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senior political analyst Marwan Bishara highlights the intense emotional and psychological dimensions surrounding the ongoing conflict. He emphasizes the stark contrast between public emotions—ranging from joy and relief to anger and despair—amid the release of captives on both sides. Bishara also suggests that beyond the emotional outpouring, there is a calculated strategic element at play, with both Israel and Hamas engaging in psychological warfare. Hamas seeks to project an image of resilience and defiance, while Israel underscores the necessity of its actions despite the broader implications. He further notes that such displays of power risk escalating tensions, potentially provoking further responses. Ultimately, Bishara reflects on the remarkable endurance of Hamas, as it continues to operate despite relentless Israeli military pressure.

Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa will work on forming an inclusive transitional government, he said on Thursday in his first speech after being declared president. "A preparatory committee for the national dialogue conference will be announced in the coming days," Sharaa added.

Since re-emerging just over three years ago, the Rwanda-backed rebels have advanced steadily through the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, seizing towns and villages, and forcing people from their homes. M23 is just one of hundreds of rebel groups in the country and has been fighting the army for years. But the latest escalation could mark a major shift, with serious implications for regional stability. So, does diplomacy stand a chance to defuse the escalating tensions?

Bodies are lining the streets of Goma, and hospitals are overwhelmed after an escalation in the long-simmering conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Rwandan-backed M23 group claims it took control of the city, and the DRC has called it a declaration of war by Rwanda. But why is Rwanda involved and what are its interests?

Israel has released 110 Palestinian prisoners, as part of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. Hundreds of Palestinians gathered Beitunia, in the occupied West Bank to welcome them home. Around 30 children are among the prisoners released. At least 32 of them were serving life sentences. And Israeli forces opened fire as the Red Cross convoy carrying the Palestinian prisoners travelled through the occupied West Bank. Israeli soldiers used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds along the route of the heavily-protected convoy.

Israel's ban on the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has come into effect. Protesters have been rallying against the organisation outside its offices. Israel's ban covers UNRWA's operations in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem. It also prohibits Israeli authorities from having any contact with UNRWA in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The agency's chief has warned the consequences will be “disastrous”, with millions of Palestinians in desperate need of aid.

Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have made their way back to the north of Gaza. But, many of them won’t have homes or businesses to return to. Israel’s 15-month war on the strip has reduced entire neighbourhoods to rubble. Healthcare, education, roads, agricultural land and most utilities like water, electricity, sewage and communications systems have been destroyed. The destruction has hit the very fabric of Palestinian life in Gaza, setting back its development by 69 years, according to the UN. Plus, Donald Trump demands the OPEC+ group reduce the price of oil; and inflation returns to Japan.

Uncovering how Israel profits from surveillance technologies using occupied Palestinian territories as a testing ground. Israel punches way above its weight when it comes to arms sales. The 97th country by population, it is the ninth largest arms dealer in the world with a $13bn military-industrial complex. "Plenty of countries sell weapons," says award-winning journalist Antony Loewenstein, "but what makes Israel's industry unique is the mix of weapons, surveillance technology and architectural techniques that combine to create a comprehensive system for controlling 'difficult' populations and are based on years of experience in Palestine." In this two-part series, Loewenstein goes on a journey to investigate how these weapons and surveillance technologies are used to control and repress Palestinians in Palestine before being sold all over the world. Antony Loewenstein is a Jewish, Australian journalist and author who for more than 20 years has written unflinchingly about Israel and its relationship with the Palestinians, even though it has often put him at odds with many in the Jewish diaspora and Israel.

It’s been nearly 80 years since the Korean peninsula was divided, and relations between the two sovereign nations remain fraught with tension. On 23 November, 2010, North Korea launched an attack on the small island of Yeonpyeong, killing four South Koreans, including two civilians. Pyongyang accused South Korea of firing first during a routine artillery exercise in disputed waters near the island. The bombings caused widespread devastation on Yeonpyeong, and many of the island’s remaining residents are still haunted by the attack. Just a few kilometres away, on the island of Baengnyeongdo, thousands of fishermen were abducted by North Korea in the 1960s and 70s. When they eventually returned, they were found guilty of being communist spies. Today, two South Koreans are on a mission to restore their innocence and seek justice for the families left behind.

US President Donald Trump signs the Laken Riley Act, legislation requiring the detention of immigrants living in the US illegally who are accused of theft.