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International Tensions Rise as Rafah Crossing Prepares to Reopen, ISIL Claims Niger Attack, and China Lifts Sanctions on UK Parliamentarians
International tensions remained high on Friday, January 30, 2026, as several key events unfolded across the globe. These included the impending reopening of the Rafah crossing, ISIL claiming responsibility for an attack in Niger, ongoing confusion surrounding US-Iran negotiations, and China's decision to lift sanctions on British members of parliament.
The Rafah crossing was set to reopen on Sunday, according to Al Jazeera sources. However, reports indicated that while the crossing would allow restricted movement of people, humanitarian aid would remain barred. Al Jazeera's Hani Mahmoud reported from Rafah that Israel would retain full security control. The crossing has been closed for nearly two years.
Meanwhile, in Niger, the ISIL (ISIS) armed group claimed responsibility for an attack on an air force base at Diori Hamani International Airport near the capital, Niamey, according to Al Jazeera. The ISIL-affiliated Amaq News Agency reported that the group carried out a "surprise and coordinated attack" on the base. The agency claimed the attack caused significant damage, but did not provide further details.
Elsewhere, the state of negotiations between the United States and Iran remained unclear. Al Jazeera reported that both countries have expressed a desire for a diplomatic solution to their standoff, and regional players are increasingly intervening. However, a growing military buildup and conflicting accounts about the state of negotiations were casting doubt on the possibility of a resolution.
In a move signaling a potential thaw in relations, China lifted sanctions on some British MPs and peers, according to Sky News. Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Sky News that the restrictions, which had prevented some parliamentarians from visiting China, had been removed. Starmer said he raised the issue with China's President Xi Jinping during a recent trip. One of those sanctioned told Sky News that the move was "not a win, it's a capitulation."
The situation in Iran remained volatile, with conflicting reports about the number of people killed in recent protests. Sky News reported that estimates from human rights organizations and doctors ranged from over 5,000 at the conservative end to 33,000 by one count, and even as high as 50,000, according to one unverified claim. Alicja Hagopian, a data journalist for Sky News, noted that the Iranian authorities imposed a near-total internet blackout, making verification difficult.
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