Image Credentials: Image Title: Global News Brief: Key Events and Developments for February 2, 2026 Source: (sora.openai) Date: January 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (sora.openai) and does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle News Desk
Israel has reopened Gaza’s Rafah crossing in what officials describe as a limited pilot operation after two years of closure. Diplomacy around the war in Ukraine is set to resume, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirming a new trilateral Russia-US-Ukraine meeting in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump struck a cautiously optimistic tone toward Iran, responding to fresh warnings from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Israel Reopens Gaza’s Rafah Crossing in Pilot Operation
The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip has been reopened as part of a pilot operation after being closed for two years, according to Israeli media.
The daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the movement of people is expected to begin on Monday in both directions. Around 150 people are anticipated to leave Gaza each day, while roughly 50 are expected to return.
The reopening marks a limited but symbolically significant step amid continued restrictions on movement in and out of the enclave.
Trilateral Russia, US, Ukraine Talks Set for Abu Dhabi
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a new meeting in the Russia-US-Ukraine format will take place in Abu Dhabi on February 4 and 5.
In a Telegram statement, Zelenskyy said the dates were confirmed by Ukraine’s negotiating team, which was scheduled to hold talks with Russian representatives on Sunday.
He said Ukraine is ready for substantive discussions and is seeking an outcome that brings the country closer to what he described as a real and dignified end to the war. Zelenskyy also thanked international partners assisting in the diplomatic process.
Trump Responds to Khamenei, Signals Hope for Deal
US President Donald Trump responded to comments by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who warned that a US strike on Iran would ignite a regional war.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Mar-a-Lago, Trump said such remarks were expected, pointing to the US military presence in the region.
He said the United States has powerful naval forces positioned nearby and added that he hopes a deal can be reached. Trump cautioned that if diplomacy fails, the consequences would become clear.
News in Brief
Severe winter conditions disrupted transportation and energy systems across the United States, grounding more than 1,200 flights and leaving tens of thousands without electricity, according to Bloomberg.
Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency said it killed 13 members of the al-Qaeda-affiliated group al-Shabaab, including five senior figures, during a security operation.
The air forces of the Alliance of Sahel States said they neutralized 20 ISIS militants in airstrikes in eastern Mali.
One person was killed and seven others injured in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, marking another violation of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.
Egyptian authorities blocked the online gaming platform Roblox, citing concerns that its content promotes harmful behavior among children.
The United States reaffirmed support for Iraq’s sovereignty, saying an independent Iraqi government is essential to insulating the country from regional tensions.
Iran’s foreign minister said meaningful nuclear negotiations with Washington remain possible if trust can be restored, while warning that military confrontation would engulf the wider region.
At least 145 militants and 48 others, including 17 law enforcement personnel, were killed in clashes between security forces and terrorists in Pakistan’s Balochistan province over the past 40 hours.
Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal al Ahmad al Jaber al Sabah ordered a Cabinet reshuffle affecting seven ministerial portfolios, including foreign affairs.
Israel banned the medical charity Doctors Without Borders from operating in the Gaza Strip and ordered the organization to leave by February 28.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos during a visit to Addis Ababa.
Iraq’s parliament postponed a session to elect the country’s president for a second time amid disputes between major Kurdish political blocs.
Violent clashes erupted in Turin during a demonstration supporting the Askatasuna social center, leaving at least 29 law enforcement officers injured.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order instructing police to document alleged misconduct by US federal immigration officers for potential prosecution.
Business and Economy
French IT group Capgemini announced plans to sell its subsidiary providing services to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The company said the divestment of Capgemini Government Solutions will begin immediately. The unit accounts for about 0.4 percent of projected 2025 revenue and less than 2 percent of US turnover.
President Trump said India will buy oil from Venezuela rather than Iran, adding that China is also welcome to purchase Venezuelan oil. He said the concept of the deal has already been agreed upon. His comments came after India and Venezuela pledged to deepen their bilateral partnership following talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.