Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 20th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump has declared the war in Gaza "over" during the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday, unveiling a massive reconstruction initiative supported by a $7 billion relief package from Gulf and Central Asian nations and a proposed $10 billion contribution from the United States. While the plan includes a stabilisation force of more than 30,000 personnel, the initiative has faced scepticism from key European allies who fear it undermines the United Nations, a sentiment further complicated after Azerbaijan denied participating in the financial pledge despite Trump’s claims.
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated after President Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, demanding a nuclear deal be reached within 15 days or the nation would face "really bad things" following talks in Geneva that brought no breakthrough. Both Washington and Tehran have increased their military presence in the region as the Iranian government vows a decisive response to any aggression, prompting countries such as Poland to urge their citizens to leave the country immediately.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released under investigation after being arrested by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office, relating to allegations that he shared sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein. His brother, King Charles III issued a statement emphasising that "the law must take its course," whilst the family of Virginia Giuffre welcomed the arrest as evidence that no individual is above the law.
A court in Austria has convicted a 37-year-old mountaineer of gross negligent manslaughter after his girlfriend died of hypothermia during a severe storm on the Grossglockner mountain. The judge ruled that the climber, who received a suspended sentence, failed to take essential safety precautions before leaving his exhausted partner alone to seek help, highlighting a breach of the duty of care in extreme alpine conditions.
Eric Dane, the American actor celebrated for his roles as Dr Mark Sloan in 'Grey’s Anatomy' and Cal Jacobs in 'Euphoria', has died at the age of 53 following a year-long battle with ALS, said his family. Dane, who publicly revealed his diagnosis in 2025, continued to work and advocate for awareness of the neurodegenerative disease during his final year, earning praise from colleagues and fans alike for his courage and enduring contribution to television.
Three people have been killed in a shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, including a security guard while the two suspects were later found ...
At least four people have been killed in protests across Kenya over sharp fuel price rises, as a nationwide transport strike brought parts of the c...
Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, according to secu...
Global leaders gathered in Baku this week for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, where heads of state and senior officials warned that rapi...
Gunmen killed at least 10 people, including women and children, in an attack on a rural community in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina State, re...
Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, according to security officials and government sources familiar with the arrangement.
Global leaders gathered in Baku this week for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, where heads of state and senior officials warned that rapid urban growth is placing increasing pressure on housing, infrastructure and climate resilience.
The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) has opened in Baku, bringing together governments, international organisations, city leaders and civil society to address mounting global urban challenges.
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are negotiating summer water allocations as rising temperatures, agricultural demand and pressure on shared rivers intensify water security concerns across Central Asia.
Bulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, taking victory in a final overshadowed by a boycott over Israel’s participation and the war in Gaza.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack on Iran after appeals from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, allowing negotiations to continue over a possible deal to end the conflict.
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck China’s Guangxi region early on Monday, killing two people and forcing more than 7,000 residents in Liuzhou to evacuate as rescue efforts continued.
U.S. President Donald Trump says China's Xi Jinping agreed Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran prepares a new shipping mechanism. Tensions over the U.S. blockade and stalled nuclear talks continue to disrupt global oil supplies.
Three people have been killed in a shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, including a security guard while the two suspects were later found dead after the attack, authorities have confirmed.
At least four people have been killed in protests across Kenya over sharp fuel price rises, as a nationwide transport strike brought parts of the country to a standstill.
Gunmen killed at least 10 people, including women and children, in an attack on a rural community in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina State, residents said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to China is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, particularly through expanded trade and economic cooperation.
Israeli military strikes across Gaza killed at least eight Palestinians on Sunday, according to local health officials, as the Israel Defense Forces intensified operations targeting Hamas commanders and infrastructure across the enclave.
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