U.S. envoy says ‘meaningful progress’ made as Ukraine talks enter second day
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said talks between Russia and Ukraine had brought “meaningful progress” towards ending the war, as negotiations m...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 5th of October, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. U.S. proposes Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange plan
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Hamas to act swiftly on hostage release and peace talks in Gaza, warning that “all bets are off” if delays continue. His plan envisions Gaza as a weapons-free zone under a U.S.-led international body, with all hostages released within 72 hours in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Despite his call for restraint, Israeli air strikes continued Saturday, killing at least 29 people, according to local sources.
2. Clashes erupt in Tbilisi as protesters attempt to enter presidential palace
At least 21 police officers and six protesters were injured in overnight clashes in Tbilisi after demonstrators tried to storm Georgia’s presidential palace over disputed local election results. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze condemned the unrest as an attempt to destabilise the country. Security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds after opposition figures called for rejecting the 4 October vote, which they claim was illegitimate. Order was later restored, though smaller protests continued in the capital.
3. Plane carrying 137 Flotilla activists lands in Istanbul
A total of 137 activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, including 36 Turkish nationals, arrived in Istanbul on Saturday after being detained by Israel in international waters.
The group flew from Israel’s Ramon Airport in Eilat, landing at Istanbul Airport at 3:50 p.m. local time (12:50 GMT).
Among the passengers were citizens of Türkiye, Malaysia, the United States, the UAE, Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Jordan. They were welcomed at the airport by officials and supporters.
4. Türkiye–UAE currency swap deal expected to boost Gulf investments
The currency swap deal between the central banks of Türkiye and the UAE is expected to boost Türkiye’s digital banking sector and attract new Gulf investments.
Signed on Thursday, the agreement establishes a 198 billion lira ($4.7 billion) and 18 billion dirham ($4.9 billion) swap, promoting national currencies in trade and linking the countries’ payment systems.
Economists say the deal will strengthen Türkiye’s foreign reserves, enhance financial stability, and accelerate digital and green investment from the Gulf.
5. At least 30 hurt as Russia targets passenger train in northern Ukraine
Russia struck a passenger train at the Shostka railway station in Ukraine’s Sumy region on 4 October, killing one person and injuring dozens, including children, according to officials. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the “savage Russian drone strike,” saying around 30 people were hurt as rescue efforts continued. The attack is part of Moscow’s intensified campaign against Ukraine’s rail infrastructure, targeted almost daily in recent weeks.
Cuba’s fuel crisis has turned into a waste crisis, with rubbish piling up on most street corners in Havana as many collection trucks lack enough petrol to operate.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards navy held military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday (16 February), state-linked media reported. The drill took place a day before renewed nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington in Geneva.
The 2026 Munich Security Conference (MSC) unfolded over three intense days in Munich, confronting a defining question of our era: has the post-Second World War international order collapsed - and if so, what will replace it?
Ruben Vardanyan has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Baku Military Court after being found guilty of a series of offences including war crimes, terrorism and crimes against humanity.
Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced on 16 February that the Honourable Janice Charette has been appointed as the next Chief Trade Negotiator to the United States. She's been tasked with overseeing the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said talks between Russia and Ukraine had brought “meaningful progress” towards ending the war, as negotiations moved into a second day in Geneva.
The United States and Iran reported measured progress after a new round of indirect talks in Geneva aimed at resolving the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
An unidentified man was taken into custody on Tuesday (17 February) after running towards the U.S. Capitol carrying a loaded shotgun and wearing tactical gear, according to U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan.
Peru’s Congress has voted to censure and remove José Enrique Jeri Ore from his posts as President of Congress and acting President of the Republic, just four months into his tenure, citing undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessmen and alleged hiring irregularities.
France celebrated Olympic gold in the men’s biathlon relay in Anterselva on Tuesday (17 February), following a thrilling race marked by an electric atmosphere at the stadium.
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