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.
Syria's UN envoy Ibrahim Olabi said on Tuesday that Israel is deliberately destabilizing Syria, warning that Israeli forces are working to provoke Damascus even as the country pursues regional stabilization efforts. Addressing the UN Security Council's open debate on the Middle East, Olabi said Syria's efforts to establish security had been broadly welcomed internationally, but charged that they "are currently being undermined only by the Israeli occupation and its criminal practices in southern Syria." He further stated that "Israeli occupation forces are seeking every possible means to provoke the Syrian people." Despite the sharp criticism of Israel, Olabi acknowledged that the broader regional picture had shown some improvement. "Although the situation in the region today has improved in recent weeks, the final settlement of the conflict has not yet been achieved, and the situation remains vulnerable to renewed deterioration," he said. He praised international mediators for their stabilizing role, saying the world must "thank all the countries playing a mediating role, especially the friendly state of Pakistan, along with the Gulf Arab states, Egypt, and Türkiye." Olabi also voiced support for Washington's diplomatic engagement to contain escalation in the region, especially the efforts of President Donald Trump, and welcomed the extension of the ceasefire in Lebanon. "Over the past few weeks, the Middle East has witnessed a grave existential threat," said Ibrahim Olabi. On the question of armed factions, he endorsed Beirut's move against Hezbollah's independent military activity, welcoming "the decision of the Lebanese government rejecting any military or security actions launched from Lebanese territory outside the framework of legitimate state institutions, including the weapons of Hezbollah." Warning against Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank, he cautioned against "the grave escalation and unilateral and illegal Israeli measures in the occupied West Bank" and urged a halt to all actions undermining the two-state solution.
At least 10 Israeli soldiers and two police officers have died by suicide since the beginning of 2026, Israeli media reported on Monday. According to Haaretz, the majority of cases are connected to the psychological impact of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. In April alone, six active-duty soldiers took their own lives. The report also noted that mental health support days for soldiers have been canceled, field psychologists have been reduced, and commanders are failing to take early warning signs seriously. Israeli sources reported that 22 conscripts committed suicide in 2025 — the highest number in 15 years. Israeli media assessed that the rising suicide rate is directly linked to the psychological pressure caused by the military’s brutal attacks on Gaza. The occupation army has been engaged in a genocidal war that has killed over 72,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, since October 2023. Despite the alarming rise in suicides, the Israeli military has reportedly scaled back psychological support services for troops. Soldiers deployed in Gaza and the West Bank face extreme moral injury, post-traumatic stress, and burnout. Critics say the occupation regime prioritizes military aggression over the well-being of its own forces. The growing death toll among Israeli soldiers — 22 in 2025 and at least 10 in early 2026 — reflects the unbearable cost of Israel’s war crimes on both Palestinians and its own soldiers.
Senior academics and policy experts from Turkiye and Malaysia convened at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS Malaysia) to examine mechanisms for fostering international stability. The high-level roundtable, held on April 27, 2026, focused specifically on Ankara's evolving contributions to global governance and diplomatic equilibrium. Participants analyzed contemporary geopolitical challenges while exploring opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation between the two Muslim-majority democracies. The Turkish delegation featured Necmeddin Bilal Erdogan, who serves as Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Istanbul's Ibn Haldun University. During the proceedings, Erdogan formalized the visit through ceremonial protocols including the signing of official visitor records. Datuk Prof. Dr. Mohd Faiz Abdullah, Executive Chairman of ISIS Malaysia, oversaw these diplomatic formalities, highlighting the institutional respect accorded to the visiting scholars. The interaction underscored the growing significance of university-led diplomacy in complementing official state-to-state relations. Discussions centered on Turkiye's strategic positioning within an increasingly multipolar international system. Delegates explored how Ankara's foreign policy initiatives contribute to regional security architectures across multiple continents. The dialogue addressed Turkey's mediation capabilities, economic connectivity projects, and humanitarian assistance programs as instruments for promoting sustainable peace. Analysts emphasized the nation's unique geopolitical advantages bridging Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial testimony was canceled just an hour before it was scheduled to start on Monday, Israeli media reported. The cancellation was based on unspecified “security reasons” at the request of his attorney, Amit Hadad, the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported. Monday's trial was scheduled after a prolonged pause due to the war with Iran. Netanyahu faces bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges in three cases known as Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000. Prosecutors filed indictments in the cases in November 2019. Case 4000 involves allegations that Netanyahu advanced regulatory decisions benefiting Shaul Elovitch, the former owner of the Walla news website and a former executive at the Bezeq telecommunications company, in exchange for positive coverage. In addition to the corruption trial, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant in November 2024 against Netanyahu on accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday signaled support for a proposal to rename Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), endorsing a suggestion shared on social media that would change the agency’s acronym to NICE. Trump reposted a message on his Truth Social platform from a supporter proposing that ICE be renamed “National Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” which would change the agency’s acronym to NICE. The supporter said the change would compel media outlets to refer to “NICE agents,” framing the agency in more positive terms. “GREAT IDEA!!! DO IT,” Trump wrote in response to the post late Sunday.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed late Monday that about 40 Israeli nationals were detained during passport control at Domodedovo Airport in Moscow, Russia. The passengers were held for about five hours and questioned by Russian authorities, according to reports. The group included children as well as individuals with dual citizenship. Security officials examined the travelers’ mobile phones and asked questions related to the Iran-Israel conflict, reports said. During the questioning, officials told the passengers that Iran is an ally of Russia and that Iran’s enemies are considered “enemies of Russia,” adding that their visit to Moscow was “not desired,” the reports said. Tel Aviv also issued a travel warning advising Israeli citizens against visiting Russia, the ministry said. Commenting on the situation in a separate statement, Russian Ambassador to Israel Anatoly Viktorov categorically rejected accusations, calling them "the carbon-copy statements." "I categorically reject the carbon-copy statements circulated in the media about 'detentions' and 'interrogations' of Israelis, about denying them access to restrooms, and about allegedly politically motivated questions from Russian border guards," he stressed. Viktorov made it clear that Russia's methods are nothing compared to what Israeli border guards do at Ben Gurion Airport, both on arrival and departure. "It is worth noting that, in this regard, the methods employed by Russian border service officers are incomparable to what sometimes happens at Ben-Gurion Airport, both upon arrival and departure," he said. The diplomat expressed Russia's readiness "to continue professional dialogue with the Israeli side on the issue of mutual travel." He stated that this should include reducing the rate of entry denials to Israel for Russian citizens, which, according to him, "has remained at an unacceptable level of 2.5 percent for several years." "This situation is inconsistent with the generally constructive nature of Russian-Israeli relations and the interests of the citizens of our countries," he said.
Extremist Jewish settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Tuesday, raising Israeli flags in the courtyard as part of escalating violations against Islam’s third holiest site. The so-called “Statue Community” — which advocates for demolishing Al-Aqsa and erecting a statue of Solomon — led the raid under Israeli police protection. Similar provocations occurred at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron. Palestinian officials condemned the incursions as a “direct assault on the sanctity of Al-Aqsa” and an attempt to impose Judaization on occupied East Jerusalem. Local sources reported that members of the Statue Community have intensified efforts to smuggle sacrificial animals into Al-Aqsa to perform Jewish ritual slaughter — a practice strictly prohibited under the status quo that places the compound under Muslim custodianship. Despite multiple attempts, including seven on Sunday, the group has so far failed to bring animals inside. East Jerusalem has been occupied by Israel since 1967, but Al-Aqsa remains under the administration of Islamic waqf authorities. Data reveals a broader pattern of systemic pressure on Christians living under Israeli occupation. In 2024, 111 hate crimes against Christians were recorded in occupied Palestinian territories, including 46 physical assaults. In 2025, incidents rose 63% to 181. According to the Rossing Center, 48% of Christian youth under 30 are considering leaving Palestine due to rising discrimination and violence. Spitting remains the most common form of harassment, accounting for 60-80% of incidents in Jerusalem’s Old City. Attacks have included grave desecration, church vandalism, and the targeting of the Armenian Quarter. Israeli forces have also repeatedly struck churches in Gaza, destroying historic sites including the Saint Porphyrius Church.
The US military has “significantly depleted” its stockpile of key missiles during the war in Iran and could face shortages in a future conflict, CNN reported Tuesday. Over seven weeks of war, the US military has used roughly 45% of its Precision Strike Missiles, at least half of its THAAD interceptors, and nearly 50% of its Patriot air defense missiles, according to a new analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). These figures closely match classified Pentagon estimates, the report said. The US military has also used roughly 30% of its Tomahawk missiles, over 20% of its long-range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles, and about 20% of its SM-3 and SM-6 missiles, the report said. Although the Pentagon signed contracts earlier this year to boost missile production, replenishing these systems will still take three to five years, even with increased capacity. In the near term, the US likely retains enough munitions to sustain operations against Iran if the fragile ceasefire collapses, according to the report. However, stockpiles of key weapons are now insufficient for a conflict with a near-peer adversary like China, and rebuilding them to pre-war levels could take years, the report noted. “The high munitions expenditures have created a window of increased vulnerability in the western Pacific,” Mark Cancian, a retired US Marine Corps Colonel and one of the authors of the CSIS report, told CNN. “It will take one to four years to replenish these inventories and several years after that to expand them to where they need to be,” he said. In a statement to CNN, chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said that the military “has everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the President’s choosing.” “Since President (Donald) Trump took office, we have executed multiple successful operations across combatant commands while ensuring the US military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect our people and our interests,” he said.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), part of the Royal Navy, has raised the security risk level in the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf to “critical” — the highest category. The decision comes as US-Iran negotiations remain deadlocked and the US naval blockade of Iranian ports continues. UKMTO cited “intense activity by naval forces” in the region as justification for the elevated alert level. The agency also warned of a “risk of attack or miscalculation” in the strategic waterway, through which approximately 20% of global oil supply passes. The heightened threat level reflects growing concerns that a minor error or unintended confrontation could trigger a wider conflict. The move follows Iran’s drone strikes against US vessels in retaliation for the US seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, as well as Washington’s continued naval blockade imposed on April 13. US-Iran ceasefire talks mediated by Pakistan remain stalled, with Tehran accusing Washington of “excessive, unreasonable, and unrealistic” demands. The two-week ceasefire brokered on April 8 is set to expire on April 22.
Seven people were injured after a group of cow vigilantes attacked cattle transporters in Maharashtra’s Jalna district. According to police, the victims were transporting bulls purchased from a weekly market when their vehicles were intercepted in Londewadi village. The attackers accused them of intending to slaughter the animals, despite the transporters presenting valid purchase documents. The assailants reportedly assaulted the victims with sticks and logs, causing injuries to their heads and bodies. Police later intervened, rescued the injured, and moved the cattle to a nearby shelter. However, the complainant alleged that the attackers continued the assault even at the shelter. “How can the police register a case against unidentified persons when we clearly saw who attacked us?” he said. Authorities initially detained the victims and registered a case against them under animal cruelty laws, before later filing a case against the attackers following intervention by a social worker. Police officials stated that the matter is under investigation, while local groups have condemned the incident and called for accountability.
Tensions in the strategic Strait of Hormuz have reached a new peak after US President Donald Trump announced that American naval forces struck an Iranian-flagged cargo ship attempting to violate the US blockade. In a social media post, Trump said the TOUSKA—a vessel nearly 275 meters long, comparable in size to an aircraft carrier—ignored warnings from the USS Spruance, a guided-missile destroyer. “That attempt did not end well for them,” Trump wrote. “Our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room.” He added that US Marines now hold the vessel and are inspecting its cargo. The TOUSKA is under US Treasury sanctions for previous illegal activities. In response to the American action, Iran’s armed forces launched drone strikes against several US warships, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency. The report did not specify the extent of damage or casualties. The retaliatory attack marks a significant escalation in direct military confrontation between the two countries, following weeks of ceasefire negotiations mediated by Pakistan. Following the US intervention by firing on the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska, Iran reportedly launched drone attacks on several US warships. According to the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, Iran carried out the attacks on US warships. After the US intervened by firing on the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska, the Iranian Armed Forces retaliated by launching drone attacks on several US warships. US President Donald Trump had stated that the US Navy had fired on an Iranian cargo ship attempting to break the blockade. Trump said, "The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our naval vessel stopped them by punching a hole in the engine room. The ship is currently under the custody of the US Marine Corps."
Daniel Levy, a former member of Israel’s negotiation team during the Oslo accords, wrote in The Guardian that the “Greater Israel” project must be stopped. Levy noted that while the durability of the two-week ceasefire in the US-Israeli war on Iran remains uncertain, one thing is clear: “Donald Trump has no plan. Benjamin Netanyahu does.” Levy argued that Netanyahu is using the fluid geopolitical environment created by the second Trump administration to pursue his ultimate goal of “Greater Israel.” He pointed out that before the Iran war, Israeli security experts argued that weakening the Iranian regime would make Israel the “dominant power in the region” — not only by collapsing Iran but also by weakening Gulf Cooperation Council states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) and making them dependent on Israel for security and energy. Levy noted that Netanyahu has recently begun describing Israel not just as a “regional” power but as “in some respects a global superpower.” While the “Greater Israel” project may appear as mere war rhetoric, Levy warned that recent policies show it must be taken seriously. “A permanent war approach is now firmly embedded in Israeli politics,” he wrote, warning of risks of overexpansion and backlash. He concluded that limiting and deterring this dominance project should be a top priority in the post-war period.
Pakistan's finance minister confirmed late Tuesday that Saudi Arabia has agreed to provide $3 billion in financial assistance to Islamabad to avert stress on its weak foreign reserves amid debt repayment obligations to the United Arab Emirates. Muhammad Aurangzeb, who is in Washington to hold staff level talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), told reporters that Riyadh will provide the promised amount next week, Pakistani broadcaster Geo News reported Wednesday. "We have held a detailed meeting with the Saudi finance minister today. He has clearly told (me) that $3 billion will be provided (to Pakistan) as additional deposits," Aurangzeb was quoted as saying. The development comes as Pakistan is set to repay a $3.5 billion debt to the UAE by the end of the month. Anadolu last week reported that Saudi Arabia and Qatar will provide Pakistan $5 billion in financial assistance, enabling Islamabad to avert stress on the country's weak foreign reserves while making external payments by June. Riyadh has assured Islamabad of its financial support amid mounting external pressures and rising costs linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Last week, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan visited Islamabad and met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the financial assistance issue. Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves remain under pressure due to rising import costs, and officials warn that without fresh inflows, reserves could decline further in the coming weeks. The government is also engaging with international partners ahead of key financial meetings in Washington. Pakistan will repay $3.5 billion in debt to the UAE by the end of April following a request from Abu Dhabi for immediate settlement, said a senior official. Pakistan's liquid foreign exchange reserves total approximately $21.89 billion. The State Bank of Pakistan holds $16.4 billion, while commercial banks hold approximately $5.49 billion. According to Aurangabad, Pakistan made $1.4 billion in external payments last week.
🇹🇷 Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently said in an interview that recent US-Iran contacts reflect early-stage negotiating positions, which are typically maximalist, but he expressed cautious optimism about continued dialogue. "Initial positions are always somewhat maximalist. Later, with the support of mediators, the parties try to meet at a common point. As long as there is a genuine intention to reach a ceasefire, sustain it, and make it lasting. "What I see right now is that both sides are sincere about a ceasefire and aware of the need for it." He further commented on Israel’s regional posture, saying: "We see that Israel may seek to designate Türkiye as a new adversary after Iran, as it cannot sustain itself without an enemy." He said mediators are working to bridge differences, while discussions continue on possible timelines and frameworks for a temporary ceasefire. Fidan said reaching a final agreement during the two-week ceasefire would be “technically not realistic,” adding that negotiations could extend to 45 days or two months if progress is made. "If the nuclear issue turns into an ‘all or nothing’ approach, especially on enrichment, I think we may face a serious obstacle there," he said, stressing that diplomatic channels remain active to overcome key obstacles.
The war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28 has rapidly escalated beyond a regional confrontation, fundamentally altering global power dynamics. While Washington has suffered a "strategic defeat" in the eyes of many analysts, the conflict has also revealed transformative shifts in the international system. The events around the Strait of Hormuz have laid bare the fragility of 21st‑century geopolitics and the emergence of new power parameters. Disrupted energy flows, paralysed maritime trade, and direct attacks on Gulf states have turned this war into a watershed moment. The timing and nature of the strikes—launched while diplomatic talks were still ongoing—showed that Washington no longer prioritises international law or norms. The massive bombardment of Kharg Island in March 2026, which destroyed over 90 targets, was not merely a military act but an attempt to exert global pressure through energy blackmail. President Trump’s threat to “obliterate” Iran’s energy infrastructure if the Strait was not reopened confirmed that “peace through strength” has become outright military intimidation. By calling NATO a “paper tiger”, the US president demonstrated that America has transformed from a rule‑setting hegemon into a source of uncertainty and risk. One of the war’s most striking outcomes was that US military installations no longer provide security guarantees to host countries; instead, they turned those nations into front‑line targets. Iranian drone and missile strikes against US‑linked facilities in Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE proved that alliance with Washington has become a liability rather than insurance. The inability of the US to fully protect its partners—or even its own bases—has severely damaged the image of America as a reliable security provider. For Gulf states, the military partnership with Washington now carries unacceptable risks.
Iran has declared a historic victory over the United States and the Israeli regime, saying Tehran’s proposal was eventually accepted after the opposing side failed to achieve its aims in the war. The Supreme National Security Council said Iran’s 10-point plan has been accepted, effectively requiring Washington to: ♦️ No new aggression against Iran ♦️ Continued Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz ♦️ Acceptance of enrichment ♦️ Removal of all primary sanctions ♦️ Removal of all secondary sanctions ♦️ Termination of all UN Security Council resolutions ♦️ Termination of all Board of Governors resolutions ♦️ Payment of compensation to Iran ♦️ Withdrawal of US combat forces from the region ♦️ Cessation of war on all fronts, including against the heroic Islamic Resistance of Lebanon Tehran said the outcome reflects the defeat of the US-Israeli bloc in the early days of the war and argued that the enemy turned to indirect channels only after its battlefield campaign collapsed.
US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday a two-week suspension of military action against Iran following discussions with Pakistani leaders. Trump said that after conversations with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, he agreed to halt planned strikes, contingent on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz “completely, immediately, and safely.”
A financial mechanism embedded in Switzerland’s military procurement deal with the United States has allowed Washington to redirect Swiss funds originally intended for F-35 fighter jets to purchase Patriot missiles for Israel, according to a report by Swiss broadcaster SRF. Bern had previously canceled its order for the Patriot air defense system while continuing with the F-35 Lightning II program. However, because both payments were managed within the same financial structure, the US retained the legal authority to channel money from the F-35 account toward the Patriot system. Switzerland’s decision to stop paying for the Patriot system proved practically ineffective, as the US simply redirected funds from the F-35 program to cover the cost. The mechanism effectively neutralized Bern’s sovereign policy choice, demonstrating how Washington’s financial and military supply systems can override a purchasing nation’s political decisions. According to the report, the redirected funds were used to supply Patriot air defense missiles to Israel, which has faced severe shortages of air defense interceptors amid its ongoing war with Iran. The diversion comes as Israel struggles with depleted Patriot missile stocks following weeks of intense Iranian drone and missile attacks. Reports have also emerged that a former Volkswagen factory in Germany will now produce missiles for Israel’s Iron Dome system. For Türkiye, which was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing Russian S-400 systems, the Swiss case highlights the risks of dependency on US defense procurement systems. Ankara has since accelerated its domestic defense industry, producing indigenous systems such as the Kaan fighter jet, the Hisar and Siper air defense systems, and armed drones that have proven effective in multiple conflicts. Turkish officials have repeatedly warned allies about the dangers of US unilateralism in arms sales.
An Iranian missile barrage targeted at least five cities in central Israel on Tuesday, with impacts reported across several urban areas, Israeli media said. Yedioth Ahronoth, citing Israel’s emergency service, reported impact sites in Ramat Gan and Rosh Ha’ayin, in addition to earlier strikes in Tel Aviv, Bnei Brak, and Ramat Hasharon. Air raid sirens sounded across wide areas, including Gush Dan, the Coastal Plain, Sharon, Lachish, and Samaria, as well as in the southern city of Eilat. The report said a submunition from a fragmentation missile landed near a house in Tel Aviv but did not detonate, creating a small crater and a blast wave. There were no immediate confirmed reports of casualties. Regional escalations have continued to rage since Israel and the US launched an offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.
French news magazine Le Point has provoked international reaction with a blistering cover story targeting President Donald Trump’s second term in office. The cover, emblazoned with the words “The Great Heist,” alleges that Trump has transformed the presidency into a vast commercial enterprise designed to expand his personal wealth. The accompanying analysis suggests that the US administration is sliding toward a “kleptocracy” —a regime run by thieves—where political decisions and economic moves may be directly tied to the president’s financial interests. According to Le Point’s investigation, digital tokens have been launched in the names of Donald and Melania Trump, while his sons Eric and Donald Jr. have reportedly licensed their name rights to a cryptocurrency company for a 30% stake. The magazine also highlighted sudden market fluctuations following Trump’s social media posts and policy announcements, suggesting that a small group with advance knowledge may have profited from insider information. These allegations have revived debates about insider trading at the highest levels of government. Le Point further alleged that Trump’s re-election has accelerated real estate projects in Gulf countries, Vietnam, and Romania, arguing that American diplomacy is now serving private commercial interests rather than public good. Experts warn that the US is evolving into a “plutocracy” —rule by the wealthy—where political careers serve as income streams. The magazine also noted a symbolic transformation it calls “the Trumpification of Washington,” where the president’s personal brand merges with state symbols, and power is represented through an aesthetic of gold and wealth. For Türkiye, which has witnessed similar allegations against Western leaders in the past, the Le Point report underscores growing international scrutiny of Trump’s business dealings. Ankara continues to focus on its own anti-corruption efforts and has called for transparency in international financial systems.
Iran said Monday that the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization was killed in a US-Israeli attack. State broadcaster IRIB, citing an IRGC statement, said Maj. Gen. Seyed Majid Khademi was “martyred” in the strike. Khademi had been appointed head of the IRGC’s intelligence arm in June 2025 following the killing of his predecessor, Gen. Mohammad Kazemi, in an Israeli strike. Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing so far over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.
A disturbing proposal aired on Israeli television this week as a journalist suggested that Israel should use a nuclear weapon against Iran. Speaking on an Israeli channel, journalist Shimon Riklin turned to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir—a figure already sanctioned internationally for extremism—and declared: “The time has come for Israel to use an atomic bomb in Iran.” When the program’s host asked Ben-Gvir for his reaction, the minister smiled and replied: “Let him speak,” effectively endorsing the statement. Riklin, who estimated that Israel possesses between 50 and 60 nuclear warheads, attempted to justify his suggestion by claiming that an atomic strike would cause only a limited number of immediate deaths while saving many more lives in the long term. The remarks have been widely condemned as reckless and genocidal, echoing similar extremist rhetoric previously directed at Gaza. Ben-Gvir was seen laughing in response to the journalist’s comments. The exchange has raised urgent questions about the role of nuclear-armed Israel in the current conflict, as the US-Israeli war on Iran continues to escalate. Since the joint offensive began on February 28, more than 1,340 people have been killed in Iran, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. For Türkiye, which has consistently condemned the use of disproportionate force and called for respect for international law, any threat of nuclear use—even from a non-state actor or media figure—is deeply alarming. Ankara has long advocated for a nuclear-free Middle East and urges the international community to take such threats seriously before they normalize further escalation.
“We shot down military transport aircraft; they bombed their own soldiers.” Colonel Ibrahim Zulfiqari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the unit of the Iranian Armed Forces conducting the war, said that US planes were shot down by Iranian air defenses and that the US bombed its own soldiers. Zulfiqari stated that US President Donald Trump is in a difficult situation and that the defeat of the US military cannot be compensated for by propaganda efforts. The US had launched an operation to rescue the missing co-pilot of the US F-15E fighter jet shot down in Iran. Trump announced that the co-pilot of the F-15E fighter jet shot down in Iran had been rescued on April 3. However, Zulfiqari said that the attempt to rescue the pilot had failed.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: “Every drop of blood shed in war sparked by US, Israeli attacks on Iran will prolong Netanyahu's political survival.”
The Israeli army has warned that a significant manpower shortage has reached an “unbearable” level, urging legislative action to expand recruitment. Military spokesperson Efi Defrin stated that the army is currently lacking between 12,000 and 15,000 personnel amid ongoing operations across multiple fronts. He noted that part of the shortfall is linked to the continued exemption or avoidance of military service among some Haredi communities, which has intensified the burden on active forces.