The United States is engaging in direct talks with Hamas as negotiations on a ceasefire agreement between the Palestinian armed group and Israel are hanging by a thread. “These are ongoing talks and discussions, I’m not going to detail them here, there are American lives at stake,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday, confirming a report by Axios media outlet that talks between the two sides were taking place.

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation in an effort to soothe voters' concerns over the new US administration's upending of the international order.

Arab leaders approve Egypt's plan for Gaza's future -- including major reconstruction and elections. It follows President Trump's proposal to forcibly expel Palestinians and turn Gaza into a US-controlled beach resort. Can the Arab nations' plan become reality?

AI is being used to save Indigenous languages, but is it the right fix? One new project aims to use tech to help keep these languages alive without replacing human connection.

Professor Sami Al-Arian from Istanbul Zaim University says the Arab plan provides a roadmap for Gaza, rejecting Trump’s proposal and forced expulsion. The 91-page document does not call for Hamas’ disarmament or removal but suggests all arms be under one authority. It aligns with Palestinian demands, including Israeli withdrawal, reconstruction, lifting the siege, and reopening Rafah Crossing. A technocratic commission would govern Gaza, with Hamas remaining in the background. The plan aims to balance Palestinian interests but is unlikely to satisfy the US and Israel.

Wednesday marks the fourth day Israel has blocked all goods and humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, while the ceasefire deal is in limbo. The UN says food prices have more than doubled. Rights groups have condemned the decision to block desperately needed food, fuel and medicine, accusing Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war. Palestinians say they fear famine will return to Gaza if the war restarts.

Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow of the MENA Program at Chatham House and a specialist in Israeli politics, joins Al Jazeera’s live from London. He discusses Israel’s response to the proposed plan, noting that while it was expected, the lack of a clear strategy on removing Hamas raises concerns. Mekelberg points out that US leverage over Israel remains uncertain, especially given Washington’s con-sistent stance on Gaza’s future. He also comments on the absence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from recent talks, suggesting it signals a strategic message, particularly toward Donald Trump. With Steve Witkoff expected in the region, he questions whether this will bring any real change for Pales-tinians, who remain in a state of limbo as Israel halts aid and no discussions progress on the next cease-fire phase.

senior political analyst Marwan Bishara highlights that the core issue in the Middle East is not a "Palestine problem" but an "Israel problem." He emphasizes that for over seven decades, Israel’s aggression, domination, and wars—often backed by the United States and other Western powers—have caused suffering across the region, particularly in neighboring Arab countries. Bishara suggests that the real "elephant in the room" is a "white elephant," a concept referring to a losing investment. He argues that nations betting on the United States and Israel through normalization efforts are making a costly miscalculation.

Donald Trump delivered his first address to Congress since returning to the White House, outlining his second-term vision after a radical start that has dramatically reshaped both domestic and foreign policy.

United States President Donald Trump is addressing a joint session of Congress for the first time during his second term, taking a victory lap after 43 days back in office.