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A fresh wave of cross‑border fire has reignited hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan, threatening the fragile cease‑fire brokered in March and casting doubt on the future of peace talks mediated by China. The Accusations and New Cross‑Border Strikes Both sides have blamed each other for fresh attacks. The Taliban’s deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat said Pakistani forces launched mortar and rocket fire that hit the Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University in Asadabad, Kunar province, wounding civilians, including students, women and children. Pakistan’s Information Ministry dismissed the claim as a “blatant lie” and denied any strike on the university. In South Waziristan, Pakistani border forces reported a serious clash that injured at least three civilians. Casualties and Immediate Figures Four people killed in Kunar province attacks. Three civilians injured in South Waziristan. 45 people wounded according to the Taliban spokesperson. Fragile Ceasefire and Regional Repercussions The March truce, agreed during the Eid al‑Fitr holiday, was the first pause after weeks of deadly exchanges that began in February when Afghan forces struck Pakistani positions along the Durand Line. The latest flare‑up undermines confidence in the cease‑fire and revives long‑standing grievances: Pakistan accuses Kabul of sheltering the Tehreek‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) insurgency, while Afghanistan rebuts that Pakistan harbours hostile groups and violates Afghan sovereignty. Regional actors – Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia – have previously pushed for de‑escalation, but the renewed violence risks pulling the border back into a state of “open war”. What the Next Weeks May Hold for Pakistan‑Afghanistan Relations Analysts warn that unless both capitals quickly convene a joint verification mechanism, the cease‑fire could collapse, prompting renewed air strikes and a possible escalation along the 2,640 km border. China is likely to intensify diplomatic pressure, possibly offering a renewed monitoring mission, while the United Nations may call for an emergency security council meeting. Conversely, a limited humanitarian pause could be negotiated if both sides agree to a joint investigation of the recent incidents, but the underlying mistrust over the TTP issue makes a durable peace unlikely in the short term.

East Darfur, Sudan — Hawa Adam did not expect a childhood illness to kill her son. Ali was two years old when he fell sick on February 25 in Labado, in Sudan’s East Darfur state. He died two days later.“I thought it was one of the ordinary childhood diseases,” the 37-year-old told Al Jazeera. “I never imagined I would lose my child to this epidemic.”Hawa attributes his death to the absence of basic medical care – no vaccination, no qualified doctors. “Most doctors”, she says, “left the area after the war broke out, forcing those with means to seek treatment abroad, in South Sudan or Uganda.”The Collapse of Routine Immunization in East DarfurA measles outbreak has struck several Labado districts since March, killing approximately 70 people and infecting about 1,000 others across 12 residential neighbourhoods, in a population of roughly 12,000, which includes displaced people who arrived during the war, according to Mohamed Abdel Aziz, 32, coordinator of the Labado crisis unit.Those numbers were disputed by East Darfur’s health director, Dr Jabir al-Nadeef, who confirmed to Al Jazeera that measles has struck four districts of the state, but only reported 300 cases and 26 deaths, figures that diverge substantially from those documented by the Labado emergency room.“Vaccines only arrived on April 11 from Chad via UNICEF [United Nations Children’s Fund ], after a prolonged period with no supply, and a vaccination campaign is scheduled to run from April 18 to 24 across the state,” he said.Measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases, spread by contact with infected nasal or throat secretions or breathing in air that was breathed out by someone with measles, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Outbreaks can result in severe complications and deaths, especially among young, malnourished children.Transmission: Contact with infected secretions or airborne particles.Current Coverage: Measles vaccination has fallen to 46 percent.Routine Immunization: First dose of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis dropped to 48 percent in 2024.Quantifying the Human Cost: Disputed Death Toll and Economic BarriersThe first measles cases in Darfur in the current outbreak were recorded in January, according to UNICEF. It is unfolding against the backdrop of a near-total collapse of public health infrastructure across Darfur, where war has gutted facilities, halted routine vaccination and driven out medical personnel.“We discovered the outbreak by accident,” Abdel Aziz, the coordinator, told Al Jazeera. The teams had been conducting home visits for a fire-prevention workshop when they saw the scale of the outbreak, with almost half of the homes visited having measles cases.In the al-Nil neighbourhood, Ismail Issa, 38, lost his two-year-old daughter Makarem on March 11. His brother Ahmed lost an 18-month-old son, Issa, on March 25. Then Hasan, the three-year-old son of Ismail’s sister Medeeha, died on March 23. All three families live in adjoining homes, and the infection passed between them.Abdel Aziz traced much of the death toll directly to a supply failure. Medicines ran out at the government health centre on February 23. Drugs remain available at private pharmacies, but most residents cannot afford them.Intravenous fluids: 8,000 Sudanese pounds ($20.50).Antibiotics: 10,000 to 15,000 pounds ($25.60 to 38.40).A Public Health Catastrophe UnfoldingAsmaa Jalaluddin, 28, lives in the Dar al-Naim West neighbourhood of Labado with her three children. Her three-year-old daughter, Mashaer Rajab al-Sheikh, fell ill on April 5 with fever, diarrhoea and persistent vomiting. She stopped eating and kept her eyes shut for four days.On April 8, Asmaa took her to the Labado health centre, where she was told her daughter had measles. With no medicines available, she was directed to travel to Shuairiya, 40 kilometres north. There, on April 10, Mashaer received fever reducers and vitamins and slowly began to open her eyes again. She was discharged two days later.Local doctors are now calling for intervention from international health organisations, noting that diseases that had been eliminated are returning.UNICEF spokesperson for Sudan, Eva Hinds, told Al Jazeera that “measles cases continue to be reported across Darfur, with insecurity, displacement, damaged health facilities, and prolonged disruption to routine immunisation all constraining the response.”UNICEF says that a measles-rubella vaccine catch-up campaign has been completed across all localities in Central Darfur and West Darfur, as well as parts of North and South Darfur, reaching approximately 2.1 million children aged nine to 14. Vaccination in remaining areas, including East Darfur, is scheduled for mid to end of April, aiming to reach close to 750,000 children across all nine of the state’s localities.The Long Road to RecoveryFor the families of Labado, the calendar offers little comfort. In the al-Nil neighbourhood, three siblings buried their children within days of one another over the Eid holiday. In Dar al-Naim West, a mother counts the days until her daughter’s 14-day isolation ends. In the Safaa neighbourhood, Hawa Adam has already buried hers.“They could have still been alive,” Hawa Adam said. “Those without money die in Darfur.”

The Lead: Timberwolves Take 3-1 Lead Despite Key InjuriesAyo Dosunmu came off the bench to score a career-high 43 points on 13-for-17 shooting, and the short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves pulled away for a 112-96 win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of their Western Conference quarterfinals series on Saturday night in Minneapolis.The Game Breakdown: Edwards' Injury Changes Playoff TrajectoryThe victory, which gave Minnesota a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, came at a steep cost for the Timberwolves, who lost two key starters due to injury. Anthony Edwards, a four-time All-Star and the team's top scorer, left in the second quarter and did not return because of a left knee injury. Earlier, in the first half, Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo injured his right leg on a noncontact play. Early reports indicated he might have ruptured his Achilles tendon.Statistical Impact: Dosunmu's Career Night Powers VictoryNaz Reid added 17 points off the bench for Minnesota. Julius Randle finished with 15 points and nine rebounds, and Rudy Gobert grabbed a game-high-tying 15 rebounds to go along with four points. Jamal Murray scored 30 points on 10-for-25 shooting to lead Denver. Nikola Jokic finished with 24 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists. However, he shot 8-for-22 from the field and missed all three of his 3-point attempts.League-Wide Implications: Thunder Dominate, Knicks Even SeriesShai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a playoff-career-high 42 points to lift Oklahoma City to a road win over Phoenix. The reigning NBA Most Valuable Player finished 15 of 18 from the floor with eight assists to give the Thunder a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round Western Conference playoff series. Oklahoma City have won 11 consecutive first-round games.In the Eastern Conference, Karl Anthony-Towns totalled 20 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds for his first career playoff triple-double as New York earned a victory over host Atlanta and evened their Eastern Conference first-round series at two games apiece.Playoff Outlook: Timberwolves Face Uncertain FutureWith Anthony Edwards' knee injury and Donte DiVincenzo potentially suffering an Achilles rupture, the Timberwolves' path to the NBA Finals becomes significantly more complicated. Minnesota will need to rely even more heavily on their bench production, led by Dosunmu's career performance, to close out the series against the Nuggets. The team's medical staff will be working overtime to determine the severity of both injuries before Game 5.

The LeadThis comprehensive entertainment guide from The Guardian covers all the cultural highlights for the week ahead, offering recommendations across cinema, music, art, theater, streaming, gaming, and more. Whether you're planning a night out or looking for quality content to enjoy at home, this guide has something for every cultural enthusiast.New Cinema ReleasesMother MaryOut nowAnne Hathaway and Michaela Coel play a pop star and a fashion designer embroiled in a psychosexual affair in this A24 drama-slash-thriller from director David Lowery. Also starring FKA twigs, Sian Clifford and Hunter Schafer.Rose of NevadaOut nowStarring George MacKay and Callum Turner, this is a sci-fi drama from director Mark Jenkin about a boat lost at sea for three decades that mysteriously reappears.Exit 8Out nowBased on the hit video game set in a Japanese metro station passageway, this high-concept horror has its protagonist, The Lost Man (Kazunari Ninomiya) trapped in a seemingly inescapable spatial loop.MichaelOut nowSeventeen years on from Michael Jackson's death, his estate-approved biopic finally arrives. Charting his rise from the Jackson 5 to Bad-era superstardom, the film features Jackson's nephew Jaafar in the lead, with Colman Domingo as domineering father Joe.Live Music HighlightsEgo Ella MayManchester, 29 April; touring to 9 MayA fusion of neo-soul and contemporary jazz, south Londoner Ego Ella May's third album Good Intentions gets an airing on this short tour. Keep an ear out for slick tracks such as What You Waiting For.Grand Pianola MusicRoyal Northern College of Music, Manchester, 1 MayPianist Tamara Stefanovich joins the BBC Philharmonic and conductor John Storgårds in Stravinsky's Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments and John Adams's Grand Pianola Music, inspired by a dream about limousines turning into oversized Steinway pianos.Cheltenham Jazz FestivalVarious venues, 29 April to 4 MayThe 30th anniversary of the ever diverse Cheltenham jazz festival draws a typical raft of established and rising stars. Genre-bending virtuoso violinist Nigel Kennedy (1 May) is an early highlight with Joshua Redman and Emma Rawicz to follow.Louis Tomlinson25 April to 3 May; tour continues BirminghamJust before tours by his former bandmates, Louis arrives in UK arenas in support of January's How Did I Get Here?. With three albums of rock-adjacent pop to lean on now, chances of a One Direction throwback are slim but not impossible.Art ExhibitionsHandpicked: Painting Flowers from 1900 to TodayKettle's Yard, Cambridge, today to 6 SeptemberFlowers are integral to the look and feel of Kettle's Yard: its founders Jim and Helen Ede incorporated fresh cut flowers into the gallery to create visual counterpoints to the artwork and architecture. This exhibition features artists who cared about flowers as much as the Edes, from Henri Rousseau and Winnifred Nicholson to Lubaina Himid and Cedric Morris.George HallettJohn Lennon School of Art, Liverpool, 25 April to 21 JuneSouth African photographer George Hallett's work captures the cultural and political landscape of his country during and after apartheid. This retrospective brings together his most powerful images from a career spanning five decades.

A Playborn from a Documentary on South Africa’s Truth and ReconciliationIn a candid Guardian interview, writer Fran Kranz explains that the 90‑minute documentary Long Night’s Journey Into Day—which records four amnesty hearings of South Africa’s post‑apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission—became the emotional catalyst for his play Mass. The film’s portrayal of victims confronting their killers left a lasting impression that resurfaced after the 14 February 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. How “Mass” Transforms Restorative Justice into Stage DramaKranz describes the play as an “earnest examination” of his own capacity to forgive, rather than a conventional thriller. Drawing on the ritual‑like hearings he witnessed in the documentary, the script places four grieving parents opposite the shooter’s family, echoing the restorative‑justice principles championed by Desmond Tutu. The narrative asks whether forgiveness can serve as a “strange currency” that outweighs anger and retribution. Why Forgiveness on Stage Resonates in Post‑Parkland SocietiesThe Guardian notes that, seven years after the tragedy that inspired the work, the United Kingdom’s stricter gun‑control legacy contrasts sharply with the United States’ ongoing debate. Kranz argues that the play’s relevance endures because the underlying failure of empathy—our inability to extend compassion beyond immediate circles—continues to fracture societies. By staging a room where pain is shared openly, Mass seeks to rebuild that empathy. The Future of “Mass” and the Conversation on Gun ViolenceCurrently running at the Donmar Warehouse in London until 6 June, the production hopes to travel internationally, prompting audiences worldwide to confront the moral complexities of forgiveness after mass violence. Kranz believes that if theatre can “build a bridge for our empathy,” it may influence public discourse and policy on gun control and restorative justice in the years ahead.

Exploring the Intestines of an Alien MachineThe setting of Saros is a masterclass in atmospheric design. Set on the planet Carcosa, the game presents a world where mangled trees and crimson flowers grow alongside the ruins of an ancient civilization. The environments—metallic tunnels, chasms of impossible size, and shifting architecture—resemble the "House of Leaves" quality spaces described in the review, creating a sense of unease that feels alien and non-human.The Mechanics of Death and ReshufflingThe core gameplay loop is built around a high-stakes, reflex-based combat system. Players control Arjun Devraj, a traumanaut space security officer, who must survive against waves of robot-esque aliens. The action is frantic and messy, described as "bullet-crossing-the-motorway-in-your-pyjamas," requiring players to dodge thousands of projectiles while firing thousands of bullets per minute.Death as a Mechanic: Unlike standard shooters where death halts progress, Saros uses death as a tool for progression. Upon dying, the player reconstitutes in alien goop.The Roguelite Loop: Players trade found loot for armor upgrades (health, damage output) before returning to the unmapped wilds.Environmental Shift: The map reconfigures and morphs with each run, keeping the layout fresh while enemies remain consistent, creating a unique challenge each time.Engagement Metrics and Market ValueAt a price point of £69.99, the game positions itself as a premium, high-effort title. The review highlights that the game demands significant physical engagement, with players "strafing until their thumbs hurt." This indicates a high engagement metric driven by the "flow state" the game induces, where peripheral vision and reflexes take precedence over complex strategy. The value proposition lies in the replayability provided by the dynamic weapon systems and the reshuffling environments.Housemarque’s Shift to Narrative-RoguelikesThis title marks a significant evolution for developer Housemarque, known previously for arcade classics like Resogun. Saros attempts to blend high-octane action with a thematic narrative centered on obsession. While the narrative delivery is criticized for being disjointed and static (mostly showing the back of the protagonist's head), the thematic anchor provides a reason to continue the "fight, die, repeat" loop.Defining the Next Era of Reflex-Based GamingThe success of Saros suggests a continued trend where players crave intense, visceral action over traditional storytelling. By prioritizing the "kaleidoscopic" weapon mechanics and the psychological impact of the environment, Housemarque is carving out a niche that combines the best of arcade speed with modern roguelike structures. The game proves that even in a saturated market, a focus on pure, chaotic fun can yield a premium experience.

The 2026 NFL Draft LandscapeThe 2026 NFL Draft is poised to be a defining event, featuring a deep quarterback class led by Fernando Mendoza and a loaded edge rusher class highlighted by Ohio State's Arvell Reese. With teams like the Jets and Cowboys aggressively reshaping their rosters through high-value draft capital, the draft offers a mix of immediate impact talent and long-term rebuilding strategies.Elite Prospects: The Face of the FutureArvell Reese (LB/Edge, Ohio State): Described as the most talented player in the draft, Reese offers a rare combination of smarts, speed, and power. His versatility allows him to play linebacker or edge rusher, drawing comparisons to a "Super Soldier Serum" version of Zack Baun.Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame): A top-10 talent with breakaway speed (4.36s 40-yard dash), Love is viewed as a complete three-down back with elite pass-catching abilities, making him a potential "home-run pick" for teams needing a franchise running back.Quarterback Race: While Fernando Mendoza is the projected No. 1 pick, Ty Simpson is expected to be the second quarterback off the board, likely landing with the Jets or Cardinals in the second round.Strategic Needs and Draft CapitalFranchises are leveraging their draft assets to address critical roster holes. The New York Jets hold four picks in the top 50, including the second overall selection, positioning them to aggressively target edge rushers or quarterbacks. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys face a defensive crisis following the trade of Micah Parsons and Osa Odighizuwa, making this year's deep edge rusher class essential for their resurgence.Rebuilding and Dynasty ShiftsThe draft is driving significant strategic shifts. The New York Giants have traded away key veterans like Dexter Lawrence to acquire high draft picks, signaling a full-scale rebuild. Conversely, the Kansas City Chiefs face a critical juncture where a stellar draft could determine the future of their dynasty under Andy Reid.Outlook: The Miami PipelineThe University of Miami is emerging as a dominant pipeline to the NFL, with a strong chance of breaking the school record for draft picks in a single year. With stars like Rueben Bain Jr. and Francis Mauigoa entering the draft, Miami is set to reintroduce itself as a major power in collegiate football.

The LeadLebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has accused Israel of crimes against humanity for killing journalist Amal Khalil and wounding her colleague Zeinab Faraj in an air strike in the village of al-Tayri in southern Lebanon. The journalists were reporting on an earlier Israeli attack when they were targeted while fleeing to take shelter.The Attack DetailsKhalil and Faraj were covering an earlier Israeli attack on a vehicle when they came under fire. Paramedics rescued Faraj and recovered Khalil's body from the rubble hours later. The incident occurred in what Lebanese officials described as a "double-tap" strike in al-Tayri.Rescue workers initially tried to reach the veteran Al Akhbar journalist but came under Israeli fire and were forced to withdraw. A second strike then hit the house where the two journalists had sought refuge. Khalil's body was recovered shortly before midnight, more than seven hours after the attack.The Journalist's BackgroundBorn in 1984 in Baysariyyeh, southern Lebanon, Khalil had covered the region for Al Akhbar since the 2006 war. Her latest reporting focused on Israeli demolitions of homes in villages where Israeli troops are positioned inside Lebanon.In an interview earlier this year with The Public Source, Khalil said her reporting sought to highlight the resilience of residents in Lebanon's border villages. "I debunk the enemy's narrative of targeting only military sites by showing evidence of them bombing homes, farms, and killing children," she said. "Through my work, I have tried to be in solidarity with these people – the people of the land."International CondemnationIn a statement to Al Jazeera, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said Khalil's killing "must be a wake-up call for the international community to enforce international law, urgently investigate Israel's 262 killings of journalists across the region, and hold all those responsible to account".Lebanese President Joseph Aoun offered his condolences over Khalil's death and wished Faraj a swift recovery. In a post on X, Aoun accused Israel of the "deliberate and consistent targeting of journalists" in an effort to "conceal the truth of its aggressive acts against Lebanon".The Israeli military denied reports it had prevented rescue teams from reaching the scene and said it does not target journalists. However, this incident follows a pattern where three journalists were killed in another reported "double-tap" attack in southern Lebanon less than a month ago.Escalating CrisisKhalil is the ninth journalist killed in Lebanon this year as she was covering a renewed escalation of hostilities between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, which resumed in early March amid wider regional tensions linked to the US-Israel war on Iran.Reporting from Tyre, southern Lebanon, Al Jazeera's Heidi Pett said Khalil had received direct threats during the last war from an Israeli phone number on WhatsApp, warning her to stop reporting. "In fact, [they were] telling her that she should leave Lebanon if she wanted her head to remain on her shoulders," Pett said.Lebanon's Information Minister Paul Morcos described the latest attack as a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, highlighting the growing international concern over the targeting of journalists in the region.

Iran has placed the blame for the current diplomatic deadlock squarely on President Donald Trump and his continuation of the naval blockade of Iranian ports. While a two‑week cease‑fire extension remains in effect, Tehran warns that any further pressure could shatter the fragile peace.Iran Accuses Trump’s Blockade of Undermining Ceasefire TalksParliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told reporters on Wednesday, 22 April 2026 that a full cease‑fire is impossible while the United States maintains a maritime siege on the Strait of Hormuz. He posted on X that the blockade constitutes “bullying” and a “flagrant breach of the cease‑fire.” President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed the sentiment, insisting that genuine negotiations require the removal of economic pressure.Economic and Strategic Stakes of the Hormuz Strait ClosureStrait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of global oil shipments; its closure spikes oil prices and strains worldwide markets.The U.S. has seized at least one Iranian vessel and threatened further seizures as leverage.Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) captured two foreign commercial ships, claiming violations of maritime regulations.The blockade not only hampers Iran’s export revenues but also gives the United States a bargaining chip in the broader regional power balance.Political Ramifications for US‑Iran Relations and Regional StabilityTrump’s public statements suggest the blockade will remain until “a deal is struck,” even as White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt dismissed reports of a fixed truce deadline. The rhetoric fuels a “no war, no peace” environment, with analysts warning that any misstep could reignite hostilities across the Middle East.What the Extended Truce Means for Future NegotiationsThe cease‑fire was extended a day before Iran refused to attend talks in Pakistan, signaling Tehran’s willingness to negotiate only if the blockade is lifted. Ambassador Amir‑Saeid Iravani warned that without breaking the siege, diplomatic progress is unlikely.Potential Scenarios: Escalation or Diplomatic BreakthroughExperts outline three near‑term paths:Escalation: Continued blockade and Iranian retaliation could lead to renewed missile and drone strikes.Stalemate: The truce holds but no substantive talks occur, prolonging economic hardship.Breakthrough: A negotiated lifting of the blockade in exchange for limited Iranian concessions, potentially reopening the Strait.The coming weeks will test whether diplomatic pressure or military posturing will shape the next chapter of the US‑Iran confrontation.