A senior Hamas leader says the group is willing to consider a temporary “freeze” on its weapons but will not accept full disarmament, a central demand of the US-backed Gaza peace plan. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Khaled Meshaal signaled limited flexibility in ongoing negotiations with mediators, even as the fragile ceasefire enters a new phase and tensions between Israel and Hamas persist.
Iceland has become the latest country to boycott next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, its public broadcaster RUV announced Wednesday, joining a growing wave of withdrawals triggered by the decision to allow Israel to compete. Iceland is now the fifth nation to pull out, following Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia’s coordinated exit last week amid mounting criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and accusations that the contest is being used for political ends.
The US may soon require travellers from visa-exempt countries to provide extensive personal information, including social media activity, email accounts, and family history, before being allowed entry. Under the proposal, citizens of roughly 40 countries who currently travel through the Visa Waiver Program would need to submit five years of social media history and other detailed data through the ESTA system. The move has raised privacy and free speech concerns.
Erling Haaland’s relentless scoring, Arsenal’s flawless Champions League march and Unai Simon’s heroics headlined a dramatic night of European football on Wednesday. Manchester City edged a faltering Real Madrid to deepen the pressure on Xabi Alonso, Arsenal cruised to a sixth straight victory with a pair of wonder goals in Brugge, and Athletic Bilbao held holders PSG thanks to a stunning goalkeeping display.
Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado is set to address the world on Thursday, according to the Norwegian government, after the Venezuelan opposition leader was awarded the prestigious peace prize in her absence. FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney speaks with Phil Gunson, Senior Analyst at International Crisis Group.
The Louvre museum is making headlines once again. This time, not because of stolen jewellery, but because of a water leak. A few days ago, a pipe malfunctioned causing water to rain over rare books, and triggering a wave of AI-generated disinformation. We take a closer look in this edition of Truth or Fake.
The US Federal Reserve has lowered its benchmark rate by a quarter percentage point, to a range of 3.5% - 3.75%, but signalled there will be fewer cuts going forward amid a cooling labour market and persistently high inflation. The vote was not unanimous, with two calling for keeping rates unchanged, and Trump ally Stephen Miran wanting a larger cut. Also in the segment, the United Arab Emirates is turning towards AI as part of a strategy at ensuring its future in a post-fossil-fuels world.
In tonight's edition, Rwanda-backed M23 fighters have entered the strategic town of Uvira in eastern DRC, near the Burundian border. Also, at least 22 people have died in Morocco's third largest city, Fez, following the collapse of two residential buildings. And we celebrate women in science with the L'Oreal-UNESCO's Women in Science Young Talents award.
