Daily News

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.

On Sunday, Israel once again cut off much-needed food, medicine and fuel into Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has been clear - the move is meant to pressure Hamas - into accepting a new set of ceasefire terms, in Israel's favour. And against what was agreed by both sides in January's ceasefire deal. But despite Israel's clear intent to use starvation as leverage, the global response has largely been muted. While Arab countries have condemned the blockade - the US and Europe do not appear willing to hold Israel to the terms of the original agreement. So, can Israel ever be held to account? And if so, how?

At an Emergency Arab summit on Gaza reconstruction, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi highlighted Gaza’s suffering and urged lasting peace. He stressed that Palestinians must remain on their land and called for adopting a Gaza reconstruction plan. El-Sisi stated that peace cannot be enforced by force and pledged security training for Gaza officials. He urged leaders to restore hope for those affected by the war. Before handing over to the Arab League chief, he expressed confidence in US President Trump’s ability to achieve Middle East peace.

After clashing with US President Donald Trump over support, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy turned to London for European and UK backing. His reception was warmer, but without US help, can Europe step up to defend the country?

From Cape Town to the occupied West Bank, spatial segregation shapes urban landscapes, reinforcing inequality and prejudice. We speak with those directly affected, who are working to expose the challenges their communities face.

Amena Karimyan dreams of flying to the moon. As a civil engineer and self-taught astronomer in Afghanistan, she founded the astronomical club, Kayhana. Using a handmade model of the planets, she encouraged young girls to reach for the stars. After the Taliban returned to power, Amena was forbidden from teaching and fled to Germany. Her dreams of becoming an astronaut seem almost within her grasp. But she finds herself stuck between the burden of her past, German bureaucracy and her ambitions. While she continues to share her love of the planets and refuses to give up on her dreams, Amena embarks upon a mission to find her place on Earth.