Daily News

California homeowners are facing a growing insurance crisis. Even before these latest fires, several of the state's largest insurers either stopped or limited new policies, leaving many struggling to find coverage. Since 2015, California has seen 15 of its most destructive blazes in history, forcing insurance companies to pay out large claims. With many insurers pulling out, the state government started its own insurance program, known as the FAIR Plan. Nearly half-a-million homes are participating, but the plan only offers basic coverage up to 3 million dollars, often not enough to rebuild a house in an area with sky-high property values. State officials are trying to fix this by letting insurers factor climate change into their rates, hoping this will convince companies to return to the market. But premiums may be much higher.

The lifting of sanctions against Syria has topped the agenda at a meeting of European and Arab leaders in Riyadh. EU leaders agreed to discuss sanctions relief at the end of this month in Brussels. The new Syrian administration has called for their removal since December when Bashar al-Assad was ousted. But Germany's foreign minister says some sanctions must remain in place. Saudi Arabia's foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud has given a statement after the meeting of Arab and Western diplomats in Riyadh. He called for the lifting of sanctions on Syria, which has been a key demand of the new administration.

UNICEF says that nearly all of Gaza’s 1.1 million children need mental health and psychosocial support amid the ongoing Israeli bombardment, displacement and dire living conditions. Children suffer from nightmares, anxiety and paralyzing fear due to air strikes and the loss of family members. Many become aggressive, withdrawn, or stop speaking. The United Nations estimates that at least 19,000 Palestinian children have been orphaned since the war began. Mental health experts caution that the scars inflicted on these young minds could persist for generations.

The ancient craft of knotted carpets, originating in the Caspian Sea region, finds a bold new expression through Azerbaijani artist Faig Ahmed. Known for reimagining traditional rugs into Surreal, contemporary art, Ahmed challenges perceptions of heritage and modernity. By distorting, deconstructing, and transforming intricate designs, he creates striking works that connect the past to the present.

Businesses in Mozambique are trying to recover after weeks of demonstrations and looting, following disputed elections in October. Economists say the country has lost millions of dollars in revenue.

A funeral was held for three Palestinians, including an 84-year-old man, his son, and granddaughter, killed in a drone attack on a tent in central Gaza. Several family members were critically injured. Heavy artillery was reported in Deir el-Balah and Nuseirat refugee camp. The Israeli military issued an evacuation order for parts of Nuseirat. Two people were killed in Bureij refugee camp due to artillery, and two others were killed in Gaza City while collecting firewood. Residents are struggling to find access to water and food supplies amidst ongoing attacks.

Omar Barghouti is co-founder of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign, a grassroots Palestinian movement inspired by the South African anti-apartheid struggle. One of the most prominent Palestinian human rights defenders, Omar has been recognized internationally for his campaigning. In 2017, he received the Gandhi Peace Prize for his work. In the first interview of Al Jazeera’s new series Reframe, author and journalist Fatima Bhutto speaks to Omar about the history of Palestinian non-violent resistance and its legacy and effectiveness in defending Palestinian rights. Omar also speaks about how the unprecedented international solidarity with Palestinians is affecting BDS as Israel continues its war on Gaza.

Firefighters are racing to cut off spreading wildfires around Los Angeles before potentially strong winds return, while new evacuation warnings left more homeowners on edge. An intense effort was underway on Saturday in the upscale Los Angeles neighbourhood of Pacific Palisades, after the wildfire there expanded into additional areas overnight.

Russian offensives on the frontlines of northeastern Ukraine have escalated, forcing many residents in the Kharkiv region to flee. Nearly three years into the conflict, local fatigue is mounting, with an increasing number of people advocating for a negotiated settlement to end the war. The relentless attacks have damaged infrastructure and left communities struggling for safety and stability.

An Israeli strike on a school housing forcibly displaced Palestinians in Gaza, has killed at least eight people. Children were among them. The attack took place in Jabalia, north of the Strip. Dozens of others have been injured and taken to Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City.