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Israel conducting 'gradual de facto annexation' of W.Bank: UN official
A top UN official warned Wednesday that steps by Israel to tighten control of areas of the West Bank administered by the Palestinian Authority amount to "gradual de facto annexation."
Major US naval, air buildup sets stage for potential Iran war
The massive US military buildup in the Middle East, including warships, fighter jets, and refueling aircraft, lays the foundation for a potentially sustained campaign against Iran -- should President Donald Trump give the order.
White House tells Iran to do deal as Trump hints at US strikes
The White House warned on Wednesday that Iran would be "wise" to do a deal with the United States as President Donald Trump once again hinted at military action.
Putin says Russia 'always' stands by Cuba, slams US sanctions
Moscow will "always" stand by Cuba, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Havana's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez in Moscow on Wednesday, reiterating support for the Caribbean island struggling against sweeping US sanctions.
Berlin Film Festival rejects accusation of censorship on Gaza
The director of the Berlin Film Festival on Wednesday rejected accusations from more than 80 film industry figures that the festival had helped censor artists who oppose Israel's actions in Gaza.
Paris prosecutor calls on Epstein victims in France to testify
A Paris prosecutor Wednesday called on potential victims of US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to come forward, as magistrates investigate possible offences committed in France or involving French victims or perpetrators.
First woman envoy for Palestine dies in France: family
Leila Shahid, the first woman diplomat representing Palestine abroad, died in southern France aged 76, her family said Wednesday.
Intense US naval, air power buildup sets stage for potential Iran war
The United States is building a major force of naval and air assets in the Middle East, potentially setting the stage for a sustained military campaign against Iran.
Denmark's King Frederik in Greenland for symbolic show of support
Denmark's King Frederik X arrived in Greenland on Wednesday for a three-day visit in a show of support for the autonomous Danish territory coveted by US President Donald Trump.
Japan's Takaichi formally reappointed as PM following election victory
Japan's Sanae Takaichi was formally reappointed as prime minister on Wednesday, 10 days after her historic landslide election victory.
Gabon cuts off Facebook, TikTok amid teachers' strike
Social media platforms including Facebook and TikTok were no longer available in Gabon on Wednesday, AFP journalists and a watchdog said, after regulators suspended them over security concerns amid an anti-government labour strike.
Ukraine's officials to boycott Paralympics over Russian flag decision
Ukrainian officials will boycott the Paralympic Winter Games, Kyiv said Wednesday, after the International Paralympic Committee allowed Russian athletes to compete under their national flag.
In reversal, US agrees to review new Moderna flu shot
Vaccine manufacturer Moderna said Wednesday the US Food and Drug Administration walked back its previous position and agreed to review the company's new mRNA-based flu shot.
Turkey MPs back moves to 'reintegrate' former Kurdish fighters
Kurdish fighters who have laid down their arms should be reintegrated into society, Turkish lawmakers urged in a key report released Wednesday, while ruling out an "amnesty".
Russia, Cuba slam US in Moscow show of solidarity
Russia and Cuba on Wednesday slammed the US energy blockade of the Caribbean island in a show of solidarity in Moscow, where Havana's foreign minister was due to meet with President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine war talks in Geneva end without agreement on territory
Ukraine and Russia made some progress at US-mediated talks in Geneva, but did not find a compromise on the key issue of territory, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday.
Gabon cuts off Facebook, TikTok after protests
Facebook and TikTok were no longer available in Gabon on Wednesday, AFP journalists said, after regulators said they were suspending social media over national security concerns amid anti-government protests.
Turkey MPs back moves to 'reintegrate' former PKK fighters
Kurdish fighters who have laid down their arms should be reintegrated into society, Turkish lawmakers urged in a key report released Wednesday, while avoiding any reference to an "amnesty".
Ukraine war talks end in Geneva, neither side signals progress
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators concluded a second day of US-mediated talks in Geneva on Wednesday, though neither side signalled they were any closer to ending Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II.
Ukraine war talks resume in Geneva after 'tense' first day
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators met for a second day of US-mediated talks in Geneva on Wednesday, after a "tense" first day of negotiations failed to yield a breakthrough on ending Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II.
US comedian Colbert says broadcaster spiked Democrat interview over Trump fears
US late-night host Stephen Colbert accused CBS on Tuesday of refusing to broadcast his interview with a Democratic Senate candidate over fears it would violate regulatory guidance from President Donald Trump's administration.
Kenyan activist fears for life after police bug phone
Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi said on Wednesday that he fears for his life after authorities installed spyware on his phone during his arrest last year.
Isabelle Huppert sinks teeth into Austrian vampire saga
French screen legend Isabelle Huppert's latest film, which has premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, sees her play a flamboyant aristocratic vampire in Ulrike Ottinger's "Die Blutgraefin" ("The Blood Countess").
'Close our eyes': To escape war, Muscovites flock to high culture
In front of Moscow's ornate Bolshoi Theatre, its soft yellow lights illuminating a snowstorm in the Russian capital, Valentina Ivakina had come to "escape today's problems".
Denmark king visits Greenland
Denmark's King Frederik X is due to start a three-day visit to Greenland on Wednesday, the royal house said, in a show of support to the autonomous Danish territory coveted by US President Donald Trump.
Uncut gems: Indian startups embrace AI despite job fears
Glinting under the exhibition centre lights, the gold brooch studded with gemstones on the startup founder's lapel was handmade by Indian artisans -- but artificial intelligence dreamt up its elaborate design.
Ukraine war talks to resume in Geneva as US signals progress
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators were to resume a second round of peace talks in Geneva on Wednesday, as Washington's top envoy signalled optimism in its bid to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II.
How Latin American countries are responding to Cuba's oil crisis
The US oil embargo on Cuba has drawn varied responses across Latin America, ranging from offers of aid and political support to silence about Havana's economic crisis.
Philippines VP Sara Duterte announces 2028 presidential run
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte announced Wednesday she will run for president of the Southeast Asian nation of 116 million in 2028.
Peru Congress impeaches interim president after four months in office
Peru's Congress on Tuesday impeached interim president Jose Jeri, the Latin American country's seventh head of state in 10 years and only the latest toppled over graft claims.
Hungry, wounded, orphaned: South Sudan's children trapped in new conflict
An 18-month-old boy lies motionless on a dirty hospital bed deep in the conflict zone of South Sudan, a bullet wound in his leg -- another newly orphaned victim in the world's newest country.
'Pay or he dies', families told as more Egyptians risk Mediterranean crossing
Weeks after Hamdy Ibrahim left his village in Egypt's Nile Delta hoping to reach Europe, his brother's phone rang with a chilling message from Libya: pay now or the boy would die.