Deni Avdija has been ranked No. 17 in The Ringer's list of the top 100 basketball players, surpassing several major stars. His swift rise has drawn significant attention both in the league and in Israel.

Syrian and Austrian officials met in Damascus to discuss migration and the voluntary return of Syrian asylum seekers. The talks focused on border management, asylum procedures, and cooperation to support security in both countries.

Patrick Reed shot a 71 in the Bahrain Championship, trailing the leaders by six. He has added the Qatar Masters to his schedule, aiming for a strong start to the year and a high finish in the Race to Dubai.

Oil prices hit a six-month high as tensions rise between the United States and Iran, raising fears of supply disruptions. Shares in major energy firms also increased. Analysts warn that further conflict could push prices even higher.

Iranian authorities are accused of using hospitals to trap and arrest wounded protestors, while also targeting doctors who provide them with care. Rights groups report arrests and violence against medical professionals, sparking international condemnation.

The Israeli military is shutting down its Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters after all captives from Gaza have been returned. The unit played a crucial role in intelligence and rescue operations for over two years. Senior officers called the complete return of hostages an unexpected achievement.

Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian imam in Hebron, accusing him of incitement and support for a militant group. The arrest followed intelligence about his social media posts encouraging violence. The investigation is ongoing.

Former Gaza hostage Almog Meir Jan says his captivity destroyed his belief in coexistence and peace. He describes the suffering he endured and calls for unity and resilience, rejecting revenge as a path forward.

Zeev Engelmayer posts his final Daily Postcard, ending a moving art project memorializing hostages and victims of the October 7 attack. The project became a global symbol of remembrance and hope.

Andy Burnham says Keir Starmer refused to speak with him before blocking his by-election candidacy. The contest is heating up, with the Greens highlighting Gaza and Reform leading in a recent poll.

Turkey is offering to mediate between the United States and Iran amid rising tensions, while also considering enhanced border security measures. Officials stress the need for dialogue and peaceful solutions, with no current signs of mass migration from Iran.

A senior Israeli intelligence commander revealed that the military sometimes avoided targeting militants to preserve information about hostages. The disclosure highlights the complex decisions and challenges faced during efforts to rescue hostages in Gaza.