Author: Anadolu Agency

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to become the first foreign leader to meet with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, a visit that comes amid ongoing uncertainty over the Gaza cease-fire and Israel’s escalating violence in the West Bank. While Trump and Netanyahu, the latter accused by the International Criminal Court (ICC) of war crimes in Gaza, have long shared a close relationship, experts suggest that the dynamics between them may be shifting. Mairav Zonszein, a senior analyst on Israel with the International Crisis Group, pointed out that Netanyahu’s political standing has weakened considerably since the last time…

German and UK leaders on Sunday discussed bilateral relations and global issues, including the situation in the Middle East, and underscored the importance of implementing all phases of the Gaza ceasefire deal. Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Keir Starmer at the premier’s country house Chequers, the British prime minister’s office said in a statement. The pair reflected on the progress made between the two countries in recent months, including through the signing of the Trinity House Agreement on defense, and Joint Action Plan on irregular migration. Scholz and Starmer agreed on the importance of maintaining the momentum towards an even stronger…

At least 50 people were killed and dozens injured in an attack by armed gangs on Kenscoff, a town located 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, according to local media. The assault, described as a “large-scale” operation to seize control of the area, also saw 100 homes burned, according to an independent civil society organization. Haiti National Police spokesman Michel-Ange Louis Jeune said security forces killed 20 gang members during the operation and assured that measures were being taken to restore order. Reinforcements were sent to the town after local security forces were overwhelmed. Haiti, a nation of…

Thousands of protesters gathered in Los Angeles on Sunday to denounce the Trump administration’s measures to combat irregular migration, including deportation operations and stricter border policies. The demonstration, held at the historic Mexican marketplace, saw participants march onto the 101 Freeway, temporarily halting traffic. Protesters chanted slogans and carried signs with messages against President Donald Trump. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) warned residents of road closures, saying on social media that the protest was unauthorized. Los Angeles, where one in three residents is an immigrant, is home to approximately 3.6 million migrants, 79% of whom are from Mexico and…

More than 100 earthquakes have been recorded in the Aegean Sea over the past 48 hours, with magnitudes ranging from 1.3 to 4.8, Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said on Sunday. More than 400 minor earthquakes have been recorded in the region since Jan. 28, AFAD said on X. According to data from the agency, multiple tremors were registered across the region between Feb. 1 at midnight and Feb. 3 at midnight, marking a period of heightened seismic activity. Late Sunday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis convened an emergency meeting following a surge in seismic activity in the…

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) on Monday announced that it indefinitely suspended its flights between Baku and the Russian city of Astrakhan. A statement by AZAL on Telegram said flights between Astrakhan and the Azerbaijani capital were suspended indefinitely due to the recent and regular closure of the airspace over the Russian city. It further said that those who will not be able to fly due to the measures taken will be able to receive a full refund or re-book their tickets. AZAL has suspended its flights to many Russian cities since late December, most recently on Jan. 8, when the airline…

One person was killed and four others were injured in an explosion at a residential complex in the Russian capital Moscow, state media reported on Monday. The explosion occurred in the lobby of the Scarlet Sails residential complex in northwestern Moscow, Russian state news agency TASS reported, citing a source in the country’s emergency services. “A blast occurred in the lobby of the first floor… The glazing and plasterboard ceiling were damaged. There was no fire,” the source was quoted by the news agency as saying. The blast killed one person and injured four others, the source said, adding that…

European leaders are gathering on Monday in Brussels for an informal retreat focused on strengthening European defense. The meeting, chaired by European Council President Antonio Costa, will also be attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other high-level officials, with discussions centering on Europe’s security and strategic autonomy. The retreat comes against the backdrop of heightened security threats, including Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, hybrid and cyber threats, and increasing instability in the Middle East. With the principle that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defense, leaders will explore ways to bolster EU defense capabilities,…

NATO’s secretary general on Monday reiterated the need to boost defense budgets, warning that member states spending 2% of their GDP “will not be enough to keep us safe.” Speaking at a joint news conference in Brussels alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Mark Rutte said that since the world is growing dangerous, the allies must be better equipped to meet any threat across all domains, “both now and in the future.” “Russian destabilization campaigns in allied countries are on the rise,” he said, citing examples of cyberattacks on some Western nations. He said that to prevent war, allies must…

Greece and Israel on Monday discussed developing the cooperation between the countries further. Regional developments and enhancing bilateral strategic cooperation were discussed in Israel during Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis’ meeting with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar, the Greek Foreign Ministry announced on X. “Greek FM welcomed the ceasefire and hostage release agreement & stressed the importance of all hostages returning home,” the ministry added, referring to a deal between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas. Later, Gerapetritis also met Palestinian Premier and Foreign Minister Mohammad Mustafa. During the meeting, he stressed the importance of the ceasefire agreement, which took effect on…