Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to President Donald Trump marks a critical moment as they discuss the Middle East’s future. While Netanyahu is expected to receive a warm welcome, their relationship is complex. The focus is on the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal, with Trump having claimed credit for the initial agreement. Despite his involvement, Trump expressed uncertainty about the ceasefire’s durability. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, remains cautiously optimistic. The Oval Office talks will center on ceasefire negotiations and Gaza’s future. Ava Sinclair 05/02/2025 1:30 am
US President Donald Trump signed an order to increase pressure on Iran to prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons, reinstating his tough policy from his first term. Trump criticized former President Joe Biden for weakening US resolve, allowing Iran to boost oil exports and nuclear activities. Trump warned Iran against targeting him, threatening severe consequences. The US aims to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero, with plans to restore international sanctions. Iranian oil exports reached record levels in 2024, despite sanctions. Trump is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Noah Prescott 05/02/2025 1:30 am
About 10 people, including the gunman, were killed in a mass shooting at an adult education center in Orebro, Sweden, marking the country’s worst mass shooting. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called it brutal violence against innocents, with the motive still unknown. The school, Campus Risbergska, offers courses for adults, including immigrants and those with disabilities. Gun violence in Swedish schools is rare, though other violent incidents have occurred. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer said the event shakes Swedish society, highlighting a previously held belief that such violence wouldn’t happen there. Ava Sinclair 05/02/2025 1:30 am
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele offered to take U.S. prisoners into the country’s mega-prison, CECOT, for a fee. This proposal aims to make El Salvador’s prison system sustainable. Bukele’s tough stance on crime has gained support from the American right. The U.S., with the highest incarceration rate globally, is considering the offer. Former President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed interest, noting potential cost savings and deterrence benefits, though legal considerations remain. Noah Prescott 05/02/2025 1:30 am
Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged calm as hundreds of earthquakes rattled Santorini and nearby Aegean islands. The largest quake was magnitude 5.1. Thousands are leaving the islands amid fears of a larger quake. Experts say the tremors are tectonic, not volcanic, and not linked to Santorini’s dormant volcano. Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos warned of a potential larger event, noting increased tremors and shifting epicentres. Santorini, a major tourist destination, has a history of significant volcanic activity, but experts say a major eruption is unlikely soon. Noah Prescott 04/02/2025 10:00 pm
In Orebro, Sweden, a shooting at an adult education facility resulted in “around 10” deaths, including the shooter, according to police. The school is cordoned off as investigations continue. Police have not identified the shooter or determined a motive, but they are not ruling out any possibilities, including terrorism. Initially, five people were reported hospitalized, but the death toll later confirmed as 10, all adults. The public is advised to avoid the Risbergska Skolan area. Noah Prescott 04/02/2025 10:00 pm
During Trump’s previous term, he supported Netanyahu with significant pro-Israel actions, including the Abraham Accords, moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. The new Trump administration is expected to continue this support, opposing international pressure over Gaza and endorsing West Bank settlements. Despite their fluctuating personal relationship, speculation surrounds their upcoming meeting. Trump’s recent actions include lifting sanctions on Israeli settlers and withdrawing from UNRWA, while re-imposing sanctions on Iran. The future of their relationship remains uncertain. Noah Prescott 04/02/2025 10:00 pm
The Trump administration and El Salvador’s president announced a deal to send detained migrants and imprisoned citizens to El Salvador, which is battling gangs and has suspended some rights. U.S. law prevents deporting American citizens, and legalities are involved, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. President Bukele’s aggressive anti-crime measures have led to over 84,000 arrests since March 2022, often with little due process. El Salvador’s prisons are overcrowded and violent, with the new Terrorism Confinement Center being central to Bukele’s strategy. Noah Prescott 04/02/2025 10:00 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and countering Iran. Netanyahu may face pressure as Trump’s Middle East policies might not align with his. The meeting coincides with mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas. Trump’s controversial suggestion to relocate Gazans to neighboring countries has been rejected by Arab states, despite his view of Gaza as uninhabitable. A U.S. official emphasized the need for realistic solutions involving Arab partners and Israel. Penelope Kingsley 04/02/2025 10:00 pm
Turkish President Erdogan and Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa met in Ankara to discuss security ties, focusing on Kurdish fighters in northeast Syria. Al-Sharaa, former leader of the HTS rebel group, recently ousted Bashar al-Assad. Erdogan expressed readiness to support Syria against ISIL and the PKK, labeling Syrian Kurdish groups as “terrorists.” Al-Sharaa seeks a strategic partnership with Turkey and invited Erdogan to visit Syria. The meeting emphasized cooperation against terrorism and managing ISIL prison camps controlled by the SDF and YPG. Penelope Kingsley 04/02/2025 10:00 pm
