Turkish foreign minister demands non-Syrian militants leave SDF for Northern Syria stability

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called for the immediate withdrawal of all non-Syrian elements from the SDF, a group Ankara links to the PKK. Speaking at the Doha Forum, Fidan also stated Türkiye’s readiness to join an international force in Gaza and urged urgent US diplomacy to address Israeli ceasefire violations.

Erdoğan stresses need for US-Venezuela dialogue in call with Maduro

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication channels between the United States and Venezuela during a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro. The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations and key regional developments.

Turkish foreign minister holds talks with Somali president in Doha

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on the sidelines of the Doha Forum. The discussions reinforce the ongoing strategic partnership between Ankara and Mogadishu, though specific details of the talks were not disclosed.

Turkish foreign minister lauds Qatar's evolution into a global mediation power

Speaking at the Doha Forum, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan praised Qatar's expanding diplomatic role, declaring it a "global mediator" instrumental in resolving conflicts beyond the Middle East. He also reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to regional stability, criticizing Israeli ceasefire violations and offering Turkish troops for a Gaza stabilization force.

Netanyahu to meet Trump this month to advance Gaza ceasefire plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House later this month to discuss the challenging second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. Netanyahu also stated he will not leave politics even if granted a presidential pardon for his ongoing corruption trial.

Education's "healing power" key to building a better world: Turkish education minister

Turkish National Education Minister Yusuf Tekin emphasized the transformative power of education at the 5th Istanbul Education Summit. The event, bringing together international experts, focused on moving beyond academic metrics to nurture social-emotional skills and foster inclusive, community-based learning models.

Sudanese medics report 19 women raped by RSF forces in Darfur

Medical groups in Sudan have reported that 19 women, including two who were pregnant, were sexually assaulted by members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The attacks occurred as the women fled conflict in El-Fasher, highlighting ongoing atrocities in the civil war.

US envoy praises Syria's cooperation in potential deal with Israel

US Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack has commended the Syrian government's cooperative stance in negotiations aimed at a potential agreement with Israel. He stated that while Damascus is complying with US requests, progress is being hampered by Israel's lack of trust in the process.

Israeli president Herzog rejects Trump's pressure to pardon Netanyahu

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has affirmed his country's judicial sovereignty, rebuffing pressure from US President Donald Trump to grant a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Herzog confirmed receiving a pardon request, which he will review based on Israel's national interest and legal requirements.

Report documents 57 Israeli violations against Palestinian journalists in November

A report by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) documented 57 violations and assaults against journalists by Israeli forces and settlers in November. The incidents, ranging from physical attacks to equipment confiscation, are described as a systematic effort to silence media coverage in the West Bank and Gaza.

Macron to join European leaders in London for Ukraine war talks

French President Emmanuel Macron announced he will attend a summit in London with the leaders of Ukraine, Germany, and the United Kingdom to coordinate support for Kyiv. The meeting comes as Macron condemned Russia's latest large-scale strikes on Ukrainian energy and rail infrastructure.

UN chief vows to keep advocating for Palestinian statehood

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has pledged to persistently advocate for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, declaring he "will not shut up" on the issue. Speaking to young journalists, he also issued a stark warning on global crises, criticizing a "paralyzed" Security Council and acknowledging his generation's failure on climate action.

UN security council calls for full adherence to Lebanon ceasefire deal

Following a two-day visit to Beirut, UN Security Council President Samuel Zbogar urged all parties to fully commit to the November 2024 ceasefire agreement. He reaffirmed the Council's support for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, amid regional tensions and reports of Israeli preparations for potential escalation.

Egypt proposes international force to monitor Gaza ceasefire

Egypt's Foreign Minister has called for the urgent deployment of an international stabilization force along Gaza's 'yellow line' to oversee the fragile ceasefire with Israel. He accused Israel of daily violations and stressed that Egypt will not allow the Rafah crossing to be used for Palestinian displacement.

Italy's broadcaster supports Israel's Eurovision participation despite boycott calls

Italy's public broadcaster, RAI, has declared its support for Israel's inclusion in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. The announcement follows the EBU's approval of Israel's entry and comes as several other European nations withdraw from the competition in protest against Israel's military actions in Gaza. RAI emphasized its commitment to the event as a unifying cultural platform.

Turkish FM ready to 'do whatever it takes' for Gaza peace force

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated Türkiye is prepared to contribute significantly to an International Stabilization Force for Gaza, outlining a phased approach starting with separating forces along the border.

Turkish FM Fidan meets Qatari premier on sidelines of Doha Forum

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a bilateral meeting with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani as the 23rd Doha Forum commenced in the Qatari capital.

251 million children lack access to education, Turkish first lady says

At the Istanbul Education Summit, Emine Erdogan highlighted stark global disparities, noting 33% of children in low-income nations are out of school, as Syria's first lady described war's impact on learning.

EU's Kallas calls US 'biggest ally' despite critical security strategy

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged US criticism of Europe but stressed the transatlantic alliance remains essential, following a new US strategy document that accuses the EU of overregulation and civilizational decline.

German Chancellor Merz backs US peace plan in call with Abbas

Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed strong support for the US-led Gaza peace initiative in a phone call with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, urging reforms within the Palestinian Authority.

Syrian and Lebanese leaders meet in Doha to strengthen bilateral ties

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam held talks on the sidelines of the Doha Forum, discussing ways to enhance cooperation between the two neighboring nations.

France and China call for steps to implement two-state solution in Gaza

After a state visit by President Emmanuel Macron, France and China issued a joint statement urging "favorable conditions" for a two-state solution in Gaza and announcing enhanced cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy.

Sudan accuses RSF of killing 79 civilians, including 43 children, in strike

The Sudanese government has accused the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary of a drone strike on a kindergarten and hospital in West Kordofan, killing 79 civilians, many of them children, in what it calls a "massacre."

Trump meets Mexican, Canadian leaders after World Cup draw in Washington

Donald Trump held a private meeting with Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss trade and immigration, amid tensions and an upcoming USMCA review.

Italy's Meloni says European security autonomy is key to political freedom

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni argued that Europe must achieve autonomous defense capabilities to be a major power, while affirming Italy's support for Ukraine and its conditions for recognizing Palestine.