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Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul: Analysts weigh in on diplomatic prospects

 May 16, 2025
As Ukraine and Russia participate in diplomatic discussions in Istanbul, perspectives from both sides are emerging. Vyacheslav Matuzov, a political analyst and former Russian diplomat, joins Al Jazeera's live coverage from Moscow to provide insight into Russia's strategic stance. Meanwhile, Peter Zalmayev, Executive Director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative, speaks from Kyiv on Ukraine’s expectations and the potential outcomes of these negotiations.

Iran holds nuclear talks with European diplomats in Turkiye

May 16, 2025
Iranian and European diplomats have wrapped up a fresh round of talks in Istanbul, Turkiye, to discuss the future of Tehran’s nuclear programme. The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister held discussions with representatives from the UK, France, and Germany amid renewed hopes for progress on a nuclear deal. The talks come after US President Donald Trump stated that a nuclear agreement with Iran may soon be finalised.

Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi reports from Tehran.

Ukraine and Russia resume peace talks in Turkiye, first meeting since 2022

May 16, 2025
For the first time since 2022, Ukraine and Russia are engaging in peace talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sent a delegation to Istanbul to meet with Russian officials, in a bid to negotiate a path forward. Although Zelenskyy had publicly challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend in person, the Kremlin has declined, sending a delegation instead.

Al Jazeera’s Bernard Smith reports from Istanbul.

Palestinian elder lived through Nakba in 1948 and endures ongoing Gaza war

May 15, 2025  
Palestinians who survived the Nakba 77 years ago, are suffering from displacement all over again.
 
With Israel's ongoing war in Gaza and its intensified assault on the occupied West Bank, families are fleeing violence and having their homes and livelihoods destroyed.

Al Jazeera spoke to an 85-year-old man, who was forced out of his village during the Nakba and spent his life in a refugee camp in Gaza.

But Israel's bombardment of the Strip has uprooted his life once again.

77 years of Nakba: Generations in occupied West Bank forced into same dispossession

May 15, 2025  
Nakba spans generations. Palestinians who were made refugees as children are now being forced from their homes once again.
 
In the north of the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military has expelled more than 44,000 people from their homes in just a few months.
 
It is now demolishing them, preventing the Palestinians who lived there for decades from returning.

Al Jazeera’s Julide Ayger reports

What is Nakba Day and what does it commemorate? | Explainer

May 15, 2025  
The 15th of May is the anniversary of what Palestinians call the Nakba - the Arabic word for catastrophe.

The day after a British colonial mandate over Palestine ended in 1948, and Israel declared itself an independent state built on Palestinian land.
 
Over 77 years, Nakba has taken many forms, and it lies at the heart of Israel's campaign of ethnic cleansing in the occupied West Bank and its genocide in Gaza.

But the Zionist campaign to force Palestinians from their land began long before 1948.

Al Jazeera’s Neave Barker takes us through its history.

Russia-Ukraine talks in Turkiye: Putin not on list to attend peace talks in Istanbul

May 15, 2025
Talks to bring about a possible ceasefire deal to end the war in Ukraine is dominating a two-day meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Turkiye.
 
But there's some confusion around when or if direct talks will take place between Ukrainian and Russian delegations.

Despite this, NATO chief Mark Rutte says he's hopeful that a breakthrough can be achieved.

Other NATO foreign ministers have expressed their disappointment that President Vladimir Putin is not part of the Russian delegation that's arrived in Turkiye.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the Trump administration is open to any mechanism that brings about a “just peace” in Ukraine.

Al Jazeera’s Dmitry Medvedenko is monitoring developments in Istanbul, Turkiye.

Israel targets Gaza hospitals to ‘make life impossible’ for Palestinians: Analysis

May 15, 2025
Israel has been accused by aid groups of systematically targeting Gaza's healthcare infrastructure.
 
On Tuesday, the European Hospital and Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza were targeted.

At least 29 Palestinians were killed, including a journalist who was receiving treatment.

The World Health Organization has recorded 686 Israeli attacks on healthcare facilities since the war on Gaza began on October 7, 2023.

A total of 122 health facilities have been affected, leaving more than 90 percent of Gaza's hospitals damaged or destroyed.
 
The World Health Organization says one of its teams was in the European Hospital when it was hit this week.

Humanitarian expert Adam Shapiro says Israel's attacks on Gaza, including its healthcare infrastructure, are aimed at making it unliveable for Palestinians.

Trump lifts Syria sanctions after rare meeting with Syrian president

May 15, 2025
In a surprise diplomatic shift, US President Donald Trump met Syria’s new president, Ahmed al Sharaa, in Riyadh — the first meeting between US and Syrian leaders in 25 years. A day earlier, Trump stunned the international community by announcing the lifting of sanctions on Syria, prompting celebrations across the country.

Al Jazeera’s Imran Khan reports from Damascus.

Trump’s historic visit to Qatar strengthens ties with multi-billion dollar deals

May 15, 2025
Qatar and the United States have signed a series of multi-billion dollar deals, deepening cooperation in trade and defence. On the second day of his Middle East tour, US President Donald Trump was welcomed by the Emir of Qatar in Doha. It marks the first official visit to Qatar by a sitting US president. The agreements are seen as a major step in strengthening strategic relations between the two countries.

Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett reports from Doha.