US reveals proposal to loosen restrictions on marijuana
The U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday revealed a proposal to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, marking a notable change in U.S. drug policy. First announced in April, the proposal would reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I drug…
Russia sees ‘window of opportunity’ as Ukrainian forces await US weapons
Russian forces are expanding their attacks on Ukrainian border settlements close to the northeastern city of Kharkiv, opening up a new front in the war. With U.S. and European weapons finally due to arrive on the front lines in the…
Webb telescope uncovers merger of two massive black holes from early universe
CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA — The Webb Space Telescope has discovered the earliest known merger of black holes. These two gigantic black holes and their galaxies consolidated just 740 million years after the universe-forming Big Bang. It’s the most distant detection…
China property shares jump on report of government plans to buy homes
HONG KONG — Shares of Chinese property developers rallied on Thursday after a report that China was considering a plan for local governments across the country to buy millions of unsold homes from distressed companies to ease a protracted property…
Guterres repeats call to Israel to halt Rafah assault as aid stocks dwindle
In a related development, the UN’s top court prepared to hear a new request from South Africa to issue more constraints on Israeli military action in the enclave. In a call for the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages” still…
Stories from the UN Archive: UN’s first peacekeeping force
The crisis began when Egypt nationalised the Suez Canal Company in July 1956, and France and the United Kingdom protested. By October of that year, Israeli forces launched an attack on Egypt and occupied Sinai, with British and French troops…
At Arab League Summit, Guterres appeals for Gaza ceasefire and regional unity
“The war in Gaza is an open wound that threatens to infect the entire region,” he said. “In its speed and scale, it is the deadliest conflict in my time as Secretary-General – for civilians, aid workers, journalists, and our…
UN envoy outlines Iraq’s growth and ongoing struggles
Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert, also the head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), cited notable advancements in infrastructure, economic reforms, and regional influence, signalling an Iraq on the rise. “[Today] Iraq looks different to the country to which UNAMI…
Gaza: World court opens hearings on request to halt Israel’s Rafah incursion
Linked to South Africa’s ongoing case charging Israel with violating the Genocide Convention, the new request, filed on 10 May, asked the ICJ’s 15 judges to order Israel to “immediately withdraw and cease its military operations in the Rafah governate” and…
Rights expert condemns death of Palestinian doctor in Israeli custody, urges independent inquiry
Dr. Adnan Al Bursh, 50, the head of the orthopaedic department at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, died on April 19, 2024, in Ofer prison, a detention facility in the West Bank. His body has not yet been released by…