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49ers’ George Kittle gets last word as US tops Canada in 4 Nations match after boos during anthem

San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle had a message for Canadians after they booed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before a 4 Nations Face-off match against the U.S. on Saturday.

Canadians came hard after the U.S. national anthem before the puck dropped at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The Canadian team then dropped the game to the U.S., 3-1. Kittle and the rest of the Americans playing and watching the game got the last laugh.

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U.S. teammates celebrate the empty net goal over Canada by Jake Guentzel during the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

“Don’t boo the anthem!” Kittle wrote in a post on Instagram along with the final score.

As soon as the puck dropped, American and Canadian players’ gloves dropped as well. There were three fights within the first nine seconds of the game.

Matthew Tkachuk fought Brandon Hagel off the opening faceoff, his brother Brady tussled with Sam Bennett and J.T. Miller fought Colton Parayko. Brady Tkachuk told ESPN that his brother’s fight “happened pretty organically.”

CANADA FANS, WITH TRUDEAU IN ATTENDANCE, AGAIN BOO ‘STAR-SPANGLED BANNER’ BEFORE GAME VS. USA DESPITE PUSHBACK

Canada head coach Jon Cooper talks to players during the 4 Nations Face-Off game against the United States in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski was unhappy with the booing during the national anthem. In the NHL, boos have been heard during the song after President Donald Trump announced tariffs on Canada, which have since been paused. The president has also teased about Canada becoming the “51st state.”

“We knew it was going to happen,” Werenski said. “It happened the last game, it’s been happening in the NHL before this, and we knew tonight was going to be the same way. We obviously don’t like it.”

The U.S. faced boos ahead of their game against Finland and later won 6-1.

U.S. players celebrate after defeating Canada in Montreal, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP)

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“It is what it is,” Werenski said. “We kind of had an idea. We used it as motivation the best we could and found a way to get a win. But we had an idea going into it, so it wasn’t a surprise. Definitely don’t like it, though.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 16, 2025
Putin’s a ‘little bit scared’ of Trump as nations begin peace talks, Zelenskyy says

Russian President Vladimir Putin is a “little bit scared” of President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview that aired Sunday.

Zelenskyy joined NBC’s “Meet the Press,” recounting that when he spoke to Trump by phone about a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, he told the president that he believes Putin fears the American leader.

“I said that [Putin] is a liar,” Zelenskyy recounted of his phone call to Trump. “And he said, ‘I think my feeling is that he’s ready for these negotiations.’ And I said to him, ‘No, he’s a liar. He doesn’t want any peace.’

“But I think he’s really a little bit scared about the President Trump. And I think the president has this chance, and he’s strong. And I think that really he can push Putin to peace negotiations. Yes, I think so. I think he can, but don’t trust him. Don’t trust Putin. Don’t trust just words about ceasefire,” Zelenskyy told NBC’s Kristen Welker on “Meet the Press.”

Zelenskyy’s interview follows Trump announcing last Wednesday that Putin had agreed to “immediately” begin peace negotiations to end the war. Trump tapped Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff to lead negotiations with Russia and Ukraine.

TRUMP SAYS RUSSIA AGREES TO ‘IMMEDIATELY’ BEGIN NEGOTIATIONS TO END WAR IN UKRAINE

Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Sputnik/Alexei Danichev/Pool via Reuters/Leah Millis/Alina Smutko)

PUTIN VIEWED AS ‘GREAT COMPETITOR’ BUT STILL A US ‘ADVERSARY’ AS UKRAINE NEGOTIATIONS LOOM, LEAVITT SAYS

Zelenskyy said during his interview that he trusts Trump’s leadership amid negotiations to end the war that has raged between Russia and Ukraine since 2022, but that he won’t accept a deal that did not include talks with Ukraine.

“I believe and trust only in real steps. And I trust President Trump because he’s the president of the United States, because your people, your people voted for him, and I respect their choice, and I will work with President Trump with trust, which I have to the United States,” Zelenskyy told Welker when asked if he feels Trump values Ukraine at the same level as Russia.

FREED AMERICAN HOSTAGE MARC FOGEL LANDS IN US AFTER YEARS IN RUSSIAN CAPTIVITY

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a meeting with members of the Security Council via videoconference at the Kremlin in Moscow, May 13, 2024. (Aleksey Babushkin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo)

“But of course, I want to have [a] real meeting, productive, without just words, with concrete steps, and to hear us, to hear President Trump, to make a common plan, and to share it with allies, then with Russians, and stop this war. I think we need it urgently. We have to do it without basic things, where there are concrete steps.”

Zelenskyy added in his interview that he will not accept any negotiation hashed out by just the U.S. and Russia.

‘NO REASON’ FOR NEW NUKES: TRUMP FLOATS DISARMAMENT TALKS WITH CHINA, RUSSIA

“I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine. Never.… The war in Ukraine is against us, and it is our human losses. And we are thankful for all the support, unity between USA – in USA around Ukraine support, bipartisan unity, bipartisan support, we’re thankful for all of this. But there is no… leader in the world who can really make a deal with Putin without us about us,” he said.

Former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet at Trump Tower in New York City, Sept. 27, 2024. (Reuters/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo)

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Witkoff joined Fox News earlier on Sunday and reported that he and Waltz are heading to Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening to begin negotiations on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.

February 16, 2025
USA, Canada hockey stars get into numerous fights in opening seconds of 4 Nations rivalry after anthem boos

Three fights commenced in the first nine seconds of the 4 Nations Face Off game between USA and Canada.

At the opening puck drop, USA’s Matthew Tkachuk and Brandon Hagel didn’t wait at all to get in on the action in what was a healthy scrap.

But just two seconds later, Matthew’s brother, Brady, went toe-to-toe with Sam Bennett, who is teammates with Matthew in the NHL on the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

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United States’ Brady Tkachuk (top) fights Canada’s Sam Bennett (9) during first period 4 Nations Face-Off hockey action in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

However, that was not enough. After an opening rush into the Canada zone, a scrap involving just about everyone occurred, but J.T. Miller and Colton Parako got into a fight of their own.

It caused plenty of crowding in the penalty boxes, but cooler heads eventually prevailed.

The game is being played in Montreal, so the tensions in the crowd were already high – the “Star-Spangled Banner” was booed loudly despite previous pleas not to do so and “respect” the anthems.

Brandon Hagel #38 of Team Canada reacts after his fight with Matthew Tkachuk #19 of Team United States (not in photo) during the first period of the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the United States and Canada at Bell Centre on February 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Andrea Cardin/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

Even NHL exec Bill Daly called it an “unfortunate situation” and hoped it would end – alas.

This is the first time since 2016 that the U.S. and Canada are on the ice in a best-on-best format since 2016 in the World Cup of Hockey, which will return in 2028 after a 12-year hiatus.

Both teams won their first games of the tournament, but the United States is ahead in the standings due to their win coming in regulation; Canada needed overtime to defeat Sweden on Thursday.

TEAM USA STAR MATTHEW TKACHUK DELIVERS STERN ONE-LINER AFTER CANADIAN FANS BOO DURING AMERICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM

Canada got on the board first, with who else but Connor McDavid lighting the lamp roughly five-and-a-half minutes into the game. Jake Guenztel tied it up a few minutes later.

Connor McDavid #97 of Team Canada celebrates after scoring during the first period of the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the United States and Canada at Bell Centre on February 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Andre Ringuette/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

With a win, the Americans will clinch their spot into the one-game final on Saturday in Boston, which could very well come against this same Canada team.

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February 16, 2025
Canadian hockey fans boo Team USA players, national anthem at 4 Nations tournament in Montreal

The 4 Nations Face-Off began this week in Montreal, and Team USA is public enemy no. 1 up north.

Team USA played its first game of the tournament on Thursday against Finland, a day after Canada defeated Sweden in overtime, and they were across enemy lines to start the tournament.

As the team took the ice, the team was vigorously booed by the crowd, who continued to cheer on Finland all night.

Team USA forward Matt Boldy, #12, celebrates with teammates after a goal against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

The fans also booed the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” despite the public address announcer asking the fans to respect the anthems.

The Canada-USA hockey rivalry is long-lived, but the hostility from Canadian sports fans has grown since President Donald Trump’s threats to issue tariffs on the country and saying Canada could become the “51st state.”

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It is not the first time sports fans in Canada booed the USA’s national anthem since the tariffs were set to begin; Raptors and Senators fans did so earlier this month.

Matt Boldy, #12 of Team United States, celebrates with Jaccob Slavin, #74, Brock Faber, #14, Kyle Connor, #8, and J.T. Miller, #10 of Team United States, after Boldy tip-in a shot for a goal during the second period of the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the United States and Finland at Bell Centre on Feb. 13, 2025 in Montreal. (Andrea Cardin/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

Vancouver Canucks announcer John Shorthouse even joked that a penalty would be two-and-a-half minutes because of the 25% tariffs.

The boos did not work long, though. Finland opened up the scoring, but Team USA scored six unanswered goals, including four in the third period, for a 6-1 victory. Brady and Matthew Tkachuk each scored twice.

Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke via phone last week hours before additional 25% tariffs were to take effect on Canadian goods coming into the United States. In a post on X, Trudeau said Canada will implement a $1.3 billion border plan and appoint a fentanyl czar.

Trump has long said Canada and Mexico have failed to do enough to prevent the flow of illegal migrants and drugs, particularly fentanyl, from those nations into the U.S. In addition, Trump claims the U.S. has subsidized Canada to the tune of $200 billion annually.

Trump had promised to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican goods, as well as a 10% tariff on Canadian energy and a 10% tariff on all goods entering the U.S. from China. The tariffs on China were set to go into effect Tuesday at midnight.

NHL ANNOUNCER CRACKS TARIFF JOKE WHILE CALLING GAME FOR CANADA-BASED TEAM

Canada and USA will play each other in Montreal on Saturday, and there is a chance the two could play each other for the tournament title when it moves to Boston next week.

Charlie McAvoy, #25, Jake Guentzel, #59, Zach Werenski, #8, Auston Matthews, #34, and Jack Hughes, #86 of Team United States, stand at their blueline during the singing of the United Sates national anthem before the 4 Nations Face-Off game between the United States and Finland at Bell Centre on Feb. 13, 2025 in Montreal. (Vitor Munhoz/4NFO/World Cup of Hocky via Getty Images)

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Each country will play each other once before the top two teams will face off next Saturday for the one-game final.

Fox News’ Louis Casano contributed to this report.

February 14, 2025
US will be ‘flooded with jobs’ as foreign nations avoid tariffs, Trump says

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President Donald Trump said the U.S. will be “flooded with jobs” as foreign trading partners move industries to American soil to avoid tariffs.

“They can build a factory here, a plant or whatever it may be, here,” Trump said Thursday afternoon from the Oval Office. “And that includes the medical, that includes cars, that includes chips and semiconductors. That includes everything. If you build here, you have no tariffs whatsoever. And I think that’s what’s going to happen. I think our country is going to be flooded with jobs.”

Trump said U.S. consumers could see prices rise in the “short term” due to the tariffs, but that prices will lower and that industries across the board would benefit.

“And I think the farmers are going to be helped by this very much because product is being dumped into our country and our farmers are getting hurt very badly by the last administration,” Trump said. “The last administration hated our farmers, like, at a level that I’ve never seen before. I think our farmers are going to be helped. Jobs are going to be helped. But our farmers are going to be helped, our manufacturers are going to be helped.”

TRUMP SIGNS ‘RECIPROCAL’ TARIFF PLAN FOR COUNTRIES THAT TAX US GOODS

President Donald Trump said on Feb. 13, 2025, from the Oval Office that the U.S. will be “flooded with jobs” as foreign trading partners move industries to American soil to avoid tariffs. (Francis Chung/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“And again, if somebody wants to come in, including the car companies, if they want to come in and build car plants, they’ll do it without tariffs. And therefore, prices won’t go up. There could be some short-term disturbance, but long term, it’s going to it’s going to make our country a fortune,” he added.

FENTANYL’S FINANCIAL GRIP ON US SKYROCKETED TO $2.7T AT HEIGHT OF BIDEN ADMIN: STUDY

Trump announced on Thursday that he will impose “fair and reciprocal” tariffs on all major U.S. trading partners.

The plan includes tapping Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, to produce a report on reciprocal trade relations within 180 days. Lutnik said Thursday that he will have the report ready for Trump by April 1.

The plan includes tapping Howard Lutnick, President Donald Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, to produce a report on reciprocal trade relations within 180 days. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“On trade I have decided for purposes of fairness, that I will charge a reciprocal tariff – meaning whatever countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them no more, no less. In other words, they charge us a tax or tariff and we charge them the exact same tax or tariff. Very simple,” Trump said at the White House of the tariff plan.

President Donald Trump said U.S. consumers could see prices rise in the “short term” due to the tariffs, but that prices will lower and that industries across the board would benefit. (Getty Images)

Trump’s reciprocal tariff announcement follows him leveraging tariffs against Mexico, Canada and China earlier in February. The tariffs were created in light of “extraordinary” threats stemming from “illegal aliens and drugs, including deadly fentanyl,” according to Trump’s executive order authorizing the tariffs.

Trump’s order authorized tariffs through the new International Emergency Economic Powers Act. It included 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on imports from China. Energy resources from Canada would have a lower 10% tariff.

TRUMP IMPOSES TARIFFS ON IMPORTS FROM CANADA, MEXICO AND CHINA: ‘NATIONAL EMERGENCY’

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Feb. 1, 2025, authorizing tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China through the new International Emergency Economic Powers Act. (Donald Trump 2024 campaign)

Both Canada and Mexico agreed to concessions with Trump the day before the tariffs were set to take effect, pledging to send additional security personnel to their respective borders with the U.S. Trump agreed to pause the tariffs on the two nations for one month in light of the border security concessions.

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China, on the other hand, imposed tariffs on some U.S. imports in response to Trump’s tariffs.

Fox News Digital’s Greg Norman contributed to this report.

February 13, 2025
World Pulses Day 2025 Date, History, and Significance: Know About United Nations Event That Recognises the Nutritional and Environmental Benefits of Pulses

World Pulses Day, celebrated annually on February 10, is a global observance that emphasises the importance of pulses—such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas—in promoting health and sustainability. World Pulses Day 2025 falls on Monday. The day aims to raise awareness about the vital role these nutrient-dense foods play in ensuring food security, improving nutrition, and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. Pulses, often referred to as “powerhouses of nutrition,” offer a wealth of health benefits while also being environmentally friendly to grow. World Pulses Day 2025: From Toor Dal (Pigeon Pea Dal) to Masoor Dal (Red Lentils), 5 Types of Dal Popular in Every Indian Household.

World Pulses Day 2025 Date and History

World Pulses Day is celebrated on February 10 every year. World Pulses Day was established by the United Nations in December 2018, following the recognition of pulses as a key component in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The year 2016 was designated as the International Year of Pulses by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), acknowledging their potential in addressing issues like hunger, malnutrition, and sustainable agriculture.

The success of the International Year of Pulses, which highlighted the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses, led to the creation of World Pulses Day. The observance, held every year on February 10th, provides a platform for governments, organisations, and individuals to advocate for the widespread consumption and cultivation of pulses.

The Significance of World Pulses Day

World Pulses Day serves several key purposes, from promoting better health and nutrition to advancing environmental sustainability. Here’s why the day is important:

Nutritional Benefits: Pulses are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They provide a high-quality, plant-based source of protein, making them an essential food for vegetarians, vegans, and those seeking to reduce their meat consumption. Pulses also help regulate blood sugar levels, promote heart health, and improve digestive health due to their high fiber content.

Sustainability: Pulses are incredibly eco-friendly crops. They require less water compared to other crops, and their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil reduces the need for chemical fertilisers. This makes pulses an important part of sustainable farming practices and a key player in mitigating the environmental impact of agriculture.

Food Security: Pulses are affordable and widely accessible, making them a reliable food source in both developing and developed regions. Their ability to grow in diverse climates and their long shelf life makes them an essential component in improving food security globally.

Cultural and Economic Importance: Pulses are a staple food in many countries and are integrated into a variety of cultural dishes. In addition to their dietary importance, the global pulse trade supports the livelihoods of millions of farmers and contributes to local economies.

World Pulses Day is a reminder of the powerful impact pulses have on human health, the environment, and global food systems. By raising awareness about their nutritional value and environmental benefits, this observance encourages the widespread adoption of pulses in diets around the world. As we continue to face challenges related to food security, climate change, and nutrition, pulses offer a sustainable, nutritious solution that benefits both people and the planet.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 10, 2025 02:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

February 10, 2025
Waitangi Day 2025 Google Doodle: Search Engine Commemorates Signing of the Treaty of Waitangi With Vibrant Artwork Showcasing Nation’s Rich Cultural Heritage (View Pic)

On February 6, 1840, approximately 45 Maori chiefs and representatives of the British monarchy gathered in the Bay of Islands to sign Te Triti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi). This marked an important moment in New Zealand’s history. Search engine giant Google commemorates the event with a vibrant Google Doodle artwork. The Waitangi Day 2025 Google Doodle, created by Maori artist Jordan Tuhura, features a set of pou whenua (carved figures) set against a landscape in New Zealand. The Google Doodle showcases the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Waitangi Day celebrations usually commence two to three days before the actual date, and they are marked by food markets, activities, music, and more. View the Waitangi Day 2025 Google Doodle below. Waitangi Day Date, History and Significance: Know About the National Day of New Zealand That Marks the Anniversary of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Waitangi Day 2025 Google Doodle

Waitangi Day 2025 Google Doodle (Photo Credits: Google)

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user’s social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)

February 6, 2025
Sri Lanka National Day 2025: From Sigiriya Rock Fortress to Galle Fort, Discover the Best Places To Visit and Honour the Nation’s Heritage
Sri Lanka’s National Day, celebrated on February 4, also known as Independence Day of Sri Lanka, marks the country’s independence from British rule in 1948. This historic day is observed with grand celebrations, including a flag-hoisting ceremony, military parades, cultural performances, and a presidential address highlighting national unity and progress. The event reflects the country’s rich heritage, resilience, and aspirations for the future. February 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Get Full List of Major Events in the Second Month of the Year.

People across Sri Lanka participate in various festivities, with schools, institutions, and local communities organising special programs. Patriotic songs, traditional dances, and religious observances add to the significance of the day. The celebration not only honours those who fought for independence but also reminds citizens of their responsibility to build a prosperous and harmonious nation. As you celebrate Sri Lanka National Day 2025, here are the best places you must visit in Sri Lanka.
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress – An ancient rock citadel with stunning frescoes and panoramic views.
- Ella – A hill country town famous for its lush tea plantations, scenic train rides, and breath-taking hikes.
- Temple of the Tooth Relic – A sacred Buddhist site in Kandy that houses a relic of Buddha’s tooth.
- Yala National Park – A premier wildlife destination home to leopards, elephants, and diverse flora and fauna.
- Galle Fort – A UNESCO-listed colonial fortress with charming streets, historic architecture, and coastal views.
From its rich history to breath-taking landscapes and cultural heritage, Sri Lanka offers an unforgettable experience for travellers. Whether exploring ancient ruins, wildlife sanctuaries, or pristine beaches, the island’s diverse attractions make it a must-visit destination.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 04, 2025 03:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
February 4, 2025
Trump’s idea to relocate Palestinians from Gaza gets blowback from Arab nations

A group of powerful Arab nations released a statement on Saturday rejecting President Donald Trump’s proposal that Palestinians in the Gaza Strip be relocated to Egypt and Jordan.

The foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, as well as the Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States met in Cairo, Egypt, on Saturday, and released a joint statement afterward detailing matters that the leadership of the powerful Arab countries agreed upon.

Their agreements included “expressing the continued full support for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land and their adherence to their legitimate rights under international law.” The statement said the officials “affirmed their rejection of any violation of these inalienable rights, whether through settlement activities, the expulsion and demolition of homes, land annexation, or the displacement of Palestinians from their land.”

“They also rejected any efforts to encourage the transfer or uprooting of Palestinians from their land, under any circumstances or justifications,” the statement, released in English by the Qatari government, said. “Such actions, they noted, threaten regional stability, exacerbate the conflict, and undermine the prospects for peace and coexistence among the region’s peoples.”

ISRAEL ORDERS UNRWA TO CEASE OPERATIONS IN COUNTRY OVER TERROR TIES: ‘MISERABLY FAILED IN ITS MANDATE’

Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani attends a meeting of Arab League foreign ministers in Cairo, Egypt, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Khaled Elfiqi)

The statement also “welcomes” the cease-fire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas that was brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States.

“The participants also expressed their commitment to working with the administration of US President Donald Trump to pursue a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, in line with the two-state solution, and to strive for a conflict-free region,” they said.

Trump was asked in the Oval Office on Friday if he believes that it is a good idea that Egypt and Jordan accept Palestinians from Gaza despite the two countries denying they would do so.

“I think Jordan will take people, yeah, people from Gaza, and I think Egypt will take them also. I mean, I heard somebody said they’re not going to, but I think they will. I feel confident they will,” Trump said.

Israel’s war in Gaza, which was started by the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis, is believed to have eliminated most of the terrorist organization’s grip on the region, but the matter of reconstruction and eventually reformed leadership without terrorist control hangs in the balance amid a fragile cease-fire agreement.

Trump first floated the idea of Egypt and Jordan taking in about 1.5 million people from Gaza while addressing reporters aboard Air Force One last month.

“I’d like Egypt to take people,” Trump said. “You’re talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing and say, ‘You know, it’s over.'”

“It’s literally a demolition site right now. Almost everything’s demolished, and people are dying there,” Trump said of the destruction caused by the 15-month war. “So, I’d rather get involved with some of the Arab nations, and build housing in a different location, where they can maybe live in peace for a change.”

Last week, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said the transfer of Palestinians from Gaza “can’t ever be tolerated or allowed.”

Jordan’s foreign minister Ayman Safadi, left, and Saudi foreign minster, Faisal bin Farhan, attend a meeting of Arab League foreign ministers in Cairo, Egypt, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Khaled Elfiqi)

ISRAELI PARLIAMENT BANS UNRWA OVER TERRORISM TIES, FACES INTERNATIONAL BACKLASH

“The solution to this issue is the two-state solution. It is the establishment of a Palestinian state,” he reportedly said at a news conference. “The solution is not to remove the Palestinian people from their place. No.”

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi also said that his country’s opposition to Trump’s idea was “firm and unwavering.”

The Egyptian government said El-Sisi received a call from Trump on Saturday but did not mention the issue.

“The call fostered a positive discussion between the two Presidents, underscoring the critical importance of advancing the implementation of the first and second phases of the ceasefire agreement, and ensuring the stabilization of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,” according to the Egyptian government read-out. “Additionally, the call emphasized the urgent need to increase the delivery of humanitarian aid and relief to the residents of Gaza.”

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, right, meets with Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi at Tahrir palace in Cairo, Egypt, Saturday, Feb 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Khaled Elfiqi)

El-Sisi “reiterated the imperative to reach lasting peace in Middle East,” according to his government. “He affirmed that the international community places its trust in President Trump’s capacity to secure a historic and enduring peace agreement, which would bring an end to the decades-long conflict in the region. This is grounded in President Trump’s commitment to peace, which he underscored in his inaugural address, as a man of peace. President El-Sisi stressed the vital necessity to launch a peace process conducive to a permanent solution in the region.”

Jordan already is home to more than 2 million Palestinians, according to the Associated Press. Egypt has warned of security implications of transferring large numbers of Palestinians to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, bordering Gaza.

Both countries were the first to make peace with Israel, but they support the creation of a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem, territories that Israel captured from Jordan and Egypt in 1967’s Six-Day War.

The Israeli government ordered the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to cease its operations in the country as of Thursday amid allegations the agency is involved with the Hamas terrorist group.

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The Arab nations’ statement Saturday also affirmed “the pivotal, indispensable, and irreplaceable role” of UNRWA and “categorically rejected any attempts to bypass or diminish its role.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Danielle Wallace is a breaking news and politics reporter at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on X: @danimwallace.

February 2, 2025
Supreme Court to consider an effort to establish the nation’s first publicly funded religious charter school

The Supreme Court will weigh an effort to establish the nation’s first religious charter school with implications for school choice and religious practices.

The court agreed Friday to hear two cases on the matter, which will be argued together — Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond and St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond.

In 2023, the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board voted to approve an application by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa for a K-12 online school, the St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Charter School.

SUPREME COURT TO DECIDE IF FAMILIES CAN OPT OUT OF READING LGBTQ BOOKS IN THE CLASSROOM

Oklahoma parents, faith leaders and an education group sought to block the school after the approval.

In a 7-1 decision, the Oklahoma Supreme Court found a taxpayer-funded religious charter school would violate the First Amendment’s provision on “establishment of religion” and the state constitution.

The Supreme Court will weigh an effort to establish the nation’s first religious charter school. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

“Under Oklahoma law, a charter school is a public school,” Justice James Winchester wrote in the court’s majority opinion. “As such, a charter school must be nonsectarian.

“However, St. Isidore will evangelize the Catholic school curriculum while sponsored by the state.”

Alliance Defending Freedom Chief Counsel Jim Campbell told Fox News Digital the case “is fundamentally about religious discrimination and school choice.”

SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS LOOMING TIKTOK BAN

“The Supreme Court has been clear in three cases over the last eight years that you can’t create a public program like that and then exclude religious organizations,” Campbell said. “So, we’re going to be arguing before the court that the state of Oklahoma should be allowed to open up the program to religious organizations.”

Oklahoma Republican Attorney General Gentner Drummond originally challenged the school’s approval. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Campbell says the decision would give parents, families and the state “more educational options.”

Oklahoma Republican Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who originally challenged the school’s approval, has previously said the school’s establishment is unconstitutional. His spokesperson told Fox News Digital in a statement the attorney general “looks forward to presenting our arguments before the high court.”

“I will continue to vigorously defend the religious liberty of all 4 million Oklahomans,” Drummond said in a statement released in October. “This unconstitutional scheme to create the nation’s first state-sponsored religious charter school will open the floodgates and force taxpayers to fund all manner of religious indoctrination, including radical Islam or even the Church of Satan. My fellow Oklahomans can rest assured that I will always fight to protect their God-given rights and uphold the law.”

TENNESSEE AG OPTIMISTIC ABOUT SCOTUS CASE AFTER ‘RADICAL GENDER IDEOLOGY’ REVERSAL IN LOWER COURT

The Oklahoma case is one of several religious institution cases that have been filed in the Supreme Court.

In 2017, the high court ruled in favor of a Missouri church that sued the state after being denied taxpayer funds for a playground project as a result of a provision that prohibits state funding for religious entities.

Likewise, in 2020, the Supreme Court struck down a ban on taxpayer funding for religious schools in a 5-4 decision that backed a Montana tax-credit scholarship program. Most recently, in 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that a Maine tuition assistance program violated the First Amendment’s Free Exercise Clause for excluding religious schools from eligibility.

Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself from the case, although an explanation was not given. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Campbell said given the court’s previous considerations of cases involving religious educational institutions, he is “hopeful that the Supreme Court will recognize that the same principle applies here.”

“You can’t create a charter school program that allows private organizations to participate but tell the religious groups that they can’t be included,” Campbell said. “So, we’re hopeful that the Supreme Court will make it clear that people of faith deserve to be a part of the charter school program as well.”

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Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself from the case, although an explanation was not given. The Supreme Court is expected to hear oral arguments in April.

School choice has become a hot-button issue, particularly after the 2024 election cycle. President Donald Trump recently signed two executive orders on education, one to remove federal funding from K-12 schools that teach critical race theory and another to support school choice.

Fox News Digital’s Ronn Blitzer and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

Haley Chi-Sing is a Writer for Fox News Digital. You can reach her at @haleychising on X.

January 31, 2025