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Eurovision faces withdrawals after Israel OK'd to compete
The Eurovision Song Contest -- the world's largest live music competition -- faced the prospect of mass withdrawals, after organisers opted not to vote on Israel's future participation, allowing it to take part in next year's event.
Trump envoys press plan with Ukraine as sanctions eased on Russia
President Donald Trump's envoys were to meet Thursday with Ukrainian negotiators for the third time in two weeks to press his plan to end the war as his administration eased economic pressure on Russia.
Global markets scent US rate cuts
World stock markets mostly rose Thursday after the latest batch of US data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates next week and in 2026.
Trump hosts Rwanda, DR Congo accord signing even as violence rages
President Donald Trump hosted the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday to sign a deal that the US leader has hailed as his latest peace triumph despite ongoing violence on the ground.
Hegseth's Signal use risked harm to US forces, watchdog says
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of commercial messaging app Signal to discuss strikes on Yemen risked compromising sensitive information and could have put troops at risk, the Pentagon's independent watchdog said Thursday.
UK, Norway to jointly 'hunt Russian submarines' under new pact
Britain and Norway on Thursday unveiled a new defence pact that will see their navies jointly operate a warship fleet to "hunt Russian submarines" in the North Atlantic.
European leaders in phone call voiced distrust of US over Ukraine: report
European leaders in a conference call this week voiced distrust of US efforts to negotiate an end to Russia's war in Ukraine, according to German news weekly Der Spiegel, which said it had obtained written notes on the call.
Trump favorite reclaims narrow lead in Honduras presidential vote
A right-wing Honduran presidential candidate backed by Donald Trump reclaimed a narrow lead over his rival Thursday on the fourth day of a plodding vote count.
UN Security Council says ready to support Syria on first-ever visit
A United Nations Security Council delegation made its first-ever visit to Syria on Thursday, pledging the international community's support for the country days before the anniversary of Bashar al-Assad's ousting.
Assumed likelihood of US rate cuts lifts global markets
World stock markets mostly rose Thursday after the latest batch of US data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut US interest rates next week and in 2026.
Suspect arrested in US capital pipe bomb case: media
A man was arrested on Thursday for allegedly planting pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican party headquarters on the eve of the January 6, 2021 US Capitol riot, US media reported.
Israel launches fresh strikes on south Lebanon after warnings
Israeli raids hit south Lebanon on Thursday as Israel's military said it was striking Hezbollah targets, a day after Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives held their first direct talks in decades.
Trump to sign Rwanda, DR Congo agreement even as violence rages
US President Donald Trump on Thursday brings the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo together to endorse a deal that Trump has hailed as his latest peace triumph despite ongoing violence on the ground.
South Africa prepared to 'take a break' from G20 after US ban
South Africa said Thursday it was prepared to wait out next year's G20 after being barred by the United States and did not expect other countries to lobby for its inclusion.
French rugby great Blanco eyes bid for Biarritz mayorship
French rugby great Serge Blanco announced on Thursday he would stand for mayor in the southwestern city of Biarritz, where he played his entire career and was also twice club president.
S.Africa must tackle 'xenophobic' health clinic protests, court says
South African authorities must do more to tackle a spate of "xenophobic" protests aimed at blocking access to clinics and hospitals to undocumented foreigners, a court ruled on Thursday.
Oil refinery shutdown could cost Serbia for years, experts warn
The fallout from the shutdown of Serbia's only oil refinery could last years, experts told AFP, putting thousands of jobs and the state's budget at risk -- as well as exposing the country to further sanctions.
South Africa will 'take a break' from G20 after US ban
South Africa said Thursday it was prepared to wait out next year's G20 after being barred by the United States and did not expect other countries to lobby for its inclusion.
Israel awaits return of last hostage remains from Gaza
Israel awaited the return of the last hostage remains held by Palestinian militants in Gaza, as the military said on Thursday that those of a Thai national had been identified after they were handed over.
Macron urges China to push for peace, rebalance trade
French President Emmanuel Macron appealed to Xi Jinping to help end the war in Ukraine and to tackle trade deficits as the two leaders met in Beijing on Thursday.
Keep energy infrastructure out of war, Turkey warns Moscow, Kyiv
Turkey warned Russia and Ukraine against targeting energy infrastructure following several Black Sea drone attacks claimed by Kyiv on Russia-linked tankers, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said.
Eurovision members debate call to boycott Israel
Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest will be debated at a two-day meeting of member broadcasters in Geneva starting Thursday, following calls to exclude the country over its Gaza war tactics.
Macron calls on China to work for peace, rebalance trade
French President Emmanuel Macron appealed to Xi Jinping to help end the war in Ukraine and tackle trade deficits as the two leaders met in Beijing's Great Hall on Thursday.
Seoul says six nationals held in North Korea, vows to help them
South Korea's presidential office confirmed Thursday that six of its citizens have been captive in North Korea for years, after President Lee Jae Myung appeared unaware of their plight during a briefing with foreign media.
Most EU citizens see 'high risk' of war with Russia: poll
A majority of citizens across nine EU countries see a high risk of war breaking out between the bloc's members and Russia, according to a survey by polling group Cluster 17 published Thursday in the French international affairs journal Le Grand Continent.
Macron tells Xi China, France must overcome 'differences'
French President Emmanuel Macron told Xi Jinping that France and China must overcome their "differences", as the two leaders met in Beijing on Thursday.
Daraya reborn: the rebels rebuilding Syria's deserted city
Like a ghost in the night, Bilal Shorba, the artist they call the "Syrian Banksy", slipped through the rubble of Daraya to paint his murals, praying that Bashar al-Assad's gunners wouldn't spot him.
Florida's Venezuelans divided on US military buildup
As the United States deploys more military forces and carries out airstrikes on boats in the Caribbean, Venezuelans in South Florida are divided over what President Donald Trump's next moves should be.
France's Macron meets Xi for Ukraine, trade talks
French President Emmanuel Macron met Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, where he is expected to push the Chinese leader to help secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, and discuss trade relations.
Putin visits India for defence, trade talks
President Vladimir Putin is set to begin a two-day visit to India on Thursday, seeking to deepen defence ties even as New Delhi faces growing US pressure to stop buying Russian oil.
Trump to sign Rwanda, DR Congo accord even as violence rages
US President Donald Trump on Thursday brings together the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo for what he will hail as his latest peace triumph despite ongoing violence on the ground.
France's Macron to meet Xi for Ukraine, trade talks
French President Emmanuel Macron will meet Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, when he is expected to put pressure on the Chinese leader to help secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, as well as discuss trade relations.