Israeli airstrike on Rafah kills 2 top Hamas commanders, dozens of civilians

Israeli air strikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah killed at least 35 Palestinians and wounded dozens in an area designated for displaced people, according to Palestinian health and emergency officials. Video footage showed people searching through rubble and transporting bodies. Witnesses described a sudden missile strike that left the street covered in smoke and debris. The Israeli military confirmed the airstrike, stating … Continue reading Israeli airstrike on Rafah kills 2 top Hamas commanders, dozens of civilians

UN migration agency estimates more than 670 killed in Papua New Guinea landslide

The International Organization for Migration revised its estimate of the death toll from a landslide in Papua New Guinea to over 670, as hopes for finding survivors have faded. The updated figure comes from calculations by Yambali village and Enga provincial officials, noting that more than 150 homes were buried, up from the initial estimate of 60. The previous death toll had been over 100, … Continue reading UN migration agency estimates more than 670 killed in Papua New Guinea landslide

Ukrainian strike on Russian nuclear radar system causes alarm in West

A Ukrainian drone strike on Russia’s Armavir radar station, which is part of Moscow’s nuclear warning system, has raised concerns in the West. The attack on May 23 damaged the advanced facility located in the Krasnodar region, which also provides conventional air defense and monitors airspace over Ukraine and Crimea. Ukrainian officials confirmed the strike, highlighting the station’s role in tracking long-range Atacms missiles supplied … Continue reading Ukrainian strike on Russian nuclear radar system causes alarm in West

IDF probes masked soldier’s threatening video calling for mutiny

A reserve soldier who called for insurrection within the IDF has been barred from future service following an inquiry, the military announced on Sunday. The man, a business owner from Herzliya and a known Likud activist, posted a viral video while masked, urging rebellion against IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Initial investigations indicated the video was filmed in an … Continue reading IDF probes masked soldier’s threatening video calling for mutiny

US expected to lift ban on sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia

The United States is expected to lift its ban on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks, according to a report by the Financial Times. Washington has indicated its readiness to lift the ban, as per a source familiar with the matter. President Biden had imposed the ban shortly after taking office in 2021, due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights … Continue reading US expected to lift ban on sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia

US missionaries killed in Haiti gang violence

A US missionary couple, Natalie Lloyd, 21, and her husband David, 23, were among three people killed in Haiti amid ongoing gang violence. They, along with 20-year-old Jude Montis, a Haitian, were ambushed by gunmen after leaving a church. The deaths were confirmed by Natalie’s father, Missouri State Senator Ben Baker, on Facebook. The couple, married in 2022, were part of Missions in Haiti, which … Continue reading US missionaries killed in Haiti gang violence

5 killed in attack at Acapulco store days after 10 bodies found in resort city

Five people were killed and one wounded in an armed attack at a grocery store in Acapulco on Thursday, just days after 10 bodies were discovered in the city, which is troubled by cartel violence. The attack took place near the main tourist avenue in a handicrafts market. The Guerrero state prosecutor’s office is investigating the incident, which left four men and a woman dead. … Continue reading 5 killed in attack at Acapulco store days after 10 bodies found in resort city

Pope clears way for ‘God’s influencer’ to become saint

Carlo Acutis, a London-born teenager known as “God’s influencer” for his online promotion of Catholic teachings, is set to become a saint. He will be the first millennial, born between the early 1980s and late 1990s, to be canonized. Pope Francis attributed a second miracle to Acutis, involving the healing of a university student in Florence who had brain bleeding from head trauma. Acutis was … Continue reading Pope clears way for ‘God’s influencer’ to become saint

Putin wants Ukraine ceasefire on current frontlines

Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine that acknowledges the current battle lines, according to four Russian sources. However, if Kyiv and the West do not respond, he is prepared to continue fighting. Three sources familiar with discussions among Putin’s advisors indicated that Putin is frustrated with Western efforts to hinder negotiations and Ukrainian President Zelenskiy’s refusal to engage in … Continue reading Putin wants Ukraine ceasefire on current frontlines

China says military drills encircling Taiwan designed to test its ability to ‘seize power’

China’s military drills around Taiwan, aimed at testing its ability to “seize power” over the island, entered their second day on Friday, according to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). These exercises, the largest in over a year, follow the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, who advocates for Taiwan’s sovereignty, angering Beijing. Labeling Lai as a “dangerous separatist,” Beijing condemned his call for China … Continue reading China says military drills encircling Taiwan designed to test its ability to ‘seize power’

Congo names third American in a foiled coup plot as mourners gather in Utah to remember plot leader

Congo’s army spokesman, Brig. Gen. Sylvain Ekenge, revealed the third American involved in the foiled coup plot in Kinshasa as Taylor Thomson, though it was unclear if he was arrested or killed during the weekend attack on the presidential palace. Family in Utah mourned Christian Malanga, the eccentric leader of the failed coup, who was killed after resisting arrest. The State Department could not confirm … Continue reading Congo names third American in a foiled coup plot as mourners gather in Utah to remember plot leader

Russia begins exercises for battlefield nuclear weapons

Russian troops have commenced major exercises to prepare for the potential deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, citing threats from Western allies. The Russian Ministry of Defense shared a video showing troops affixing missiles and warheads onto fighter jets and armored trucks. This marks the first stage of “practical testing” of these weapons in Russia’s southern military district, which includes regions bordering Ukraine. The training involves … Continue reading Russia begins exercises for battlefield nuclear weapons

Germany says it will arrest Netanyahu

Israel’s Ambassador to Berlin, Ron Prosor, was rebuffed by the German government after appealing on social media for Germany to reject the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) legitimacy. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s spokesman, Steffen Hebestreit, confirmed that Germany would comply with an ICC arrest warrant against Prime Minister Netanyahu for alleged war crimes. Prosor criticized this stance on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that it challenges Germany’s … Continue reading Germany says it will arrest Netanyahu

Palestinian state is recognized by several European countries

On Wednesday, Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced their recognition of a Palestinian state, a historic move that was celebrated by Palestinians and condemned by Israel. In response, Israel recalled its ambassadors from Norway and Ireland and was considering doing the same with its ambassador to Spain. The recognition will officially take effect on May 28, as confirmed by Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, CBS … Continue reading Palestinian state is recognized by several European countries

China begins military drills around Taiwan as ‘punishment’

China launched two days of military drills around Taiwan on Thursday, claiming it was a “strong punishment” for the island’s “separatist acts” following the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, who made a speech China condemned as a “confession of independence.” Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of its territory and has vowed to reclaim it by force if necessary, announced that the exercises involve … Continue reading China begins military drills around Taiwan as ‘punishment’

Infected blood scandal roils UK

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will issue an apology today to victims of the infected-blood scandal, following a report that condemns successive governments and the NHS. The scandal, which has resulted in over 3,000 deaths and continues to affect many lives, will also lead to the announcement of a compensation scheme expected to cost over £10 billion. NHS chief Amanda Pritchard is anticipated to apologize as … Continue reading Infected blood scandal roils UK

Chants of ‘intifada revolution’ at London protest

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in London chanted slogans such as “Intifada revolution” and “UK government watch your back, Palestine is coming back” amid heightened tensions over the Middle East conflict. The Metropolitan Police arrested a man for leading a chant after climbing a traffic light, citing a racially aggravated public order offence and criminal damage. The protesters, showing solidarity with Gaza, marched through the city centre with … Continue reading Chants of ‘intifada revolution’ at London protest

Arrest warrants sought for Netanyahu, Hamas leader for war crimes

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking arrest warrants for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the October 7 attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza, according to ICC prosecutor Karim Khan in an interview with CNN. The prosecution is also pursuing warrants for Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav … Continue reading Arrest warrants sought for Netanyahu, Hamas leader for war crimes

Iran president dead in helicopter crash

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the country’s foreign minister died Monday after their helicopter crashed in foggy conditions, leaving Iran without two key leaders amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei quickly appointed a little-known vice president as caretaker, asserting the government’s control despite the significant loss. Iran has not provided a cause for the crash, which occurred in mountainous … Continue reading Iran president dead in helicopter crash

Islamic State claims responsibility for deadly tourist attack in Afghanistan

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan province, where gunmen targeted Spanish tourists. The Taliban’s interior ministry spokesperson reported that four individuals have been apprehended in connection with the attack, which also resulted in the death of an Afghan citizen and injuries to several others, both foreign and Afghan. Bamiyan, known for its UNESCO World Heritage site and the remnants … Continue reading Islamic State claims responsibility for deadly tourist attack in Afghanistan

Israel pushes further into parts of north Gaza

Israeli troops and tanks advanced into northern Gaza on Saturday, targeting areas previously avoided in the ongoing seven-month conflict, resulting in numerous Palestinian casualties, according to medics and residents. In addition, Israeli forces seized ground in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, raising concerns in Cairo and Washington due to the high number of displaced people there. Benny Gantz, a centrist war cabinet member, threatened to … Continue reading Israel pushes further into parts of north Gaza

Helicopter carrying Iran’s hard-line president crashes in foggy, mountainous region

A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the foreign minister, and other officials reportedly crashed in the mountainous northwest of Iran, prompting a significant rescue operation in a foggy forest and calls for public prayers. The incident follows recent tensions with Israel due to Iran’s drone-and-missile attack and near-weapons-grade uranium enrichment. Additionally, Iran faces ongoing protests over economic and women’s rights issues, heightening the situation’s … Continue reading Helicopter carrying Iran’s hard-line president crashes in foggy, mountainous region

State of emergency in New Caledonia as unrest spreads

France has implemented a state of emergency in New Caledonia, a territory in the Pacific Islands, amid ongoing unrest following Paris’s proposed changes to provincial election rules. The violence, which erupted earlier in the week resulting in three Indigenous Kanak individuals and a police officer killed, persists despite a curfew. With the state of emergency now in effect, authorities possess broad search and arrest powers. … Continue reading State of emergency in New Caledonia as unrest spreads

NATO Considers Sending Trainers Into Ukraine

NATO allies are moving closer to sending troops into Ukraine to train Ukrainian forces, potentially involving the United States and Europe more directly in the conflict. Facing a manpower crisis, Ukraine has requested NATO assistance to train 150,000 new recruits closer to the front lines. While the U.S. has so far declined, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, indicated … Continue reading NATO Considers Sending Trainers Into Ukraine

China and Russia reaffirm their close ties as Moscow presses its offensive in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping reaffirmed their “no-limits” partnership during a summit in Beijing, criticizing U.S. military alliances in Asia and the Pacific. Putin expressed gratitude for China’s proposals to end the Ukraine war, though these have been rejected by Ukraine and Western nations as favoring the Kremlin. The visit, amid Russia’s ongoing offensive in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, highlighted the deepening … Continue reading China and Russia reaffirm their close ties as Moscow presses its offensive in Ukraine