Breaking AI & Tech News Analyzed

UNICEF said it is outraged after Israeli forces killed two drivers it had hired to deliver clean water at the Mansoura water filling point in northern Gaza on Friday morning, prompting the agency to halt activities there and demand a thorough investigation.The incident occurred during routine water‑trucking operations; two additional people were wounded. UNICEF immediately suspended all work at the site and urged Israeli authorities to ensure full accountability for the attack.In a statement, UNICEF emphasized that “humanitarian workers, essential service providers, and civilian infrastructure, including critical water facilities, must never be targeted,” underscoring that protecting aid personnel is a binding obligation under international humanitarian law.Palestinian health authorities report that more than 750 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the U.S.–Qatar‑brokered cease‑fire began in October, while overall death tolls in the Gaza conflict exceed 72,000 since the war erupted on October 7, 2023.Separately, in the occupied West Bank, a 25‑year‑old Palestinian man, Muhammad Ahmad Suwaiti, was shot dead by Israeli forces in Khirbet Salama, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.The Israeli military described the West Bank incident as the elimination of a “terrorist who infiltrated the community of Negohot in Judea and Samaria,” without specifying the responsible party.Since the Gaza war began, Israeli forces and settlers have killed more than 1,060 Palestinians in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, highlighting the widening humanitarian crisis beyond Gaza.

Oil prices have plummeted to their lowest point in weeks after Iran said the Strait of Hormuz was open for passage during a ceasefire in Lebanon. The international benchmark, Brent crude, fell more than 9 percent to $90.38 a barrel on Friday, taking it below $91 for the first time since March 10.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait was “completely open” and would remain so for the duration of the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which took effect on Friday. US President Donald Trump hailed Tehran’s announcement, declaring the waterway “ready for business and full passage.”However, on Saturday, Iran rowed back on its decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that it would continue to block transit through the key waterway as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports remained in effect. Trump said the blockade “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches a deal with the US, including on its nuclear programme.Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through Hormuz and further limits would squeeze already constrained supply, driving prices higher once again. Amid the escalation, Pakistani officials say they are trying for more talks between the US and Iran ahead of the April 22 ceasefire deadline.Meanwhile, ship tracking data displayed a significant uptick in vessels crossing the strait on Saturday, with an analyst at maritime intelligence firm Windward saying it was the busiest since the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed at the beginning of the war.

Jalen Green’s 36 points sparked the Phoenix Suns to a decisive 111‑96 victory over the visiting Golden State Warriors on Friday, clinching the Western Conference’s eighth postseason seed. The Suns capitalized on 21 turnovers by Golden State, converting them into 30 points. After a narrow escape in their opening play‑in game against Portland, Phoenix held firm this time, building an early lead with a 13‑0 run that put them ahead 33‑15. Golden State’s offense sputtered, managing only 15 points in the first quarter – their lowest quarterly output since a 14‑point quarter against the Thunder on March 7. Stephen Curry struggled, finishing with 17 points on 4‑of‑16 shooting and just three of ten from three‑point range. In the second quarter, the Warriors rallied, with rookie Brandin Podziemski contributing a team‑high 23 points (10 in the half) and pulling down 10 rebounds. Phoenix, however, rebounded with an 11‑1 run, highlighted by two more three‑pointers from Green, to regain control. Devin Booker added 20 points, eight assists and six rebounds, while Jordan Goodwin chipped in 19 points, nine rebounds and six steals. The Suns shot an efficient 52.4% in the opening quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Late‑game drama unfolded when Draymond Green fouled out with just over a minute left. A brief altercation between Green and Booker resulted in technical fouls for both, and Green was ejected. With the win, Phoenix advances to face the defending champion top‑seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, beginning Sunday. Other play‑in results: In the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic secured the eighth seed by defeating the Charlotte Hornets 121‑90, while the Hornets’ 10‑year playoff drought continues.

A federal judge in the United States has dismissed a Department of Justice lawsuit seeking to access voter data from Rhode Island. The decision on Friday was the latest loss for the administration of President Donald Trump, which has sought to access voter data in dozens of states across the country.In the ruling, US District Court Judge Mary McElroy sided with election officials and civil rights groups, writing that the Justice Department does not have the authority “to conduct the kind of fishing expedition it seeks here”. Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore praised the ruling in a statement afterwards, highlighting the importance of state rights and the balance of power in the US democratic republic.The Justice Department has sued at least 30 states for their voter information, maintaining it needs the information to secure election security. However, state officials have expressed concerns over privacy, and federal judges have rejected similar attempts in California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Oregon. At least 12 states have willingly provided or pledged to provide voter information to the Trump administration.The push for voter information is one of several actions that have raised concerns over how the Trump administration will approach the midterm elections in November, which will decide the makeup of the US Congress. Trump is currently calling on Republicans to pass the so-called SAVE America Act, a bill that would create higher documentation standards for voters to prove their citizenship when registering to vote and casting ballots.

Coventry City's perilous journey back to the Premier League has finally come to an end, with the team securing promotion after a nervy draw at Blackburn on Friday night.The club's story is one of remarkable resilience, having been relegated from the top flight for the first time after 34 years and facing extinction before being bought by a Mayfair-based hedge fund in 2007.Under the ownership of Sisu, the club experienced significant turmoil, including administrations, points deductions, and transfer embargoes, as well as being exiled from their own city and forced to play in Northampton and Birmingham.However, under the guidance of Mark Robins and later Frank Lampard, the team has shown remarkable determination and skill, culminating in their promotion to the Premier League.The team's success was underpinned by key signings, including Matt Grimes, Frank Onyeka, and Carl Rushworth, who have all played crucial roles in the team's performance.Lampard's tactical acumen and ability to adapt his team's formation during games have been key factors in their success, and the team has finally achieved their goal without relying on gimmicks like the infamous text-a-substitute idea that was once part of their history.

Heart Wall opens to the sound of a bustling karaoke session, with audience members belting out Friday‑night pub anthems before the drama even begins. The musical backdrop becomes the thread that ties together a family still haunted by a tragedy from more than twenty years ago.The story follows Franky (Rowan Robinson), who returns to her north‑west hometown after building a life in London with a boyfriend and a new job. Her parents, Dez (Deka Walmsley) and Linda (Sophie Stanton), remain trapped in their own grief – Dez appears overwhelmed by guilt, while Linda searches for happiness elsewhere. The play centres on this unprocessed grief, but also hints at a mystery surrounding Franky’s sister and the strained marriage of her parents, threads that never fully resolve.Under director Katie Greenall, the production delivers moments of genuine emotional revelation, yet the pacing feels uneven. Scenes of intensity erupt abruptly, then dissolve just as quickly, leaving the narrative feeling rushed despite its dense storytelling. Supporting characters such as Charlene (Olivia Forrest) and the pub manager Valentine (Aaron Anthony) remain under‑developed, serving more as generic placeholders than fully realised figures.Visually, the play benefits from Hazel Low’s meticulous set design, which recreates a cosy, authentic pub that grounds the audience. The karaoke framing injects warmth and musical energy, offering a lively contrast to the heavy themes.Ultimately, Heart Wall attempts to tackle a big, aching emotional core within a tight, interval‑free two‑hour run, but it bites off more than it can chew. With additional runtime – perhaps more karaoke interludes – the drama could better honour the depth of its subject matter.For those interested, the play runs at the Bush Theatre, London until 16 May.

The United Nations’ Under‑Secretary‑General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, warned the Security Council on Friday that South Sudan is at a dangerous crossroads, facing the prospect of a full‑scale famine and national collapse.Fletcher stressed that “hunger across South Sudan is tightening its grip,” noting that emergency‑level food insecurity is projected for all ten states during the lean season, which runs until the end of July.After a week‑long visit, he reported that humanitarian compounds have been looted and nutrition centres destroyed around Akobo in Jonglei State, where more than 140,000 people are in “dire need of help.” He warned that his next briefing could be dominated by famine warnings.According to the UN official, over 7.5 million South Sudanese will require food assistance this year. The situation is compounded by expected floods that will further isolate communities and damage livelihoods.Escalating violence fuels the crisisUNMISS head Anita Kiki Gbeho told the council that civilians continue to bear the brunt of intensifying clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A‑IO), especially in Jonglei.Fighting surged late last year after a 2018 peace deal ended a five‑year civil war. In December, opposition forces seized government outposts in Jonglei, prompting a retaliatory operation in January that forced more than 280,000 civilians to flee.Fletcher urged the Security Council to secure unhindered humanitarian access, increase flexible funding, and demand that all parties fully respect humanitarian law and protect civilians and infrastructure.As the council deliberates the renewal of the UNMISS mandate—currently set to expire on 30 April—Gbeho warned that “the scale and urgency of needs on the ground are not yet matched by the type of sustained commitment and investment required to fully meet the shared ambition of a sustainable path to peace.”

Fifteen people who were deported from the United States have arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The deportees landed in the capital, Kinshasa, overnight Thursday to Friday as part of an agreement between the US and the DRC.The group includes nationals from Peru and Ecuador, with seven women among them, according to a diplomatic source. An official at the DRC migration agency confirmed the arrivals but did not provide details.US lawyer Alma David, who represents one of the deportees, said the deportees are all from Latin America and the Congolese government plans to keep them in the country for a short period. All the deportees have legal protection from US judges shielding them against being returned to their home countries, David told The Associated Press.The DRC Ministry of Communications announced earlier this month that it would temporarily accept migrants deported from the US. It said that Washington would cover the costs involved, and that facilities had been prepared near Kinshasa to accommodate them.The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that the DRC asked the UN agency for humanitarian assistance with the migrants. The IOM may also offer assisted voluntary return to those migrants who request it.The US policy has drawn criticism from rights groups over the legality of sending deportees to countries where they are not from and could face human rights violations. In some cases, the deportees have been later sent back to their home countries despite receiving legal protection from US courts to prevent that from happening.The Trump administration is thought to have spent at least $40m to deport about 300 migrants to third countries up to the end of January, according to a report compiled by Democrats on the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Countries have received lump sums ranging from $4.7m to $7.5m to receive deportees.

US President Donald Trump has made a series of claims about concessions secured from Iran ahead of possible ceasefire talks, including that Tehran has agreed to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and turn over its nuclear stockpile.On Friday, Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran had agreed to open — and “never close” — the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. He also claimed that Iran would turn over its “nuclear dust” and that Israel would be “prohibited” from launching attacks in Lebanon.Iran has confirmed reopening the Strait of Hormuz for the “duration” of the current pause in fighting, which is set to end early next week. However, officials have pushed back on claims regarding its nuclear stockpile, with a source telling Al Jazeera negotiations remain at a preliminary stage.Despite the outstanding questions, Trump struck a celebratory tone, calling Friday “A GREAT AND BRILLIANT DAY FOR THE WORLD!” He also told Bloomberg News that he expected talks to move forward on Sunday with a permanent ceasefire deal in sight.“We’re not seeing the full picture,” Yezid Sayigh, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center, told Al Jazeera, pointing to Trump’s penchant for hyperbole and several unresolved issues. “But this does suggest a positive momentum towards something that may end up being a comprehensive deal.”Sayigh added that Trump could have ulterior motives in striking an upbeat tone, at a time when the chokehold in the Strait of Hormuz is driving up prices for everything from fuel to fertiliser.“It is very interesting that President Trump is putting such a positive spin on things, not only to encourage markets and talk down oil prices and talk stock market prices up,” Sayigh said. “But also, I suspect, because he’s preparing the ground for more revelations about what is being negotiated with Iran.”