Conflict

At least one person has died as Pakistani and Afghan security forces exchanged fire at the Torkham border crossing, the main transit point between the two countries that Pakistan closed last month over a disputed construction project. Afghanistan's Ministry of Interior Affairs confirmed Monday that one security force member was killed and two injured during overnight clashes at the crossing. Two Pakistani security officials, speaking anonymously to Reuters, reported that members of their forces were also wounded in the confrontation. The violence erupted on Ramadan's first working day, when food imports from Pakistan typically surge into Afghanistan. Approximately 5,000 trucks carrying essential goods are now stranded on both sides of the border in harsh winter conditions. This conflict threatens to worsen Afghanistan's economic crisis, where millions face hunger and roughly half the population requires humanitarian assistance to survive, according to […]

Dr. Khaled Alserr recounted experiences of torture and humiliation during his detention by Israeli soldiers, his voice showing strain during an unstable internet connection. "They forced us to make the sound of a donkey," said the 33-year-old surgeon, describing the treatment he claims "was designed to humiliate us." Alserr was among several healthcare workers arrested at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in March last year. These medical staff had remained at the facility to treat patients despite an Israeli military operation targeting the hospital in February. Human rights organizations allege these arrests reflect a pattern of targeting healthcare personnel, citing more than 250 Palestinian healthcare workers who have reportedly been detained. Physicians for Human Rights, Israel (PHRI) has documented these claims in their report titled "Torture of Medical Workers in Israel," which details allegations of arbitrary detention and mistreatment of […]

Hamas announced it has reached an agreement to end Israel's delay in releasing 620 Palestinian prisoners who were scheduled for release last week after Hamas fulfilled its obligations by freeing six Israeli captives from Gaza. The group confirmed Wednesday that Israel will release more Palestinian women and children from detention on Thursday, while Hamas will simultaneously transfer the bodies of four Israeli captives. Reporting from Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, Al Jazeera's Tareq Abu Azzoum stated the exchange is expected Thursday, with Egypt supervising to ensure both sides meet their commitments. Hamas had accused Israel of "sabotaging" the Gaza truce by delaying the prisoner release on Saturday. Israel explained the delay citing concerns over public gatherings during which Israelis were freed, with Prime Minister Netanyahu describing them as "humiliating ceremonies." This agreement would complete both parties' obligations under the first […]

Israel conducted air raids targeting what it described as military installations in southern Syria and near Damascus. Israeli aircraft struck the town of Kisweh, about 20km south of Damascus, and areas in Deraa province late Tuesday, according to residents, security sources and Syria TV. The Israeli military stated it targeted "military targets in southern Syria, including command centres and weapons sites," without providing specific locations. Damascus residents reported hearing aircraft flying low passes over the capital followed by multiple explosions. "The Air Force is attacking strongly in southern Syria as part of our new policy of pacifying southern Syria—the message is clear: we will not allow southern Syria to become southern Lebanon," said a statement from Defence Minister Israel Katz's spokesperson. "Any attempt by Syrian regime forces and terrorist organizations to establish themselves in the security zone will be met […]