Sawt Falasteen - News from Ramallah, the political, economic and cultural centre of Palestine, as well as the West Bank and the whole world

The IMF said Thursday it expects the US economy to grow a bit more slowly than previously forecast, while praising the way it has remained "robust, dynamic, and adaptable to changing global conditions."

Debora dos Santos Avila used to resent firefighters for the death of her five-month-old baby in 2020, when she says he succumbed to smoke inhalation from worst-ever flames in Brazil's Pantanal.

NBA superstars LeBron James and Stephen Curry are "excited" by the prospect of joining forces as the United States chases a fifth straight gold medal at next month's Olympics, USA coach Steve Kerr said Thursday.

Bolivian authorities on Thursday paraded handcuffed detainees in front of the media, announcing 17 arrests after a botched coup d'etat that has deepened political turmoil in a country mired in severe economic crisis.

Rohit Sharma hit his third fifty of the tournament as India posted a challenging total of 171-7 in their T20 World Cup semi-final against champions England in Guyana on Thursday.

Race favourite Tadej Pogacar was on Thursday hailed as "unbeatable" even as he revealed he contracted Covid just 10 days ago.

French Open finalist Jasmine Paolini set up a semi-final at Eastbourne against last year's beaten finalist Daria Kasatkina on Thursday on a day to forget for Britain's women's players.

Tensions soared Thursday between supporters of Emmanuel Macron and the French far right after its longtime leader Marine Le Pen cast doubt on the president's ability to act as head of the armed forces as snap legislative elections loom.

Carlos Sainz warned Ferrari fans on Thursday to expect more fireworks between him and Charles Leclerc as the tension between them in his farewell season with the team intensifies.

Tadej Pogacar said Thursday there had been "a little question mark" but he has now "fully recovered" after suffering from Covid 10 days ago as he bids for a third Tour de France triumph.

Daniel Ricciardo brushed aside concerns over his future on Thursday, saying he felt under no extra pressure to save his seat at RB after claims that reserve driver Liam Lawson is set to replace him.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday invited 22 Russian and 17 Belarusian athletes to compete at the Paris Olympics as neutrals even though some have already decided against taking part.

Joe Biden and Donald Trump square off Thursday in a crucial US presidential debate that carries enormous stakes for both candidates as they battle for the approval of undecided voters and any slim advantage in their neck and neck race for the White House.

Bolivian President Luis Arce was facing a deep political crisis on Thursday after a botched bid by military chiefs to overthrow his government deepened turmoil in a country mired in severe economic decline.

India were 65-2 off eight overs after losing the toss when rain stopped play in their T20 World Cup semi-final against champions England in Guyana on Thursday.

A US investigative authority sharply rebuked Boeing for sharing details about an ongoing probe of a near-catastrophic aviation incident that were not supposed to be discussed publicly.

French Open finalist Jasmine Paolini ousted Katie Boulter at the Eastbourne International on Thursday to set up a semi-final against last year's beaten finalist Daria Kasatkina.

Skye Blakely, a two-time team world champion expected to contend for a Paris berth at the US Olympic gymnastics trials, withdrew Thursday with an Achilles tendon injury.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday signed a 10-year security pact with the European Union in Brussels, the latest deal aimed at shoring up long-term support for Kyiv in its fight with Russia.

Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles, who redefined her sport as she piled up Olympic and world championships gold, is "back to her sometimes goofy self" as she eyes more history at the US Olympic trials, coach Cecile Landi says.

Belgian cycling star Remco Evenepoel sparked roars of laughter when asked on Thursday what result he expected at next week's Euro 2024 last 16 game between France and Belgium.

The US Supreme Court on Thursday cleared the way for women experiencing medical emergencies to obtain abortions in Idaho, but the ruling's narrow scope meant it was a muted victory for reproductive rights activists.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday said the "resilient" military alliance can ride out any political changes in major powers ahead of crunch elections in the United States and France.

Global stocks mostly slid Thursday as Europe geared up for key elections, the US awaited key inflation data and Japan contemplated measures to strengthen the yen.

Max Verstappen on Thursday confirmed he will stay with Red Bull next year, dealing a significant blow to Mercedes' hopes of recruiting him to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.

Palestinians fled eastern Gaza City on Thursday under heavy bombardment as the Israeli military issued an evacuation order for the area it had previously declared clear of Hamas militants.

England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and elected to field in the defending champions' rain-delayed T20 World Cup semi-final against India in Guyana on Thursday.

Basketball star Victor Wembanyama joined other leading French sports heros on Thursday in warning against voting for the "extremes" in this weekend's parliamentary election.

Bolivian President Luis Arce was facing a deep political crisis on Thursday after a botched bid by military chiefs to overthrow his government deepened turmoil in a country facing severe economic decline.

French Open finalist Jasmine Paolini ended home hope Katie Boulter's fine run on grass at Eastbourne on Thursday, winning their quarter-final 6-1, 7-6 (7/0).

Croatia defender Josip Stanisic has extended his deal at Bayern Munich until 2027, having returned from a year-long loan at Bayer Leverkusen.

The US Supreme Court on Thursday rejected Purdue Pharma's $6 billion opioids settlement immunizing the Sackler family that controlled the drugmaker from future litigation.