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

Tens of thousands of LGBTQ South Koreans and their supporters are expected to gather in central Seoul for annual Pride celebrations Saturday, despite the event's traditional venue being banned by authorities for the second consecutive year.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hailed on Saturday a "new era of security" in the Asia-Pacific region, as Washington strengthens its network of alliances aimed at countering China's growing military might and influence.

At a job fair for soon-to-be graduates in central Shanghai, recruiters sat bored under washed-out tarpaulins as rain and an apparent lack of interest kept potential young employees away.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hailed on Saturday a "new era of security" in the Asia-Pacific region, as Washington strengthens its network of alliances aimed at countering China's growing military might and influence.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Saturday the Asia-Pacific region remained a "priority" for Washington, saying the United States was secure "only if Asia is".

Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh has been declared fit for their opening match at the T20 World Cup, but he will not be bowling, coach Andrew McDonald said.

El Salvador's gang-busting President Nayib Bukele will be sworn in for a second term Saturday, more popular -- and more powerful -- than ever.

Troubled aerospace giant Boeing will try once more to fly its first crew to the International Space Station aboard a Starliner spaceship on Saturday, after the last attempt was scrubbed hours before liftoff.

Thailand's Wichanee Meechai overcame an attack of nerves to launch an early birdie spree and take a two-shot lead at the US Women's Open on Friday as world number one Nelly Korda missed the cut.

Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone cruised to victory in a world-leading 52.7 seconds in her first 400m hurdles race for nearly two years in Atlanta on Friday.

Nelly Korda's bid for a third major title ended in disappointment at the US Women's Open on Friday after the world number one missed the cut.

New Zealand's Ryan Fox closed with a birdie putt from just inside 14 feet to match Scotsman Robert MacIntyre for the lead after Friday's second round of the Canadian Open.

India's six-week election reaches its final day of voting Saturday, including in the holy city Prime Minister Narendra Modi has used as a staging post for his Hindu nationalist agenda.

Mike Tyson's upcoming return to the ring against YouTuber Jake Paul has been postponed after the former heavyweight champion's recent health scare, organisers said Friday.

Was it a sign that Joe Biden is preparing for a bruising election battle ahead?

Jennifer Lopez said Friday she was cancelling her summer tour to spend more time with her family as rumors circulate over a split with actor-husband Ben Affleck.

England all-rounder Chris Woakes revealed Friday he was mourning the death of his father as he explained his recent absence from cricket.

Hamas on Friday said it "considers positively" an Israeli roadmap towards a full Gaza ceasefire announced by US President Joe Biden, who urged an end to the almost eight-month war.

France came from behind to beat England 2-1 in Newcastle in a pivotal Women's Euro 2025 qualifier on Friday, while Jenni Hermoso scored as world champions Spain won 2-0 in Denmark.

Reigning champion Iga Swiatek celebrated her 23rd birthday by brushing aside Marie Bouzkova to reach the French Open last 16 on Friday, while Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz both powered into the second week.

Owen Farrell's career at reigning champions Saracens ended with a 22-20 Premiership semi-final defeat by Northampton on Friday that kept Saints skipper Courtney Lawes in English club rugby for one last week.

Stock markets were mixed Friday as investors digested fresh US and eurozone inflation data that could set the tone for interest rate moves by central banks.

Ezeliya delivered Irish trainer Dermot Weld his second Epsom Oaks 43 years since Blue Wind triumphed and six years before Friday's winning jockey Chris Hayes was born.

The USA make their debut in the T20 World Cup against Canada on Saturday and vice-captain Aaron Jones says they are determined to play a 'fearless' brand of cricket.

Sebastien Ogier claimed two of the Rally Italia's four stages in Sardinia on Friday to lead Ott Tanak by 4.5 seconds.

Ukraine is set to receive a $2.2 billion payout from the IMF after successfully meeting the terms of an existing loan program, the Washington-based financial institution said Friday at the end of a five-day staff mission to the country.

Shilese Jones, a two-time world championships all-around medallist, withdrew from the US Gymnastics Championships on Friday citing injury, but hopes she can still get a shot at the Paris Olympics.

Francesco Bagnaia's perfect start to his home Italian MotoGP weekend ended on a sour note with a three-place grid penalty on Friday.

Kick-off in Scotland's Women's Euro 2025 qualifier with Israel in Glasgow on Friday was delayed for over half an hour after a demonstrator avoided security at Hampden Park and chained himself to a goalpost.

US President Joe Biden said Friday Israel had offered a new roadmap towards a permanent peace in Gaza, urging Hamas to accept the surprise deal as it was "time for this war to end."

Negotiations towards a global agreement on how to handle future pandemics seemed on course Friday to be extended for up to a year as countries try to bridge their differences.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt said the German underdogs have "total belief" ahead of Saturday's Champions League final clash with Real Madrid at Wembley.