Hamas says it is considering in a “positive spirit” a Gaza truce deal, while the UN warned rebuilding the devastated Palestinian territory would require efforts not seen since World War II. After months of stop-start negotiations, Hamas has sounded an optimistic tone about the latest hostages-for-ceasefire proposal, raising hopes an agreement may soon be reached — even as medics in the …

Canker sores, or as commonly known, mouth ulcers are small sores formed on gums, lips, tongue or inner cheeks, due to a myriad of reasons. While these sores are usually harmless and heal on their own within 10-14 days, the inflammation and pain they cause and difficulty in eating food, drinking, or as simple as talking to someone, can make …

WASHINGTON: Russian military personnel have entered an air base in Niger that is hosting U.S. troops, a senior U.S. defense told Reuters, a move that follows a decision by Niger’s junta to expel U.S. forces. The military officers ruling the West African nation have told the U.S. to withdraw its nearly 1,000 military personnel from the country, which until a coup last …

The United States State Department said that Washington’s support, for Pakistan’s efforts to stabilise its economy including reaching a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was “unwavering”. “When it comes to efforts to stabilise its economy, we support those efforts, including reaching an agreement with the IMF,” said the department’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller. “Our support for Pakistan’s economic success …

DHAKA: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Haseena Wajid has advised Developing-8 (D-8) Muslim countries to make mutual trade easier between them and introduce a common currency like Euro in the European Union. A delegation of eight Muslim countries led by Turk deputy minister of commerce called of the Bangladeshi prime minister at her residence in Dhaka. The D-8 group comprises of …

Turkey stopped all exports and imports to and from Israel as of Thursday, the Turkish trade ministry said, citing “worsening humanitarian tragedy” in the Palestinian territories. “Export and import transactions related to Israel have been stopped, covering all products,” Turkey’s trade ministry said in a statement. “Turkey will strictly and decisively implement these new measures until the Israeli Government allows …

HONOLULU: U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Thursday he did not see any indication Hamas was planning any attack on U.S. troops in Gaza but added adequate measures were being put in place for the safety of military personnel. “I don’t discuss intelligence information at the podium. But I don’t see any indications currently that there is an active …

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday visited the country’s south where floods and mudslides caused by torrential rains have killed 29 people, with the toll expected to rise. Authorities in Rio Grande do Sul have declared a state of emergency as rescuers continue to search for dozens of people reported missing among the ruins of collapsed homes, bridges …

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan Thursday told the UN General Assembly that India was targeting Indian Muslims, Christians, as also Muslims of occupied Kashmir, and called for an end to their harsh suppression. “Since the BJP-RSS government assumed office in 2014, hate, oppression, and violence against India’s 200 million Muslims – and other minorities, Christians and the ‘lower-caste’ Dalits – have become …