Picture of Palestinian woman holding dead child wins 2024 World Press Photo

Picture of Palestinian woman holding dead child wins 2024 World Press Photo

Reuters photographer Mohammed Salem won the prestigious 2024 World Press Photo of the Year award for his image of a Palestinian woman cradling the body of her five-year-old niece in the Gaza Strip. The picture was taken in a hospital in southern Gaza where families were searching for relatives killed during Israeli bombing. Salem hopes the award will bring awareness to the human impact of war, especially on children.

CSC demands release of MSC Aries crew

CSC demands release of MSC Aries crew

The Cyprus Shipping Chamber is calling for the immediate release of the 25 crew members on board the Portuguese-flagged containership MSC Aries, which was seized by Iran in retaliation for Israel’s bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

Analysis: how Iran’s attack is interpreted and why there is optimism for a de-escalation

Analysis: how Iran’s attack is interpreted and why there is optimism for a de-escalation

Iran launched a significant attack on Israel, which was largely expected as retaliation for previous events. The attack was carefully calculated to avoid a full-scale war and there is cautious optimism for a de-escalation of the crisis. Iran’s action was more symbolic than substantive, and Israel is expected to react in a targeted manner to avoid further conflict. Further escalation by Iran is considered unlikely at present. Both Iran and Israel are regional powers with complex security concerns.

Iran’s military officials warn Israel and U.S. against retaliation – State TV

Iran’s military officials warn Israel and U.S. against retaliation – State TV

Iran warned Israel of a larger attack on its territory if it retaliates against Tehran’s drone and missile attack. The attack was in response to Israel bombing Iran’s consulate in Syria, resulting in the death of seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran also threatened to target U.S. bases if Washington supports any Israeli military action against Iran.

Iranian airports cancel flights until Monday morning

Iranian airports cancel flights until Monday morning

Fact: Several Iranian airports, including Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, have cancelled flights until Monday due to tensions in the Middle East following Iran’s attack on Israel.

Middle East on alert for Iranian attack as Lufthansa suspends Tehran flights

Middle East on alert for Iranian attack as Lufthansa suspends Tehran flights

Lufthansa extended the suspension of its flights to Tehran due to the situation in the Middle East, which is on alert for Iranian retaliation for a suspected Israeli air strike on Iran’s embassy in Syria. The region and the United States have been on alert for a retaliatory attack by Iran since April 1, when Israeli warplanes were suspected of bombing the Iranian embassy compound in Syria.

Saudi crown prince meets Pakistani premier, stresses India-Pakistan dialogue

Saudi crown prince meets Pakistani premier, stresses India-Pakistan dialogue

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the need for dialogue to ease tensions between Pakistan and India, particularly regarding the Kashmir dispute. India and Pakistan have a history of conflict over the region, with recent escalation following a bombing in Kashmir traced back to Pakistan-based militants. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that India would pursue militants into Pakistan if necessary. The two countries have also been at odds over allegations of cross-border killings. Pakistan is seeking a billion investment package from Saudi Arabia to address financial difficulties.

Drone footage shows a lively Gaza turned to wasteland since war began

Drone footage shows a lively Gaza turned to wasteland since war began

Drone footage of Gaza over the six months of warfare between Israel and Hamas reveals the transformation of the once vibrant Palestinian enclave into a vast wasteland of rubble and twisted steel. Residents have been forced to seek shelter from Israeli bombardment aimed at eliminating Hamas. The conflict has resulted in the destruction of buildings, streets, and mosques, leaving Gaza in a state of devastation and despair.

Cyprus did not receive request from Russia over alleged Western involvement in terrorism

Cyprus did not receive request from Russia over alleged Western involvement in terrorism

Cyprus has not received any request from Russia to assist in investigating alleged Western involvement in terrorist attacks on Russian soil. Russia’s General Prosecutor’s Office has sent official requests to Western countries, including Cyprus, the United States, Germany, and France, asking for cooperation in investigating the Nord Stream blasts and acts of terrorism in Russia. Russia claims to have direct evidence implicating Western countries, particularly the United States and Ukraine, in collaborating with ISIS and Ukrainian intelligence to carry out attacks in Russia. The Kremlin has called the situation regarding the investigations “close to absurd”.

Israeli strikes on Rafah raise fear assault could begin

Israeli strikes on Rafah raise fear assault could begin

Israel bombed at least three homes in Rafah overnight, killing 11 people from a family. Residents fear a ground assault could be coming despite a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire. In the West Bank, three Palestinians were killed and four wounded by Israeli fire during a raid in Jenin. Israeli forces have imposed a blockade on hospitals in Gaza, claiming they have been used by Hamas fighters. Residents report hearing explosions and seeing smoke coming from buildings inside the medical facility.