Al Jazeera News Digest
Thursday, 5 February 2026
Trump tempers criticism of UK’s Chagos Islands deal after talk with Starmer
Despite calling it earlier an ‘act of great stupidity’, Trump signals support of Starmer’s Chagos deal.
India coal mine blast leaves 18 dead, others feared trapped
Explosion took place at an unregulated mine in the northeastern East Jainta Hills area.
T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka urge Pakistan to reconsider India boycott
T20 World Cup co-host Sri Lanka asks Pakistan to reconsider boycott of India match on February 15 in Colombo.
Cuba to introduce plan to address fuel shortage amid US blockade
The shortage has led to blackouts across the Caribbean nation.
‘Sorry for being away’: Ukraine, Russia swap prisoners of war
More than 300 prisoners of war are finally heading home on Thursday after Ukraine and Russia reached a deal for a swap.
Trump endorses Prime Minister Viktor Orban for Hungary’s April election
The US president has praised the Hungarian leader for his hardline approach to immigration and nationalist policies.
Activists announce new, bigger aid flotilla to set sail for Gaza in March
Global Sumud Flotilla to carry up to 1,000 activists in largest-ever ‘coordinated humanitarian intervention’ for Gaza.
ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 explained in maps and charts
India and Sri Lanka will host the 10th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup from Saturday to March 8.
What the US and Iran are about to negotiate over isn’t clear
After weeks of military threats and arguments over a venue, the US and Iran are about to hold talks in Oman.
Gaza flotilla organisers in South Africa warn against Israeli interception
Activists announced at a briefing in South Africa plans to launch the largest civilian-led flotilla to Gaza in March.
US Treasury secretary declines to rule out future Federal Reserve lawsuits
Scott Bessent used a Senate appearance to defend President Donald Trump’s campaign to slash interest and raise tariffs.
Germany’s Merz warns of potential escalation as US, Iran prepare for talks
Friedrich Merz said concerns about a further escalation with Iran have dominated his trip to the Gulf region.
How the US left Ukraine exposed to Russia’s winter war
As Ukrainians face the coldest winter in a decade, trilateral talks take place in Abu Dhabi.
US envoy shuns Polish parliament speaker over Trump remarks
US Ambassador Tom Rose says: ‘We will not permit anyone to harm US-Polish relations, nor disrespect’ President Trump.
UN rights chief warns his office is in ‘survival mode’ over funding crisis
Volker Turk appeals for $400m after cuts to operations in 17 countries.
Starvation by design: How Israel turned food into a weapon of war in Gaza
Data reveals Gaza’s hunger was likely a calculated strategy to ‘re-engineer’ society, peaking in 2025.
UK ex-envoy’s ties to Epstein spark political storm
UK PM Keir Starmer says he regrets appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador related to his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
New Trump administration rule makes it easier to fire career civil servants
The OPM rule says that high ranking officials could be fired for ‘intentionally subverting Presidential directives’.
Chinese startup tests its flying car that can carry 10 people
Chinese company AutoFlight conducted a public flight demonstration for its 5-tonne-class flying car V5000 Matrix.
Pakistan Super League signs Bangladesh’s Mustafizur after IPL controversy
Pakistan’s Super League moves to sign Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman after both countries’ T20 dispute with India.