Trump says China controls the Panama Canal — but here's how it really works
A quarter-century after the U.S. handed control of the Panama Canal to Panama, President Donald Trump wants to take it back. Early this month, Trump suggested he would consider using military force to regain control of the canal from Panama, one of the U.S.'s closest allies in Latin America, describing it as “vital” for national security.
U.N. experts urge Thailand not to deport 48 Uyghurs to China
United Nations human rights experts have urged Thailand not to send 48 Uyghurs in its custody back to China, warning they are at risk of torture, ill treatment and “irreparable harm” if returned. Human rights groups and some Thai lawmakers have raised concerns in the past week that the transfer to China of the Uyghurs, who have been held in immigration detention for more than a decade, was imminent. The government has said it has no such plans.
As Trump lifts sanctions on West Bank settlers, anti-Palestinian violence flares in the occupied area
Hours after President Donald Trump rescinded American sanctions on far-right settler groups and individuals accused of involvement in violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, Israel’s military said it had launched a “significant” operation in the territory. Israeli forces moved into the northern city of Jenin in an offensive that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said was launched to “defeat terrorism.” Health authorities in the region said at least seven people were killed and dozens injured.
Israel's top general quits over Oct. 7 failures as IDF launches West Bank operation
Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi is the most senior Israeli figure to resign over the security breakdown on Oct. 7, 2023.
Palestinians are finally able to return to their Gaza homes — only to find them reduced to ruins
Burned-out buildings reduced to rubble were all that were left to return to for thousands of displaced Palestinians who made the journey back to northern Gaza on foot this week after more than a year since Israel’s military assault forced them to flee. "Everything is destroyed as you can see. Nothing remains," Asma Qaoud told NBC News' crew on the ground Monday in what remained of the Jabalia refugee camp.
Tears of joy as 3 released hostages dive into their mothers' arms after 15 months in captivity
Three women — a soccer fan, a dancer and a veterinary nurse — returned to Israel on Sunday, amid cheers and tears of joy after 15 months in captivity in the Gaza Strip. They were greeted by their families who had advocated for their release at home and abroad.
Palestinians celebrate release of 90 prisoners and detainees held by Israel in first phase of ceasefire deal
Tears, cheers and celebrations greeted 90 Palestinian women and children released as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas just after midnight on Monday. Families and onlookers waited for hours in the cold to greet their loved before white buses transported them out of Ofer Prison, an Israeli facility in the occupied West Bank. A celebratory mood coursed through the crowd, with some families sharing food and cotton candy being sold on the street.
Israel-Hamas ceasefire: U.N. body reports a ‘good’ first day of ceasefire as much-needed aid enters Gaza
The release by Israel of 90 Palestinian prisoners followed the return of three women who had been held captive in Gaza by Hamas and was part of the first phase of the deal.
What the first 24 hours of Trump's administration tell us about the world he hopes to craft
In a freewheeling Inauguration Day of speeches, casual remarks and formal balls, President Donald Trump wasted no time trying to shape the world in his unmistakable image. Unlike four years ago, when his term began in a flurry of unpreparedness, this time Trump let fly with a series of actions and statements that seek to scrub many of former President Joe Biden’s decisions and replace them with Trump's own stark imprimatur.
Trump's Middle East envoy is considering a visit to the Gaza Strip amid ceasefire deal
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, plans to be a near-constant presence in the region in an attempt to prevent the deal from unraveling.