Obtaining drinking water is no longer routine.»»»
US Accuses Iraqi Man of Helping Iran-Backed Faction’s Plans for Attacks in US, Europe
An Iraqi national accused of involvement in multiple attacks against US interests in Europe has been arrested and brought to the US to face six terrorism-related counts, the US Justice Department said on Friday. Prosecutors said the suspect, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, was a senior member »»»
Lebanon, Israel Say Extending Ceasefire Despite New Strikes
Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend a ceasefire and hold expanded talks on a political settlement, the United States announced Friday, even as Israel carried out new strikes that it insists are not subject to the truce. Israel has been pounding Lebanon and invaded its south in response to fire from»»»
Scoop - Hantavirus outbreak: What lessons have the media learned since Covid-19?
There was a lot of concern as news reports earlier this month broke the story about an outbreak of the hantavirus on a cruise ship. The spread of disinformation has outpaced the spread of the virus. This week FRANCE 24's media show Scoop looks at media coverage, and asks what lessons have journalis»»»
‘Some hide their crosses’: Jerusalem nun attack highlights Israel’s growing anti-Christian problem
When a foreign nun was the victim of violent physical assault in Jerusalem last month, local activists and clergy say they were shocked but not surprised. In the past few years, anti-Christian incidents have surged in Israel – illustrating how a small minority of insular and mainly ultra-religious »»»
Iran’s foreign minister says lack of trust impedes peace talks with US
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that a lack of trust with the US was the biggest obstacle in ending the war. Meanwhile, Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend a ceasefire by 45 days despite a new flare-up in violence, the US State Department said, after new talks in Washington. »»»
Israel, Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire by 45 days after talks in Washington
Lebanon and Israel agreed on Friday to extend a ceasefire by 45 days despite a new flare-up in violence, the US State Department said after mediating talks in Washington. Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend a ceasefire and hold new talks on a political settlement, the United States announced Friday»»»