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A devastating air strike by the Nigerian military on a village market in northeastern Nigeria has killed dozens and injured hundreds, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation. The strike, which occurred on Sunday, was aimed at members of the rebel group Boko Haram.According to Amnesty International, over 100 people were killed and 35 others wounded in the attack on the Jilli village market in Yobe state. A local chief, Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam, reported that the total casualties, including dead and injured, were around 200.The Nigerian Air Force claimed to have killed Boko Haram fighters in an air strike on the Jilli axis in Borno state, but did not mention hitting a market. The government of Yobe state later confirmed that an air strike near a market had been conducted, affecting people attending the weekly market.Amnesty International condemned the strike, stating that launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method and that the Nigerian military's actions demonstrate a shocking disregard for human life. The organization called on Nigerian authorities to immediately investigate the incident and hold suspected perpetrators accountable.The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) activated the emergency response, and many of the injured were taken to hospitals in nearby Geidam and Maiduguri. A worker at the Geidam General Hospital reported that at least 23 people injured in the incident were receiving treatment.

A devastating stampede at Haiti's iconic Citadelle Laferriere has claimed the lives of at least 30 people, with authorities warning that the death toll may rise. The tragedy unfolded on Saturday during an annual celebration at the early-19th-century fortress, a popular tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site.The stampede occurred at the entrance to the site, where a large crowd of students and visitors had gathered. Heavy rain exacerbated the disaster, leading to a chaotic and deadly situation. Haiti's Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aime, extended his condolences to the bereaved families, assuring them of his solidarity during this difficult time.The Culture Minister, Emmanuel Menard, confirmed the deaths of 30 people, stating that the injured are receiving medical care and a rescue team is searching for any missing persons. The exact number of those injured remains unknown. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Haiti, which has struggled with widespread gang violence and deadly disasters in recent years, including fuel tank explosions and earthquakes.

Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem's Old City, marking his third incursion into Islam's third holiest site this year. The move has sparked widespread condemnation from Palestinians and Jordan.Ben-Gvir, accompanied by Israeli settlers and under heavy protection from Israeli forces, offered Jewish prayers at the site, which is not allowed for non-Muslims under the status quo arrangement in place since 1967. The arrangement permits Jewish people to visit the compound but prohibits them from praying there.The Palestinian Authority's presidency has condemned the storming of the mosque compound, calling it a blatant violation of the historical and legal status quo at the holy site. Jordan's Foreign Ministry also expressed concern, viewing Ben-Gvir's visit as a violation of the status quo agreement and a desecration of the site's sanctity.This incident is part of a growing trend of Israeli settler incursions into Al-Aqsa, with Ben-Gvir having stormed the mosque compound at least 16 times since taking office in 2022. The far-right Israeli minister has expressed his intention to build a Jewish synagogue in place of the holy Muslim site.In a video filmed at the site, Ben-Gvir said, "Today, I feel like the owner here. There is still more to do, more to improve. I keep pushing the prime minister [Benjamin Netanyahu] to do more and more."The incident has occurred amid continued Israeli raids across the occupied West Bank, with at least 18 Palestinians arrested on Sunday. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that more than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the occupied West Bank since October 2023, with thousands forcibly displaced.

FIFA has officially declined the Iranian Football Federation’s (FFIRI) appeal to relocate its 2026 World Cup games from the United States to Mexico, stating that the logistical complexities of moving the matches are prohibitive, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed. The request, lodged last month, was met with a firm response from the sport’s governing body: all scheduled fixtures will proceed in the United States as originally drawn, eliminating any prospect of Mexican venues hosting Iran’s team. Sheinbaum reiterated the stance at a press conference in Mexico City, emphasizing that “FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” and that attempting relocation would create untenable logistical hurdles. FIFA declined to comment to Al Jazeera regarding the confirmation of Iran’s host venues. The backdrop to this dispute is the ongoing US‑Israel war against Iran, which erupted on 28 February, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people in a girls’ school on the first day of hostilities. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israeli and U.S. military installations across the Middle East. A Pakistan‑mediated ceasefire halted the exchanges on Wednesday, though Israel continues operations in parts of Lebanon. Iran was among the earliest qualifiers from the Asian confederation and is placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. The team’s three group matches are slated for the U.S. West Coast: Los Angeles on 15 June and 21 June, and Seattle on 26 June. While Mexico, a co‑host of the tournament with the United States and Canada, initially expressed willingness to accommodate Iran’s fixtures, President Sheinbaum’s recent remarks align with FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s position. Infantino, who met Iranian players, coaches and officials in Turkey on 31 March, affirmed that “the matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.” Infantino also dismissed speculation that Iran might boycott the tournament altogether after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj warned of a potential boycott if security could not be guaranteed in the United States. Earlier, former U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media that Iran’s participation would be unsafe, prompting Taj to state that Iran would refuse to travel to America under those conditions. Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali later warned that Iran’s World Cup involvement remains uncertain unless FIFA relocates the games, underscoring the political sensitivity surrounding the event. In summary, despite regional conflict, diplomatic tensions, and security concerns voiced by Iranian officials, FIFA’s decision ensures that Iran will compete in the United States as originally scheduled, preserving the tournament’s logistical integrity.

Day 44 of the US‑Iran war ended without a peace deal as a marathon 21‑hour session in Islamabad collapsed, jeopardising the fragile cease‑fire that has held since the conflict began over six weeks ago.Vice President JD Vance, leading the US delegation, told reporters that the lack of an agreement was "bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America," before departing Pakistan.Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar pledged that Islamabad would continue to facilitate dialogue between the two longtime adversaries.In Iran, officials downplayed expectations, noting that no one anticipated a settlement in a single session. State‑run IRIB quoted ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying the talks were never expected to conclude quickly. Meanwhile, Tehran residents expressed a mix of scepticism and hope after weeks of air attacks that have left a nation of 93 million people reeling; more than 2,000 Iranians have been killed in the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict.In the United States, Vance reiterated that the delegation left with a "final and best offer" for Iran, emphasizing that Washington had communicated its position repeatedly during the talks. He cited multiple conversations with President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Central Command head Brad Cooper. Trump, however, maintained that the US had already "won" on the battlefield by eliminating Iranian leaders and key infrastructure, stating that a deal would not alter the outcome.The US military reported that two destroyers transited the Strait of Hormuz ahead of planned mine‑clearing operations – a first since hostilities began – though Iran’s state media claimed the joint command denied the movement.Academic David Des Roches of the Thayer Marshall Institute told Al Jazeera that while Washington clarified its stance, it did not shift its core demand: preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.In Lebanon, Israel continued strikes, claiming to have hit a "loaded and ready‑to‑launch rocket launcher" in Jouaiya, southern Lebanon. Protests have erupted in Beirut against any direct Israel‑Lebanon negotiations. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported at least 2,020 deaths and 6,436 injuries from Israeli attacks since March 2.In Israel, Channel 12 reported that a drone launched from Lebanon triggered sirens in the Upper Galilee before being intercepted.The stalemate has kept global oil and gas prices soaring, underscoring the broader economic ripple effects of a war that shows no sign of abating.

On April 12, 2026, relatives and neighbors in Afghanistan assembled to pay their respects to those killed in a deadly shooting. The gathering, marked by solemn chants and the display of photographs, underscored the deep grief felt across the community. While details about the incident remain scarce, the presence of dozens of mourners demonstrated a unified response to the tragedy, with many expressing hopes for peace and security in the region. Local leaders urged authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and to provide support for the bereaved families, emphasizing the need for justice and prevention of future violence.

Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon have killed at least 18 people, including eight civilians in a village near Sidon and ten victims – among them three emergency workers – in the Nabatieh district, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The ministry’s latest figures show the conflict, which erupted on March 2 after Hezbollah fired rockets in support of Iran, has now claimed 2,020 lives and wounded 6,436 since Lebanon was drawn into the U.S.–Israel war on Iran. In a separate incident, two Israeli paratroopers were wounded by shrapnel during clashes with Hezbollah forces in the south, as reported by Israel’s Channel 13. Amid the escalating violence, President Joseph Aoun announced that Lebanese, Israeli and U.S. officials will convene in Washington next week to discuss a ceasefire and the framework for future negotiations under U.S. auspices. Hezbollah, however, has reiterated its refusal to engage in direct talks with Israel, labeling the proposed negotiations a “blatant violation of the national pact, the constitution and Lebanese law,” according to lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah. Pro‑Hezbollah demonstrators gathered near the government headquarters in central Beirut, waving the group’s yellow flag and the Iranian standard, to protest the planned talks. Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement, later urged supporters to refrain from further demonstrations, citing the need for stability and civil peace. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that any peace settlement must be lasting and called for the disarmament of Hezbollah, underscoring the deep strategic divide. While the United States and Iran announced a tentative ceasefire this week, the agreement’s applicability to Israel’s campaign in Lebanon remains uncertain. Iranian officials claim they secured a U.S. assurance that Israel will reduce attacks on Lebanon, but no confirmation has been received from Israeli authorities regarding a ceasefire or a reduction in hostilities. These diplomatic efforts coincide with historic in‑person ceasefire talks between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, highlighting the broader regional stakes of the Lebanon‑Israel conflict.

A heartfelt tribute has been paid to Dame Jenni Murray, a renowned figure in British radio, known for her exceptional broadcasting skills and generosity of spirit. The author recalls her kindness and guidance when they appeared as a guest on Woman's Hour in the 1990s, discussing their novels on topics such as motherhood and dieting. Dame Jenni shared valuable insights into the art of radio broadcasting, including the importance of not discussing the main topic in the green room to save the best lines for the show. She also emphasized the need to turn off mobile phones before entering the studio, a lesson she occasionally forgot herself, much to the frustration of her producers. Her warm and approachable nature made her a beloved figure, both on and off the air. The author fondly remembers her staying on for a glass of wine in the BBC canteen after shows and her remarkable charity work, particularly with the Young Oncology Unit at the Christie hospital in Manchester. Dame Jenni's infectious humor and big-heartedness inspired others to get involved in charitable initiatives, leading to successful fundraising dinners and a significant impact on the community.

President Donald Trump declared that the United States will commence a naval blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz in response to the breakdown of peace talks between Washington and Tehran held in Islamabad.In addition to the blockade, Trump warned that American forces could target Iran’s water‑treatment plants, power stations and bridges unless Tehran abandons its pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability.The announcement came after a 21‑hour round of direct negotiations between the two sides collapsed on Sunday morning, ending a brief cease‑fire that had been brokered by the United States, Israel and Iran.U.S. Vice‑President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, said Iran refused to renounce the possibility of developing nuclear weapons, while Iranian officials accused Washington of failing to earn their trust.Trump instructed the U.S. Navy to begin “blockading any and all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz” starting Monday at 10 a.m. ET (14:00 GMT). He also accused Iran of “extortion” for charging tolls to tankers and announced a de‑mining operation in the waterway’s central sector, although the exact number of mines remains unclear.The Iranian Revolutionary Guard warned that any warships enforcing the blockade would be deemed a breach of the cease‑fire and would be met with a strong response, insisting the strait remains under Iranian control.Two U.S. destroyers transited the strait on Saturday without incident, a move the Pentagon described as the start of a mine‑clearance mission, even as Iranian media claimed the vessels were threatened as they departed.Financial markets reacted sharply: U.S. crude oil jumped 8% to $104.24 per barrel and Brent crude rose 7% to $102.29, reflecting concerns that the blockade could disrupt the flow of roughly 100 tankers that have been paying up to $2 million each for passage.Vance reiterated that the United States seeks a clear, affirmative commitment from Iran not to pursue a nuclear weapon, describing it as the “core goal of the president.”Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf argued that Tehran offered “constructive initiatives,” but U.S. demands were “excessive” and hindered an agreement, according to the semi‑official Tasnim news agency.Pakistani mediators urged both parties to avoid renewed hostilities and pledged to arrange fresh talks, emphasizing the importance of upholding the existing cease‑fire.In a televised interview, Trump warned that if a deal cannot be reached, the United States may resume bombing Iran, specifically targeting its water‑supply infrastructure, desalination plants and power generation facilities.Regional fallout continued: at least 11 people were killed in southern Lebanon amid a series of Israeli strikes, while Pope Francis called for an immediate cease‑fire, expressing solidarity with the Lebanese people.The broader conflict, now six weeks old, has claimed more than 3,000 lives in Iran, over 2,000 in Lebanon, dozens in Israel and several Gulf states, and has inflicted extensive damage on critical infrastructure across the Middle East.