NETANYAHU CONFIRMS CEASEFIRE TALKS AMID GAZA OFFENSIVE PLANS

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that if a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is reached, the military offensive in Rafah could be "delayed somewhat." Netanyahu also mentioned that total victory in Gaza is "weeks away" once the offensive begins. He confirmed that a ceasefire deal is in progress but did not provide details. Israeli media reported that mediators were making progress on an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Talks resumed in Qatar at the specialist level, with further discussions planned in Cairo to achieve the ceasefire and release. Meanwhile, Israel is planning to expand its offensive against Hamas to Rafah on the Gaza-Egypt border, where over half of Gaza's population have sought refuge. Netanyahu intends to convene the cabinet to approve operational plans for action in Rafah, including the evacuation of civilians.

FRENCH GOVT. DEPORTS TUNISIAN IMAM FOR CONTROVERSIAL COMMENTS ON FRENCH FLAG

In response to what it considered unacceptable comments regarding the French flag, the French government deported Tunisian Imam Mahjoub Mahjoubi, labeling him a "radical Imam." This action followed his arrest for statements he made. Mahjoubi, who had resided in France for 38 years, was swiftly expelled after less than 12 hours in detention, according to French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin.

Previously, Mahjoubi had been in administrative detention in the Paris region, and details of his expulsion were not disclosed. France's radio and TV network, Franceinfo, reported that Mahjoubi was on a flight to Tunis Thursday evening.

The controversy arose from a social media post in which Mahjoubi described the French tricolor flag as "satanic." The French Interior Ministry justified his expulsion, accusing him of promoting a literal, backward, intolerant, and violent conception of Islam. The Ministry suggested that such ideologies could incite behaviors contrary to French values, leading to his rapid deportation.

US AND UK CONDUCT FOURTH ROUND OF STRIKES AGAINST HOUTHI TARGETS IN YEMEN

The US and Britain launched airstrikes against 18 Houthi targets in Yemen on Saturday, in response to a recent increase in attacks by the Iran-backed militia group on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. This included a missile strike last week that set fire to a cargo vessel.

American and British fighter jets targeted missiles, launchers, rockets, drones, and air defense systems in eight locations. This is the fourth time the US and British militaries have conducted a combined operation against the Houthis since January 12. The US has also been conducting daily strikes to eliminate Houthi targets, including incoming missiles and drones aimed at ships, as well as weapons being prepared for launch.

The US F/A-18 fighter jets launched from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, currently in the Red Sea. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated, "The US will not hesitate to take action, as needed, to defend lives and the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical waterways." In response, the Houthis denounced the "US-British aggression" and vowed to continue their military operations.

TRUMP LEADS CPAC POLL; POTENTIAL RUNNING MATES AND NIKKI HALEY'S CAMPAIGN

Former President Donald Trump emerged as the clear favorite in a straw poll at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), securing 94% of the vote over Nikki Haley's 5%. Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy tied for the top choice as Trump's running mate, each receiving 15% of the vote, according to the survey of conservative activists.

Meanwhile, former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, now an independent, came in third with 9% of the vote, followed by Rep. Elise Stefanik and Sen. Tim Scott, both with 8%. This marked the first time in years that the question of the vice presidential nominee had overshadowed the presidential nominee in the CPAC survey.

Behind the scenes, Trump has informally discussed potential running mates with advisers, though publicly, he has offered conflicting statements. He previously claimed to have made a decision but later stated otherwise. Despite Trump's primary victory in South Carolina, Nikki Haley remains undeterred, heading to Michigan for the upcoming primary. She expressed doubts about Trump's ability to defeat Joe Biden, citing concerns about his impact on independent and moderate voters.

Exit polls in South Carolina showed Haley gaining significant support among independents and moderates, raising questions about Trump's broader appeal beyond the Republican base. While Trump is still expected to secure the nomination, these developments suggest potential challenges in a general election rematch against Biden.

SUNAK WARNS OF ‘TOXIC’ CULTURE IN UK POLITICS AMID THREATS TO MPS

London : British PM Rishi Sunak said on Sunday that a decision by the House of Commons speaker to break with procedure due to threats facing some lawmakers over their views on the Gaza conflict sent a dangerous signal that intimidation works.

Parliament descended into chaos on Wednesday as tensions flared over a vote on whether to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and the exact language to use. The speaker of the lower house, Lindsay Hoyle, said he broke with usual parliamentary procedure for the vote because of what he described as “absolutely frightening” threats againstlawmakers.

“In parliament this week, a dangerous signal was sent that intimidation works,” Sunak said on X. “It is toxic for our society and our politics and is an affront to the liberties and values we hold dear here in Britain. Our democracy cannot and must not bend to the threat of violence and intimidation or fall into polarised camps who hate each other.” On Saturday, Sunak’s Conservatives suspended one of their lawmakers and former party vice chairman, Lee Anderson, after he refused to apologise for saying the London mayor was under control of Islamists. Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters had gathered outside parliament on Wednesday, with messages beamed onto the building’s Elizabeth Tower including “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”, a slogan critics interpret as a call for the elimination of Israel.

Sunak said Britain had seen an emerging pattern of events which “should not be tolerated”. “Legitimate protests hijacked by extremists to promote terrorism, elected representatives threatened, violently targeted, and antisemitic tropes beamed onto our own parliament building”.

UKRAINE'S ONGOING STRUGGLE: PEACE SUMMIT PLANS, DELAYED AID, AND HIGH CASUALTIES

Ukraine's efforts to end the Russian invasion continue, with plans for a peace summit and ongoing challenges on the ground.

Peace Summit Possibility:

Ukraine and its partners may invite Russia to a future peace summit. The summit, hosted by Switzerland, aims to present Ukraine's vision for peace, including restoring territorial integrity and a total Russian troop withdrawal. Kyiv has insisted on all Russian troops leaving Ukrainian territory before engaging in talks.

Delayed Military Aid:

Ukraine's Defence Minister expressed frustration over delays in Western military support, stating that half of the promised aid has not arrived on time. These delays complicate military planning and lead to increased Ukrainian troop losses, highlighting Russia's military advantage.

High Casualties and Losses:

President Zelensky revealed that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the invasion began, providing the first official figure in over a year. The number of wounded remains undisclosed to prevent aiding Russian military planning. Both sides have suffered significant casualties, with estimates suggesting high numbers of Russian troops killed as well. The situation in Ukraine remains challenging, with ongoing military operations, delayed aid, and significant human costs. Efforts to achieve peace through dialogue continue amid these hardships.

JAIR BOLSONARO: BRAZIL'S FORMER PRESIDENT DENIES COUP ALLEGATIONS

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro denies coup allegations and claims political persecution since leaving office. Speaking to supporters in São Paulo, he called coup allegations a "lie" and urged amnesty for his supporters convicted in attacks on public buildings. Police are investigating whether he incited a failed coup after the 2022 election loss.

Bolsonaro, barred from running for eight years for undermining the electoral system, dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and called for moving forward. Supporters, wearing Brazilian flag colors, gathered in large numbers, citing freedom of speech as a key concern. Authorities are monitoring his speech for any potential incitement or electoral system undermining.

BELARUSIANS VOTE IN POLLS AMID OPPOSITION CALLS FOR ITS BOYCOTT

TALLINN: Polls opened on Sunday in Belarus’ tightly controlled parliamentary and local elections that are set to cement the steely rule of the country’s authoritarian leader, despite calls for a boycott from the opposition. President Alexander Lukashenko also announced on Sunday that he will run for the presidency again next year.

EMIGRES ARE CREATING AN ALTERNATIVE CHINA, ONE BOOKSTORE AT A TIME

Tokyo : In cities worldwide, Chinese emigres are creating an alternative China through bookstores, seminars, and civic groups, offering a glimpse of public life forbidden in China. In Tokyo, a seminar about Qiu Jin, a feminist poet and revolutionary, drew a crowd eager to discuss and share grievances, reflecting a growing need for such spaces among Chinese immigrants. Similar movements are seen in Chiang Mai, Amsterdam, and New York, where Chinese bookstores and civic groups are flourishing. Anne Zhang, a journalist, opened the 'Nowhere' bookstore in Taipei and Chiang Mai, aiming to provide a space for all Chinese, not just dissidents, to explore their desires for a different kind of life. These efforts are not just about opposing China but about envisioning a more hopeful and inclusive Chinese society, redefining the Chinese identity in the process.

TALIBAN RELEASE 84-YEAR-OLD AUSTRIAN DETAINED LAST YEAR

The Taliban released 84-year-old Austrian Herbert Fritz, detained in Afghanistan last year. He arrived in Doha, Qatar, from Afghanistan on Sunday. Fritz, held in Kabul, may receive medical treatment before returning to Austria. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer thanked Qatar for facilitating his release. Fritz, reportedly a veteran far-right extremist, was accused of spying after praising life under Taliban rule in an article. He had a history of traveling to dangerous locations.

W.AFRICAN BLOC LIFTS SANCTIONS AGAINST MALI AND GUINEA

West Africa's regional bloc ECOWAS said on Sunday it was easing sanctions imposed on Guinea and Mali, a day after announcing a similar decision for Niger, another country under military rule.

ECOWAS said it was lifting financial and economic sanctions against Guinea and ending restrictions on the recruitment of Malians to professional positions within the bloc's institutions.