Ambulances wait on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing to enter the Gaza Strip, February 1, 2026 [AFP]
Rafah crossing reopens in limited move, offering fragile lifeline for Gaza
Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt has reopened for limited movement of people after nearly two years of closure, providing rare access in and out of the enclave. Officials say only small numbers are being allowed to travel through Gaza’s sole non-Israeli border. The reopening follows a United States-brokered ceasefire that halted fighting between Israel and Hamas in October. Humanitarian agencies describe the move as fragile and tightly controlled. Rafah had been a key route for aid and medical evacuations before its closure. No timeline has been given for a full reopening.
Iran signals return to nuclear talks with US as tensions ease
Iran says progress could come within days on restarting nuclear negotiations with the United States after weeks of heightened military tension. Tehran confirmed it is reviewing proposals from regional mediators aimed at bridging gaps with Washington. Officials say indirect contacts are already underway through third parties. Iran’s foreign ministry said several key issues have been addressed and discussions are entering a finalisation stage. The signals come despite recent US military deployments in the region. Both sides appear to be stepping back from the brink of direct confrontation.
Norway royal scandal deepens as crown princess’s son arrested again
Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been arrested on suspicion of assault ahead of a major rape trial in Oslo. Police say the latest allegations involve violating a restraining order and the use of a knife. He has been remanded in custody for four weeks amid concerns about reoffending. Høiby faces 38 charges, including the alleged rape of four women. He denies the most serious accusations but has admitted to some lesser offences. The case has intensified scrutiny of Norway’s royal family.
Billionaire Frank Stronach faces sexual assault trial in Canada
Austro-Canadian billionaire Frank Stronach has gone on trial in Toronto over historical sexual assault allegations spanning nearly 50 years. The 93-year-old has pleaded not guilty to 12 charges in the Toronto case. Prosecutors say a second trial will follow later this year involving additional allegations. In total, Stronach faces 18 charges linked to 13 complainants. He has consistently denied all accusations. The case follows a 2024 media investigation that prompted renewed public attention.
Zelenskyy warns of ‘logistics terror’ as Russia targets Ukraine railways
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia is intensifying attacks on Ukraine’s railway infrastructure in an effort to disrupt logistics. His remarks follow a strike on a train in eastern Ukraine that killed five people. Railways have remained a critical lifeline for Ukraine throughout the war. State rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia has warned that some eastern routes are becoming high-risk. Authorities are urging passengers to switch to road transport where possible. Kyiv says the attacks are aimed at paralysing civilian movement and supply chains.
AFRICA
Jihadist attack destroys fuel convoy in western Mali
Authorities in Mali say jihadists are behind a deadly attack on a fuel tanker convoy in the country’s west. Dozens of tankers were set ablaze along a key route linking Senegal to the city of Kayes. At least 15 people were killed in the assault, according to local sources. The Al-Qaeda-linked JNIM group claimed to have ambushed Malian forces in the area. Fuel convoys have been repeatedly targeted as part of a blockade aimed at strangling Mali’s economy. The attack marks the deadliest strike of its kind in weeks.
Mozambique hit by worst floods in decades as UN warns of funding crisis
Mozambique is facing its most severe flooding in decades, with nearly 700,000 people affected nationwide. More than 100,000 people have been displaced into temporary shelters. The UN says overcrowding is heightening risks for women, children and people with disabilities. Aid agencies are deploying boats, aircraft and trucks to reach isolated communities. The World Food Programme says it urgently needs $32 million to sustain operations. Funding for emergency response is down sharply from last year.
Ghana suspends diaspora citizenship applications amid reform push
Ghana has suspended citizenship applications for people of African descent while it reviews the process. The programme, launched in 2016, allowed descendants of enslaved Africans to apply for nationality. More than 1,000 people have obtained citizenship under the scheme. Applicants have raised concerns over high costs and tight deadlines for DNA documentation. Authorities say the pause will allow reforms to make the system more accessible. No date has been set for resumption.
Morocco evacuates 50,000 as flooding threatens northern city
Morocco has evacuated more than 50,000 people from the city of Ksar el-Kebir as floodwaters rise following weeks of heavy rain. Authorities shut markets, schools and electricity in parts of the city. Flooding was worsened by water released from a nearby dam that reached full capacity. Temporary shelters have been established outside the city. Entry into Ksar el-Kebir has been restricted. Officials say rainfall is expected to continue.
Guinea-Bissau junta releases opposition leader under ECOWAS pressure
Guinea-Bissau’s military rulers have released opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira but placed him under house arrest. The junta has also pledged to include the PAIGC party in a future government. The moves appear aimed at easing pressure from regional bloc ECOWAS. Guinea-Bissau was suspended from ECOWAS following the November coup. The bloc has demanded a swift return to civilian rule. No timeline for elections has been announced.
