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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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Hamas Dismisses Trump's Ultimatum, Demands Lasting Ceasefire for Hostage Release

In a recent development, Hamas has dismissed President Donald Trump's ultimatum to release the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The militant group has reiterated its stance that the hostages will only be freed in exchange for a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Trump's threat came after the White House confirmed unprecedented direct talks with Hamas, marking the first such engagement since the group was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US in 1997. In a social media post, Trump warned Hamas to release all hostages and return the bodies of the deceased, or face severe consequences.

Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua accused Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to back out of the ceasefire agreement reached in January. The agreement called for negotiations over a second phase, which would involve the release of hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

The fragile ceasefire, which has facilitated hostage exchanges and humanitarian aid deliveries, is now at risk of collapse. The failure to secure a lasting agreement could reignite violence and escalate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

As the situation remains tense, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will bring peace and stability to the region.


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