This year's cohort of Israeli and Palestinian entrepreneurs taking part in 50:50 Startups is smaller than usual, because the war prevented many from travelling. 50:50 co-founder Amir Grinsteen (third from right) founded the program seven years ago, believing that building businesses together would also build lasting bridges, that could advance the cause of peace.
A recent video showing an explosive-laden drone striking an Israeli Iron Dome battery couldn't have been more symbolic: Israel's famous air-defense system, which cost billions of euros, looked powerless against a small aircraft that cost a few hundred euros. While the video's authenticity has not yet been verified, experts believe it is genuine.
The United States and Iran signaled progress on Saturday toward a framework agreement that could end a nearly three-month standoff triggered by US and Israeli attacks on Iran and the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz.
France has banned Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, from entering its territory after a widely condemned video was shared on his X account showing him taunting pro-Palestinian activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. "As from today, Itamar Ben-Gvir is banned from entering French territory," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot wrote on social media.
Are we living in an era where traditional diplomacy has little influence? Is the world moving toward a time when individual states increasingly use military force to assert their interests? If so, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul made a conscious effort this week to set a different tone. The German chief diplomat was unusually busy.
A banner of President Donald Trump hangs over Iranian Americans and their supporters as they march from the U.S. Capitol to the World War II Memorial during a rally Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Washington.
To all appearances, it really looks as if the United Arab Emirates has picked a side as a result of the US and Israel's war with Iran, a side that could isolate it from much of the rest of the Arab world.
Deadlocked, dysfunctional and dangerous. That is how the Strait of Hormuz standoff is increasingly being described. Now approaching its fourth month, the crisis off Iran's coast is marked by mutual blockades.
Skip next section Pakistani and Qatari teams in Tehran for talks May 22, 2026 Pakistani and Qatari teams in Tehran for talks Diplomatic delegations from both Pakistan and Qatar were in Tehran on Friday as part of separate efforts to mediate a peace deal between Iran and the United States.
This year is the first time that Saudi Arabia has chosen to go ahead with the annual Hajj pilgrimage while it is also in the middle of a war that has seen direct strikes on Saudi territory.
Are we living in an era where traditional diplomacy has little influence? Is the world moving toward a time when individual states increasingly use military force to assert their interests? If so, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul made a conscious effort this week to set a different tone. The German chief diplomat was unusually busy.
The father of Hussein Jaber, who was killed in an Israeli strike on Nabatieh, in southern Lebanon, on May 12, cries during the funeral ceremony in Sidon the following day.