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Palestinians Face Delays at Rafah Border Crossing Amidst Reopening Efforts

Palestinians Face Delays at Rafah Border Crossing Amidst Reopening Efforts

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened, allowing limited movement for Palestinians after a prolonged closure. The reopening follows diplomatic efforts, including visits by American officials to Israel. Despite the reopening, only a small number of Palestinians have been able to cross, with 36 medical patients and 62 companions leaving for Egypt in the first four days. The crossing is part of a U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement, but delays and reports of mistreatment by Israeli forces and an Israeli-backed Palestinian armed group have marred the process. Nearly 20,000 Palestinians are seeking to leave Gaza for medical care, highlighting the urgent humanitarian needs in the region.

Confusion at Rafah Crossing Reopening Leaves Palestinians Stranded

Confusion at Rafah Crossing Reopening Leaves Palestinians Stranded

The partial reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt has been marked by confusion and logistical challenges, resulting in fewer Palestinians crossing than expected. Initially, it was announced that 150 Palestinians per day would be allowed to leave Gaza, but reports varied, and the actual numbers were much lower. Many Palestinians, including those with medical referrals, have been unable to cross, leading to frustration and hardship. The crossing process involves multiple security checks, and those who managed to cross described the journey as arduous and exhausting.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Addresses Energy Crisis Amid Russian Attacks

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Addresses Energy Crisis Amid Russian Attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has highlighted the severe impact of Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages and heating issues amid freezing temperatures. In Kyiv, residents are experiencing electricity for only a few hours daily, with communal heating points being set up to provide temporary relief. The national grid company, Ukrenergo, is working to repair the damage from recent attacks, which have targeted power plants and substations. The situation is exacerbated by the reliance on centralized heating systems, a legacy of the Soviet era, making urban areas particularly vulnerable. The U.S. had previously proposed an energy de-escalation initiative, which Ukraine agreed to, but Russia has not responded.

Rafah Crossing Reopens Amidst Delays and Mistreatment Allegations

Rafah Crossing Reopens Amidst Delays and Mistreatment Allegations

The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened after a two-day closure, allowing a limited number of Palestinians to travel. This reopening is part of a U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The crossing had been closed due to operational confusion, and its reopening marks the first time since mid-2024 that it has been accessible. However, Palestinians returning to Gaza have reported experiencing delays and invasive searches by Israeli authorities, which Israel denies. The crossing is crucial for Palestinians seeking medical treatment unavailable in Gaza, with nearly 20,000 people reportedly needing to leave for such care. The reopening follows Israel's retrieval of the last hostage in Gaza and pressure from U.S. officials. Hamas has expressed willingness to discuss disarmament as part of ongoing ceasefire negotiations, proposing a 10-year weapons reduction period and an international peacekeeping presence in Gaza.

Ukraine Seeks Polish Assistance Following Russian Attacks on Power Grid

Ukraine Seeks Polish Assistance Following Russian Attacks on Power Grid

Ukraine has requested emergency aid from Poland after a massive Russian attack on its energy infrastructure. The strikes targeted key power plants, causing widespread outages and leaving many without heat or electricity in freezing temperatures. Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed the request for assistance, as the damage has led to emergency outages in most regions. The attacks coincide with ongoing negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S., which have yet to resolve territorial disputes and security concerns.

Saudi Arabia deploys cash and clout in Yemen after ousting UAE

Saudi Arabia deploys cash and clout in Yemen after ousting UAE

By Timour Azhari MUKALLA, Yemen/RIYADH - After pushing the United Arab Emirates out of Yemen late last year, Saudi Arabia is deploying political capital and billions of dollars in a bid to bring its southern neighbor more firmly under its control, a sign of Riyadh reasserting itself regionally after

Carter Center Reports Historic Low in Guinea Worm Cases, Nearing Eradication

Carter Center Reports Historic Low in Guinea Worm Cases, Nearing Eradication

The Carter Center announced a historic low of only 10 reported cases of Guinea worm infections in 2025, confined to Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. This marks a significant decline from previous years, continuing the legacy of former President Carter, who championed the eradication of the parasite. The Guinea worm, contracted through contaminated water, has been a target of eradication efforts since the mid-1980s when it afflicted millions. The Carter Center's program, in collaboration with government health ministries and other organizations, has focused on public education, volunteer training, and water filter distribution to combat the disease.

Iran Seizes Oil Tankers, Heightens Tensions in Strait of Hormuz Ahead of US Talks

Iran Seizes Oil Tankers, Heightens Tensions in Strait of Hormuz Ahead of US Talks

Iran has seized two foreign oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, accusing them of smuggling fuel. The incident occurred just hours before scheduled US-Iran talks in Oman. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims the tankers were part of a fuel-smuggling network and has detained 15 foreign crew members. This move comes amid escalating rhetoric from Iran, with threats of violence in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil trade. The seizures highlight the growing tensions between Iran and the US as they prepare for high-stakes negotiations.

Zelenskyy Criticizes Ukrainian Air Force Amid Russian Drone Attacks Impacting Civilians

Zelenskyy Criticizes Ukrainian Air Force Amid Russian Drone Attacks Impacting Civilians

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Ukrainian air force in response to ongoing Russian drone attacks. These attacks have targeted civilian areas, particularly focusing on Ukraine's power grid, leading to widespread blackouts and disruptions in heating and water supplies during the harsh winter. Zelenskyy has discussed with defense officials the need for improved air defense measures, although specific strategies were not disclosed. Recent Russian assaults involved 328 drones and seven missiles, with Ukrainian defenses reportedly downing 297 drones. The attacks have resulted in casualties and significant damage, including in the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. The situation remains dire as Ukraine's electricity network faces its most severe crisis of the winter.

IDF Conducts Major West Bank Raids, Arrests 60 and Seizes Weapons

IDF Conducts Major West Bank Raids, Arrests 60 and Seizes Weapons

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted extensive counterterrorism operations across the West Bank, resulting in the arrest of approximately 60 individuals. These operations targeted members of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, who were involved in the creation of explosive devices. The IDF also seized a significant cache of weapons, including M16 rifles and other military equipment. In addition to these arrests, the IDF carried out over 100 operations in the Etzion Regional Brigade area, which included the destruction of a house belonging to a terrorist responsible for a previous attack. Concurrently, the IDF launched strikes in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City in response to ceasefire violations by Hamas, targeting weapon manufacturing and storage facilities.

Clashes intensify in remote east Congo, challenging US mediation

Clashes intensify in remote east Congo, challenging US mediation

Feb 6 (Reuters) - Nurses at the general hospital in Fizi, a town ringed by steep highlands in eastern Congo’s South Kivu province, hurried the wounded soldier into surgery after he was brought in slumped on the back of a motorbike.

Rafah Border Crossing Reopens Amidst Restrictions and Delays for Gaza Residents

Rafah Border Crossing Reopens Amidst Restrictions and Delays for Gaza Residents

The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened, marking a significant development after two years of closure due to conflict. This reopening is part of a fragile ceasefire agreement. However, the process has been marred by disagreements over who is allowed to cross, lengthy delays, and reports of mistreatment by Israeli authorities. The crossing is crucial as it serves as the only link to the outside world not controlled by Israel. Despite the reopening, only a limited number of people have been able to cross. According to United Nations data, in the first four days, only 36 Palestinians needing medical care and 62 companions were allowed to leave for Egypt. The crossing was temporarily closed on Friday and Saturday due to these issues.