Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian citizen and Princeton graduate student, has been released in Iraq after being held captive since March 2023 by the Iran-backed group Kataib Hezbollah.
The information was confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Tuesday.
Trump said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social that Tsurkov, who was reportedly tortured during her captivity, is now at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. He also called for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas.
Prime Minister al-Sudani described Tsurkov’s release as the result of “extensive efforts exerted by our security agencies over many months” and reaffirmed that Iraq will not tolerate actions undermining the state or its reputation.
Tsurkov was conducting academic research in Iraq at the time of her abduction. Her sister, Emma Tsurkov, an American citizen, credited the U.S. government, including Trump’s special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, for securing her release, and expressed relief at her return.
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The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum will open in Baku on Sunday, bringing together government representatives, city leaders, urban planners, international organisations, businesses and civil society to discuss the future of sustainable urban development.
Children laughed, applauded and watched wide-eyed as animated characters lit up the screen at the opening of the ninth Animafilm International Animation Festival in Baku, where filmmakers and audiences from around the world gathered to celebrate the growing influence of animated cinema.
The United States is considering asking Israel to transfer part of the tax revenues withheld from the Palestinian Authority (PA) to Donald Trump’s Board of Peace to help fund Gaza’s post-war reconstruction, according to five sources familiar with the discussions.
India and the United Arab Emirates have agreed on a framework for a strategic defence partnership, according to India’s foreign ministry.
The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran loomed over U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China, as signs emerged that the conflict is causing a shift in alliances across the Middle East.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has “no trust” in the United States and will only consider negotiations if Washington shows seriousness. His remarks came as talks on Iran’s nuclear programme continued, with Trump and Xi also opposing Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump are holding high-level talks in Beijing on Thursday, following a ceremonial welcome, with both leaders highlighting cooperation despite ongoing tensions.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was fighting for his political survival on Thursday (14 May) after Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned, saying he had “lost confidence” in Starmer’s leadership.
The second semi-final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest 2026 takes place tonight in a rain-soaked Vienna, with the final 10 places in Saturday’s grand final still up for grabs.
China has launched the world’s first experiment to study how artificial human embryos develop in space, marking a major step in understanding whether humans could one day reproduce beyond Earth.
Every day, an elderly woman in China’s Shandong province looks forward to a video call from her son. He asks about her health, tells her he has been busy with work, and promises he will come home once he has saved enough money. She tells him she misses him. He tells her to take care of herself.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, was killed in an operation conducted by U.S. and Nigerian forces.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 16th of May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Deep in the ancient forests of southern China, researchers have discovered a small, shy snake with an extraordinary survival trick: when threatened, it creates the illusion that it has two heads.
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