Arab Leaders Scramble to Counter Trump’s Gaza Plans

The leaders of Gulf Arab states are expected to strategize with their Egyptian and Jordanian counterparts on Friday in an effort to counter President Trump’s controversial proposal to redevelop Gaza under U.S. control and displace its Palestinian residents. The meeting in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, is in preparation for a broader Arab League summit in … Read more

Multiple Bus Explosions in Israel Put Country on Terrorism Alert

Three buses exploded in Tel Aviv area parking lots on Thursday night, raising suspicions of an attempted, coordinated terrorist attack and prompting the Israeli authorities to halt all buses and trains nationwide. There were no injuries reported. After the explosions, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that he had instructed the military … Read more

U.S. Objects to Calling Russia ‘Aggressor’ in G7 Statement on Ukraine Invasion

The United States is opposing calling Russia the aggressor in the war with Ukraine in a Group of 7 statement being drafted to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, three senior officials from countries involved said on Thursday. The American objections to the statement come after President Trump earlier this week blamed Ukraine … Read more

In Private Remarks on Russia, Rubio Tries to Reassure Europeans

After meeting with Russian negotiators to discuss the future of the war in Ukraine, Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled a dramatic reset in relations with the Kremlin, trumpeting “the incredible opportunities that exist to partner with the Russians.” Hours later, though, Mr. Rubio sought to reassure nervous European allies that the talks did not … Read more

Friday Briefing: Germans Are Choosing New Leadership

Germany prepares to vote as a Trump-E.U. rift grows Germans will head to the polls on Sunday to choose their next chancellor. The man favored to clinch the election is Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democrats. He has been considered a potentially better match for President Trump than the current Social Democratic chancellor, Olaf Scholz. … Read more

Bibas Family Remains Returned to Israel, Hamas Says

The two tiny redheaded boys had captured the hearts of Israelis and became symbols of the long and emotional campaign for the release of the scores of hostages seized during the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023. On Thursday, under gray, stormy skies, an anguished nation marked an unofficial day of mourning after Hamas handed … Read more