Wednesday Briefing: Israel Threatens to End the Cease-Fire
Israel threatened to end the Gaza cease-fire Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, yesterday warned that “intense fighting” would resume in Gaza if Hamas did not release hostages by noon on Saturday. His statements closely echoed President Trump’s threats against Hamas on Monday after the Palestinian group said it would postpone releasing hostages. Netanyahu … Read more
Gaza Truce Imperiled as Netanyahu and Hamas Send Dueling Warnings
The future of the cease-fire in Gaza and the territory’s long-term fate hung in the balance on Tuesday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel warned Hamas that if the scheduled release of hostages did not take place on Saturday, Israeli troops would resume “intense fighting.” Mr. Netanyahu’s warning came after Hamas said on Monday … Read more
Who Is Marc Fogel? The American Teacher Caught in a Global Power Struggle.
Marc Fogel had traveled readily to and from Russia many times before his fateful last return to the country in August 2021. He had taught history for almost a decade, mostly to the children of diplomats, at the Anglo-American School in Moscow. But on entering Russia ahead of what he had decided would be his … Read more
Maria Teresa Horta, the Last of Portugal’s ‘Three Marias,’ Dies at 87
Maria Teresa Horta, a Portuguese feminist writer who helped shatter her conservative country’s strictures on women, died on Feb. 4 at her home in Lisbon. She was 87. Her death was announced on Facebook by her publisher, Dom Quixote. The Portuguese prime minister, Luis Montenegro, paid tribute to her on X, calling her “an important … Read more
Trump Claims the U.S. Has Authority to ‘Take’ Gaza
President Trump insisted Tuesday that the United States has the authority to “take” Gaza and that other countries in the region will absorb the Palestinians who currently live there, speaking as he sat beside Jordan’s king in the Oval Office. “We will have Gaza,” Mr. Trump said. “It’s a war-torn area. We’re going to take … Read more
Deportation Flights Return Migrants From U.S. to Venezuela
Two flights carrying Venezuelan migrants from the United States back to Venezuela will arrive late Monday in the capital, Caracas, the country’s communication’s ministry said. The flights are a major victory for the Trump administration, which made a campaign promise to deport millions of undocumented migrants. To accomplish this goal, President Trump needs Nicolás Maduro, … Read more
Bus Plunges off Bridge in Guatemala City, Killing at Least 53
At least 53 people were killed on Monday when a bus crossing a bridge in Guatemala City collided with several other vehicles and then plunged into a ravine, according to government officials. The bus was lodged in a hard-to-reach area and submerged in a river of sewage. Luggage and personal belongings could be seen scattered … Read more
Jordan’s King Faces a Bind as He Meets With Trump
In July 2021, the first time that King Abdullah II of Jordan met with President Joseph R. Biden Jr., he was greeted warmly as a reliable American partner whose country is a bulwark for security in the Middle East. “You live in a tough neighborhood,” Mr. Biden said as they sat in the Oval Office. … Read more
Luis Rubiales, Spain’s Former Top Soccer Official, Testifies About Kissing Star Player
Luis Rubiales, who resigned as Spain’s top soccer official after he forcibly kissed a player, testified at his sexual assault trial on Tuesday that he did so as a sign of affection in “a situation of extraordinary joy.” Mr. Rubiales has also been charged with coercion in connection with the episode, in which he pressed … Read more