World News

Israel has said it is "more optimistic than before" about the chance of reaching an agreement over hostages held in Gaza.Foreign minister Gideon Saar said indirect negotiations were taking place over the return of about 100 hostages.It comes amid reports Hamas has asked for lists to be compiled of people still being held by militants in Gaza.Mr Saar said: "We can be more optimistic than before but we are not […]

Donald Trump has urged Vladimir Putin to reach an immediate settlement to end the war in Ukraine, saying it was the Russian president's "time to act".The US president-elect wrote on social media on Sunday that [Volodymyr] "Zelenskyy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness". He called for "an immediate ceasefire" and said "negotiations should begin". Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player […]

Syria's new rebel leaders are facing the daunting task of healing a divided nation - and the toppling of the Assad regime has not put an end to fighting in the country.In northern Syria, Turkey-backed opposition fighters are still battling US-allied Kurdish forces, while both Israel and the US have today launched airstrikes on Syria. There is also uncertainty surrounding two Russian bases. President Bashar al Assad fled Damascus with […]

Syria's ousted President Bashar al Assad has arrived in Moscow, Russian state media has confirmed. Mr Assad and members of his family arrived in the city on Sunday, a Kremlin source told the TASS news agency. The source said: "Assad and his family members have arrived in Moscow. Russia, for humanitarian reasons, has granted them asylum."Read more: Latest updates from SyriaMr Assad left the Syrian capital of Damascus after his […]

The lightning collapse of Bashar al Assad's regime in Syria exposes the brittleness of even the most brutal dictatorship when under pressure, but it also creates a security vacuum that carries great risk.Once the scenes of rebel euphoria subside on the streets, much will rest on the powerful group, Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), which led the charge into Damascus overnight. Previously linked to al Qaeda, this Sunni Islamist militant […]

The Syrian government appears to have fallen after a lightning offensive by rebels.President Bashar al Assad fled Damascus on a plane for an unknown destination, according to two senior Syrian army officers speaking to the Reuters news agency, and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Image: Syrian president Bashar al Assad has fled Damascus, according to multiple sources. Pic: AP/Amr Nabil Syria's army command has now notified officers that his […]

Sir Keir Starmer will travel to the Persian Gulf today as he tries to build stronger trade ties with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.In his first visit to the region as prime minister, he will aim to boost investment in the UK and deepen defence and security partnerships, said Number 10. The two Middle Eastern countries are among Britain's "most vital modern-day partners", it said in a statement.After […]

Prince William has met Donald Trump for the first time since the American was re-elected president.The pair shook hands at a ceremony in Paris to mark the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral - attended by leaders from around the world. They exchanged a few words and Mr Trump patted William on the shoulder. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player World leaders gather at Notre-Dame Cathedral for reopening […]

An explosion has destroyed several apartments and injured multiple people in the Netherlands.Residents of Mariahoeve neighbourhood in The Hague said they heard a huge bang and screams before dawn. One woman told local media she thought there had been an earthquake.Part of one apartment complex collapsed and a fire broke out.Four people were rescued from the rubble and taken to hospital, officials said, adding others could still be trapped. Image: […]