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Asia Tightens Airport Screening as Nipah Virus Concerns Rise

  Airport health authorities wearing protective masks monitor passengers from international flights arriving at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, amid reports of a Nipah outbreak. Airports across Asia are stepping up health surveillance as several countries respond to renewed concerns over the Nipah virus following confirmed cases in India. The virus, known for its high fatality rate and potential for human‑to‑human transmission, has prompted authorities to reintroduce precautionary screening measures to limit cross‑border spread. Health officials in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Nepal, and Taiwan have implemented temperature checks, health declarations, and targeted monitoring of passengers arriving from affected regions. While the number of confirmed cases remains limited, the severity of the virus has led governments to act swiftly. Nipah virus infections are rare but dangerous, with symptoms ranging from fever and headaches to severe respir...

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White House Showdown: Trump and King Abdullah Clash Over Gaza’s Future

 

At the White House on Tuesday, President Donald Trump is set to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah II in what promises to be a high-stakes discussion on the future of Gaza. In recent days, Trump has pushed a controversial proposal envisioning the transformation of the war‐torn Gaza Strip into what he calls the “Riviera of the Middle East.” His plan would require relocating Gaza’s Palestinian residents to neighboring Arab states—including Jordan and Egypt—a proposal that has already sparked widespread outrage in the region and raised fears of further instability.

The meeting comes amid heightened tensions surrounding a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. After Hamas announced a pause in the release of hostages—accusing Israel of violating the truce—Trump intensified his rhetoric, suggesting that if Jordan and Egypt do not accept Gaza refugees, he might withhold critical U.S. aid to these longtime allies. 

King Abdullah, known for his pragmatic approach to regional security, is expected to push back strongly against the proposal. Concerned that the influx of additional refugees could destabilize Jordan and undermine prospects for a two-state solution, the Jordanian monarch is likely to emphasize national dignity and long-standing regional dynamics in his response. 

As global attention remains fixed on the evolving crisis in Gaza, this tense encounter at the White House could signal a turning point in U.S.–Arab relations. Observers are keen to see whether a compromise can be reached or if divergent visions for the Middle East will further widen existing divides. 


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