🌏 World News

April 24th, 2026

Today's top 5 stories, curated by Daily Direct.

Al Jazeera English

Trump administration to prioritise seeking death penalty, use firing squads

The Trump administration is moving to expand the use of capital punishment, with plans to prioritize death penalty prosecutions and reintroduce firing squads as an execution method. The directive signals a sharp shift toward hardline criminal justice policy at the federal level. Critics argue the move raises serious risks of irreversible miscarriages of justice.

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BBC World

Nato says US cannot suspend Spain from alliance, after reported Pentagon email

NATO has pushed back against reports of a Pentagon email outlining options to punish member states, clarifying that the US cannot unilaterally suspend Spain from the alliance. The reported email signals growing friction between Washington and its European partners over Middle East policy. The episode underscores the strain on transatlantic relations as the US presses allies for stronger alignment on Iran.

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SCMP

β€˜China or India or some other hellhole’: Trump reposts anti-immigrant rant

Donald Trump reposted a conservative pundit's video referring to India as a "hellhole," drawing a formal rebuke from New Delhi, which called the remarks "inappropriate." The diplomatic flare-up arrives at an awkward moment, coming just weeks before Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit India in an effort to smooth over recent friction between the two allies. The incident threatens to complicate Washington's broader strategy of deepening ties with New Delhi as a counterweight to China.

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Al Jazeera English

Number of amputees set to rise in Gaza as Israel blocks aid, NGO warns

Gaza's ongoing conflict has left thousands of amputees without access to critical medical care, as Israeli restrictions on aid continue to block essential supplies from reaching those in need. The shortage of prosthetics, surgical equipment, and rehabilitation services means many patients face permanent disability without intervention. NGOs warn the situation will worsen significantly unless aid corridors are opened immediately.

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Straits Times

Lebanon-Israel ceasefire extended by three weeks after Oval Office meeting

A fragile ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel has been extended by three weeks following diplomatic talks at the White House. The Oval Office meeting signals continued U.S. involvement in brokering stability between the two sides. The extension buys critical time for negotiations, though the underlying tensions remain unresolved.

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