Israeli and Hamas officials convene in an Egyptian resort on the second anniversary of a devastating war that began in October 2023. Negotiations seek a ceasefire, focusing on hostage exchanges, scaled-back military operations, and urgent humanitarian relief for civilians in Gaza.

Qatar’s insistence on an Israeli apology for a recent strike in Doha has prompted the Gulf nation to suspend mediation efforts in Gaza. As hostages hang in the balance, U.S. officials work to quell tensions and rekindle a fragile peace process.

Nepal has reignited its border dispute with India, prompting questions about whether the United States might leverage tensions for strategic purposes. Recent student-driven riots tied to social media bans add another layer of complexity to a situation that may impact the region’s balance of power.