Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan orchestrated a diplomatic effort to prevent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from attending a high-level summit in Egypt, according to a senior official. The summit, held at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, aimed to support the ceasefire in Gaza. Omer Celik, spokesman for Erdogan’s ruling party, confirmed that Turkey had actively worked to block Netanyahu’s participation, marking the first public acknowledgment of Ankara’s role in the matter. Erdogan, a vocal critic of Netanyahu’s military actions in Gaza, reportedly gained support from several nations to ensure the Israeli leader’s absence. Netanyahu’s office initially accepted a last-minute invitation but later cited a Jewish holiday as the reason for his withdrawal. Erdogan, who maintains ties with Hamas, signed a four-party declaration alongside U.S. President Donald Trump and the leaders of Egypt and Qatar. In a speech, Erdogan hailed the declaration as a significant step toward halting what he described as ‘genocide’ in Gaza, a claim Israel strongly denies. The Turkish president also emphasized the long-term challenges of rebuilding Gaza, stating that the devastation may never be fully repaired. Meanwhile, Erdogan’s plane aborted its landing at Sharm el-Sheikh due to a runway issue, dismissing rumors of a boycott threat.
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Trump administration looks for ways to pay federal officers during shutdown
As the US government shutdown enters its third week, federal law enforcement officers, deemed ‘essential,’ are required to continue working despite not receiving their salaries. The Trump administration is actively seeking alternative funding mechanisms to ensure these officers are compensated, even as Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked over the budget impasse. President Donald Trump has already authorized the use of previously allocated Pentagon funds to pay military personnel, but the financial resources needed to cover law enforcement officers remain unclear. A spokesperson for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) confirmed that alternative payment solutions are being explored. Affected agencies include the FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), US Border Patrol, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Meanwhile, Vice-President JD Vance has warned of further ‘painful’ cuts if the shutdown persists. Approximately 750,000 federal employees, or 40% of the workforce, have been furloughed or sent home without pay, with layoffs already affecting at least seven agencies. In a separate development, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced an ‘innovative’ method to ensure Coast Guard members are paid, though details were not disclosed. Additionally, tariff revenue is being redirected to fund the Special Supplementation Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which supports over 6.5 million beneficiaries. However, the National WIC Association cautioned that this is not a permanent solution, and prolonged shutdown could jeopardize millions of recipients. Congressional Democrats are reportedly drafting legislation to safeguard WIC funding, emphasizing its importance beyond the annual budget process. The Senate is set to vote again on government funding, though passage remains unlikely.
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My friend Bipin threw back Hamas grenade – and saved my life
In a harrowing tale of bravery and tragedy, Bipin Joshi, a 23-year-old Nepalese student, displayed extraordinary courage during the Hamas attack on Israel two years ago. According to his fellow student, Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary, Bipin threw back a grenade aimed at their bunker, saving lives but ultimately being taken hostage. Bipin’s body was recently identified among the four dead hostages returned by Hamas under the Gaza ceasefire accord. The attack on Kibbutz Alumim, where Bipin and 15 other Nepalese agriculture students were working under Israel’s ‘Earn and Learn Programme’, resulted in the deaths of ten students and the capture of Bipin. Dhan Bahadur, who survived the attack, credits Bipin’s quick thinking for his own survival. The Nepalese community, both in Israel and back home, is mourning the loss of Bipin, who had dreams of starting his own enterprise and improving his life. The Israeli government is making arrangements to repatriate Bipin’s remains to Nepal, while his family and friends grapple with the devastating news. Bipin’s story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring bonds of friendship and courage.
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US Supreme Court rejects Alex Jones appeal in Sandy Hook shooting case
The US Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal from controversial right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who sought to overturn a nearly $1.5 billion defamation judgment against him. The ruling stems from Jones’ false claims that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, which claimed the lives of 20 children and six educators, was a hoax. The judgment, issued in 2022, has forced Jones to sell his media company, Infowars, to satirical news outlet The Onion, a move he argued would cause irreparable harm to him and his 30 million followers. Despite the court’s decision, Jones has yet to pay any of the damages owed to the victims’ families. The Supreme Court did not provide an explanation for its refusal to hear the case. Jones’ legal team argued that his statements were protected under the First Amendment, akin to journalistic freedoms, and that the financial penalties were excessively punitive. In his appeal, Jones described the judgment as a ‘financial death penalty.’ While a bankruptcy judge previously blocked The Onion’s attempt to acquire Infowars, the media company may soon be back on the market, offering The Onion another opportunity. Legal challenges against Jones have intensified since two juries found him liable for defamation and emotional distress related to his false claims about the Sandy Hook tragedy. Following the initial verdict in Connecticut, Jones filed for bankruptcy in Texas, prompting the auction of Infowars to satisfy the judgment. During Texas court proceedings, Jones admitted the Sandy Hook attack was ‘100% real,’ a stark reversal from his earlier assertions that the event was staged as part of a government conspiracy to disarm Americans.
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Gulf job market adds 7 million workers as UAE leads shift toward gender-inclusive growth
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) job market has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past five years, with employment surging by nearly 7 million workers, according to the latest data from the Gulf Statistical Center. Between 2020 and 2024, the total workforce across the GCC grew from 28 million to 34.9 million, marking a 24.8% increase. This growth has been driven by robust labour market reforms, private-sector development, and a significant rise in female workforce participation, which expanded by 11.6% during the same period, from 2.8 million to 3.1 million women. The UAE has emerged as a regional leader in fostering a more dynamic, diversified, and inclusive labour market, particularly through its Emiratisation programme, Nafis, which has expanded to include small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and incentivised private-sector employment for Emiratis. Across the GCC, targeted reforms such as Saudi Arabia’s Saudisation policies, Kuwait’s private-sector incentives, and Bahrain’s flexible work permits have further bolstered workforce growth. Notably, women’s participation in the workforce has been a standout trend, with female nationals increasing from 2.2 million to 2.3 million between 2023 and 2024. However, challenges remain in achieving gender parity in leadership roles, as women still account for only 28% of promotions in top-performing companies. Despite this, 95% of leading companies in the region now offer leadership training for women, and 79% provide formal mentoring, signalling a cultural shift toward greater workplace inclusivity. Experts predict that the Gulf’s focus on integrating women into growth sectors like technology, finance, and renewable energy could mark a historic turning point for gender parity, with the UAE’s inclusive economic agenda serving as a model for the wider region.
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South Africa’s health minister hails new HIV prevention jab but warns of limited supply
South Africa’s Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, has hailed the introduction of lenacapavir, the world’s first twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, as a groundbreaking development in the fight against the disease. However, he cautioned that the initial supply, funded by a $29.2 million Global Fund grant and an additional $5 million from the Networking HIV and AIDS Community of Southern Africa (NACOSA), will be limited to nearly half a million people in the country with the highest HIV prevalence rate. The rollout is scheduled to begin in April 2026, targeting 23 high-incidence districts across six provinces and 360 high-performing public clinics. Motsoaledi emphasized that prioritizing vulnerable populations in high-burden areas would maximize the impact in preventing new infections. The announcement follows the U.S. government’s recent pledge to purchase 2 million doses of the drug for low-income countries. Despite the optimism, Motsoaledi warned against complacency, citing the severe impact of abrupt funding cuts from USAID and other U.S. sources in early 2025 on HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis programs. While Gilead Sciences has reduced the annual cost of lenacapavir to $40 per person, South Africa aims to fund the program independently, with long-term sustainability dependent on integrating the drug into local systems. The World Health Organization has endorsed lenacapavir as an additional prevention option, and Gilead is expediting its registration in 18 high-incidence countries, including South Africa, until generic versions become available in 2027. However, the exclusion of South African manufacturers from Gilead’s voluntary licensing agreements has sparked criticism, with civil society leaders accusing the company of neglecting principles of fairness and inclusivity. Despite these challenges, UNAIDS has welcomed the investment, highlighting the potential of long-acting injectable medicines to reduce barriers to HIV prevention and expand choices for at-risk populations.
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Trump: ‘I’m talking about rebuilding Gaza’
During a press briefing aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump addressed questions regarding the stability of the recently negotiated ceasefire in Gaza. The BBC’s Tom Bateman pressed the President on whether the fragile truce would hold. Trump responded by emphasizing his focus on the broader vision of rebuilding Gaza, stating, ‘I’m talking about rebuilding Gaza.’ This statement underscores the administration’s commitment to not only maintaining peace but also fostering long-term development in the region. The ceasefire, brokered amidst escalating tensions, has been a critical point of discussion in international diplomacy. Trump’s remarks suggest a shift from immediate conflict resolution to sustainable reconstruction efforts, potentially signaling a new phase in U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
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‘Biggest thing since independence’ – Cape Verde celebrates World Cup spot
In a historic moment for Cape Verde, the small Atlantic archipelago nation secured its first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup. The Blue Sharks achieved this milestone with a decisive 3-0 victory over Eswatini in their final qualifying match, sparking nationwide celebrations. The winning goal, scored by Stopira in the 91st minute, sent fans into a frenzy, with the National Stadium in Praia erupting in a sea of blue, red, and white flags. For Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony with a population of just over half a million, this achievement is being hailed as the most significant event since gaining independence in 1975. Head coach Bubista described the moment as ‘enormous,’ emphasizing its importance during the nation’s 50th anniversary of independence. The celebrations extended beyond the stadium, with fans gathering at fan zones across the islands and the party continuing at the Estadio da Varzea, a venue steeped in historical significance. Cape Verde now joins the ranks of the smallest nations to qualify for the World Cup, following Iceland. The team’s success has ignited hope for future achievements, with technical director Rui Costa drawing parallels to other African nations that have used World Cup qualification as a catalyst for transformation. As Cape Verde prepares for its debut on the global stage, the nation is united in pride and anticipation, ready to showcase its talent and passion for football to the world.
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Can Trump’s ‘shock and awe’ doctrine extend beyond Gaza?
U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Israel and Egypt marked a pivotal moment in his second term, as he oversaw the initial implementation of the Gaza peace agreement. This accord, aimed at ending the two-year conflict in the region, is being hailed as a potential cornerstone of Trump’s foreign policy legacy, potentially surpassing the Abraham Accords of his first term, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. The swift negotiation of this ceasefire has brought renewed attention to the so-called ‘Trump Doctrine’—a high-energy, unconventional approach to global diplomacy. Central to this doctrine is a leaner, more agile decision-making structure within the administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as National Security Adviser, has streamlined the National Security Council, reducing staff from 350 to 150. This restructuring has enabled faster, more decisive action, though it has not been without controversy. For instance, the use of Signal app group chats for classified discussions led to security concerns and the ousting of Trump’s first national security adviser, Michael Waltz. Rubio has since implemented a more sustainable communication method, relying on direct channels with key advisers like Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The administration’s reliance on special envoys, such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has also drawn both praise and criticism. While their unorthodox roles have facilitated high-level negotiations, questions about conflicts of interest persist. Trump’s personal diplomacy, characterized by a ‘shock and awe’ approach, has been instrumental in securing the Gaza deal. His ability to balance public support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with private interventions, such as preventing the annexation of the West Bank, underscores his unique style. However, the sustainability of these breakthroughs remains uncertain. Critics point to the vagueness of Trump’s 20-point peace plan and the potential for it to unravel. As Trump pursues separate diplomatic deals with China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, the true test of his doctrine will be whether he can drive a wedge between these adversaries and weaken their strategic alliances. The Gaza accord may be a significant achievement, but its long-term impact on global geopolitics is yet to be seen.
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24 hours with Trump on diplomatic tornado through Middle East
In a whirlwind diplomatic tour, former U.S. President Donald Trump heralded a ‘historic day’ as a ceasefire agreement in Gaza came into effect, marking a pivotal moment after two years of devastating conflict. Trump, speaking to the BBC’s Tom Bateman aboard Air Force One, described the deal as a turning point in the millennia-long strife of the region, asserting that ‘everlasting peace’ had been achieved under his leadership. The agreement, brokered in Doha, saw the cessation of major combat operations, the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Trump’s visit to Israel was marked by grand gestures, including a fly-by of a beach displaying a giant ‘thank you’ sign and a red-carpet welcome from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, the fragility of the truce and the challenges of rebuilding Gaza loom large, with Trump’s optimism met by skepticism about the sustainability of the peace. The U.S. president’s speech in the Knesset, where he was hailed as the ‘president of peace,’ was a mix of celebration and political rhetoric, as he attacked his domestic opponents and appealed for Netanyahu’s pardon. The day concluded in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where Trump presided over a signing ceremony, declaring it had taken ‘3,000 years’ to reach this point, yet acknowledging the long road ahead for lasting peace in the Middle East.