UR MAG

Ahead of Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington, DC, this week, Israel has taken a series of sweeping steps to tighten its grip on the occupied West Bank.

On Sunday, Israel's security cabinet approved measures that expand the country's enforcement powers and allow the state to buy land for the expansion of settlements in a way that far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said would "fundamentally change the legal and civil reality" in the West Bank. The territory is held by the United Nations and the international community for a future Palestinian state.

The Israeli steps include expanding Israeli enforcement in Areas A and B of theWest Bank, which were designated under the Oslo Accords as areas that fall under Palestinian security control. The two areas together make up approximately 40% of the territory.

Israel will also restart its Land Acquisition Committee, which allows the state to proactively purchase lands in the West Bank for the expansion of settlements. Another measure grants the civil administration and the tiny Jewish settler minority in the city of Hebron building and municipal powers, allowing the settlement to expand without a need to consult with the Palestinian municipality of Hebron.

The security cabinet also approved measures that will make it easier for settlers to purchase land in the occupied West Bank, a move designed to expand settlement activity and entrench the Jewish population.

Smotrich, who has openly boasted of his efforts to kill the idea of a Palestinian state, said in a statement, "We are normalizing life in the territories, removing bureaucratic barriers, fighting for the land, and deepening our presence throughout the Land of Israel." Smotrich, who also serves as a minister in the Defense Ministry, has pushed for a rapid expansion of settlements, particularly under US President Donald Trump.

"We will continue to extinguish the idea of a Palestinian state," Smotrich said.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) condemned the latest measures, calling them "a continuation of the comprehensive war waged by the occupation government against the Palestinian people and an unprecedented escalation targeting the Palestinian presence and its national and historical rights across all Palestinian land."

In a statement, the presidency of the PA said it amounts to "the practical implementation of annexation and displacement plans."

Hazem Qassem, a spokesman for Hamas, said in a statement the decisions taken by Israel "confirm its colonial program aimed at swallowing all Palestinian land and displacing its indigenous people."

Israel captured the West Bank from Jordan in the 1967 war and subsequently began establishing Jewish settlements there, which are considered illegal under international law, the United Nations and by much of the international community. The UN also regards the West Bank and East Jerusalem as occupied territory, which the Palestinians seek for a future state.

In an interview with Time Magazine in October, Trumpsaid he would notallow Israel to annex the West Bank. "It won't happen because I gave my word to the Arab countries," he said. "Israel would lose all of its support from the United States if that happened." The Trump administration's 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan also speaks of a pathway to "Palestinian self-determination and statehood."

But Israel has pursued a policy that critics equate to de facto annexation, expanding Jewish settlements in the occupied territory and deepening the country's grip on the West Bank with the declared intent of making a Palestinian state impossible. Last May, Israel authorized the largest expansion of settlements in the West Bank in decades, approving the establishment of 22 new settlements.

In response to the latest measures, the anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now said, "Netanyahu promised to dismantle Hamas in Gaza, but in practice he chose to dismantle the Palestinian Authority, annul agreements Israel itself signed, and impose de facto annexation – in complete contradiction to the will of the people, Israel's national interest, and the clear position of President Trump."

Gershon Baskin, a peace activist who has played a crucial role in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations over the years, said in a blunt statement on social media, "The Israeli occupation is illegal and now the government of Israel is taking more steps against international law."

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MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — In a city long defined by conflict,Somalia's capital of Mogadishu now echoes with the crash of pins at the country's first modern bowling alley.

Somalia Bowling

It's the latest sign of revival in the once-thriving Indian Ocean port shaped by 35 years of civil war and militant bombings. Millions of people were forced to flee what became one of the world's most dangerous cities. Those who remained avoided public spaces as the al-Qaida-linked group al-Shabab waged an insurgency against the Somali state.

In recent years, improved security measures against al-Shabab, an expanded government presence and growing private investment have allowed daily life to re-emerge. Cafes line newly reopened streets, beaches draw evening crowds and traffic congestion, once unimaginable, now clogs key intersections.

The Feynuus Bowling Center opened last year and draws many locals and Somalis returning from the diaspora, who bring investment and business ideas after years of sending billions of dollars in remittances from abroad.

On a recent evening, young Somalis gathered in groups, laughing and filming each other on their phones while music played. Many from the diaspora are visiting Mogadishu for the first time in years, or the first time ever.

"I couldn't believe Mogadishu has this place," said Hudoon Abdi, a Somali-Canadian on holiday, as she prepared to take her turn to bowl.

"I'm enjoying it. Mogadishu is actually safe," she said, urging others to visit.

Mogadishu remains vulnerable to militant attacks, however, with security measures like checkpoints and heavily guarded zones part of daily life. Non-Somalis remain largely confined to a compound at the international airport.

But residents say the ability to gather for recreation signals an important psychological shift. Such venues provide a welcoming environment for a younger generation eager for safe spaces to socialize.

Abukar Hajji returned from the United Kingdom on holiday after many years away and found the difference between what he imagined and what he experienced eye-opening.

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"When I was flying from the U.K., I believed it was a scary place, like a war-torn country," he said. "Everyone told me, 'Good luck,' but when I came and saw it with my own eyes, I didn't want to leave."

Sadaq Abdurahman, the manager of the bowling center, said the idea for the business emerged from a growing demand among young people for recreational facilities.

"It has created employment opportunities for at least 40 youths," he said.

According to the Somali National Bureau of Statistics, Somalia's unemployment rate stands at 21.4%.

The bowling alley has private security guards, bag checks and surveillance cameras, reflecting the precautions common at public venues in Mogadishu.

Urban planners and economists say businesses like the bowling alley signal a broader shift in Mogadishu's recovery, as private sector growth increasingly complements international aid and government-led rebuilding efforts.

Ahmed Khadar Abdi Jama, a lecturer in economics at the University of Somalia, said innovative businesses are responding to the needs of diaspora returnees and the growing middle class, "which in turn adds to the expected increase in Somalia's GDP."

Outside the bowling alley, traffic hummed and neon signs flickered, other reminders of Mogadishu's fragile transformation.

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A group of Jeffrey Epstein's victims released an advert on Super Bowl Sunday demanding the release of millions ofremaining documentsrelated to the late paedophile.

In the clip, which aired just ahead of America's most-watched TV event of the year, eight women called on the public to help press the Trump administration for full transparency.

"After years of being kept apart we're standing together," the women said, while holding photos of their younger selves at the ages they were abused by Epstein. In unison, they added: "Because we all deserve the truth."

Earlier this week, Mr Trump – whose second term has been marred by his one-time friendship with Epstein – told Americans it was time to"move on" from the sex offender.

The video's timing may cause a stir, as it was released right before Mr Trump, along with millions of others, tuned-in towatch the Seattle Seahawks battle the New England Patriotsin the championship of the National Football League (NFL).

On January 30, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) released three million pages related to theirinvestigation into Epstein,including 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

However, the DoJ's decision to hold back the other half of the approximate six million files has renewed concerns that some of Epstein's accomplices will not be held accountable and sparked further allegations over a cover-up.

Epstein's victims are leading the calls for the release of the remaining records. Their video ended with a call for the public to "stand with us" and "tell Attorney General Pam Bondi it's time for the truth".

The DoJ insists that the withheld files either reveal victims' identities, contain child pornography or interfere with ongoing federal investigations.

"We didn't protect or not protect anybody," Todd Blanche, the deputy attorney general, said as he announced that the department had "completed" its release of the files.

There are more than 38,000 references to Mr Trump, his wife and his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida across 5,300 of the newly released files.

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Epstein died in his New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges in a death ruled a suicide.

His longtime associateGhislaine Maxwellwas jailed in 2022 and is serving a 20-year prison for her role in helping him recruit underage victims.

Members of Congress will be able to review the un-redacted files on computers at the justice department starting on Monday, according to a letter obtained by NBC News.

Trump: Half-time show 'absolutely terrible'

The sporting spectacle's half-time show was performed by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny completely in Spanish, despite fury from inside Maga at both his selection and refusal to bow to their demands to sing in English.

Despite the furore, the rapper wrapped his performance without controversy.

The Latino artist, who has been vocal in his opposition to the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign, instead emphasised unity in a dance-filled spectacle that featured Lady Gaga as a surprise guest.

He finished the show by holding up a football that said: "Together we are America".

As fireworks exploded around the stadium, a Jumbotron message read: "The only thing more powerful than hate is love."

The show also featured a young boy hugging Bad Bunny's Grammy Award, which he won three of last week.

The child's involvement is believed to bea reference to five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos,whose detainment by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota sparked a national outcry.

After the show, Mr Trump took to Truth Social to criticise the performance, calling it "absolutely terrible".

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SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) —Kenneth Walker IIIis running into free agency with a Super Bowl MVP.

APTOPIX Super Bowl Football

Walker capped a prolific postseason with another big performance on the ground to help the Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots29-13 Sunday nightfor a championship.

While the defense carried Seattle for much of the postseason, Walker was once again the engine of the offense by rushing for 135 yards and adding 26 receiving for his third straight 100-yard game from scrimmage in the postseason. He became the first running back since Terrell Davis 28 years ago to win Super Bowl MVP.

Walker stepped up his game after backfield mate Zach Charbonnet went down with a season-ending knee injury and it couldn't have come at a more important time for the Seahawks or a more opportune time for Walker.

The 25-year-old running back is in the final year of his rookie contract and is slated to become a free agent in 2026. Thanks to his playoff run, Walker figures to be in line for a significant pay bump.

Walker gained 413 yards from scrimmage in the three wins for Seattle this postseason. He became the first player to top 100 yards from scrimmage in every playoff game for a Super Bowl champion since Terrell Davis did it in back-to-back seasons in 1997-98 for the Broncos.

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While fantasy football owners and Walker were sometimes frustrated that he didn't carry a bigger load of the offense, especially in the red zone, in the regular season, the job share with Charbonnet did mean Walker was fresh for the playoffs when he was at his best.

Walker averaged less than 15 touches from scrimmage per game in the regular season when he delivered his first 1,000-yard rushing season since his rookie year.

But he averaged nearly 25 touches per game in the playoffs when he showed he's capable of being a bell-cow back.

Walker started fast with a 10-yard run on the opening snap and had 55 yards in the ground on a field-goal drive later in the first half for the most by any player on one drive in the Super Bowl in 20 years.

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SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Jason Myers kicked a trio of field goals and Kenneth Walker rushed for 94 yards as the Seattle Seahawks took a 9-0 lead against the New England Patriots into halftime of Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.

New England managed only four first downs and 51 yards of total offense in the first half. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed 6 of 11 passes for 48 yards and was sacked three times while Seattle's defense racked up five tackles for loss.

However, the Patriots stayed within striking distance by twice limiting the Seahawks to field goals in the red zone. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez also nearly intercepted Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold at the goal line just before the half, but did prevent a touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

New England receives the second-half kickoff.

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The Seahawks opened the scoring on a 33-yard field goal by Myers on their opening drive. Seattle took the kickoff and moved the ball 51 yards in just over three minutes, with Darnold sharp on completions to tight end A.J. Barner and Cooper Kupp in tight coverage, but the drive stalled on the Patriots' 14-yard line.

That proved to be the only scoring of the opening quarter. New England penetrated Seattle territory on both of its first two drives, only to suffer three negative plays -- including a pair of sacks -- that resulted in two punts. The Seahawks managed only one more first down in a pair of drives after the field goal.

The teams combined for only 104 total yards in the first quarter.

NOTES: Seahawks rookie defensive tackle Rylie Mills, who entered the game with 1 career solo tackle, recorded his first NFL sack when he dropped Maye for a 10-yard loss in the second quarter. Mills suffered a torn ACL toward the end of his 2024 season at Notre Dame, causing him to slide to the fifth round of last year's draft. Mills was activated by the Seahawks in November, but played only a modest role in the line rotation. ... The first penalty of the game wasn't called until 3:09 remaining in the second quarter, when Patriots left tackle Will Campbell was flagged for a false start.

--Derek Harper, Field Level Media