World News

The Israeli hostages taken during the October 7th attacks and held in Gaza are a major sticking point in cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. A spokesperson for Hamas tells NPR not all those hostages are being held by his organization, some are being held by families in Gaza.

And in Israel, what Gaza will look like after major combat operations end is the subject of fierce debate, with military and political leaders so far failing to agree.

For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdates

President Biden delivers confident speech to NATO summit. Russia strikes children's hospital in Ukrainian capital. NPR probe finds the pharmacist who makes a sedative used in Texas executions.

The pier will be used to deliver long-stalled humanitarian aid. Will it finally live up to the Biden administration’s hopes?

NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks to Rachel Rizzo of the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center, about whether Biden's speech reassured allies that the U.S. will continue to support Ukraine.

President Biden's speech at the NATO summit emphasized a bipartisan commitment to the alliance. Health researchers push for age restrictions on who can buy non-alcoholic drinks.