Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said Israel does not trust Pakistan and therefore does not support any Pakistani role in efforts aimed at promoting peace in West Asia. Speaking to ANI, Azar cited long-standing tensions and previous exchanges between officials from both countries. He stated, "We don't trust the Pakistanis. I think their behaviour has been reprehensible, their approach towards Israel and the anti-Semitic remarks made by their defence minister have only reinforced our concerns."
In Ahmednagar, India, police have identified a burqa-clad woman who dumped meat in a predominantly Hindu locality during Eid al-Adha, an incident that triggered communal concern. After a 13-day investigation involving the review of around 150 CCTV cameras, authorities traced the suspect to Swati Vikram Bhosale, a non-Muslim woman who reportedly survives by begging. She told police that she had received meat while seeking alms in Muslim areas but chose to discard it in Brahman Galli. While her identity and background have been verified, officials are continuing to examine why she wore a burqa and selected that specific location. Local political leaders have raised concerns that the act may have been intended to incite tension between communities, calling for a deeper investigation into a possible deliberate motive.
A 71-year-old Muslim man, Sheikh Shah Alam, was murdered after being brutally attacked by supporters of one of the most extremist political parties in India, the BJP, in Kelepara village under Purshura in West Bengal’s Hooghly district on June 15. The BJP workers gathered outside his home and called him out over false accusations that he supported the Trinamool Congress, another political party that fundamentally differs from the BJP—claims his family firmly denied. As Alam stepped outside, he was surrounded and viciously beaten by 7–8 BJP supporters using bamboo sticks, bricks, and iron rods. His wife, Marjina Begum, and other women who tried to intervene were also assaulted by the mob. Critically injured from the beating, Alam collapsed and was transported to Arambagh Medical College and Hospital, where he was declared dead.
Another historic mosque in India has come under fresh controversy after a Hindu group alleged the presence of religious idols within Gujarat’s Jama Masjid, a claim that has deepened concerns among Muslim communities about a growing pattern of targeting Islamic heritage sites. The dispute centers on the centuries-old Jama Masjid in Bharuch, a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India where Muslims have prayed for generations. A relatively obscure organization, the Shri Chakradhar Swami Janmasthal National Heritage Protection Committee, has claimed that idols and relics of religious significance are located within the mosque complex and should be identified and preserved. Many Muslim groups view the allegations with skepticism, arguing that similar claims in recent years have been used to challenge the status of historic mosques and push for their conversion into Hindu religious sites. They see the latest development as part of a broader political and ideological trend linked to Hindu nationalist narratives. The situation draws comparisons to the long-running Babri Masjid dispute in Ayodhya, where claims about a pre-existing Hindu temple eventually led to the mosque’s demolition and a court ruling allowing the construction of a temple at the site.
FIFA is considering a symbolic opening match between the Palestinian and Israeli under-15 national teams for a new youth tournament in the United States this September. The tournament is expected to include teams from all 211 FIFA member associations, and the proposal is being presented as part of President Gianni Infantino’s broader message of football as a force for peace. FIFA has decided to proceed with the proposal amid growing calls from Palestinian football officials and campaigners to suspend Israel from international football over the Gaza genocide, where hundreds of footballers have been killed. The proposal is drawing strong criticism from those who view it as undermining efforts to sanction Israel.
🇸🇳 Senegal national team coach Pape Thiaw emphasized that religious duty outweighs football commitments. Responding to safety concerns about strong winds in New Jersey, he said his team performed Friday prayers regardless of conditions. "You are afraid of the wind, but we are afraid of Allah, who created the wind," Thiaw stated. He added that even if Senegal were playing in a World Cup final, the team would still leave to perform Friday prayer due to its fixed timing. "Is there anything more important than prayer?" he asked.
President Donald Trump made a striking announcement on Monday regarding the recently reached US-Iran agreement, stating that “Iran has agreed never to possess a nuclear weapon.” Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump also addressed reports that the United States would pay Iran $300 million as part of the deal. “Also, the story that the US is paying Iran 300 million dollars is fake news, put out by the ‘Dumocrats’,” he said, using a derogatory blend of “dumb” and “Democrats.” The post did not provide further details on the nuclear commitment. The US and Iran reached a memorandum of understanding following months of conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. The deal includes a permanent ceasefire on all fronts, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days, and the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil. The agreement is set to be signed in Switzerland on Friday, with Vice President JD Vance representing the US. Trump has previously stated that Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei has approved the deal.
A young Turkish woman guided her Spanish husband, Juan Andretos, whom she had met two years earlier while studying in Spain, to learn about Islam. After two years of research and reflection, he decided to embrace Islam and recited the Shahada, the declaration of faith, in a mosque in Bursa Province, Türkiye.
Sanjay Jha, an Indian politician, and former national spokesperson of the Congress argued that the Modi government’s foreign policy has failed significantly, allowing Pakistan to regain diplomatic relevance and even outmaneuver India on the global stage. He claims India has lost its traditional independent foreign policy stance, becoming overly aligned with the United States and Israel, which damaged its moral credibility and global reputation. According to him, Prime Minister Modi centralized control over foreign affairs without sufficient expertise, leading to arrogance, poor strategic decisions, and ineffective diplomacy. Jha also argues that while Pakistan remains internally unstable, it has successfully rebuilt international ties, played a key role in mediating global conflicts, and strengthened alliances, particularly in the Middle East. In contrast, India has become increasingly isolated, lost influence among developing nations, and failed in both diplomatic engagement and global perception, despite its economic potential.
🔻🔻🔻 Two Israeli soldiers were injured Sunday in a rocket attack targeting Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon, according to the army. In a statement, the Israeli army said one soldier sustained moderate injuries while another was lightly wounded. The army said the soldiers were evacuated to a hospital for treatment, without providing further details about the location of the incident. According to official Israeli army figures, 1,302 soldiers have been injured and 31 others, including officers, killed since the escalation began. The Israeli army has continued a bombing campaign on Lebanon since March 2, occupying several towns in the country’s south. The Israeli attacks have killed nearly 3,800 people, wounded 11,700 and displaced over 1.5 million since then, according to Lebanese officials.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Monday an agreement reached between the US and Iran, describing it as an important step toward securing peace and stability in the region. In a statement posted on the US social media platform X, Erdogan said he viewed the agreement positively and expressed hope that it would help establish a lasting environment of peace and security. "I welcome the agreement reached between the United States and Iran and see it as an important development for ensuring peace and tranquility in our region," he said. Erdogan said he sincerely hoped the agreement would contribute to lasting peace and security in the region, adding that the development was one the world had long needed. He also urged all parties to avoid actions that could undermine the process before the agreement is formally signed. "I would like to emphasize the importance of refraining from rhetoric, provocations and actions that could escalate tensions, and of remaining vigilant against possible acts of sabotage until the day the signatures are affixed," he said. Erdogan thanked the US and Iranian leaderships for their role in reaching the agreement and expressed special appreciation to Pakistan for what he described as its exceptional mediation efforts. He also praised the diplomatic support provided by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. "As Türkiye, we will continue to support all efforts aimed at establishing peace, stability and prosperity in our region, and contribute to lasting solutions based on diplomacy and international law," Erdogan said.
🇺🇸🤝🇮🇷 US President Donald Trump announced that an agreement with Iran had been finalized and said he was authorizing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of a US naval blockade. "The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!," Trump declared in a post on his Truth Social platform. "I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade," he added.
Negotiations between Washington and Tehran have resulted in an “agreement in principle,” Iran has told mediators, according to a report on Thursday. Sources familiar with the Qatar-mediated talks indicated to news outlet Axios that the sides have narrowed their differences on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, unfreezing Iranian assets, and establishing a framework for nuclear discussions during a 60-day ceasefire. By Wednesday, Qatari and Iranian officials reportedly believed they had finalized a text that would also meet US demands. The deal awaits the final greenlight from Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to Axios. US President Donald Trump canceled planned military strikes on Iran Thursday, claiming that an agreement was "pretty much all wrapped up." He indicated that a signing ceremony would be announced "shortly."
🇹🇷🤝🇨🇦 Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday described Türkiye as a key NATO ally and a major regional power, saying Ottawa is actively working to deepen bilateral ties. "Türkiye is an incredibly important strategic, it's a NATO ally," Carney told reporters at a news conference in Toronto. Pointing to the country's regional importance, he said: "Regionally — and I'm going to use that term with a capital R — because it is a very large region, from the Balkans through to the Middle East to the Caucasus and beyond, (it) is one of the most important strategic partners or powers in that region." "We have been deepening the relationship, it's early days, and deepening that relationship," he added. Carney confirmed he will travel to Türkiye for next month’s NATO summit, adding that he would also "likely again" visit the country later this year. "We're in a process of scoping out the deepening of that relationship," he added.
Turkish Airlines has won a European airline industry award for its food and beverage service for the fifth time, according to a statement from the airline. The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) presented the airline with its Best in Class in Food and Beverages Execution award at a ceremony in Dublin on Wednesday. This year’s APEX Awards were determined based on anonymous and verified passenger feedback along with collaboration with TripIt by Concur, a travel planning app. Over 1 million flights operated by more than 600 airlines worldwide were rated by passengers evaluating their experiences across five categories: seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverages, in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi connectivity. Turkish Airlines CEO Ahmet Olmustur welcomed the award, attributing the success to the flag carrier’s “passion and craftsmanship the teams demonstrate at every stage,” thanking guests for their trust and support and airline workers for bringing the experience to life. APEX Group CEO Joe Leader said Turkish Airlines brought the quality of its in-flight catering, as well as Türkiye’s rich culture and hospitality, to the world, praising the airline’s food and beverage experience. Turkish Airlines said its in-flight catering program features a rich selection of menus and constantly evolving catering concepts across its international network, which serves destinations in 130 countries.
A Palestinian in Gaza @georgegallowayofficial
Forces 'struck Iranian air defense, ground control stations and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz,' says US Central Command. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Tuesday that American forces have completed a series of "self-defense strikes" against Iranian military targets in response to the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter on Monday. "CENTCOM forces struck Iranian air defense, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz with precision munitions from U.S. Air Force and Navy fighter jets," the command said in a statement. The command announced that its forces began conducting "self-defense strikes" against Iranian military targets at approximately 5 pm Eastern Time (2100GMT) on Tuesday. "The operation was a proportional response to recent attacks on U.S. forces and international commercial ships transiting regional waters," it said, adding that US forces remain "vigilant and postured" to defend against "unjustified Iranian aggression."
International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan was suspended from his duties Monday following a probe into sexual abuse allegations against him. The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, the ICC's governing body, announced the decision, saying Khan will be referred for disciplinary proceedings before all 125 member states following the results of a UN investigation, which are not being made available to the public. "The assessment of the Bureau was based on the report of an investigation undertaken by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the underlying evidence, the advice of an ad hoc Panel of judicial experts, and written submissions," the bureau said in a statement. "The decision of the Bureau and the related documentation will remain confidential. The Bureau continues to call for due respect for the privacy and the rights of all parties concerned, as well as for the integrity of the ongoing process," it added. An assembly session to take up the matter among all members is slated to be convened "as soon as possible." Khan, who went on leave in May 2025 amid the UN investigation, said in April that he has been “exonerated.” Khan told the Zeteo news outlet in an interview that the inquiry found no “misconduct or abuse of authority” and that he should be allowed to return to work. “I've read the UN report. I've read the findings of the judges. And in the UN report, there are 137 findings. Not one of those findings makes determinations or makes findings of conduct that could be characterized as inappropriate in any way, shape or form,” he said. In March, a panel of three judges unanimously concluded in an advisory opinion that the UN investigation results “do not establish misconduct or a breach of duty under the relevant legal framework,” according to Middle East Eye. The investigation was commissioned by the head of the Assembly of States Parties, the ICC's governing body, in November 2024 after a member of Khan’s office accused him of sexual misconduct. Last August, a second woman came forward, alleging the prosecutor had abused his authority over her while she was working for him. The allegations came as Khan’s office was pursuing an investigation into alleged war crimes and genocide by Israeli officials and forces in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territory. In May 2024, Khan announced that he would file arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his then-defense minister, Yoav Gallant, over "criminal responsibility" for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Japanese authorities in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, are pursuing the demolition of a mosque constructed without planning permission in a designated urbanisation control zone, after the building was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by Pakistan's ambassador to Japan, Abdul Hameed. The structure, known as the "Ramadan Grand Mosque," was erected on a 4,500sqm plot classified as mountain forest, where construction is generally prohibited under Japan's City Planning Act without specific governmental clearance. City officials first identified the unauthorised construction in October 2024 following resident complaints. A formal stop-construction order was issued in December of that year. Despite a company representative's pledge to demolish the building within five years, an opening ceremony was held in April instead. Kawagoe Mayor Hatsue Morita stated plainly: "It is an illegal building constructed without permission in an urban development control area, we cannot tolerate the current situation." Following scrutiny of the ambassador's attendance, Pakistan's embassy clarified that Ambassador Hameed had accepted the invitation "based on the information that all permits had been obtained in accordance with Japanese law," and urged the Pakistani community to "fully comply with Japanese laws in all matters, especially regarding the construction of places of worship." Japan currently has approximately 160 mosques, according to Waseda University Professor Emeritus Hirofumi Tanada.
Israeli Brigadier General Yisrael Shomer, head of the IDF's operations division, was dismissed this week, not for the 2015 killing of a 17-year-old Palestinian at the Qalandiyah checkpoint, but for an alleged sexual relationship with a subordinate. Shomer, who had received an honorary doctorate from Reichman University in 2024, had his resignation accepted by the IDF chief of staff following accusations of "exploiting power relationships" and "moral offenses." On July 3, 2015, Shomer, then commander of the Binyamin Brigade, shot Mohammad Kasba three times in the back as the teenager fled after striking Shomer's car window with a rock. Witnesses reported that Shomer turned the boy's body over with his foot before leaving the scene. The military prosecutor later closed the case, ruling it an "operational accident," and the High Court rejected the family's appeal in 2020. Rather than facing consequences, Shomer was subsequently promoted to senior command positions. Mohammad Kasba was the third son of Fatma and Sami Kasba to be killed by Israeli forces. His brothers Yasir, 10, and Samer, 15, were shot in the head within 40 days of each other in 2002. The case has reignited debate over accountability within the IDF, with critics arguing the institution's moral framework is fundamentally inverted, rewarding lethal force against civilians while penalizing personal misconduct.
U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed he used profane language against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call, admitting he called the Israeli leader "f***ing crazy" over Israel's continued military operations in Lebanon. Trump, speaking on the Pod Force One podcast, said he was not furious but described himself as "perturbed." "At some point I said, Bibi, we got to stop this. We got to stop it," Trump stated. The exchange came at a critical diplomatic moment, as Iran had suspended nuclear negotiations with Washington in protest over Israeli strikes in Lebanon, arguing that attacks on Hezbollah undermined ceasefire prospects. According to an Axios report, Trump did not refute, he told Netanyahu: "You're f***ing crazy. You'd be in prison if it weren't for me. I'm saving your ass. Everybody hates you now." Separately, the regional conflict escalated further when Iran launched drone and missile strikes on Kuwait, temporarily shutting down its international airport, killing one person, and injuring over 60. U.S. Central Command subsequently announced defensive strikes inside southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites, Iranian naval vessels, and positions on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz.
More than 50,000 workers from India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka have become indispensable to Israel's economy, occupying frontline roles in food factories, retail chains, agriculture, and caregiving as the country grapples with an acute domestic labor shortage. Government-approved quotas for foreign industrial workers have been expanded three times in two years, reaching 21,200, 70% of whom are classified as unskilled. Industry leaders credit the foreign workforce with sustaining operations that would otherwise have collapsed. "These are essential jobs that Israelis don't want to do," one food company CEO stated plainly, noting that workers' productivity and attendance records consistently exceed expectations. Employers, however, flag structural constraints: no long-term staffing continuity due to the five-year residency cap, communication difficulties requiring on-site supervision, and a 25% cost premium tied to mandatory housing and healthcare obligations, challenges that complicate long-term workforce planning.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before a House Appropriations subcommittee on Tuesday, responding to questions about President Trump’s fiscal year 2027 budget request. Democratic Representative Rosa DeLauro asked Rubio about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported directive to “seize” 70% of Gaza’s territory. “We have a plan. That plan does not envision such a thing. Netanyahu made that statement, but it is not part of the plan,” Rubio replied. The exchange highlights growing US-Israeli tensions over post-war Gaza arrangements, even as the two countries remain allied. Rubio emphasized that no country or international organization will provide financial support for Gaza’s reconstruction unless Hamas disarms. “Because everyone knows a new war would break out,” he said. The statement underscores the US position that any long-term solution in Gaza must include the dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities—a condition that Hamas has repeatedly rejected. The US has been mediating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas through Qatar and Egypt, but progress has been minimal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came under fire from opposition politicians and coalition partners on Monday for calling off a bombing campaign on the Lebnese capital Beirut following pressure from US President Donald Trump. 💬 Netanyahu’s coalition partner Itamar Ben-Gvir urged the Israeli premier to say no to Trump.“It is time to tell our friend, President Trump - 'no',” Ben-Gvir said on his X account. “Now is the time to do what is required and necessary to strike Hezbollah, untie the hands of our fighters, and restore security to the north,” he said. 💬 "(Israel) is a country under complete guardianship," opposition leader Yair Lapid wrote on the US social media company X. 💬 Yisrael Beiteinu party leader and former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman was also critical of the Israeli premier. "Netanyahu is not a prime minister, but a puppet," he said in a statement carried by Channel 12. 💬 Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Netanyahu's government "has lost control over Israeli sovereignty," according to Israel Hayom newspaper.
Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh’s foreign minister, on Tuesday was elected president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, set to start this September. Out of 190 ballots, Rahman got 99 votes, while his rival from the Greek Cypriot Administration trailed with 91. Former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, the current General Assembly president, "warmly" congratulated Rahman over his election. Pledging to work together until Rahman takes office, she said: "The role of the president of the General Assembly is no longer simply procedural, reading out notes, because even in the procedural rules themselves, they are being challenged, as we have experienced many times before." Saying that the 81st session will not become "any easier over the next three months," Baerbock stressed that Rahman is "more than prepared" for the position, adding that "your decade of diplomatic and multilateral experience will serve you well during what promises to be a particularly consequential 81st session as you work to build a more effective, responsive, and trusted multilateral system." In his remarks, Rahman pointed to the challenges that the UN is facing, saying that it is "being tested on multiple fronts, scourges of conflict and war, from which our organization aimed to save our succeeding generations, continue to inflict untold sufferings." “Taken together, these challenges tend to undermine the public trust and confidence in the ability of our organization to deliver its promises, and this is a challenge that I will confront together with all of you," he said. He vowed to take "a holistic approach to peacekeeping and peacebuilding that prioritizes prevention and political solutions, strengthens peacebuilding, and protects civilians." "I will support dialogue to make even peacekeeping more fit for purpose and advocate for greater representation of women in peacekeeping," he said, further pledging to be "mindful of achieving gender equality and full and meaningful participation of women and girls in all walks of life." Also speaking at the UN General Assembly, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres congratulated Rahman on his election and said: "His theme is an inspiring call to action for the multilateral system, 'Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.'" "It reflects his commitment to strengthening the global problem-solving system that has delivered for the world since 1945," Guterres said. Pledging "full support" to Rahman, the UN chief also said: "Your remarkable political and diplomatic experience are a guarantee of success to the benefit not only of the General Assembly but of the United Nations as a whole." Guterres further thanked Baerbock for her efforts, saying that "as the fifth woman to take on the role of President of the General Assembly, she has consistently reminded us that women’s rights are embedded in the UN’s founding principles and are essential for global justice." While acknowledging "stark" challenges across the globe, Guterres said: "But the hard work of diplomacy, dialogue and collaboration that happens each and every day here at the General Assembly gives me renewed hope that we can transform divisions into determination to work in common purpose."
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ruled that the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, home to the Kamal Maula mosque for centuries, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vagdevi, the Goddess of Speech, effectively barring Muslims from a site where they have worshipped for generations. The ruling, based largely on an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey conducted two years prior, dismissed Muslim petitions and offered the community alternative land to construct a new mosque. The verdict has drawn sharp condemnation from legal experts and historians. Audrey Truschke, a historian specialising in the Indian subcontinent, stated that "the current trend of targeting mosques in India is part of the entrenched Islamophobia of Hindu nationalism," calling India's restrictions on Muslim religious freedom "appalling." Lawyer Ashhar Warsi, who argued for the Muslim side, described the judgment as "a clear violation of the established rule of law," pointing to India's Places of Worship Act, 1991, which legally freezes the religious character of all worship sites as they stood at independence. Parliamentarian Asaduddin Owaisi drew direct parallels to the Supreme Court's 2019 Babri Mosque ruling, warning that it "opened the floodgates for all these claims." Meanwhile, Hindu nationalist Gopal Sharma framed the ruling in civilisational terms: "Secular politics does not run India any more. Modi's Hindutva does."
Six shipments of suspected military-grade steel, totaling approximately 806 tonnes and originating from Indian manufacturer RL Steels & Energy Limited, have been intercepted across multiple Mediterranean ports while allegedly en route to an Israeli ammunition facility operated by Elbit Systems Land in Ramat Hasharon. Three of the shipments, transported by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), are currently held by Italian authorities in Gioia Tauro and Cagliari for inspection. Activists from the BDS movement and No Harbour for Genocide estimate the cargo could yield up to 17,458 artillery shells. One additional consignment was rerouted to Sri Lanka as shippers sought alternative pathways to Israel. "We are seeing now a flood of military supplies from India to Israel," said Ilham Yaseen, military embargo coordinator with the BDS movement, adding that "its far-right government has turned India into a world leader in arming genocide and apartheid."
Israel transferred activists detained from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla to Ashdod Port after attacking and intercepting the convoy in international waters, the Israeli rights group Adalah said Wednesday. In a statement, Adalah said the participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla, including “international solidarity activists, human rights defenders, and medical volunteers,” were being brought to the the Ashdod Port following the “unlawful Israeli military interception.” “Having set sail toward Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge the unlawful blockade, these civilian participants were forcefully abducted from international waters and taken into Israeli territory entirely against their will,” it added. Adalah said information about the whereabouts of the detained activists, their legal status, and physical well-being “was severely restricted.”
Sally Rooney, the Irish novelist widely known for her sharp political views and outspoken pro-Palestinian stance, is back in the news over the Hebrew translation of her novel Intermezzo. Rather than working with a mainstream Israeli publisher, she has agreed to publish it through a BDS-aligned outlet, a move that fits her long-running refusal to collaborate with institutions complicit in Israel’s genocide in Palestine.
Germany on Monday warned of the economic consequences of the war in Iran and a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz ahead of a meeting of G7 finance ministers in Paris. The war is a “serious threat to the global economy” and is causing massive damage to economic development, German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said before departing for the talks. Everything must be done to “permanently end” the war, stabilize the region and ensure free sea lanes, and “In doing so, our path as Europeans remains clear: We prioritize cooperation over confrontation,” the German Press Agency dpa quoted him as saying. At the G7 finance ministers’ meeting, which begins Monday, participants are expected to focus on the economic impact of the Middle East conflict and possible consequences for global trade. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and gas trade. Klingbeil said the current crises underscore the importance of Germany and Europe becoming “more independent and resilient,” particularly regarding raw materials, energy and supply chains. He added that discussions in Paris would also include finance ministers from Brazil, India, South Korea, and Kenya.
Bulgaria won the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday as the competition in Austria was overshadowed by protests, boycotts and demonstrations linked to Israel’s participation amid the war in the Gaza Strip.
US President Donald Trump shared an AI‑generated image on his verified Truth Social account showing warships in the Strait of Hormuz, captioned with the words: “This is the calm before the storm.”
Seven Israeli soldiers are hospitalized in Israel after coming down with a rare bacterial infection known as "cave fever," according to Israeli Channel 14. The soldiers, who were deployed in southern Lebanon, are currently under intensive medical care at multiple Israeli hospitals. The illness, medically referred to as endemic relapsing fever, or tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF), is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia spirochetes transmitted through the bites of soft-bodied Ornithodoros ticks. It is characterized by recurring episodes of sudden high fever separated by periods of normalcy, and is typically contracted in rural, mountainous, and cave-heavy environments, including rock crevices, damp soil, and rustic settings.
In his latest track, Canadian rapper Drake takes a swipe at DJ Khaled, accusing the Palestinian-American music producer of remaining silent amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza, even as his own people endure immense suffering. Drake, in contrast, has been among those advocating for peace. He joined a list of well-known figures—including Zendaya, Ben Affleck, and Zayn Malik—in signing a letter that called for an end to the genocide.
Syria on Friday announced the arrest of two Assad-era officials: a former deputy chief of staff and a former air force commander. “The criminals Gen. Wasel Al-Owaid, deputy chief of staff, and pilot Gen. Ibrahim Mahla, chief of staff of the 22nd Air Division, two symbols of the bloody regime, are now in our custody,” Interior Minister Anas Khattab announced on US social media company X. He provided no further details on the arrests. As part of efforts to pursue accountability, the new Syrian administration has repeatedly announced arrests of individuals accused of committing abuses against civilians during the 2011-2024 civil war. Bashar Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, 2024, bringing the Baath Party’s decades-long rule to an end. A transitional administration led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa was formed in January 2025.
Hezbollah said Friday that it had carried out 33 attacks targeting Israeli forces, military positions, and vehicles in southern Lebanon over the past 24 hours. The group said the attacks were carried out in response to continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement and attacks on civilians and areas in southern Lebanon. In separate statements, Hezbollah said the attacks targeted Israeli troop and vehicle gatherings in the towns of Rashaf, Qouzah, and Hadatha. It said military bulldozers and troop gatherings in Rashaf were targeted with attack drones, rocket barrages, and artillery shelling. Hezbollah also said Liman barracks and Kiryat Shmona barracks were targeted with drone attacks, while rocket barrages and artillery shelling targeted Israeli positions in Qouzah and Hadatha. The group claimed “confirmed hits” in several attacks. Earlier Friday, the Israeli army declared the northern areas of Rosh Hanikra and Achziv a closed military zone over what it described as the “security situation,” following repeated air raid sirens triggered by drone infiltrations and rocket launches from southern Lebanon. In recent weeks, Hezbollah’s fiber-optic drones, which are harder to detect, have become a growing concern for Israel In late April, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that Hezbollah missiles and drones represented “two major threats” facing Israel and urged the military to develop solutions.
New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof wrote a comprehensive piece on sexual assault crimes committed against Palestinian detainees in Israeli occupation prisons. Drawing on interviews with 14 former detainees, aid workers, lawyers, and families, as well as reports from UN agencies and human rights organizations like Euro-Med, Kristof concluded that sexual assault crimes have become "routine" in Israel. Palestinian journalist Sami al-Sai told Kristof that when he was detained in 2024, Israeli soldiers took him to a room, stripped him naked, and sexually assaulted him with various instruments. Kristof described al-Sai's experience as "unbearable psychological devastation," writing that "al-Sai said he was tortured and sexually assaulted to make him agree to work as an agent for Israeli intelligence." Noting the lack of deterrent punishment for such crimes in Israel, Kristof wrote that "soldiers detained in connection with sexual assault cases that made headlines in 2024 were released without being charged, despite investigations." Kristof wrote that while he found no clear evidence that Israeli government officials ordered sexual assaults, the government's authorization of war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank has created a "ground" for soldiers to perceive such violations as ordinary behavior. Kristof also commented that the US administration's unlimited support for Israel makes it complicit in these crimes. "If President Trump had ensured that Red Cross officials could visit prisons or linked US support to ending sexual assault and torture, Israel might have been forced to stop these practices," he wrote.
US President Donald Trump shared a post on his Truth Social account Saturday showing a map of Venezuela overlaid with an American flag and labeled "51st State." The post came a day after Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez rejected the idea of the country becoming another US state following Trump’s remarks that he was “seriously considering” the move. “We will continue defending the integrity, the sovereignty, the independence, our history, which is a history of glories of men and women that gave their life to make sure that we were not colonies, but our independent country,” Rodriguez said. Her comments came after Trump said in an interview with Fox News that he was considering making Venezuela the 51st US state. Following the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from his home in Caracas and his transfer to the United States on Jan. 2, Trump has repeatedly said he is “getting along very well with Venezuela.”
Selcuk Bayraktar, chairman of Turkish defense company Baykar, told Belgium’s Queen Mathilde that mass drone production is one of the most powerful deterrents a country can have, saying "if you produce enough of them, no one can attack you." Bayraktar made the remarks while briefing the queen and her delegation during their visit to the drone maker's Ozdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center in Istanbul. He provided detailed information on Baykar's unmanned aerial vehicles and kamikaze platforms. "I hope you never have to use them," Bayraktar told the delegation. "Because drones are in a sense a deterrent — in fact, one of the greatest deterrents. If you produce enough of them, no one can attack you. That's what we believe." Queen Mathilde arrived in Türkiye on a three-day visit on May 10 as part of a Belgian economic mission that included meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, first lady Emine Erdogan, and Trade Minister Omer Bolat, as well as business forums and events focused on bilateral cooperation, including on defense and economy.
The Israeli army said Wednesday that two soldiers were injured when an explosive-laden drone detonated in a border area in northern Israel. According to Israel’s public broadcaster, the army said that “two soldiers sustained moderate and light injuries after an explosive drone exploded near the border with Lebanon overnight.” It also said that the Israeli Air Force intercepted a “suspicious aerial target” detected over the area where its forces are operating in southern Lebanon on Wednesday morning. The Lebanese group Hezbollah’s drones, particularly those using fiber-optic technology, have increasingly posed a challenge for Israel and a direct threat to Israeli troops and occupiers. In late April, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that Hezbollah’s missiles and drones constituted “two major threats,” and called on military commanders to address them. Israel has been conducting a broad offensive in Lebanon since March 2, killing and injuring thousands, and displacing more than 1.6 million people, according to Lebanese authorities. Although a ceasefire has been in effect since April 17, Israeli forces have continued operations in southern Lebanon, including demolitions, destruction of homes, and forced displacement from dozens of villages, citing what they describe as Hezbollah military infrastructure. Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the 2023-2024 conflict, while its forces have advanced up to around 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) inside Lebanese territory during the current offensive.
The Israeli military has permanently discharged more than 7,000 soldiers for psychiatric reasons during its ongoing war on Gaza, according to a report published by Haaretz. Thousands more regular-service troops have been reassigned from combat roles due to severe burnout or psychological breakdown. The report cites medical sources within the army’s Mental Health Department, noting that psychological crises among troops began escalating immediately after October 7, 2023, when Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza. The majority of soldiers who participated in the conflict reportedly refuse to return to the battlefield. Since June 2024, the Israeli military has stopped responding to official requests filed under the Freedom of Information Law, the report says. Despite legal deadlines of 120 days, the army has avoided releasing data and only replies to court petitions. Data from the final quarter of 2024 shows that suicide cases among Israeli forces doubled. The report further claims that officers in the Manpower Department and army spokespersons have deliberately delayed or blocked the publication of information that could damage the military’s public image. Türkiye has consistently condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, and this latest revelation adds to growing international scrutiny over the psychological toll of the war on Israeli forces themselves. Despite efforts to conceal the figures, an Israeli court compelled the military to hand over partial war-related data, which has been described as the highest such numbers in Israel’s history. The report concludes that experts within the Israel Defense Forces have focused their efforts on hiding the truth rather than addressing the crisis.
According to a report by Haaretz, Major General Avi Bluth, who oversees Israel’s Central Command in the occupied West Bank, made a series of stark remarks during a closed-door discussion. Bluth indicated that preemptive force has become a prevailing approach in the region, suggesting that Israeli forces are operating under an assumption of imminent threat. He stated that the number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank has reached its highest level since 1967. 💬 "The Arabs understand that ‘if someone rises to kill you, kill him first’ is part of the rules of the Middle East, and therefore we are killing like we have not killed since 1967." 💬 "In three years, we have killed 1,500 terrorists." 💬 "In 2025, we killed 42 Palestinians for throwing stones in the streets."
United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese issued a sharp warning to the Greek government and public during a visit to Athens, arguing that Greece’s security concerns regarding Türkiye are being exploited by Israel for its own strategic purposes. Presenting her book “When the World Slept,” Albanese criticized Greece’s growing military and political alignment with Israel. “You think you chose Israel to give you peace guarantees against your external enemy or rival, Türkiye. I believe the opposite is true: Israel chose you. They will exploit your fears and your sense of insecurity for their own interests, because that is how Israel operates,” she said. Albanese also reminded her audience that Israel uses Palestinian territories as a “laboratory for weapons and spyware,” with technologies tested there later sold to countries like Greece. She called for accountability for those facilitating such trade. She also condemned Greece’s inaction regarding the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters off Crete, stating that the Mediterranean is becoming a “graveyard not only for refugees but for human rights and international law.” She noted that allowing Israel’s unlawful actions violates European law. Separately, Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis was pressed by a journalist about large warships operating off Crete. “Are you telling me the Greek government is unaware of these warships? If these were Turkish ships tomorrow, would you notice? What is the intelligence agency doing?” the journalist asked. Marinakis avoided a direct answer, accusing the journalist of “populist rhetoric” and stating that “this assessment stems from a misunderstanding.” Unable to confirm whether the government knew of the ships, he instead defended the security forces. For Türkiye, Albanese’s remarks vindicate Ankara’s longstanding position that some EU members are being manipulated by third parties to undermine regional stability.
Israel chose Greece to advance its regional ambitions, the UN special rapporteur on Palestine said on Sunday. Speaking at presentation in Athens of her new book, When the World Sleeps: Stories, Words and Wounds of Palestine, Francesca Albanese maintained that some circles in Greece have a wrong perception of their alliance with Israel. “You think that you have chosen Israel as a in order to secure peace from your eternal enemy, I don't think so,” she said. “Israel has picked you. Israel has chosen you, and it's going to exploit your fears and your insecurity, because this is what Israel does to advance its regional hegemony.” Underlining that Israel was accused by the two international courts, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), of genocide, war crimes and crimes and humanity, Albanese reminded that the states have obligation not to be complicit in the Israel’s crimes. “Apart from the moral injury, I mean, as a lawyer, I can tell you, this is unlawful and there should be accountability. So, those who continue to authorize transfers of weapons or goods from or Israel into Greece or from Greece to Israel should be held accountable,” she said.
Ten days before her wedding, Hala Salem Darwish was preparing for a celebration. Instead, she now lies in intensive care after a bullet from an Israeli sniper pierced her family home and struck her in the head, turning her wedding countdown into a fight for survival. The 19-year-old was helping her family prepare food shortly before sunset when the bullet entered through a window, hitting the back left side of her head and causing her to collapse in front of her relatives. A wedding interrupted Her fiancé, Mohammed Shreihi, said the shooting came just days before the ceremony they had long awaited. “There were only 10 days left until our wedding,” he told Anadolu. “In a single moment, everything changed.” He said the bullet remains lodged in her head and has caused severe damage to brain tissue, leaving her condition critical and unstable. Doctors have so far been unable to operate, waiting for her condition to stabilize. “She was like any bride, full of joy and anticipation,” he said. “Now we are only hoping she survives.” A father’s memory Her father, Salim, said the moment of the shooting continues to haunt him. “We were preparing food when suddenly an Israeli bullet came through the window and hit her,” he said. “She fell in front of us. I cannot forget that scene.” He added that her wedding had been scheduled for early May, a day the family had been preparing for despite the hardships of war. Health system on the brink Hala’s case reflects the broader reality in Gaza, where the health system has been pushed to the brink. Doctors say the treatment she needs is not available inside the enclave and requires urgent transfer abroad. Palestinian estimates indicate that around 22,000 wounded and sick people in Gaza need to leave the territory for treatment amid severe shortages of medicines and medical equipment. Her fiancé has appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross and humanitarian organizations to intervene, hoping she can be evacuated in time. For now, the wedding dress remains unworn, and the future she had planned has been replaced by uncertainty. Israel has continued to commit daily violations of a ceasefire deal that was signed last October, killing 830 Palestinians and injuring 2,345, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ceasefire was meant to end a two-year Israeli onslaught on Gaza which left more than 72,000 dead and 172,000 wounded and destroyed 90% of civilian infrastructure. The UN estimates reconstruction costs at around $70 billion.