Morning news brief
Russian forces now occupy a strategically important town in Ukraine's east. Israel still plans an offensive in Rafah. A controversial state military base camp is being built in Texas near the border.
Middle East
The U.S. military says it struck a Houthi underwater vessel in the Red Sea
U.S. Central Command said it was the first time the Iranian-backed rebel group had been observed using an uncrewed underwater vessel since starting a series of attacks in the region in October.
The U.S. is barring funding to UNRWA, the only international organization aiding Gaza
The U.S. has paused funding to the UN organization that delivers food and aid to Palestinians. Some lawmakers want to keep it that way.
Rising tensions in the Middle East could force the U.S. out of Iraq
The war in Gaza is creating tensions across the Middle East, nowhere more so than Iraq, where Iran-backed militias are attacking US bases and forcing a dangerous confrontation.
U.N. court to hold hearings on legality of the occupation of Palestinian-claimed lands
The United Nations' highest court opens historic hearings Monday into the legality of Israel's 57-year occupation of lands sought for a Palestinian state.
Worries grow over fate of Palestinian doctor after Israeli troops raid Gaza hospital
The last messages sent by Dr. Khaled al-Serr were on Thursday night from a Gaza hospital raided by the Israeli military. Colleagues fear he has been detained by the Israeli military.
Israeli troops take control, cut power in one of Gaza's last functioning hospitals
Israeli troops have taken command of a hospital in southern Gaza while negotiations for a cease fire are ongoing but substantial disagreements remain.
Netanyahu's foreign policy adviser comments on Israel's possible invasion of Rafah
NPR's Scott Simon talks about the war in Gaza with Ophir Falk, a foreign policy adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
With Palestinian laborers shut out of Israel, Indian workers line up for jobs there
Israel is recruiting skilled laborers from India after suspending work permits for most Palestinian workers following the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas-backed militants.
Searching for the remains of hostages, Israeli forces raid another Gaza hospital
Israeli forces have found no hostage remains so far, but their raid has essentially rendered the largest hospital in Gaza's Khan Younis nonfunctional.