The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called on the United Nations to ensure Palestine’s full membership and to take urgent measures to uphold international law and accountability amid ongoing ceasefire violations in Gaza. The appeal was made in a statement to the UN Security Council, as reported by TRT World.

Turkey’s UN envoy Ahmet Yildiz, speaking on behalf of the OIC, said the October 2025 ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas marked a significant step toward peace but warned that its implementation remains at risk. He noted that while the truce has reduced violence and increased humanitarian aid, repeated Israeli attacks and continued blockades are obstructing the delivery of life-saving supplies to Palestinians.

Yildiz praised international efforts to maintain the ceasefire, including those of U.S. President Trump, but stressed that Israeli actions continue to hinder peace progress in Gaza. He also drew attention to Israel’s ongoing aggression in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including violations of the historical and legal status of Jerusalem’s holy sites.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned that any potential US attack on Iran would be a major mistake. In an interview with Al Jazeera on Wednesday, he called on both Washington and Tehran to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than military action. His remarks come amid reports of increased US military presence in the Middle East.

Fidan emphasized the importance of strengthening regional cooperation at a time of heightened tension. He stated that starting another war would be wrong and stressed that there is still an opportunity for a diplomatic solution between the two countries. According to him, Iran remains ready to resume discussions on its nuclear program.

The Turkish minister also urged Iran to build trust with its neighboring countries, saying that Tehran must work to foster confidence across the region.

After successful negotiations with Syria’s new government, President Donald Trump reversed long-standing US policy toward the country by lifting several sanctions and ending Washington’s cooperation with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The move left the SDF without protection and effectively ended hopes for Kurdish autonomy in northeastern Syria under American backing. Following the shift, Syrian government forces captured large territories from SDF control on January 20, prompting the group to renew a ceasefire with Damascus that includes integrating SDF fighters into the national army.

The policy change marks a major geopolitical turn in Syria’s prolonged civil conflict, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Saudi Arabia reportedly playing key roles. The SDF, once a key US partner in the fight against the Islamic State, now faces isolation as Washington aligns with Damascus in the anti-IS coalition. US envoy Tom Barrack stated that the SDF’s original mission had effectively ended, angering Kurdish leaders who had relied on earlier US assurances.

Analysts suggest the withdrawal of US support signals the end of over a decade of Kurdish self-rule in Syria’s northeast, consolidating President Ahmed al-Sharar’s control over the country’s largest territory since the war began in 2012.

The United States has decided to return a recently seized oil tanker to Venezuela, according to two unnamed U.S. officials who confirmed the decision on Wednesday, as reported by Reuters. The vessel, identified as MT Sophia, is a Panama-flagged supertanker. No official explanation has yet been provided for why the U.S. is returning the ship.

Over the past several months, the United States has conducted operations targeting oil tankers linked to Venezuela. Since late last year, at least seven such vessels have been seized. MT Sophia was captured on January 7 this year during a joint operation by the U.S. Coast Guard and military while it was carrying oil. At that time, U.S. authorities described it as a “stateless and sanctioned dark fleet tanker.” It remains unclear whether the tanker currently contains oil.

Neither the U.S. Coast Guard nor Venezuela’s communications ministry has issued any immediate comment regarding the decision or the vessel’s current status.

A passenger plane operated by Colombia’s state-owned airline Satena crashed in the country’s northern region on Wednesday, January 28, killing all 15 people on board. The victims included 13 passengers and two crew members. The Beechcraft 1900 twin-propeller aircraft went down in a mountainous area near the Venezuelan border while en route from Cúcuta to Ocaña. The flight, designated NSE 8849, lost contact with air traffic control about 11 minutes before its scheduled landing at 12:05 p.m. local time.

Rescue teams later located the wreckage in a remote mountain zone. Authorities confirmed that among the dead were lawmaker Diogenes Quintero Amaya and congressional candidate Carlos Salcedo. Satena described the incident as a “serious accident” but did not provide details on the cause. Following the loss of contact, search and rescue operations began immediately, supported by Colombia’s armed forces, and a hotline was opened for relatives of the passengers.

The Cúcuta region is known for its rapidly changing weather and partial control by the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group, factors that may complicate rescue and investigation efforts.

France has advised its citizens to avoid downtown Minneapolis, citing risks of major protests against the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies. The French Foreign Ministry said local authorities have urged residents to stay away from central areas and avoid gatherings. The advisory, first issued on January 24, remains in effect, according to Newsweek.

Germany and Ireland have issued similar warnings. Germany’s advisory noted that enforcement of Trump’s immigration policies has created public order risks in Minneapolis and other cities, sometimes leading to violent clashes between protesters and security forces. Ireland’s Foreign Ministry, in an update on January 15, urged caution for Irish citizens traveling to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area.

The alerts follow an incident on January 27, when U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was attacked during a speech in Minneapolis after criticizing Trump’s immigration policies. Omar was unharmed and continued her address, later describing herself as a survivor. The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the attack as a result of racist and Islamophobic incitement.

The United Kingdom has issued a travel advisory for its citizens regarding visits to Bangladesh. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) released the warning on Thursday, January 29, urging British nationals to plan their trips carefully and follow local authorities’ guidance. The advisory cites potential risks of political violence and extremist attacks linked to the upcoming national election.

According to the FCDO notice, travelers who ignore the advisory may face cancellation of their travel insurance. The office recommended avoiding all but essential travel to several parts of the country, particularly the three districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It noted that reports of violence and criminal activity are frequent in remote areas, and attacks targeting political gatherings or polling centers could occur during the election period.

Bangladesh’s national election is scheduled for February 12, with campaigning having started on January 22.

US President Donald Trump has issued a strong ultimatum to Iran, warning that time is running out for reaching an agreement on its nuclear program. In a post on his Truth Social account on January 28, Trump said a large US naval fleet is moving toward Iran and is ready for rapid operations. He cautioned that if negotiations fail to progress, future attacks on Iran would be far more devastating than before.

Iran rejected the US threat outright. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran would not bow to American pressure and that its armed forces are fully prepared for any situation. He added that Iran is open to fair and equal negotiations without coercion. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed Iran’s government is at its weakest point and its economy in deep crisis. In response, Araghchi warned that any US aggression would be met with immediate and severe retaliation.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations also indicated willingness for fair talks but warned that any attempt to impose terms would trigger unprecedented countermeasures.

After beginning his second term as U.S. president in early 2025, Donald Trump issued a wave of executive orders reversing 78 of his predecessor Joe Biden’s directives. He withdrew the U.S. from the World Health Organization, lifted restrictions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and tightened border security. Trump’s administration also imposed sweeping tariffs, including a 10 percent levy on all imports and up to 50 percent on goods from 57 countries, triggering global economic turmoil.

Trump’s foreign policy actions have further heightened tensions worldwide. He attempted to end the Russia-Ukraine war, intervened in Gaza to broker a ceasefire, and launched attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. In early 2026, he ordered the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and threatened Iran’s leadership. He also expressed intentions to acquire Greenland, even considering military force before retracting the idea.

At the Davos Economic Forum, Trump announced the creation of a new organization called the “Board of Peace” to rebuild Gaza, which many observers viewed as an attempt to undermine the United Nations and reshape global governance under U.S. influence.

North Korea has confirmed the test launch of its upgraded long-range large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS). The test, conducted on Tuesday by the country’s Missile Administration, aimed to verify the system’s enhanced technological capabilities. According to the state news agency KCNA, four rockets were fired during the test, striking a maritime target approximately 358 kilometers from the launch site. Leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the launch and described the test as crucial to strengthening the nation’s strategic deterrence.

Kim stated that the system’s strike capability has reached its highest level and asserted that no other country would be able to match this technology in the coming years. He said the results pose a serious threat to forces seeking military confrontation with Pyongyang. Kim also announced that the upcoming Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea will outline the next phase of plans to reinforce the country’s nuclear deterrence.

The report came as Japan and South Korea said North Korea had fired two ballistic missiles into the East Sea earlier this week, marking its second launch this month.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, warned Iran that “time is running out” and that the next attack would be “much worse.” In a lengthy post on Truth Social, he urged Tehran to quickly reach a deal, reiterating that a large U.S. naval fleet led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln was moving toward Iran. Trump described the fleet as advancing with speed, strength, and purpose, claiming it was larger than the one previously sent to Venezuela.

Trump cautioned that the fleet was ready to use force if necessary to achieve its objectives. He called on Iran to negotiate a “fair and just” agreement that would ensure the absence of nuclear weapons and benefit all parties. He also referenced a previous operation, “Midnight Hammer,” which he said had caused significant damage to Iran, warning that the next strike would be worse.

The report noted that Trump gave mixed signals about possible U.S. intervention following Iran’s crackdown on protests and internet shutdowns. It also recalled Washington’s involvement in a June conflict supporting Israel’s 12-day war aimed at weakening Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday. The Kremlin considers the meeting significant as it seeks to secure the future of its military bases in Syria. The discussion will cover bilateral relations, cooperation in various sectors, and the current situation in the Middle East.

The meeting comes amid ongoing tension over the fate of former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and his wife, who remain under Russian protection. Shara has repeatedly pressed Moscow to extradite them. The issue has become sensitive since Assad’s ouster in 2024, which weakened Russia’s influence in the region. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that all matters related to Russian troop presence in Syria would be discussed but declined to comment on Assad.

Analysts cited in the report believe the talks could shape Russia’s position in Syria and define its relationship with the new Syrian leadership, especially as Moscow recently withdrew forces from the Kurdish-held Qamishli airport, leaving only its Hmeimim and Tartus bases on the Mediterranean coast.

Israeli forces shot and killed a 20-year-old Palestinian man during a raid in the southern West Bank city of Hebron on Tuesday evening, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The victim, identified as Mohammad Rajeh Nasrallah from Al-Dhahiriya, was taken to Dura Hospital with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was pronounced dead shortly after. Another Palestinian was injured in the same operation, while at least three others were arrested in Bethlehem, the Wafa news agency reported.

The report said Israeli forces have continued widespread night raids and arrests across the occupied West Bank, detaining Palestinians regardless of alleged offenses. Thousands remain imprisoned without charge under harsh conditions, with reports of torture and deaths in custody. The Israeli human rights group B’Tselem stated that at least 84 Palestinians, including one child, have died in detention since October 2023.

Elsewhere, Israeli troops detained 10 people in Amatin near Qalqilya, raided homes in Nablus, and arrested several residents. Settlers also uprooted 200 olive trees near Turmus Ayya, north of Ramallah, as attacks on Palestinian land and livelihoods persisted.

The United States has released two Russian crew members who were detained after their tanker was seized in the North Atlantic Ocean earlier this month. According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, the sailors have been freed and are returning home to Russia. However, the fate of the remaining crew members aboard the vessel remains unclear.

U.S. authorities had detained the Russian-flagged tanker, alleging it was part of a 'shadow fleet' transporting oil from countries such as Venezuela, Russia, and Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. Washington has indicated that legal action could be taken against the crew, while Moscow has condemned such a move as unacceptable, accusing the U.S. of escalating tensions and endangering international maritime navigation.

Earlier reports stated that the tanker was intercepted near Venezuela’s coast while under Russian naval escort. To prevent U.S. seizure during its operations against Venezuela, the vessel was reportedly reflagged and renamed under Russian jurisdiction.

Israel has shifted its stance on the Gaza ceasefire after recovering all hostages taken to the enclave. The Israeli government now insists that Hamas must fully disarm before any further progress can be made toward the next phase of the ceasefire. This marks a tougher position from Israel following the hostage recovery.

Hamas has publicly refused to surrender its weapons. Two Hamas officials told Reuters that neither the United States nor mediators have presented any detailed or concrete disarmament proposal. Israeli minister and former intelligence chief Avi Dichter warned that disputes over disarmament could reignite conflict in Gaza, saying the issue might have to be resolved by Israeli forces through military means.

A White House document released last week indicated that the Trump administration seeks the immediate elimination of heavy weapons in Gaza and a phased registration and removal of personal arms under an interim technocratic administration to ensure local security.