Category: World News

Israel Aerospace Industries has made history by selecting its current chief executive Boaz Levy to simultaneously serve as board chairman, creating the first dual leadership arrangement of its kind among Israeli government-owned enterprises.

The groundbreaking appointment became official on May 13 when Defense Minister Israel Katz and Minister in charge of the Government Companies Authority Dudi Amsalem executed the formal appointment documentation. Levy’s selection followed board approval and clearance from the Senior Appointments Committee.

This decision establishes Levy in combined leadership positions at Israel Aerospace Industries, recognized as among Israel’s most significant government-controlled defense contractors. Levy has held the chief executive position since 2020.

Katz characterized the decision as an “unprecedented step” that combines “deep managerial, technological and defense experience” during Israel’s current push for enhanced military independence through what he termed a comprehensive strategic initiative.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu and I are leading a broad-based strategic plan, with an investment of hundreds of billions of shekels, to build the military power of the State of Israel and achieve self-reliance in defense,” Katz said. He added that IAI plays “a key role in this national process.”

Amsalem indicated the selection demonstrates trust in Levy’s capabilities and aims to preserve organizational stability while enhancing the company’s global reputation and its contributions to Israel’s economic and security interests.

Levy outlined his intentions to broaden the organization’s defense and commercial operations, promote technological advancement, and expand international market presence.

“IAI is a strategic asset to the State of Israel, combining technological excellence with a national mission,” Levy said. He also thanked the company’s employees and management for what he described as “unprecedented security, technological and business achievements.”

Levy began his career at IAI in 1990 as an engineering professional working on the Arrow program and subsequently managed multiple significant defense initiatives, including the Barak program and the organization’s air-defense systems operations.

Iraq’s legislative body confirmed 14 cabinet members out of 23 proposed positions on Thursday for Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi’s administration, while encountering obstacles with several key ministerial nominations.

Among the 270 legislators present for the vote, approval was granted for 14 positions in the proposed cabinet. The majority of confirmed ministers are new to government roles, though foreign minister Fuad Hussein kept his current position.

Three candidates for interior minister, higher education minister and planning minister positions were rejected by parliamentary vote. Decisions on additional roles including defense, labor, housing and reconstruction, and education ministers were delayed indefinitely.

Political gridlock frequently characterizes Iraqi governance, often resulting in extended periods without functioning leadership.

A power-sharing system divides ministerial positions among political groups, with the leading parliamentary coalition – the Coordination Framework, consisting of Shiite parties with Iranian ties – selecting 12 ministers. Sunni factions choose six positions, Kurdish groups pick four, and religious minorities select one.

The incoming administration must address political and economic consequences from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which affected Iraq while Strait of Hormuz restrictions have interrupted oil shipments that support Iraq’s financial system.

Legislative approval was given to a government agenda focusing on enhanced public services, resolving electricity shortages, and maintaining economic stability, alongside anti-corruption efforts, administrative reform, and judicial system strengthening.

The approved plan contains measures for limiting weapons to state control, though practical implementation may prove challenging.

Several Iran-supported armed groups operate within Iraq, and these organizations repeatedly targeted U.S. military installations and diplomatic compounds during the recent U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Washington has pressured Baghdad to restrain these armed organizations, while Tehran likely opposes their disarmament.

Two Coordination Framework representatives, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, revealed that Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps directed multiple Shiite political and militia leaders to avoid disarmament actions currently, postponing the matter pending clarity on U.S.-Iran diplomatic talks.

These sources indicated Qaani also recommended delaying votes on ministry positions connected to political groups with armed affiliates.

Al-Zaidi, a business leader without political experience, became the agreed-upon prime ministerial choice following extensive discussions within Coordination Framework member parties seeking a compromise leader for the next government. Both U.S. and Iranian officials endorsed his selection. Iraq maintains significant relationships with both competing nations and has historically balanced between their interests.

U.S. envoy to Iraq Tom Barrack congratulated al-Zaidi on government formation through a social media post, stating: “We are encouraged by your fresh leadership and look forward to collaborating on a bold new agenda aligned with our shared interests.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered congratulations to al-Zaidi in his own message and also praised Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on his reappointment.

“Expanding friendly and brotherly relations between Tehran and Baghdad remains, at all times, a top priority of our foreign policy,” he stated.

TAPACHULA, Mexico — Desperate family members are combing Mexico’s southern coastline searching for 40 migrants who disappeared while attempting a treacherous sea voyage toward the United States border on Christmas Eve 2024.

Among the missing is Elianis Caridad Morejón Pérez, a young woman from Cuba who made her last phone call to her mother before boarding a vessel in San José El Hueyate, a community in Chiapas state. Her final words indicated she had secured a life jacket and was preparing to depart on what smugglers call one of the most hazardous maritime routes for migrants.

This month, her mother Isis Pérez traveled to the same border village near Guatemala to conduct her own investigation. Joined by other family members of the vanished migrants from Cuba, Honduras and Ecuador, they examined the San José El Hueyate dock, took boats along the Pacific shoreline, and questioned local business owners and residents.

While Pérez gathered no definitive leads, multiple locals remembered that before the second Trump presidency began in January 2025, numerous vehicles regularly brought migrants to the area for ocean transport.

That migration pattern dropped significantly last year as the United States intensified deportation operations, returning migrants to their origin countries or transferring them to third nations that agreed to receive them.

“As family members, we live in constant torment and anguish, longing to find them,” said Óscar Hernández, a Honduran man who traveled to Chiapas in hopes of locating his brother, who is among the disappeared.

The International Organization for Migration’s Missing Migrants Project has documented 11,475 migrant disappearances or deaths along the South America to United States corridor since 2014, with more than half occurring within Mexico.

A recent IOM analysis identifies multiple smuggling harbors operating since 2021. The typical pattern involves migrants boarding small dual-engine vessels in Puerto de Ocós, Guatemala, then making stops for fuel and supplies at Chiapas ports including Puerto Madero, San José, Barra de Zacapulco, and Paredón. The journey concludes with arrivals in Salina Cruz or Huatulco, Oaxaca, where travelers continue northward overland.

Family members of some missing persons say the 40 migrants who vanished in late 2024 were rushing to reach America before U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term began, worried he would eliminate the more lenient immigration approaches of his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden.

Among the disappeared were Cubans Meiling Álvarez Bravo, 41, and her 15-year-old son, Samei Armando Reyes Álvarez.

“On Dec. 21, 2024, at 8 a.m., she told me they were going to have breakfast because they were about to cross toward Mexico City by boat,” recounted Julia Margarita Bravo Díaz, Meiling’s mother and the boy’s grandmother.

The mother and teenager had flown from Cuba to Nicaragua before making an overland journey through Honduras and Guatemala into Mexico. According to relatives of four missing individuals, the pair initially had no knowledge their route to the U.S. border would involve ocean travel.

Locating missing individuals in Mexico presents enormous challenges on land, but becomes exponentially more complex at sea, explained Ana Enamorado, coordinator of the nonprofit Regional Network of Migrant Families.

From July through November 2025, the Mexican Navy conducted rescue operations for 22 migrants — six from ocean shipwrecks and 16 from coastal areas as they prepared to depart from Chiapas. Responding to these dangers, Mexican officials announced in March they had expanded ocean surveillance operations with Guatemalan authorities to combat both narcotics trafficking and unauthorized migrant movement toward North America.

The mothers and family members of the 40 migrants who disappeared in late December 2024 acknowledge that while they must return to their home nations, their investigation will continue from a distance.

“We are leaving with heavy hearts but with the hope of finding them,” said Pérez. “We ask that you help us search, help us find them.”

BEIRUT (AP) — High-level representatives from Israel and Lebanon began their third round of face-to-face negotiations in Washington on Thursday, racing against time as a temporary ceasefire nears its expiration date while combat between Israeli forces and the Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah persists.

Officials from Lebanon express optimism that these two-day discussions will produce a lasting ceasefire agreement and create a pathway to address complex challenges, such as removing Israeli military units from southern Lebanese territory and dismantling Hezbollah’s arsenal.

The Trump administration has been working to achieve a diplomatic breakthrough between these neighboring nations, which have remained technically at war since Israel’s establishment in 1948.

However, Hezbollah remains excluded from these discussions and has publicly condemned Lebanon’s participation in face-to-face negotiations with Israel.

Despite a U.S.-mediated ceasefire implemented on April 17, Israel and the Iranian-supported militant organization have maintained almost continuous exchanges of fire along their shared border. The initial 10-day pause in hostilities was subsequently extended for an additional three weeks.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who participated in the initial Israel-Lebanon meetings in Washington during April, was accompanying President Donald Trump on a diplomatic trip to China and was absent from Thursday’s session.

These current discussions mark progress toward more substantive negotiations, featuring senior-level representatives from both Lebanon and Israel, following earlier preparatory meetings led by each nation’s ambassadors to Washington.

Simon Karam, Lebanon’s lead negotiator for Thursday’s talks, serves as a lawyer and well-connected former Lebanese ambassador to the United States who recently represented Lebanon in indirect discussions with Israel regarding ceasefire implementation that preceded the most recent outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel’s delegation was expected to include Deputy National Security Adviser Yossi Draznin.

Substantial differences persist regarding what each side hopes to achieve through direct negotiations. Israeli representatives have emphasized dismantling Hezbollah and characterized the talks as potentially leading to normalized diplomatic ties. Lebanese representatives have indicated they seek a security arrangement or armistice that would fall short of full normalization.

Trump has publicly advocated for a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though Aoun has refused to meet or communicate directly with Netanyahu at this time — a decision that would likely provoke domestic criticism in Lebanon.

A senior Lebanese official with knowledge of the Washington negotiations said Thursday that Lebanon seeks a comprehensive ceasefire initially, followed by negotiations over Israeli force withdrawal. The matter of Hezbollah’s weaponry would be addressed through Lebanon’s political processes afterward, he explained. The official requested anonymity to discuss the talks candidly.

He indicated Lebanon is “relying heavily on the U.S. administration” to provide negotiating leverage against Israel and believes Trump is “sincere” in his commitment to assist Lebanon.

The official reported that during Trump and Aoun’s recent conversation, Trump did not pressure Aoun to meet or speak with Netanyahu and showed understanding when Aoun explained his refusal. According to the official, Aoun informed Trump that meeting and shaking hands with Netanyahu in Washington, only to have talks collapse later, could create domestic consequences in Lebanon and damage Trump’s credibility.

Aoun informed Trump that if both countries successfully negotiate a security agreement, he would visit the White House to “inaugurate” it, to which Trump replied “I like that,” the official stated.

Should Israel agree to a ceasefire and withdraw from occupied southern Lebanese territory, the official believes Hezbollah would accept an arrangement where it transfers its weapons to Lebanon’s army, which could retain some and destroy others. This plan could include allowing individual Hezbollah fighters to enlist in Lebanon’s army if they satisfy eligibility criteria, he explained.

Meanwhile, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter told Israeli news site Walla News Thursday that Israel seeks “to negotiate for full peace as if Hezbollah does not exist — borders, embassies, visas, tourism, everything.” Despite Lebanese officials’ statements that diplomatic normalization is not currently under consideration, he expressed belief that “it is possible to reach such an agreement within a few months.” However, he noted, “it would be conditioned on the success of the second track — dismantling Hezbollah.”

Thursday’s negotiations began hours after a Hezbollah drone detonated within Israel, wounding three civilians, two critically, according to Israeli military and hospital sources. This marked the first civilian casualties from Hezbollah projectiles since the ceasefire began, based on reports from Israel’s rescue service, Magen David Adom.

Israel has found it challenging to prevent regular Hezbollah drone strikes against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and across the border in northern Israel.

Israel has maintained its strikes within Lebanon. On Wednesday, Israeli forces hit seven vehicles in Lebanon — three on the primary highway south of Beirut — resulting in 12 deaths including a woman and her two children, Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported. Subsequent strikes in southern Lebanon killed an additional 10 people, including six children, the ministry stated.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports that since fighting began on March 2, 2,896 people have died — approximately 400 since the nominal ceasefire took effect — with 8,824 injured. On the Israeli side, 18 Israeli soldiers, two Israeli civilians within Israel, and one defense contractor working in southern Lebanon have been killed.

U.N. peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon have also suffered casualties, with six deaths reported.

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — New research published Thursday reveals that violence has escalated markedly across multiple African nations following former President Donald Trump’s abrupt elimination of the U.S. Agency for International Development last year, which had served as a major international aid provider.

The study authors stopped short of directly attributing the violence surge to the USAID termination, but emphasized their findings illustrate how “large-scale, sudden aid cuts can destabilize fragile settings.” The researchers clarified this doesn’t prove increased aid prevents conflict, but rather highlights “the effect of a sudden and unexpected disruption.”

USAID had delivered essential assistance to African nations devastated by conflict and violence for decades. The Trump administration’s elimination of over 90% of foreign aid agreements effectively slashed approximately $60 billion in assistance.

European and American university researchers conducting the study noted that the sudden termination of USAID resources also disrupted existing agreements, personnel arrangements, and aid distribution networks.

“The abrupt withdrawal of USAID led to a significant and sustained increase in conflict across Africa’s most USAID-dependent regions,” the researchers wrote in their findings published in the Science journal.

The investigation analyzed whether USAID’s immediate shutdown correlated with increased violence in African areas that had historically received substantial support, discovering a clear connection.

Conflict specialists indicate Africa currently faces greater jihadi threats than any other global region. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data, or ACLED, reported Wednesday that regional jihadis have escalated their involvement in widespread violence and increasingly targeted civilians over the past four years.

For years, USAID served as the primary funding source for numerous African countries, delivering resources that enabled governments and humanitarian organizations to address various crises across multiple sectors.

Nigeria exemplifies this relationship, where USAID assistance supported victims of the militant Boko Haram organization, active since 2002. In Ethiopia’s unstable Tigray region, local officials depended extensively on U.S. funding while comprehensive recovery initiatives remained stalled following warfare that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.

Additionally, in northern Ivory Coast, positioned at the forefront of global anti-extremism efforts, USAID had committed substantial financial resources to combat the expansion of al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.

Nathaniel Raymond, executive director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health, who wasn’t involved in the research, emphasized the study’s findings highlight the enduring consequences of funding reductions.

“The lasting problem with the shuttering of USAID is likely going to be that for much of its conflict prevention work, even if you put back all the money … the experience is gone,” Raymond said.

Furthermore, certain USAID initiatives may have prevented conflict expansion beyond affected zones, according to Ladd Serwat, senior Africa analyst at ACLED.

“We now see increasing insurgency and spillover, so some of those programs may have supported these communities from insurgent threats, and now they are no longer active,” said Serwat.

UNITED NATIONS — On Thursday, the Trump administration revealed plans to provide an additional $1.8 billion in humanitarian funding to the United Nations, with officials stating the resources will support disaster relief efforts, combat famine, and assist “people who are truly in critical need.”

This funding will be distributed throughout the next year and supplements the $2 billion commitment made by the Trump administration in December. During a press conference, Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, described this new funding as just “the latest step.”

While the contribution represents less than historical U.S. funding levels, President Donald Trump’s administration views it as a substantial commitment that preserves America’s position as the world’s leading humanitarian contributor.

The Trump administration has reduced billions in U.S. foreign assistance, forcing U.N. agencies to cut expenditures, terminate aid programs and eliminate thousands of positions. Additional traditional U.N. contributors including Britain, France, Germany and Japan have similarly decreased their aid commitments.

U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher described his agency as “overstretched, underresourced and literally under attack” and emphasized its 2026 goal to assist 87 million of the world’s most vulnerable people with $23 billion in funding — despite 300 million people requiring humanitarian assistance.

Prior to Waltz’s announcement, he noted, the U.N. had secured approximately $7.4 billion. He characterized the United States as “the single largest national donor” to the United Nations.

Waltz criticized what he described as a media narrative suggesting the U.S. has abandoned helping those in need, calling it “absolutely false.”

Under Trump’s leadership, the U.S. has adopted a selective approach to United Nations dues payments, choosing which operations and agencies align with Trump’s priorities while avoiding those that no longer serve U.S. interests. The State Department has stated “individual U.N. agencies will need to adapt, shrink, or die.”

Critics argue the Western aid reductions have been misguided, pushing millions toward starvation, displacement or illness, and weakening U.S. soft power globally.

A catastrophic breakdown of Cuba’s electrical infrastructure occurred Thursday morning, leaving the island’s eastern regions without power as the capital continues to endure extended blackouts, government officials reported.

The Caribbean nation’s deteriorating electrical system has steadily declined over recent years during an extended financial crisis, worsened by a U.S. energy blockade affecting the island where 10 million residents face daily hardships.

Officials from the state-run Electric Union reported that the system failure had cut electricity to all eastern regions spanning from Guantánamo to Ciego de Ávila, with repair teams working to restore service, though no timeline was provided for restoration.

One day earlier, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel had characterized the power situation as “tense” following the depletion of oil supplies that arrived via Russian tanker in late March. The island nation generates only about 40% of the fuel required to operate its economy.

Moscow has announced intentions to dispatch another fuel vessel to Cuba in early April. Russian media outlets report the oil tanker departed from the Russian Baltic port of Vysotsk in January but has remained stationary in Atlantic waters for several weeks.

Electrical outages in Havana, where officials have implemented power rationing, extended to 24 straight hours on Thursday.

Wednesday night, Associated Press reporters witnessed citizens across multiple neighborhoods protesting the blackouts by banging cookware and igniting garbage containers. Subsequently, Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy appeared on Cuban television to classify the power situation as “critical.”

While Cuba’s electrical infrastructure is deteriorating, officials have also attributed the outages to U.S. sanctions following President Donald Trump’s January warning of tariffs against nations selling or supplying oil to Cuba. The Trump administration has insisted that Cuba free political prisoners and pursue political and economic reforms in exchange for sanctions relief.

The power failures have resulted in shortened work schedules and food spoilage as refrigeration units fail. Medical facilities have postponed surgical procedures in some instances.

The International Monetary Fund expressed approval Thursday for recent diplomatic engagement between the United States and China, stating that decreased friction between the world’s two economic powerhouses benefits global markets.

During a Washington news briefing, IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack emphasized the significance of high-level communication between the economic superpowers when discussing outcomes from the Trump-Xi summit held in Beijing.

“It’s very important, of course, that the world’s two largest economies are engaging at the highest level,” Kozack stated during the briefing.

“We certainly welcome the fact that there’s a constructive dialogue between the two countries. Anything that is going to help reduce trade tensions and reduce uncertainty is good for both of those large economies, and, of course, good for the global economy as well,” she continued.

The spokesperson noted that ongoing Middle East warfare and Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have driven oil prices beyond $100 per barrel, pushing the world economy toward the IMF’s middle-range projection from its April World Economic Outlook report.

Under this “adverse scenario,” worldwide real GDP growth would drop to 2.5% this year, down from the 3.1% predicted in the organization’s more optimistic “reference forecast” that anticipates swift conflict resolution, and below the 3.4% growth projected for 2025.

This unfavorable projection assumes oil remains at $100 per barrel throughout the year while also factoring in tighter financial conditions and increased inflation expectations.

Despite elevated energy costs driving up short-term price increase expectations, Kozack said the IMF considers medium-term inflation expectations to be stable. She added that global financial conditions remain “accommodative.”

The monetary organization continues exploring potential financial support for member nations struggling with increased energy and commodity expenses resulting from Middle East hostilities. However, Kozack provided no specifics about particular countries or responded to reports that Iraq has requested financial aid.

During spring meetings in April, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva indicated that approximately 12 countries would likely require assistance totaling $20 billion to $50 billion from the IMF and World Bank, with both institutions coordinating on optimal support strategies.

Kozack declined to update those estimates.

“Right now, what we’re seeing is that many countries are actually asking us for support in the policy area,” she explained. “They’re asking us for policy advice. How can they best respond to the shock given the individual country circumstances?”

In April, the Fund advised member nations against implementing widespread fuel subsidies that would deplete limited government resources and increase oil demand during supply shortages, further driving up prices.

AMMAN, Jordan — Two opposing factions in Yemen’s ongoing conflict have struck an agreement to exchange more than 1,600 prisoners, marking the most significant detainee swap since the civil war began 11 years ago.

The agreement was finalized in Jordan’s capital following 14 weeks of diplomatic discussions, with United Nations representatives and International Committee of the Red Cross officials serving as witnesses to the process.

According to Abdelkader al-Murtada, who leads the Houthis’ National Committee for Prisoners’ Affairs and participated in the discussions, approximately 1,100 of the nearly 1,700 prisoners are connected to the Houthi movement. The remaining 580 individuals set for release by the opposing faction include seven Saudi nationals and 20 Sudanese citizens.

Government delegation leader Yahya Kazman announced on social media platform X that “a number of politicians and media professionals” currently held by the Houthis would also gain their freedom, though he provided no additional specifics.

U.N. Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg described the arrangement as covering the most extensive release of “conflict-related detainees.” The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed in an official statement that both warring parties have reached consensus on which prisoners will be freed and expressed readiness to assist with their return home.

Officials have not yet announced when the prisoner releases will commence.

Grundberg noted that this agreement stems from diplomatic talks conducted in Oman during December 2025, when both sides explored the possibility of releasing 2,900 detainees.

Yemen’s civil conflict erupted in 2014 after the Iran-backed Houthis captured Sanaa, the nation’s capital, along with large portions of northern territory, forcing the recognized government to flee the country. The following year, a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and including the United Arab Emirates launched military intervention aimed at restoring governmental authority.

The prolonged warfare has devastated Yemen’s economic system and created what the World Food Program describes as “severe” food shortages across northern regions.

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer finds himself in political turmoil as his Labour Party faces mounting pressure following devastating losses in recent local elections.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting stepped down from his Cabinet position on Thursday, marking the first senior government official to resign, though he has not yet formally announced his anticipated campaign to challenge Starmer’s leadership.

The electoral losses appear to be the breaking point for a leader already facing criticism over his choice to name Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to Washington, given the seasoned politician’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein.

Over 90 Labour members of parliament are demanding Starmer resign to allow for a leadership competition to select a new leader who would assume the role of prime minister, with several junior government officials also stepping down.

Despite the pressure, Starmer maintains he will remain in position, and no official leadership challenge has been initiated.

Though no clear favorite has emerged to succeed Starmer, several prominent figures are being considered for the leadership role:

At 43, Wes Streeting is viewed as among the government’s most effective speakers and has spearheaded efforts to reform the struggling National Health Service.

His commitment to healthcare reform stems from personal experience, as the NHS treated him for kidney cancer, leading Streeting to pledge he would help save the health service in return.

First elected to parliament in 2015, Streeting has long been thought to harbor ambitions for the top position, though he previously denied any plans to challenge Starmer.

He documented his journey from London’s working-class East End, where he was raised in public housing, in his book “One Boy, Two Bills and a Fry Up: A Memoir of Growing Up and Getting On.” The title references his two grandfathers named Bill: his mother’s father had criminal associations and was imprisoned for armed robbery, while he credits his father’s father with guiding him toward Cambridge University.

Streeting entered politics early, heading the Cambridge student union and serving as president of the National Union of Students.

He subsequently worked for Stonewall, the LGBT organization, and has discussed his challenges with coming out as gay while maintaining his Anglican faith.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has distinguished herself as an unconventional politician with a remarkable background story. Raised in social housing, she left school at 16 after becoming a teenage mother.

The 46-year-old Rayner was involved in trade unions before winning election to parliament in 2015 and represents the party’s left wing. She quickly advanced through Labour’s leadership ranks during their opposition years and won election as deputy leader in 2020.

While Rayner commands substantial party support, she was compelled to leave government last year after acknowledging she underpaid taxes on a property transaction. On Thursday, she announced she had resolved the matter with tax officials in what seems to signal preparation for a potential leadership bid.

Following controversy over the Epstein document revelations regarding Mandelson, Rayner spearheaded a parliamentary rebellion that forced the government to transfer authority to Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee for determining which documents should be made public.

Former Cabinet official Andy Burnham, the well-regarded, center-left Greater Manchester mayor, has long been viewed as a possible challenger to Starmer. However, his leadership chances suffered when Labour prevented him from running as the party’s parliamentary candidate in a special February election.

According to established tradition, the prime minister must hold a parliamentary seat. Burnham’s allies prefer postponing any leadership contest to allow him time to return to the House of Commons through a special election.

The 56-year-old Burnham held senior positions in previous Labour administrations, including culture secretary and health secretary.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband previously led the Labour Party, but his five-year tenure as opposition leader concluded with the party’s 2015 electoral defeat. The 56-year-old Miliband has publicly downplayed interest in returning to the leadership role, though he ranks among the Cabinet’s most seasoned members.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, 45, handles one of government’s most challenging portfolios, managing immigration and law enforcement. She has gained favor among Labour’s right wing through her efforts to strengthen border security and combat illegal immigration.

The former Royal Marine who served honorably in Afghanistan currently serves as armed forces minister in Starmer’s Labour administration and has gained prominence within the party since his initial election to Parliament during Labour’s 2024 electoral triumph.

At 46, Carns possesses a compelling personal narrative that might appeal to various Labour factions. Beyond his distinguished Afghan service, which earned him the Military Cross in 2011, Carns was born to a single mother in a working-class family in the Scottish oil community of Aberdeen.

“We do not need more slogans, strategies, press releases or commissions,” Carns wrote in a Thursday article for The New Statesman magazine, “We need action.”

His limited experience could prove problematic. Replacing a leader criticized for poor political judgment with a political newcomer, despite their compelling background, might pose risks.

International organizations report that Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban have taken at least three journalists into custody in recent days without revealing specific charges against them.

On Thursday, the United Nations mission in Afghanistan voiced “serious concern” about these arrests and “reports of assaults against journalists and confiscation of property during search operations by the de facto authorities.”

Afghanistan has become one of the globe’s most restrictive nations for media freedom since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, with Reporters without Borders placing it at 175th position out of 180 countries in their 2026 rankings.

“A free, independent, and safe press is essential for transparency, accountability, and the well-being of Afghan society,” the U.N. mission stated, calling on authorities “to uphold their obligations under international human rights law and ensure that journalists can do their work without fear of intimidation, harassment, or reprisal.”

On Wednesday, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Information and Culture confirmed that two TOLONews journalists were taken into custody “a few days ago.” Officials provided no explanation for the arrests but noted their situation remains “under investigation. The court has not yet ruled on them.”

TOLONews confirmed through social media that the detained journalists are Imran Danish and Mansoor Niazi, both arrested in Kabul. “Security officials told TOLONews that details will be shared after the relevant legal procedures are completed,” the news outlet reported.

Danish serves as a political editor for the channel while Niazi works as an anchor.

The Committee to Protect Journalists demanded their immediate freedom and reported that authorities conducted “a sweeping raid” on the broadcaster and its parent company, Moby Group, following the arrests.

The arrests and subsequent raid “underscores the climate of fear facing journalists in Afghanistan,” stated Kunal Majumder, the CPJ Asia-Pacific Program Coordinator, in a Tuesday release. “Taliban authorities must immediately and unconditionally release the detained journalists and ensure the press can operate without interference.”

The Afghanistan Journalists Center, which advocates for media freedom, reported that a third journalist, Jawid Niazi, who operates the Paigard private news agency, has also been taken into custody. The organization indicated he was detained on May 6.

The organization demanded immediate and unconditional freedom for all detained journalists. “AFJC urges the Taliban to cease all efforts to suppress media freedom, including threats, arrests, and intimidation tactics that undermine the vital role of journalism in Afghan society,” their statement declared.

Previous journalist arrests by Afghan authorities have involved various accusations. In 2022, three TOLO journalists were detained over coverage reporting that the new government had prohibited all foreign drama series broadcasts. They were subsequently freed. In 2023, the Taliban released a French-Afghan journalist who had been held for more than 280 days after a court dismissed espionage and other allegations against him.

A global hunger monitoring organization announced Thursday that more than four in ten people living in conflict-ravaged Sudan are experiencing severe levels of acute food insecurity, with conditions projected to persist through May as the nation’s war nears its fourth year.

According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, nearly 19.5 million individuals are confronting this critical level of food insecurity. Among these, 135,000 people have reached Phase 5 conditions, defined by “extreme food gaps, starvation, very high levels of malnutrition, and death due to disease or acute malnutrition.”

The monitoring group’s assessment warns that circumstances will likely worsen during the coming June through September lean season. “Conditions are expected to deteriorate further in the upcoming June–September lean season,” the IPC assessment statement read. The organization projects that approximately 825,000 children under age 5 will experience severe acute malnutrition in 2026 due to restricted access to medical care, representing a 7% rise from the previous year and a 25% jump from pre-conflict numbers.

Treatment data shows that more than 98,500 children received care for severe acute malnutrition during the January through March period, the IPC reported.

Sudan’s armed conflict began in April 2023 when escalating tensions between military forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces exploded into comprehensive warfare. The violence has claimed at least 59,000 lives, forced 13 million people from their homes, and driven numerous regions into famine conditions. Humanitarian aid is needed by more than 30 million residents.

While Thursday’s IPC report found no current famine conditions, it cautioned that 14 locations across North Darfur, South Darfur, and South Kordofan provinces face famine risk should fighting escalate, food availability decrease, medical and sanitation services deteriorate, or population displacement expand.

Previous assessments confirmed famine conditions in el-Fasher, a significant city in western Darfur, and in Kadugli, located in South Kordofan.

Agricultural producers throughout Sudan are preparing for a costly planting period as expenses for fertilizers, gasoline for farming machinery, and diesel for irrigation equipment rise due to Middle Eastern conflicts.

The Gulf area, where numerous commercial vessels have remained stuck for weeks because of Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, supplies more than half of Sudan’s sea-imported fertilizer. Energy costs have surged approximately 30%.

China intensified its aggressive position regarding Taiwan on Thursday, cautioning the United States that the two superpowers could face “clashes and even conflicts” if Taiwan matters aren’t managed appropriately.

During a summit meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, China’s President Xi Jinping emphasized that the “Taiwan question” represents the most critical matter affecting relations between the two nations, based on an official statement from China’s foreign ministry.

“‘Taiwan independence’ and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water,” Xi declared to Trump, the ministry’s statement revealed.

The Chinese leader’s harsh language demonstrates Beijing’s mounting pressure on America, which serves as Taiwan’s primary unofficial partner. While U.S. law mandates ensuring Taiwan maintains defensive capabilities, Washington officially follows what experts call strategic ambiguity — avoiding clear commitments about potential military intervention should China attempt forcible reunification.

“If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy,” Xi stated, the ministry reported.

China has already intensified efforts in recent years to persuade Taiwan’s diplomatic partners to switch allegiances while escalating military intimidation around the island.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Thursday that America’s Taiwan policy remains “unchanged” while cautioning that Chinese military action against Taiwan would constitute “a terrible mistake.”

“U.S. policy on the issue of Taiwan is unchanged as of today,” he stated during an NBC News interview.

The mainland and Taiwan have operated under separate governments since 1949, following the Communist Party’s victory in Beijing after civil warfare. Defeated Nationalist forces retreated to Taiwan, which eventually evolved from military rule into a multi-party democratic system.

Beijing considers independently-governed Taiwan a rebellious territory that must be reclaimed through force if needed.

Tensions between the mainland and Taiwan have escalated since Taiwan initially elected Tsai Ing-wen as president in 2016. Her Democratic Progressive Party maintains Taiwan operates as an independent, sovereign nation. China suspended most official communications with Taiwan’s administration. Recently, Beijing has deployed naval vessels and military aircraft near the island almost continuously.

The Chinese president has previously declared China would “surely be reunified” with Taiwan, home to approximately 23 million residents.

Apart from political considerations, Taiwan serves as a crucial producer of AI servers, semiconductor chips and advanced manufacturing equipment. The artificial intelligence surge has driven Taiwan’s top tech firms to unprecedented earnings and sales.

Experts suggest Xi’s statements reveal China’s concerns about strengthening defense cooperation between Taiwan and America.

“If China had secured any meaningful concession on Taiwan from Trump, it would have been reflected” in Beijing’s official summary of the leaders’ discussion, explained William Yang, a senior analyst for Northeast Asia for International Crisis Group.

“The lack of such mention and the relatively stern tone suggest Trump may not have budged on Taiwan in principle,” he noted.

In December, Trump’s administration revealed an $11 billion arms deal for Taiwan, representing the largest such package ever. Trump has also pressed Taiwan to boost its defense expenditures.

Ma Chun-wei, a specialist in China-Taiwan affairs at Taiwan’s Tamkang University, suggested China might also be concerned the Trump administration has shifted from traditional diplomatic terminology regarding Taiwan. America’s stance has historically acknowledged China’s Taiwan position while maintaining unofficial island relationships.

The most recent national security strategy from the Trump administration, released last December, states simply: “We will also maintain our longstanding declaratory policy on Taiwan, meaning that the United States does not support any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.”

America typically employs highly standardized phrasing regarding its Taiwan relationship.

“For Xi Jinping, he must show that the Taiwan issue is in China’s hands. He must demonstrate this image, or else he would be criticized,” Ma observed.

Yemen’s internationally recognized government and the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group have agreed to swap more than 1,600 prisoners in what represents the war’s most extensive detainee exchange to date, according to the United Nations special envoy’s office announced Thursday.

The fighting began when Houthi forces took control of the capital city Sanaa in 2014, leading to a Saudi-led coalition military campaign backing the government in 2015.

According to Houthi official Abdulqader al-Mortada’s statement on X, the rebel group will free 580 detainees, including seven from Saudi Arabia and 20 from Sudan, while the government will release 1,100 Houthi captives.

Both parties have committed to conducting future discussions about releasing additional prisoners and permitting reciprocal visits to detention centers. They have also established an implementation framework with the International Committee of the Red Cross to execute the prisoner release.

“The agreement includes the release of a number of coalition forces personnel, members of the armed forces and security services, fighters from various military formations and the popular resistance, as well as politicians and journalists who spent years in Houthi detention,” said Yahya Kazman, who leads the government’s negotiating team, in a post on X.

This agreement comes after 14 weeks of talks conducted in Amman, stemming from a December accord reached by both sides following United Nations-mediated discussions in Muscat, the Omani capital.

“The issue of prisoners remains at the forefront of our priorities,” stated Mahdi al-Mashat, who heads the Houthis’ Supreme Political Council, calling the agreement “a historic accomplishment.”

In April 2023, both sides conducted a significant prisoner exchange involving nearly 900 individuals, which was facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and created one of the globe’s most severe humanitarian disasters.

JERUSALEM (AP) — The ancient city of Jerusalem was preparing Thursday for the arrival of tens of thousands of ultranationalist Jewish participants in an annual procession through Palestinian neighborhoods in the Old City, an event that has historically featured racist chanting and violent incidents.

The demonstration marks Jerusalem Day, celebrating Israel’s seizure of east Jerusalem during the 1967 Middle East conflict, including the Old City and religious sites held sacred by Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths. The same march triggered an 11-day conflict in Gaza four years earlier.

The event occurs as Israel’s far-right administration, which includes settler leaders in important roles, approaches upcoming elections and seeks to energize its political supporters.

Earlier Thursday, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir made a provocative appearance at Jerusalem’s most contentious religious location, home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third most sacred site. The location is known to Jews as the Temple Mount, site of ancient biblical temples and Judaism’s most holy place. The appearance risked escalating tensions already high in the city following two and a half years of nearly continuous warfare and unstable truces.

During his Thursday appearance, Ben Gvir displayed an Israeli flag while singing and declaring “the Temple Mount is in our hands,” echoing the renowned words of an Israeli paratrooper commander from 1967 who announced Israeli control over sections of the Old City during intense combat.

Ben-Gvir has made repeated appearances at the disputed Jerusalem hilltop location during tense periods.

The parade frequently results in violent clashes between ultranationalists and Palestinian inhabitants of the Old City. Previous events have featured crowds shouting phrases such as “Death to Arabs” and “May your villages burn.”

The procession path goes straight through the Muslim Quarter of the Old City, beginning at Damascus Gate and continuing down a marketplace normally filled with Palestinian shoppers. Early Thursday morning found the street deserted, as Palestinian families stayed indoors while merchants secured their businesses with heavy locks, shutting down early for protection.

Fighting erupted when groups of young participants entered the Old City ahead of the official march, meeting Palestinians in the Christian quarter. Chairs were thrown between the groups. Members of Standing Together, an Israeli-Palestinian peace organization, intervened to halt the confrontation, according to video shared by the group.

“When we put our bodies on the line, it oftentimes reduces the violence because settlers are less willing to attack when there are Jews there or when we document what’s going on,” said Ori Shaham, the group’s international spokesperson.

Tag Meir, another organization opposing extremist Jewish violence, conducted their yearly “flower march” before the crowds arrived, distributing flowers to merchants before they closed early.

Jerusalem Police created a restricted area for media coverage of the event. During previous marches, crowds have attacked journalists.

Jerusalem remains central to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. Both sides view the city as essential to their national and religious heritage. It represents one of the most difficult aspects of the conflict and frequently becomes a source of tension.

Israel views all of Jerusalem as its eternal, unified capital. The international community does not recognize its annexation of east Jerusalem. Palestinians seek an independent nation with east Jerusalem as their capital.

MARMARIS, Turkey — A fleet of more than 50 vessels carrying humanitarian aid and activists set sail Thursday from Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline, marking another effort to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza following the recent interception of a similar convoy.

The departure from Marmaris port represents what organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla called the concluding phase of their mission to reach Gaza’s coastline, with nearly 500 activists from 45 nations participating in the initiative.

The new attempt comes just weeks after Israeli military forces stopped more than 20 boats from an earlier flotilla near the southern Greek island of Crete on April 30, initially detaining approximately 175 activists. The confrontation sparked international criticism and diplomatic protests, while raising legal questions about blockade enforcement in international maritime zones. Israeli officials justified the early intervention by citing the substantial number of vessels involved.

Two activists from the April incident — Spanish-Swedish citizen of Palestinian origin Saif Abukeshek and Brazilian citizen Thiago Ávila — were taken to Israel for questioning and held for multiple days. The detained individuals alleged they suffered torture during their captivity. Both Brazil and Spain denounced Israel for what they termed the “kidnapping” of their nationals. The pair was expelled from Israel on Sunday.

According to organizers, the current mission includes vessels that regrouped following the earlier Israeli intervention, supplemented by additional boats that joined the effort.

The flotilla aims to spotlight the humanitarian situation facing Palestinians in Gaza, an area devastated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that 72,744 Palestinians have died since the war erupted following the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. The ministry, operating under Hamas governance, keeps comprehensive casualty documentation that U.N. agencies and independent analysts consider generally credible, though it doesn’t distinguish between civilian and militant casualties.

A tenuous ceasefire that began six months ago has paused the most severe combat between Israeli troops and Hamas-led fighters. However, roughly 2 million Gaza inhabitants continue living amid destruction with inadequate food and medical supplies, receiving only restricted aid through one Israeli-monitored border crossing.

Both Israel and Egypt have maintained different levels of restrictions on Gaza since Hamas took control from opposing Palestinian factions in 2007. Israel justifies the blockade as necessary to stop Hamas from acquiring weapons, while opponents characterize it as collective punishment against Gaza’s civilian population.

Israeli authorities prevented a comparable effort last year involving approximately 50 boats and some 500 activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela and multiple European lawmakers.

Israel detained and subsequently expelled those participants, who alleged mistreatment by Israeli authorities. Israeli officials rejected these claims.

Earlier attempts to breach the maritime restrictions have similarly been unsuccessful. In 2010, Israeli special forces boarded the Turkish vessel Mavi Marmara during an aid convoy’s Gaza mission, resulting in the deaths of nine Turkish nationals and one Turkish-American passenger. The most recent successful activist vessel to reach the territory occurred in 2008.

ATHENS, Greece — Greek authorities have activated a new biometric identification system for travelers from outside the European Union at the nation’s airports, dismissing claims that British visitors would receive a formal exemption during the summer months. However, airport officials indicate the scanners may be temporarily disabled during busy periods.

“We have not received any further update or clarification as to whether, for example, specific nationalities are temporarily exempt from the relevant procedure,” the Foreign Ministry said Thursday in response to a question from The Associated Press.

The European Union’s Entry-Exit System, known as EES, launched at Greek airports and border crossings on April 10 during a continent-wide implementation. The technology substitutes traditional passport stamps with biometric information gathered through facial photography and electronic fingerprinting.

Greek representatives visiting the United Kingdom had previously indicated the biometric requirements might be suspended this summer for British tourists, who represent a crucial segment of Greece’s travel sector.

Present travel advisories from the U.K. Foreign Office indicate: “Greek authorities have indicated that they will not collect biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for UK travelers as part of EES. Follow the advice of authorities on the ground.”

However, European and Greek officials subsequently explained that halting the system is only authorized during times of heavy passenger volume at particular border locations and does not exempt any specific nation or citizenship.

Despite official statements, numerous travelers will likely continue passing through airports without undergoing the new biometric procedures, since EU regulations permit temporary halts during the initial implementation phase.

Greek police recently characterized the electronic entry system as operating at “full operation,” while noting they would implement “all necessary measures to ensure the smooth flow of visitors … making full use of provisions in (European) Union legislation.”

Tourism industry operators worry that enhanced airport screening procedures might deter travel from the United Kingdom — particularly last-minute reservations — to European Union destinations and increase the advantage enjoyed by EU citizens, who can travel throughout the bloc without passport verification.

Greece welcomed almost 38 million tourists last year, who contributed 23 billion euros ($25 billion) to the nation’s 204 billion-euro economic output.

German visitors topped the list at nearly 6 million, with British travelers ranking second at 4.9 million.

The city of Warsaw documented its first same-sex marriage Thursday, following through on European court decisions that mandate Poland acknowledge same-sex unions performed in other European Union member states.

The EU’s top court ruled in November that Poland must recognize same-sex marriages conducted in other EU nations, despite Polish domestic law currently prohibiting such unions. Poland’s Supreme Administrative Court referenced that decision in March when directing officials to acknowledge a German marriage between two Polish men.

“This morning we issued the first transcription of a marriage certificate for a same-sex couple, in accordance with the court rulings,” Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski announced.

The mayor additionally pledged that his city would actively acknowledge other Polish same-sex marriages performed elsewhere in the EU without requiring individual court orders.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated Tuesday that his administration would work to carry out the court decisions quickly, and spoke directly to same-sex couples, saying he was sorry “to all those who, for many years, felt rejected and humiliated.”

Tusk urged Polish officials, regardless of their personal views, “to respect the dignity of each individual and to remember that these people live around us, among us, near us, and that they deserve the same feelings of respect, dignity and love as any other person.”

LGBTQ+ advocates have spent decades pushing for equal treatment in Poland, where same-sex marriage and civil partnerships remain prohibited. The court decisions do not require Poland to make same-sex marriage legal domestically.

Tusk’s administration took office promising to authorize civil unions for same-sex couples. However, opposition from conservative members within his governing coalition and resistance from President Karol Nawrocki, a devout Catholic, have blocked those initiatives.

COPENHAGEN – The 86-year-old former Queen Margrethe of Denmark has been hospitalized Thursday after experiencing angina, according to an announcement from the royal court.

The court released a statement saying “Her Majesty is tired, but in good spirits.”

Medical staff will keep the former monarch under observation through the weekend while conducting additional medical tests, the court confirmed. Queen Margrethe stepped down from the throne in 2024, transferring royal duties to her eldest son Frederik.

REGGIO EMILIA, Italy (AP) — A two-day visit by the Princess of Wales to Italy has brought international attention to an innovative early childhood education philosophy that has transformed how young children experience learning.

The educational method known as the Reggio Approach operates in public childcare facilities and early learning centers throughout the northern Italian city of Reggio Emilia. This philosophy celebrates children’s natural inquisitiveness and capabilities, positioning educators as guides rather than traditional teachers while encouraging active participation from families and the broader community. Princess Catherine, who has championed early childhood development as a key initiative, dedicated two days to observing this approach firsthand.

“I love that you put children and childhood at the heart of the community, and I’m really fascinated to learn more about it,” she commented upon arriving at one of the city’s preschools on Wednesday.

This Italian educational philosophy emerged from Montessori principles, and both methodologies have gained international recognition as alternatives to educational systems in countries like the United States and Britain that prioritize standardized assessments and testing for children who have not yet begun reading.

While the Reggio method attracts Italian families who experienced traditional rote learning themselves, their enthusiasm has limits, according to Kathryn Ramsay, an experienced early childhood educator who operates a Reggio-influenced program north of Rome.

“When the children are 3 or 4, they’re totally fine with it,” Ramsay explained. “And then when they hit 5, they (the parents) start getting a little twitchy because they’re thinking about Grade 1,” when children must remain seated for extended periods and master reading and writing skills.

The Reggio philosophy emerged during Italy’s post-World War II reconstruction period when a group of mothers in the war-torn city of Reggio Emilia, a stronghold of anti-Fascist resistance, joined forces to create something new.

“They sold the metal from a German tank for funds and they hand-carried stones from the river to reconstruct a place for the children to be cared for while the rest of the village went about the business of putting life back together,” explained Margie Cooper of the North America Reggio Emilia Alliance.

Educational innovator Loris Malaguzzi drew from Montessori and other progressive educational movements to develop Reggio’s child-focused methodology, which serves children from birth through age six.

His written work exploring how young children express themselves and understand their environment through art, movement, and music became a foundational document. Recognizing children’s abilities and experiences represented a revolutionary concept at that time.

“The child was only an adult in formation and didn’t have things to say or competencies already realized,” noted Roberta Cardarello, senior professor of didactical and special pedagogy at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.

The methodology expanded to additional communities, particularly in northern Italy’s progressive municipalities. However, Italy’s national government in Rome — controlled by conservative Christian Democrats through the 1990s — avoided widespread promotion of the approach, possibly due to its connection with Reggio Emilia’s communist background.

While those political concerns have faded, implementation today often depends on whether financially constrained local governments fund training programs or individual educators pursue independent preparation, according to Elisabetta Nigris, professor of didactic programs and evaluation at the University of Studies Milan-Bicocca.

The Reggio method incorporates elements found in quality early childhood programs, including emphasis on adult-child relationships that support social and emotional development, according to Sylvi Kuperman, senior researcher at the Center for the Economics of Human Development at the University of Chicago. Her 2017 research on Reggio programs in Italy showed improved high school completion rates and employment prospects compared to children who did not receive formal early care.

Students typically remain with the same educator for multiple years, she noted. They help prepare meals. Learning environments feature natural lighting and organic materials like wood. Outdoor spaces and artistic expression are fundamental components.

During Thursday’s visit, Catherine toured the “Salvatore Allende” daycare and preschool in Reggio Emilia, engaging with children in the outdoor learning area, examining grass and plants through a magnifying glass, and at one point allowing a slippery newt to crawl across her palm.

“In London, we have newts like this too,” she observed.

Catherine’s visit carries special significance for Britain, since the Reggio philosophy lacks recognition in national education policy, and most early childhood programs operate under private, profit-driven organizations, said Peter Moss, emeritus professor at the University College London’s Institute of Education.

However, he emphasized that Reggio developed under unique historical circumstances that are difficult to recreate elsewhere.

“Reggio Emilia is a reaction to 20 years of authoritarian rule under Mussolini and, after that fell, of course a lot of places in Italy were asking the question ‘How do we make sure that never happens again?’”

At Ramsay’s Reggio-influenced, bilingual program north of Rome, children learn in an expansive grassy area without traditional playground structures or colorful educational posters covering classroom walls. Instead, the small wooden building with its covered entrance features minimal, earth-toned design. Most educational activities occur outdoors: the “mud kitchen” where children experiment with dishes and utensils, a designated digging area, and a large stone for climbing and sliding. The program, named “Wild Gioia” (Wild Joy), currently serves five children between ages 3-6.

Ramsay references research indicating that play provides the most effective foundation for literacy skills because it develops children’s ability to focus.

“They don’t learn to concentrate by being told what to concentrate on,” she explained. “They’re learning to concentrate by having the freedom to be able to follow their own interests.”

WASHINGTON – Representatives from Iraq have reached out to the International Monetary Fund requesting emergency financial support due to economic devastation caused by the current Middle East conflict, according to a source with knowledge of IMF operations who spoke Thursday.

Preliminary discussions occurred in April during the annual spring gatherings of the IMF and World Bank held in Washington, with ongoing talks focusing on determining the amount of funding Iraq requires and how any potential loan package would be organized, the source revealed.

The conflict, which started February 28 with an extensive bombing operation by U.S. and Israeli forces targeting Iran and leading to Tehran’s decision to block the Strait of Hormuz, has destabilized the broader Middle East region, causing widespread infrastructure destruction and economic turmoil.

The war has severely impacted Iraq’s economy, with the majority of its petroleum exports – which constitute almost the entirety of government revenue – eliminated due to the blockade of the vital shipping route that previously transported approximately 20 percent of global crude oil supplies.

Nearly 19.5 million people in Sudan are experiencing severe food shortages, representing more than 40% of the nation’s population, according to new findings from an international hunger monitoring organization, as a devastating three-year conflict continues to reshape the crisis.

The prolonged war in Sudan has made widespread hunger and starvation its defining characteristic, with estimates suggesting hundreds of thousands have died while the conflict has destroyed the nation’s economy and farming systems, forcing 14 million people from their homes.

The new figures from the U.N.-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) show a modest decrease from autumn projections of 21.2 million affected people, though 14 regions across North Darfur, South Darfur, and South Kordofan states continue facing famine conditions, with 135,000 residents enduring what officials describe as “catastrophic” hunger levels.

These threatened regions include the urban centers of al-Fashir and Kadugli, which experienced famine conditions last year primarily due to blockades imposed by the Rapid Support Forces. However, the RSF successfully captured al-Fashir in October, essentially evacuating the city, while government forces lifted the Kadugli blockade earlier this year.

Unmanned aircraft attacks have emerged as the dominant military strategy in Sudan, replacing traditional ground operations. Combat continues across the Kordofan region and Blue Nile state, with drone strikes claiming at least 880 civilian lives since January, according to the U.N.’s human rights office. These aerial attacks have specifically targeted civilian facilities including marketplaces, medical centers, and electrical infrastructure.

“Ongoing hostilities – especially around major supply routes, such as El Obeid in North Kordofan – and the possibility of renewed siege‑like conditions continue to heighten risks,” the IPC said in a statement.

Approximately 825,000 children are projected to experience severe acute malnutrition as violence, restricted access, and funding reductions have complicated relief operations across much of the nation, the IPC reported. Sudan’s upcoming rainy season, typically starting around July and overlapping with the challenging planting period, is anticipated to further deteriorate conditions.

Additional regions facing potential famine include areas in North Darfur sheltering refugees from al-Fashir, such as Tina, Um Baru, and Kernoi, which have experienced both drone bombardments and ground fighting as the RSF strengthens its territorial control.

The broader regional Iran crisis also poses additional threats to the situation, driving up costs for food, fuel and fertilizer while reducing prospects for a productive harvest season this year.

A major political shift unfolded in Israel Tuesday evening as former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid officially unveiled their new political partnership called “Beyachad” or “Together” before more than 2,000 supporters in Tel Aviv.

The timing proved significant, as the campaign launch occurred just hours after Rabbi Dov Lando, a senior spiritual leader of the Degel HaTorah party, issued a handwritten letter instructing party lawmakers to work toward dissolving the Knesset over stalled military draft exemption legislation.

“We no longer have trust in Netanyahu,” Rabbi Lando wrote in his message, which was widely reported across Israeli media. He also stated that talk of a political “bloc” no longer existed.

The evening’s events transformed what was originally planned as a campaign kickoff into what felt more like the opening night of an election season, as opposition groups moved to bring dissolution bills to a vote while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition appeared to fracture from within.

The Tel Aviv gathering made clear the leadership structure of the new alliance. While Yesh Atid contributes the current lawmakers, parliamentary infrastructure, and nationwide volunteer network, Bennett brings leadership experience and the potential to attract voters beyond the traditional center-left base.

This dynamic was evident in the speaking arrangements: Lapid addressed the crowd for approximately 10 minutes, while Bennett spoke for nearly an hour, with Lapid effectively ceding center stage to his partner.

“Before we made this union, I had to ask myself only one question,” Lapid told the audience. “Am I ready to tell you that Naftali Bennett can lead the country in the coming years? The answer is ‘yes.’”

Shortly after, Lapid introduced Bennett as “the former prime minister and the prime minister in the near future of the State of Israel.” The crowd responded with standing applause and chanting.

Lapid characterized the arrangement as an act of responsibility rather than personal sacrifice following years of political fragmentation. “I did not put my ego aside,” he explained. “I put my heart in the right place.”

He described Together as uniting “the Israeli center with the liberal right,” aiming not just to merge parties but to reconnect Israeli society after years of division. Bennett, he noted, was “a right-wing man” while he was “a man of the center,” but their disagreement was intentional.

“We do not pretend that we agree on everything,” Lapid said. “There are disagreements between us, and that is good. We are saying to Israeli society: look, people who do not agree on everything know how to work together.”

This message captures Together’s political proposition: presenting their alliance as a return to functional governance after the failures following October 7 and years of coalition politics built around vetoes and personal loyalty to Netanyahu.

However, the alliance remains structurally unbalanced. Bennett’s emerging political framework currently lacks the party apparatus that Yesh Atid has developed over 14 years. Bennett has publicly presented only three figures for his future list: Jonathan Shalev of Katef el Katef, former Transportation Ministry director-general Keren Turner, and former Communications Ministry director-general Liran Avisar Ben Horin.

In contrast, Yesh Atid maintains sitting lawmakers, municipal networks, activist groups, and local branches nationwide, including language-specific communities for Spanish, English, Russian, and French speakers, as well as Arab and Druze citizens, LGBTQ Israelis, people with disabilities, senior citizens, self-employed workers, young adults, and teenagers.

This established network now provides Bennett with what his new list couldn’t have built in time: a campaign infrastructure.

Jonathan Shalev made the leadership arrangement explicit from the stage: “The most suitable person to lead this historic move, to rehabilitate, unite and rebuild the state, is none other than Naftali Bennett.” He praised Lapid for “putting ego aside” and said there were leaders who saw “only the good of the people and the good of the State of Israel.”

When Bennett took the stage, he emphasized the contrast between the new alliance and Netanyahu’s coalition. “Yair Lapid and I came here tonight together precisely because we are different,” Bennett said. “Lapid has his beliefs, which he absorbed in his parents’ home, in secular Tel Aviv. I have my beliefs, which I absorbed in my parents’ home, on the Carmel, in Haifa, in a religious-Zionist community. We are not hiding the differences between us. We are proud of them.”

He added, “We are proud of them because we are proving that what we have in common is infinitely greater than what separates us.”

Bennett’s speech combined discussion of national trauma, political criticism, and policy goals. He argued that Israel’s darkest hour after October 7 had also revealed its social strength. “The government did not save the country,” he said. “The people of Israel saved the country.”

He praised civilians who rushed south on the morning of October 7, reservists, volunteers, bereaved families, hostage families, and soldiers still fighting in Lebanon. But he accused the current government of acting as though the massacre had not occurred.

“They are trying to deny the past, and they are abandoning the future,” Bennett said. He then connected the Together launch to the immediate coalition crisis.

“They are talking now about dissolving the Knesset,” he said, referring to efforts to advance elections. “Now they are trying to set it in September, before the memorial day for the massacre, because then what? The people of Israel will forget?”

He then delivered one of the evening’s sharpest political attacks. “This alliance of draft dodgers is collapsing before our eyes,” Bennett said.

The comment resonated in a hall already aware of the day’s developments. Rabbi Lando’s letter had transformed the Haredi draft crisis from a long-running legislative dispute into a potential election trigger. Reports indicated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted more time, while Haredi parties were considering an earlier date.

For the Together party, the military service issue represents more than a campaign tool. It sits at the center of the alliance’s attempt to redefine responsibility after October 7. Bennett, who admitted that before the massacre he didn’t feel the same urgency around Haredi military service, told the audience that the war changed everything.

“October 7 changed everything,” he said during a question-and-answer session with a young man preparing for combat service. Bennett argued that the Israel Defense Forces now lacks tens of thousands of combat soldiers and said the burden falls too heavily on soldiers and reservists already serving.

“Draft evasion is killing our soldiers,” he said, adding that he wasn’t accusing individual Haredi young men, but the political system that had trapped them outside the service framework.

His proposed solution combined pressure and integration. Those who don’t serve, he said, shouldn’t receive economic benefits from the state. Simultaneously, he spoke of creating frameworks that would allow ultra-Orthodox men to serve in ways adapted to their community, including border-defense models that combine Torah study and military duty.

Bennett also used the platform to make a direct promise to October 7 victims’ families: the first act of a government he leads would be to establish a state commission of inquiry.

He told the story of Menashe and Sigal, whose daughters were murdered at the Nova festival, and said they had asked only for answers.

“I promise you that the first action we take in the new government we form will be to establish a state commission of inquiry,” Bennett said. He then added, “I apologize in the name of the state that this has not happened until now.”

Lapid, in his remarks, struck a similar theme. He said Israelis wanted a government that sees them and cares about them, not one that describes the October 7 massacre as merely a tactical failure. “They want a normal government of people who work for them,” Lapid said. “And we will give them exactly that.”

The event’s emotional language extended beyond the stage. Several Yesh Atid lawmakers and activists repeatedly used the same words in interviews: hope, responsibility, healing, and elections.

Yesh Atid lawmaker Vladimir Beliak described the atmosphere as unusually energized. “There is a very, very special atmosphere here,” Beliak said. “This is the first conference of Together, Bennett, and Lapid tonight in the same place, on the same stage. I think there are at least 2,000 people here. I have to say, I have not felt an atmosphere like this for a long time, an atmosphere of change, of hope, especially hope, in light of the news of the last few hours. I think we are going to do something big here.”

Member of the Knesset Naor Shiri also connected the event directly to Rabbi Lando’s intervention. “This event is, first of all, super moving,” Shiri said. “I think we are on a day when maybe we will receive the news that we are going to elections. More than anything, this event symbolizes the maturity, the leadership, and the responsibility of Bennett and certainly of Lapid. They knew how to put ego and disagreement aside, and now we are in an event that has to win.”

The evening revealed the practical logic behind the alliance. Bennett serves as the declared leader, while Yesh Atid provides much of the existing field operation. Bennett gives Together its candidate for prime minister and its ability to speak to voters beyond Lapid’s traditional base; Lapid’s party provides the sitting Israeli lawmakers, the activists, and the organizational memory of a movement built over 14 years.

The crowd didn’t appear to view that arrangement as a weakness. By the end of the event, both the stage and the hall had clearly answered whether Yesh Atid would fully embrace Bennett as the candidate to replace Netanyahu.

The Netanyahu bloc was being challenged from two directions simultaneously. From inside the coalition, Rabbi Lando’s letter signaled that the Haredi partnership with Netanyahu could no longer be assumed. From outside, Bennett and Lapid used Together’s first major rally to present a ready-made alternative.

Whether elections come in August, September, October, or later, the campaign now has its first defining image: Lapid standing before his own party’s national network and inviting Bennett to lead it. As Lapid put it, “What you are feeling now, and have not felt for a long time, is called hope.”

For Together, the question after Tuesday night is whether that feeling can be converted into votes quickly enough.

A well-known Iranian human rights attorney was freed on bail Wednesday following several weeks of detention, according to Iranian media outlets and advocacy organizations. The case has brought fresh international focus to how Tehran handles dissidents, legal advocates, and those supporting women’s rights.

Nasrin Sotoudeh, among Iran’s most recognized defense lawyers, has defended activists, opposition members, political detainees, and women facing prosecution for opposing the nation’s required hijab regulations. Media accounts indicated her freedom came after bail was secured, though Iranian officials have not immediately specified whether charges remain pending or if any conditions apply to her release.

A news outlet connected to Iran’s primary security organization reported her release but provided no specifics about the legal proceedings against her. Advocacy groups stated the move does not address wider issues regarding Iran’s application of security-related charges and extended detention of attorneys and civil society members.

Sotoudeh has faced multiple arrests and imprisonments due to her legal advocacy and human rights activities. She was honored with the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2012 and received the Right Livelihood Award in 2020. International rights organizations have frequently referenced her situations as demonstrations of pressure placed on independent attorneys in Iran.

Her spouse, Reza Khandan, an activist who has similarly opposed mandatory hijab requirements, continues to be held in prison, according to advocacy groups and Persian-language news sources. His imprisonment has maintained the family’s position at the heart of a broader suppression of Iranian civil society.

The release occurred while other notable Iranian prisoners remain under intense observation. Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi, currently incarcerated in Iran, was recently moved to a hospital in Tehran after receiving a sentence suspension upon posting substantial bail, according to an organization operated by her family.

Iran has increased pressure on political activists, journalists, attorneys, and women’s rights supporters during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, with advocacy groups cautioning that wartime circumstances have decreased external oversight of detainee situations.

Law enforcement officials in Turkey arrested 324 individuals Wednesday during a sweeping nationwide operation aimed at dismantling suspected Islamic State networks, according to the country’s Interior Ministry. The coordinated raids took place across 47 provinces as part of ongoing efforts to combat extremist organizations, their financial operations, and support systems operating within Turkish borders.

According to the ministry, the operation involved counterterrorism units from provincial police departments working alongside intelligence and counterterrorism divisions from the General Directorate of Security, the National Intelligence Organization, and local chief public prosecutors’ offices.

Officials stated that among those taken into custody were individuals subject to outstanding arrest warrants, persons suspected of providing financial support to the Islamic State group, and people previously identified as active participants in the organization. Law enforcement did not disclose the identities, nationalities, or specific alleged criminal activities of those detained.

“For the peace, unity, and solidarity of our nation, we continue our operations tirelessly, day and night, 365 days a year,” the ministry said.

The country classified the Islamic State group as a terrorist organization in 2013 and has experienced multiple attacks connected to the group throughout the last ten years. Among the most devastating incidents occurred during 2017 New Year festivities, when an armed assailant opened fire at an Istanbul nightclub, resulting in 39 fatalities.

These recent detentions come after other security operations connected to alleged Islamic State activities. Last December, a police operation in northwestern Turkey resulted in an armed confrontation that claimed the lives of three law enforcement officers and six Islamic State militants. Turkish officials have also examined potential extremist connections in other security matters, including a shooting incident in April near a structure housing the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul.

The administration has incorporated comprehensive anti-terrorism campaigns into its standard domestic security strategy, frequently focusing on suspected recruiters, financial supporters, logistical operatives, and former participants in militant organizations. Wednesday’s detentions follow this established approach, although officials have not yet announced whether any of those arrested will face formal criminal charges.

President Trump characterized his opening summit session with Chinese President Xi as “extremely positive and productive.” The Chinese leader emphasized the importance of cooperation between the United States and China, though Correspondent Will Weissert reported that Xi also cautioned about the possibility of future conflict.

Economic matters dominated much of the summit agenda. China is pushing for reduced trade restrictions, while the United States is seeking new trade agreements between the two nations.

After their two-hour discussion concluded, both presidents participated in a formal state dinner. President Trump extended an invitation to his Chinese counterpart to make an official visit to the White House in September.

Meanwhile, as the ongoing tensions with Iran continue, additional developments are expected to further strain relations in the region.

Law enforcement officials in Turkey conducted a massive security operation Wednesday, arresting 324 individuals across 47 provinces who are suspected of having connections to the Islamic State group, according to the Interior Ministry.

The coordinated raids involved provincial police counterterrorism units working alongside the General Directorate of Security’s intelligence and counterterrorism branches, the National Intelligence Organization, and local chief public prosecutors’ offices, the ministry reported.

Officials said the arrested individuals included those with outstanding warrants, people allegedly involved in financing the Islamic State group, and individuals previously identified as active within the organization. Law enforcement did not disclose the suspects’ identities, nationalities, or information about any specific alleged plots.

The ministry stated: “For the peace, unity, and solidarity of our nation, we continue our operations tirelessly, day and night, 365 days a year.”

Turkey classified the Islamic State group as a terrorist organization in 2013 and has experienced multiple attacks connected to the group throughout the last ten years. Among the most devastating was a 2017 New Year’s Eve assault when a gunman opened fire at an Istanbul nightclub, resulting in 39 deaths.

These recent detentions come after other security operations targeting alleged Islamic State networks. Last month, a police raid in northwestern Turkey resulted in a firefight that left three police officers and six Islamic State fighters dead. Turkish officials have also examined potential extremist connections in other security incidents, including a shooting in April near a building housing the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul.

The administration has incorporated nationwide counterterrorism operations into its regular domestic security strategy, frequently focusing on suspected recruiters, financial supporters, logistics personnel, and former members of armed organizations. Wednesday’s detentions follow this established approach, though officials have not yet announced whether any of those arrested will face formal criminal charges.

Israeli media outlets reported Wednesday that the nation’s ruling coalition is drafting legislation to dissolve parliament and advance the timeline for early elections, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government confronts an intensifying rebellion from ultra-Orthodox political parties angered by the failure to enact laws maintaining military service exemptions for religious seminary students.

According to Ynet, coalition leaders plan to introduce a dissolution measure that may face an initial vote as soon as next Wednesday. This strategy would enable the coalition to control the timing and terms of the dissolution rather than allowing opposition parties, who have already introduced their own measures, to dictate the process.

The governmental crisis intensified when Rabbi Dov Lando, the top spiritual authority of Degel HaTorah, instructed the group’s legislators to move swiftly toward dissolving parliament. “We no longer have trust in [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu,” Lando stated, as reported by The Jerusalem Post. “From this point onward, we will do only what is good for Haredi Judaism and the yeshiva world.” He continued, “Steps must be taken to dissolve the Knesset as soon as possible. All kinds of talk about a ‘bloc’ no longer exist.”

United Torah Judaism announced Tuesday its intention to pursue early elections following the coalition’s inability to move forward with the draft exemption legislation, a persistent priority of the Haredi parties. Shas has similarly indicated growing separation from Netanyahu’s alliance, further undermining the coalition’s capacity to maintain a reliable majority.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid called for swift action from legislators. “After three and a half years of pain and division and disasters and governmental decay, let’s not drag through another entire summer of corruption and hatred among brothers. Let’s dissolve the Knesset as early as next week,” Lapid stated.

Any parliamentary dissolution measure must complete the necessary legislative procedures, including final passage by no fewer than 61 members of the 120-member legislature. While elections are presently scheduled for late October, the current crisis may accelerate the voting timeline to September.

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confronted mounting uncertainty Thursday as influential Labour Party figures positioned themselves to contest his leadership amid growing calls from party lawmakers for his resignation.

Sources close to Health Secretary Wes Streeting indicated he was organizing a leadership bid, with plans to make a public statement later Thursday.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner revealed she had resolved a tax matter that led to her Cabinet resignation last year, positioning her to potentially enter a leadership race. Speaking to the Guardian newspaper, Rayner suggested Starmer should “reflect on” his position and stated she was prepared to “play my part” in a leadership contest should Streeting initiate one.

The struggling prime minister finds himself in a vulnerable position after Labour’s devastating performance in recent local and regional elections. Over 80 members of Parliament have subsequently called for him to establish a timeline for his exit, though none have directly confronted Starmer yet.

Despite the pressure, Starmer maintains he will not resign and retains backing from party allies. More than 100 legislators have endorsed a letter declaring it’s “no time” for a leadership battle.

Either Streeting or Rayner would require signatures from a minimum of 81 Labour MPs to formally launch a challenge.

Here’s the latest:

As leadership rumors intensify, better-than-expected UK economic data has received little attention.

Upon taking office in July 2024, Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared improving the nation’s sluggish growth performance over the past 15 years his top priority.

Government data released Thursday revealed growth was moving positively during the first quarter of 2026, despite negative effects from the beginning of the Iran conflict.

The Office for National Statistics reported a 0.6% growth increase in the first quarter compared to the prior three-month period, with most industries showing improvement. Enhanced growth translates to increased tax income for Labour’s agenda and potentially reduced government borrowing.

Treasury chief Rachel Reeves, who has faced widespread criticism for policy failures that damaged Labour’s standing, cautioned party members against endangering the economy by “plunging the country into chaos.”

A former Royal Marine with distinguished Afghanistan service is emerging as a possible successor to Starmer should a leadership contest develop.

Al Carns, currently serving as armed forces minister in Starmer’s Labour administration, has gained prominence within the party since winning his parliamentary seat in Labour’s 2024 electoral sweep.

The 46-year-old Carns possesses a compelling background that might appeal to various Labour factions. Beyond his decorated Afghanistan service, which earned him the Military Cross in 2011, Carns grew up in a working-class household in the Scottish oil city of Aberdeen, raised by a single mother.

“We do not need more slogans, strategies, press releases or commissions,” Carns wrote in a Thursday article for The New Statesman magazine, “We need action.”

His potential vulnerability lies in limited experience. Replacing a leader criticized for political inexperience with a parliamentary newcomer, despite their appealing background, presents risks.

Attempts to remove Starmer appeared poised to escalate into open revolt Thursday, with one potential challenger expected to declare candidacy and another preparing to enter any upcoming leadership race.

Associates of Health Secretary Wes Streeting indicated he would make an announcement Thursday after securing sufficient support from governing Labour Party lawmakers to challenge Starmer for party and government leadership.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced Thursday she had settled matters with tax officials regarding questions that prompted her Cabinet departure last September. Speaking to the Guardian newspaper, Rayner urged Starmer to “reflect on” his position and expressed readiness to “play my part” in a leadership election should Streeting trigger a contest.

Demands for Starmer to resign or face a leadership challenge have grown since Labour’s catastrophic performance in last week’s local and regional elections.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sharply criticized Norway on Thursday for canceling an export license for naval missiles destined for Malaysia’s military, cautioning that such actions could undermine trust in European defense contractors.

During a telephone conversation with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Anwar expressed Malaysia’s strong disapproval after Norway prevented the shipment of Naval Strike Missile systems and related launcher parts planned for Malaysia’s coastal combat vessel program.

“Malaysia has honored every obligation under this contract since 2018: scrupulously, faithfully and without equivocation,” Anwar declared in a public statement. “Norway, it appears, has not felt compelled to extend us the same courtesy and demonstration of good faith.”

According to Malaysian news agency Bernama, the weapons manufacturer Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace AS stated that export licensing matters are exclusively managed by Norwegian government officials.

Norwegian officials have not issued any public statements regarding the missile contract cancellation or responded to Anwar’s criticisms.

Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin informed local reporters that his government had already remitted close to 95% of the contract’s total cost when Norway halted the shipment in March.

The anti-ship missile technology was designated for Malaysia’s newest class of coastal combat vessels as part of military upgrade initiatives.

Anwar warned that Norway’s decision would compromise Malaysia’s military preparedness and “undoubtedly carry broader ramifications for the regional balance.”

The Malaysian leader challenged the dependability of European defense companies when existing contracts can be canceled without mutual agreement.

“Signed contracts are solemn instruments. They are not confetti to be scattered in so capricious a manner,” Anwar stated. “If European defense suppliers reserve the right to renege with impunity, their value as strategic partners flies out the window.”

Khaled announced that officials are now reviewing legal remedies and potential compensation demands regarding the canceled shipment.

RIGA, Latvia (AP) — Latvia’s center-right Prime Minister Evika Silina stepped down Thursday following the collapse of her governing coalition after the left-leaning Progressives Party withdrew their support, leaving her administration without a parliamentary majority.

Silina’s departure follows last week’s forced resignation of Defense Minister Andris Spruds from the Progressives Party over how the administration managed several incidents where wayward drones believed to originate from Ukraine strayed into Latvia’s airspace. Silina stated that Spruds had lost both her confidence and that of the citizens.

The drone episodes “clearly demonstrated that the political leadership of the defense sector has failed to fulfill its promise of safe skies over our country,” Silina said on Sunday, explaining Spruds’ resignation.

Two suspected Ukrainian drones crossed into Latvia on May 7, with one crashing at a fuel storage facility. Spruds indicated they were likely Ukrainian drones targeting Russia that mistakenly ended up in Latvia.

Since March, several Ukrainian drones bound for Russia have struck territories across the three Baltic nations. Opposition voices argue these episodes have exposed gaps in Latvia’s capacity to address military dangers.

The three-party Latvian coalition government, which included an agrarian party, had faced mounting tensions for months across various policy matters.

Silina’s departure occurs just months before scheduled general elections in October.

“My priority has always been, and remains, the well-being and security of Latvia’s people,” Silina wrote on X on Thursday. “Parties and coalitions change, but Latvia endures. And my responsibility to society comes above all else.”

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, who holds the authority to name a new government leader, plans to conduct meetings with delegates from all parliamentary parties on Friday.

On Sunday, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the incidents in Latvia were “the result of Russian electronic warfare deliberately diverting Ukrainian drones from their targets in Russia.” He offered Ukraine’s help to the Baltic states and Finland to prevent such incidents in the future.

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine lawmaker facing International Criminal Court charges for alleged crimes against humanity has escaped from the nation’s legislative building where he had been hiding to avoid arrest, government officials announced Thursday.

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa managed to leave the heavily secured Senate facility following an incident Wednesday evening when security guards discharged multiple gunshots during a confrontation with a government official, creating disorder that apparently allowed the senator to escape undetected.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the nation on television late Wednesday night, urging citizens to stay calm. Police have launched an investigation, including examining whether the incident was deliberately staged to create an opportunity for dela Rosa to flee.

“There is no obstruction of justice,” Senate President Alan Cayetano stated regarding dela Rosa’s departure while under the Senate’s protection.

During a press conference, he explained that he had not been shown any ICC arrest warrant for dela Rosa and that the senator was permitted to leave the building.

Opposition voices, however, argued that Cayetano and the Senate’s head of security should face accountability for allowing dela Rosa’s escape.

The 64-year-old dela Rosa previously headed the national police force under Rodrigo Duterte, who held the presidency from 2016 through 2022. Duterte was taken into custody in March of last year on an ICC warrant for alleged crimes against humanity related to violent anti-narcotics campaigns he initiated and is currently facing prosecution in The Hague.

An ICC warrant made public Monday accuses dela Rosa of the crime against humanity of murder involving “no less than 32 persons” from July 2016 through late April 2018, during his tenure as national police chief under Duterte while implementing his violent enforcement operations.

Both dela Rosa and Duterte have rejected claims they authorized extrajudicial executions, though the former president publicly threatened drug suspects with death during his time in office.

Dela Rosa’s legal troubles have emerged amid growing political tensions between the Duterte family and Marcos. Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president’s daughter, has accused Marcos of orchestrating what she called the “kidnapping” of her father and his transfer to an international tribunal.

These conflicts highlight the profound divisions that have historically troubled the dynamic Asian democracy.

On Monday, Sara Duterte faced impeachment by the House of Representatives, controlled by Marcos supporters, over accusations of unexplained wealth, misappropriation of government funds, and publicly threatening to assassinate Marcos, his spouse, and the House speaker if she were killed in their escalating feud.

While she has rejected any misconduct, she has declined to provide detailed responses to the specific accusations.

The Senate will transform into an impeachment tribunal as early as Monday to begin preparations for the vice president’s trial, Cayetano announced.

Cayetano, a close associate of Rodrigo Duterte, secured the Senate presidency Monday after gaining backing from 13 of 24 senators. He achieved this majority after dela Rosa, who had been absent for months due to arrest concerns, unexpectedly appeared at the Senate Monday in Cayetano’s vehicle.

National Bureau of Investigation officers attempted to deliver the ICC arrest warrant, but dela Rosa rushed toward a narrow staircase leading to the Senate chamber and requested assistance from supportive senators, who placed him under their protection.

Thousands of Israeli nationalists conducted their annual march Thursday through Jerusalem’s historic Muslim quarter, commemorating the capture of East Jerusalem in a conflict that occurred nearly six decades ago.

The demonstration, which serves as the primary observance of Jerusalem Day, has evolved into a display of strength for Jewish nationalists while Palestinians consider it a deliberate provocation designed to weaken their connection to the city.

“Jerusalem is our holy city. It is our holy city forever,” stated Shira Gefen, a 53-year-old Israeli who made the journey to Jerusalem from her residence near Haifa to participate in the event.

Israeli officials positioned thousands of law enforcement personnel throughout Jerusalem, including officers equipped with riot control gear stationed at Damascus Gate, the primary entrance to the Old City’s traditional Muslim district.

Authorities erected barriers in the Damascus Gate vicinity, blocking entry for Palestinians who don’t reside within the Old City. Business owners in the Palestinian community reported being compelled to shut down their shops before the demonstration began.

Israel took control of East Jerusalem during the 1967 Middle East conflict and subsequently incorporated it into their territory, an action that the United Nations and the majority of nations worldwide have refused to acknowledge.

The demonstration regularly heightens tensions as extreme nationalist Jewish organizations move through Palestinian neighborhoods within the Old City. Previously, groups of protesters, many of them young people, have shouted phrases including “Death to Arabs.”

The procession begins in West Jerusalem and concludes at the Western Wall, remains of an ancient support structure that Jews hold sacred as the Temple Mount, a remnant from their religion’s two historical temples. Muslims know this location as Al Haram Al Sharif, or the Noble Sanctuary, representing Islam’s third most sacred site.

Palestinians regard the Jerusalem Day march as one element of a wider effort to strengthen Jewish presence throughout the city at their expense.

They have consistently desired East Jerusalem to serve as the capital of a prospective Palestinian state.

Severe weather conditions claimed the lives of at least 96 people and left more than 50 others injured across northern India’s most populated state, authorities confirmed Thursday.

The deadly combination of powerful winds, torrential rainfall, and electrical storms tore through multiple areas of Uttar Pradesh late Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction.

Authorities reported that victims died from various causes including falling trees, building collapses, and lightning strikes. Emergency crews equipped with chainsaws and heavy machinery worked to remove downed trees blocking roadways and train routes throughout the affected regions.

These types of severe weather events typically occur across northern India’s hot season, which spans from March through June, prior to the arrival of the yearly monsoon period.

Narendra N. Srivastava, an administrative official, confirmed that rescue teams had been sent to all impacted zones, noting that residential buildings, agricultural areas, and electrical systems sustained extensive damage, especially in countryside locations.

Residents in Prayagraj district recalled the terror as powerful winds ripped through their communities.

“The storm came suddenly and the sky turned completely dark within minutes,” Ram Kishore said. “Tin roofs were flying and people ran indoors. We could hear trees falling throughout the evening.”

In the adjacent Bhadohi district, Savitri Devi described how her family barely avoided tragedy when fierce winds destroyed their home.

“We rushed outside when the walls started shaking because of the wind. Our roof collapsed moments later. We spent the night at a relative’s house,” she said.

Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath commanded officials to finish rescue efforts within one day and instructed local authorities to distribute financial assistance and emergency support to impacted households.

BUDAPEST — In a dramatic diplomatic move, Hungary has called in Russia’s ambassador following a large-scale drone assault that occurred close to Hungary’s Ukrainian border, representing a significant policy shift under new Prime Minister Péter Magyar compared to the previous administration’s warm ties with the Kremlin.

Russian Ambassador Evgeny Stanislavov is scheduled to meet with Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán at the foreign ministry around midday Thursday regarding Wednesday’s strikes in Ukraine’s Transcarpathia region, an area with a substantial Hungarian ethnic population.

During a Wednesday news conference in Ópusztaszer in southern Hungary where he revealed the diplomatic summons, Magyar declared: “The Hungarian government strongly condemns the Russian attack on Transcarpathia.”

“She will tell him the same and ask for information on when Russia and Vladimir Putin plan to finally end this bloody war that began more than four years ago,” the prime minister continued.

Moscow has yet to issue any public response regarding the diplomatic summons.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia launched no fewer than 800 drones in Wednesday’s extensive daylight assault, striking approximately 20 Ukrainian regions including Transcarpathia. The attack resulted in at least six deaths and injured dozens, among them children. The multi-hour bombardment represented one of Moscow’s most prolonged offensives in the conflict now entering its fifth year.

Zelenskyy described the Budapest summons as an “important message” and expressed gratitude for Magyar’s statements.

“Moscow has once again shown itself to be a common threat not only to Ukraine, but also to neighbouring countries and Europe as a whole,” Zelenskyy posted on social media.

Following his historic electoral victory over Orbán last April, Magyar has pledged to reverse much of the previous leader’s 16-year legacy, with particular emphasis on addressing alleged corruption.

The diplomatic protest represents a remarkable transformation following years of Budapest’s close relationship with Moscow — despite Hungary’s membership in both the European Union and NATO — which persisted even after Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Last March, Ambassador Stanislavov published a Facebook letter addressed to Magyar, rejecting claims that Moscow had assisted longtime Kremlin ally Orbán.

“It’s really not worth scaring Hungarians with imaginary Russian threats,” he stated. “The embassy has clear objectives: to ensure the maintenance of normal bilateral relations, to develop mutually beneficial cooperation in the current situation where possible, and to protect the interests of citizens of Russia and Hungary.”

A high-ranking Taiwanese official stated Thursday that recent discussions between Chinese and American leaders in Beijing yielded no unexpected developments, while calling on China to cease military intimidation efforts against Taiwan.

During earlier talks, China’s Xi Jinping cautioned U.S. President Donald Trump that disputes concerning Taiwan—which Beijing considers part of its territory—could push bilateral relations toward a perilous course and potentially spark military confrontation.

Mainland Affairs Council deputy head and spokesman Liang Wen-chieh told reporters in Taipei that Taiwan consistently ranks among the most significant subjects discussed whenever Chinese and American officials meet.

“So at this point, all we can say is that there has been no surprising information so far and we will continue to maintain close communication with the American side,” he stated, noting that warnings about potential conflict have been voiced previously.

According to Liang, China’s persistent military intimidation represents the genuine danger to regional stability that could spark a crisis, rather than Taiwan’s population seeking to preserve their current lifestyle.

“If maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is truly the greatest common ground between China and the United States, then the Chinese Communist Party should restrain its own behaviour of military intimidation,” he continued.

Beijing has consistently refused to rule out using military force to bring Taiwan under its authority, with Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels conducting operations near the island on an almost daily basis.

Despite lacking official diplomatic relations, the United States serves as Taiwan’s primary international supporter and main arms supplier.

Taiwanese leadership dismisses Beijing’s territorial assertions, maintaining that only Taiwan’s citizens have the authority to determine the island’s destiny.

MOSCOW, May 14 – Moscow announced Thursday it is developing comprehensive ties with Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership while urging neighboring nations to strengthen their own relationships with Kabul, according to statements from a top Russian security official.

Moscow made history last year as the first nation to officially recognize the Taliban government that assumed control in August 2021 following the turbulent departure of U.S.-led military forces after two decades of conflict.

The Interfax news service reported that Russian official Sergei Shoigu emphasized that working with Kabul remains crucial for regional stability and growth.

Shoigu, who serves as secretary of Russia’s Security Council, explained that Moscow is developing practical discussions with the Taliban covering security matters, commerce, cultural exchanges and humanitarian assistance.

His remarks came during discussions with officials from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a 10-nation alliance that encompasses China, India, Iran, Pakistan and several former Soviet republics.

Shoigu also called for the SCO to restart its Afghanistan contact group.

Russia had previously designated the Taliban as a terrorist organization in 2003, though this classification was removed in April 2025. Moscow views engagement with Kabul as necessary given significant security concerns from extremist groups operating across territories spanning from Afghanistan to the Middle East.

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces an imminent leadership challenge as political rivals prepare to make their moves following days of behind-the-scenes positioning.

Sources close to Health Secretary Wes Streeting indicate he plans to make a formal announcement Thursday after securing sufficient backing from Labour Party lawmakers to mount a challenge against Starmer for party leadership and control of the government.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced Thursday she has resolved tax-related issues with authorities, removing obstacles that led to her Cabinet departure last September. Speaking to the Guardian newspaper, Rayner suggested Starmer should “reflect on” his position and stated she stands ready to “play my part” in any leadership race should Streeting initiate a challenge.

Calls for Starmer to resign or face a leadership battle have grown louder following Labour’s devastating performance in recent local and regional elections, highlighting voter dissatisfaction with the government’s sluggish progress on key issues.

Despite the mounting pressure, Starmer has pledged to stay in his role, cautioning that a leadership fight would create “chaos” when the government should concentrate on pressing matters including the cost of living crisis and Middle East conflict.

According to Labour Party regulations, any leadership challenger must secure support from 81 of the party’s 403 House of Commons members. More than that threshold have publicly demanded Starmer’s resignation in recent days.

Both Streeting and Starmer represent the party’s moderate faction, while Rayner appeals to progressive voters who want higher minimum wages and increased taxes on wealthy individuals.

Additional candidates may emerge in any leadership race.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has been frequently mentioned as a possible contender, though he would need to secure a parliamentary seat before running. His supporters suggest a current House of Commons member could step down, allowing Burnham to compete in a by-election.

Burnham scrapped his scheduled Thursday appearance on a local BBC radio show to “prioritize discussions arising from last week’s elections.”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — British military authorities reported Thursday that unauthorized personnel have taken control of a vessel anchored off the United Arab Emirates’ eastern coastline, with the ship now moving toward Iranian territorial waters.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, the incident occurred while the vessel was positioned 38 nautical miles (70 kilometers, 44 miles) northeast of Fujairah, a UAE port located near the Strait of Hormuz.

The vessel seizure takes place while U.S. President Donald Trump conducts a highly anticipated diplomatic meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. Their discussions are anticipated to address the ongoing Iranian conflict, which has significantly impacted global commerce in oil, gas and other commodities while causing economic instability worldwide.

The incident occurred just hours following Israel’s announcement that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had conducted an undisclosed trip to the United Arab Emirates during the Israeli-U.S. conflict with Iran, although UAE officials quickly refuted any such clandestine meeting took place.

The Gulf state established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020. Iran has condemned this diplomatic arrangement and has consistently alleged through the years that Israel operates military and intelligence facilities within the Emirates.

Israeli officials have conducted periodic trips to the UAE following the establishment of diplomatic relations.

UKMTO has not identified the vessel and stated they are conducting an investigation. No groups have immediately taken responsibility for the seizure.

Fujairah serves as a crucial oil shipping facility and represents the UAE’s primary port located beyond the Persian Gulf boundaries. The facility has faced multiple attacks throughout the Iranian conflict.

Iran has captured multiple vessels following the conflict’s start.

Iranian naval forces captured an oil tanker called the Ocean Koi last week, claiming it was working to interfere with oil shipments and Iranian operations, the official IRNA news agency reported.

Officials stated the tanker was captured in the Gulf of Oman while transporting Iranian oil when personnel boarded it and directed it to Iran’s southern coastline.

U.S. authorities imposed sanctions on the Ocean Koi in February, describing it as part of a “shadow fleet” involved in moving Iranian oil.

CARACAS, Venezuela — President Donald Trump has floated the idea of making Venezuela America’s 51st state on two occasions this week. His most recent suggestion appeared Tuesday on Truth Social, featuring a map that depicted the South American nation covered with the American flag.

In years past, when U.S. officials questioned Venezuela’s sovereignty over the last quarter-century, top government leaders including the president would respond with immediate scorn. The ruling party even staged rallies in Caracas as recently as January 3, just hours after then-President Nicolás Maduro was taken into U.S. custody, featuring crowds shouting “Gringo go home.” This time, however, Venezuelan leadership has remained largely silent, except for brief remarks made to the press Monday by acting President Delcy Rodríguez.

This restrained response highlights the delicate balancing act Rodríguez faces in managing foreign relations and domestic concerns after the January U.S. military operation in Caracas. The Trump administration has rolled out a step-by-step strategy aimed at rehabilitating the crisis-stricken nation and has compelled Rodríguez’s political faction, Chavismo, to set aside the anti-American rhetoric that has traditionally defined its ideology.

“This is probably the most public and sharp manifestation of the government’s transactional, self-survival approach above everything else right now, above even that sort of basic tenet of Chavismo,” said Christopher Sabatini, senior fellow for Latin America at the London-based Chatham House think tank. “It’s better that they hold their tongue, not offend the U.S. right now. Why overreact to a ridiculous claim by Donald Trump?”

When speaking to reporters Monday, Rodríguez stated that Venezuela had no intention of becoming America’s 51st state, though her remarks were far more measured than previous presidential speeches that condemned such U.S. statements. Her comments followed Trump’s declaration that he was “seriously considering” the proposal. Trump has made comparable statements regarding Canada.

“We will continue to defend our integrity, our sovereignty, our independence, our history,” Rodríguez said. Venezuela, she emphasized, is “not a colony, but a free country.”

The Trump administration surprised Venezuelans by choosing to collaborate with Rodríguez rather than the nation’s political opposition after Maduro’s removal. She has since spearheaded cooperation with the administration’s gradual plan, promoting her petroleum-rich country to global investors and opening its energy industry to private investment and international arbitration. Rodríguez has also dismissed key officials, including Maduro’s loyal defense minister and attorney general.

Trump has commended her efforts, and his administration has removed economic sanctions targeting her personally while relaxing sanctions on the country, though some restrictions continue. The U.S. now acknowledges her as the “sole” leader of Venezuela.

The U.S. ceased recognizing Maduro as Venezuela’s rightful leader in 2019, one year after he declared electoral victory in a race widely deemed fraudulent as opposition parties and candidates were prohibited from participating.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were transported to New York to face drug trafficking charges following their January 3 arrest. Both have entered not guilty pleas and remain detained at a Brooklyn facility.

In Caracas, some citizens on Wednesday interpreted the government’s response as yielding to Trump, though they also recognized that Rodríguez lacks the position to deploy Chavismo’s typical anti-American messaging.

“She knows that it’s wise not to engage in direct confrontation because she knows she’s bound to lose,” college student Adonai Osoria said. “Now, are there some who disagree, who don’t like it? Well, yes, of course. But I consider her reaction right now to be a common, understandable reaction.”

Government backers last displayed their hostile stance toward the U.S. in the period following Maduro’s capture, setting American flags ablaze and holding signs declaring “Gringo go home.”

Among the government’s most devoted supporters nationwide are the armed factions called colectivos. These groups are fixtures at pro-ruling party rallies. Local leader Jorge Navas described Trump’s remarks as “irresponsible acts of provocation” and commended Rodríguez for her diplomatic handling.

“We are bending, strategically, but we will not break,” Navas said of Chavismo’s current stance toward U.S. pressure. “We continue to resist, that is, realistically, given the country’s economic situation.”

Latvia’s centre-right Prime Minister Evika Silina announced Thursday that she will step down from her position, bringing down her coalition government just months ahead of the country’s scheduled October election.

The resignation was announced on May 14, with the timing creating political uncertainty as the Baltic nation approaches its upcoming electoral contest.

The Philippine Senate announced Thursday it will transform into an impeachment court on May 18 to begin proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown between the nation’s most influential families.

Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed the upper chamber’s 24 members will meet Monday to establish trial procedures and rules, though the actual trial date remains undecided. He delivered this announcement by reading a formal letter to his counterpart in the lower house.

The 47-year-old vice president, once considered the leading candidate to succeed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr in 2028, now faces potential removal from office and a prohibition from holding future positions if found guilty. Marcos is constitutionally restricted to serving only one term.

This impeachment represents a dramatic escalation in the ongoing political warfare between supporters of Duterte and those loyal to the 68-year-old Marcos, former allies who have become bitter adversaries.

The charges against Duterte include allegations of improperly spending government money, acquiring wealth through questionable means, and making death threats against Marcos, his spouse, and the previous House speaker. Duterte has rejected all accusations.

The Senate announcement followed Wednesday’s dramatic events when chaos erupted at the heavily secured legislative building. Gunfire broke out and tensions reached a boiling point after a senator supporting Duterte, who had sought sanctuary inside, informed his followers he faced imminent arrest and potential transfer to The Hague’s International Criminal Court.

Monday’s lower house vote overwhelmingly supported the impeachment complaint, which was filed by a coalition of activists, religious organizations, and legal professionals. Duterte’s legal representatives have dismissed the proceedings as a “fishing expedition.”

The vice president’s anger toward Marcos intensified after his congressional supporters subjected her to extensive investigations into suspected financial misconduct within her office over several months.

The former partners have engaged in repeated public confrontations, and their relationship deteriorated so severely that Marcos handed over Duterte’s father and his presidential predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, to the ICC last year. The elder Duterte faces murder charges as crimes against humanity related to his violent anti-drug campaign.

Despite the political drama, Marcos has maintained distance from the impeachment effort, characterizing it as a legislative matter outside his purview.

Sara Duterte spent this week at The Hague supporting her father while her legal team worked on her defense strategy. She directed full responsibility for the country’s political instability toward Marcos, who is commonly called “Bongbong” in the Philippines, accusing him of squandering government resources to “demolish political opposition.”

“Our country is in turmoil, which should not be the case. We are only in turmoil because of Bongbong Marcos,” she stated in comments released through her office.

A Ukrainian anti-corruption court issued an arrest warrant Thursday for Andriy Yermak, who previously served as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, following money laundering accusations.

The judicial panel established bail at 140 million hryvnias, equivalent to $3.19 million, which would permit Yermak’s release while awaiting a final verdict. Yermak has consistently rejected the charges brought against him.

Speaking to media following the court’s ruling, Yermak stated: “I don’t have that kind of money, and my lawyer will now work with friends and acquaintances (to raise the money for bail).”

He added: “My legal team will file an appeal. We will use every legal avenue to seek justice and the truth.”

Earlier this week, Ukrainian officials identified Yermak as a suspect in a significant corruption investigation. This arrest represents the closest anti-corruption authorities have reached to the president’s immediate advisors.

According to Ukraine’s anti-graft agencies, Yermak allegedly took part in a criminal organization that processed approximately $10.5 million in illicit funds through a luxury residential project near the capital city of Kyiv.

Many considered Yermak the nation’s second most influential figure behind Zelenskyy, exercising considerable control over Ukrainian political affairs despite occupying an appointed rather than elected role.

The former entertainment industry producer and legal counsel regularly accompanied the president during public appearances and served as Kyiv’s primary representative in U.S.-supported peace negotiations with Russia.

Yermak stepped down from his position last year during a wider administrative reorganization designed to rebuild confidence in the presidential office, which has faced criticism over concentrated authority.

While the allegations against Yermak may not immediately threaten Zelenskyy’s position, political observers suggest they could damage his reputation should he seek reelection following the conflict.

When Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping gather for an elaborate state dinner in Beijing this Thursday, the menu will likely showcase Huaiyang cuisine – a regional Chinese cooking style from the Shanghai area celebrated for its gentle flavors, precise preparation techniques, and focus on seasonal ingredients.

China has long leveraged food’s symbolic power during significant official occasions and visits from important foreign dignitaries. The country’s modern history of food shortages and political upheaval that led to years of widespread rationing transformed meals into powerful status symbols within Chinese society.

“One of the key strengths of Huaiyang cuisine is its broad appeal. Its flavours are widely acceptable and accessible to most people … including international guests,” said Shi Qiang, executive chef at Gui Hua Lou, an upscale Huaiyang cuisine restaurant in Shanghai.

“From the overall philosophy of Huaiyang cuisine, state banquets are not centered on luxury ingredients, they don’t rely on expensive items, extravagance is simply not the focus.”

As one of China’s eight primary regional cooking traditions, Huaiyang cuisine has consistently taken the spotlight at important diplomatic gatherings. The cuisine appeared at the 1949 “founding banquet” marking the establishment of the People’s Republic, China’s 50th anniversary celebration feast in 1999, and a 2002 dinner where then-President Jiang Zemin hosted visiting U.S. President George W. Bush.

Culinary moments have also created unexpected viral incidents during foreign officials’ Chinese visits in recent years. In 2023, former U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made light of consuming “magic mushrooms” at a Yunnan-style restaurant in Beijing, while then-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden dined at a modest Beijing establishment known for its fried liver in 2011.

China even developed a chicken preparation named for U.S. top diplomat Henry Kissinger, presented to him during his confidential 1971 visit, and meals served to foreign leaders frequently become “set banquets” offered by local dining establishments.

Notable Huaiyang specialties include soft, bouncy “lion’s head” pork meatballs, Yangzhou fried rice, “squirrel fish” prepared with deep-frying and sweet-and-sour coating, and “wensi tofu” – tofu cut into thousands of thin strips.

The cooking style emphasizes ingredients from the Yangtze river region such as freshwater fish, eel and bamboo shoots, using light seasoning to showcase natural flavors.

“It’s great for banquets because it’s lighter than the food of Shandong in China’s north, not spicy like the foods of the southwest (like Sichuanese), and more approachable and less reliant on exotic ingredients than Cantonese, the big cuisine of the south,” said Christopher St. Cavish, a food writer based in Shanghai.

“In the most basic description, it’s ‘safe’. It’s the equivalent of serving chicken at a banquet in Washington, DC. No one is going to get offended or find it too hot to eat or too exotic to try.”

When Trump previously visited China in 2017, his hosts prepared Huaiyang-influenced dishes including braised vegetables in broth and stewed beef with tomato – acknowledging his preference for well-cooked steak.

India’s top diplomat stressed Thursday that keeping international shipping lanes open is essential for worldwide economic stability, particularly highlighting concerns about key maritime passages like the Strait of Hormuz.

Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar made these remarks while opening a two-day gathering of BRICS foreign ministers in New Delhi.

“The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention,” Jaishankar stated, referencing the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war in Iran.

“Safe and unimpeded maritime flows through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, remain vital for global economic well-being.”

The Iranian conflict’s effects, particularly the practical shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, have been characterized as among the most severe disruptions to energy markets in recorded history.

These interruptions have severely limited oil tanker movement and caused energy costs to spike dramatically, raising concerns about accelerating inflation and potential worldwide economic decline.

The BRICS alliance originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining in 2011. More recent additions include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. India currently serves as the BRICS chair for 2026.

Representatives from most member nations are participating in the New Delhi conference, including Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and the UAE’s Deputy Foreign Minister Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar.

The ongoing war has complicated efforts for the group to agree on unified statements, highlighting tensions between Iran and the UAE, which support different sides in the conflict that began February 28.

Jaishankar additionally criticized what he called the “increasing resort to unilateral coercive measures and sanctions inconsistent with international law and the U.N. Charter.”

“Such measures disproportionately affect developing countries. These unjustifiable measures cannot substitute dialogue, nor can pressure replace diplomacy.”

The minister noted that developing nations look to BRICS to provide constructive leadership and stability in global affairs.

The leadership of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress has united in support of President Cyril Ramaphosa amid the ongoing “Farmgate” controversy, according to reports from the country’s public broadcasting service.

During a Wednesday session, the party’s National Executive Committee backed Ramaphosa’s choice to legally contest findings from an independent panel that concluded he engaged in misconduct, SABC politics reporter Samkele Maseko shared on X.

The president successfully resisted demands for his resignation this week regarding the controversy, which centers on criminals who took bundles of money hidden inside furniture at Ramaphosa’s ranch during 2020.

While the ANC previously prevented impeachment efforts against Ramaphosa concerning Farmgate in 2022, the nation’s highest court renewed the proceedings just last week.

The party’s National Executive Committee, which serves as a governing body that directs party members, convened Wednesday to determine their approach to managing the scandal.

Before the session began, a senior ANC leader expressed strong support for Ramaphosa, informing journalists that demands for the president’s departure were politically motivated and that the constitutional court’s ruling contained no requirement for Ramaphosa’s resignation.

Ramaphosa, who has served as the nation’s leader since 2018, has maintained his innocence regarding the Farmgate matter.

Party officials were scheduled to update the media on the National Executive Committee meeting results at 0800 GMT.

China’s President Xi Jinping praised what he called a “fresh framework” for US-China relations on Thursday, emphasizing cooperation alongside controlled competition following his summit meeting with President Donald Trump.

According to a statement from China’s foreign ministry, Xi indicated that both leaders reached agreement on establishing a constructive and strategically stable relationship to guide their nations’ interactions over the next three years and into the future.

The Chinese leader characterized this approach as fundamentally rooted in cooperation while incorporating controlled competition to achieve “a normal stability in which differences are controllable, and a lasting stability in which peace can be expected,” the ministry statement revealed.

Xi advocated for expanded exchanges and cooperation between the two nations across multiple sectors including trade, health, agriculture, tourism, people-to-people connections, and law enforcement activities.

While promoting cooperation, Xi emphasized the need for “utmost caution” from the United States regarding Taiwan, the democratically governed island that China claims as its territory, though Taiwan disputes this claim.

“If handled poorly, the two countries could collide or even enter into conflict, pushing the entire China-U.S. relationship into an extremely dangerous situation,” the Chinese leader warned.

French President Emmanuel Macron confronts a significant challenge next week as parliamentary committees prepare to vote on his selection of a former chief of staff to lead the nation’s central bank, with critics suggesting the move aims to shield important institutions from potential far-right control following the 2027 election.

Should lawmakers reject Emmanuel Moulin’s nomination, it would deliver a humiliating blow to the unpopular president, highlighting his weakened position with less than a year remaining in his second term.

However, if approved, the decision would likely strengthen opponents’ claims that Macron is positioning trusted allies in influential roles to preserve his legacy and guard against a potential National Rally victory in the upcoming presidential race.

“The president is right to propose (Moulin’s) appointment, as it is technically justified, but he is taking a political risk should the proposal be rejected by parliament, given that he no longer has a majority,” said political analyst William Thay of think tank Le Millenaire.

Parliamentary opponents serving on finance committees in both chambers could prevent Moulin’s confirmation on Wednesday if three-fifths vote in opposition. The tallies from both houses will be combined, and Moulin gains approval if opposition votes fall short of 60% of the total.

Committee membership, featuring 72 members in the lower house and 49 in the Senate, reflects the composition of both chambers. Macron and his supporters lack majorities in either house.

While resistance appears likely in the divided lower house committee, the Senate committee – controlled by the conservative Republicains – holds the deciding power. Several lawmakers caution the outcome could be close, with possible defections among Republicains whose backing Moulin requires.

Moulin’s qualifications as among France’s most seasoned economic policymakers face little challenge.

However, Macron’s advocacy has intensified examination of his independence, a crucial concern for a central bank position designed to remain separate from political influence.

“Have you seen an Elysee chief of staff named to head the Bank of France before? That’s never happened,” said Eric Coquerel, the hard-left head of the finance committee in the lower house.

Coquerel indicated most left-wing parties in the lower chamber would resist Moulin, though the Socialists remain undecided, while non-Macron centrists might divide.

A similar appointment has occurred previously. Macron’s predecessor Francois Hollande appointed his chief of staff Pierre-Rene Lemas in 2014 to run public lender Caisse des Depots, among France’s largest financial institutions.

Moulin will participate in question sessions in both houses on Wednesday before committee voting begins. The Senate meeting will exclude press coverage, while the lower house has not announced whether its session will be public.

Socialist lawmaker Philippe Brun reported that Moulin agreed to discuss priorities including bank oversight, inflation control, and his independence with colleagues.

In a questionnaire delivered Friday to Moulin, Brun inquired: “How can the independence of the Bank of France … be guaranteed, given your very recent political roles within the government?”

When contacted by Reuters, Moulin indicated he would save his responses for lawmakers. Brun did not immediately respond regarding his Wednesday meeting with Moulin.

As head of the 226-year-old Bank of France, Moulin would join the European Central Bank’s rate-setting governing council and oversee French bank regulation.

Even before proposing Moulin, Macron’s opponents criticized his placement of allies including Richard Ferrand to lead the constitutional court that reviews legislation and Amelie de Montchalin to direct the audit office that validates public accounts.

RN lawmakers claim these nominations seek to install anti-RN allies should they gain power in next year’s presidential contest.

“After Ferrand and Montchalin, we’re going to say enough is enough,” said RN lawmaker Philippe Ballard.

Polling data suggests next year’s presidential election second round will almost certainly include the anti-immigrant RN, which has promised to dismantle much of Macron’s social and economic policies.

Ferrand received approval by one vote last year in law committees of both houses, with RN lawmakers abstaining, while Montchalin’s selection required no parliamentary confirmation.

The Senate will prove crucial for Moulin, who has worked under both conservative and Macron administrations, with uncertainty over whether some Republicains will break away to oppose his nomination.

“It’s a safe bet that Republicains MPs will be split between those who believe it’s better to maintain a respectable profile on the right and those who want to punish the betrayal of one of their own who left them in 2017 to serve Macron’s camp,” Thay said.

NEW DELHI (AP) — Top diplomats from BRICS member nations launched two days of discussions in New Delhi on Thursday as the growing economic alliance confronts internal disagreements regarding Middle East warfare, escalating fuel costs and mounting worldwide financial instability.

The gathering unites representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa alongside diplomats from recently admitted nations. The conference occurs while Iranian conflict has interrupted worldwide energy distribution and pushed up petroleum costs, happening simultaneously with U.S. President Donald Trump’s discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Russia’s chief diplomat Sergey Lavrov are participating. China has sent Ambassador Xu Feihong as its representative while Foreign Minister Wang Yi stays in the Chinese capital during Trump’s diplomatic visit.

India Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar indicated the discussions would concentrate on worldwide and regional obstacles and methods to strengthen collaboration between member states.

During his opening statements, Jaishankar explained that BRICS could assist developing nations in better addressing health and financial difficulties they encounter along with elevated costs for energy, food and fertilizer.

“We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations,” he said, adding that emerging and developing countries increasingly expect BRICS to play a “constructive and stabilizing role.”

Established by Brazil, Russia, India and China, BRICS developed as an alliance of significant emerging economies viewed as a balance to Western-controlled organizations like the G7. South Africa became a member in 2010 and the alliance grew additional in 2024 through the inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesia achieved full membership status in 2025.

The organization has attempted to broaden its reach by advocating for increased participation in a worldwide system historically controlled by the United States and its Western partners. It has received backing throughout portions of the Global South, where numerous nations have criticized Western-controlled financial organizations.

However, BRICS countries stay split on major matters.

India and China persist in competing for regional dominance, while member nations frequently vary in their connections with the West. Russia’s conflict in Ukraine has additionally revealed those disagreements.

The alliance’s growth has also created additional pressures. Conflicting regional priorities have heightened the challenge of displaying a coordinated stance.

Disagreements have intensified during the escalating Middle East crisis. Iran and the UAE hold BRICS membership while following conflicting regional objectives.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister stated Wednesday that internal BRICS disagreements regarding the conflict had blocked the alliance from achieving a coordinated position.

Kazem Gharibabadi informed news agency Press Trust of India that “one member country” had advocated for statements criticizing Iran, making consensus-building within the organization more difficult.

“We want India’s BRICS chairship to be successful. It is not a good approach to send a signal to the world that the BRICS is divided. One country is insisting on condemning Iran,” Gharibabadi said.

Officials in the Philippines worked Thursday to verify whether a senator facing International Criminal Court charges had escaped following a violent incident at the nation’s Senate building the previous evening.

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who previously served as the country’s top police official and helped lead former President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly anti-drug campaign, had been staying at the Senate to avoid arrest on charges of crimes against humanity – the same accusations facing Duterte.

“Several sources confirmed that the Senator, Senator Bato, is no longer in the Senate premises. But we are still getting confirmation,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said during a news briefing.

Late Wednesday evening, gunfire erupted inside the Senate building, sending people diving for safety. This occurred hours after the 64-year-old dela Rosa had posted on social media asking his supporters to rally, claiming law enforcement was preparing to take him into custody.

The violent episode created pandemonium, with heavy police and armed security presence surrounding the Senate, demonstrations forming outside, and more than twelve shots fired shortly after marines arrived to strengthen security measures.

On Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr held discussions with security leaders, and police reported one individual had been taken into custody. Investigators are working to identify people who attempted to enter the Senate, recovering bullet shells and magazines from assault weapons.

“The person has provided names, but these still need confirmation,” police spokesperson Randulf Tuano said in a radio interview.

Questions remained about who discharged the weapons and whether dela Rosa remained in the Senate Thursday, with widespread speculation suggesting he may have left during the night.

The international court in The Hague made public an arrest warrant Monday that had been issued in November, while dela Rosa has submitted an urgent appeal to the Supreme Court, contending the ICC lacks authority in the Philippines following the country’s 2019 departure from the international body.

Thursday morning, as he entered the heavily secured Senate, dela Rosa’s attorney Jimmy Bondoc said he had spoken with his client overnight and believed he remained inside.

“I asked him if you have plans to leave, he said none,” Bondoc told media representatives.

The outspoken dela Rosa gained widespread recognition as Duterte’s chief aide, directing an aggressive enforcement effort that resulted in thousands of suspected drug dealers being killed, with human rights organizations accusing police of organized killings and concealment efforts.

Law enforcement officials dispute these claims, stating that the more than 6,000 deaths in Project Double Barrel involved armed individuals who fought against arrest.

Human rights advocates say the actual number of deaths may remain unknown, with drug users and sellers shot daily in unexplained neighborhood killings that police attributed to vigilante groups and territorial disputes.

Marcos has attempted to separate his administration from the Senate crisis and stated no directive was issued to capture dela Rosa, who had asked the president Tuesday not to arrest him.

National Bureau of Investigation chief Melvin Matibag acknowledged that intelligence personnel from his agency were present at a structure near the Senate Wednesday, but said they carried no weapons.

He added that investigators are also examining whether the incident might have been orchestrated.

In a radio interview broadcast early Thursday, dela Rosa stated he would “exhaust all available remedies” to prevent his transfer to the ICC, and after learning about Duterte’s detention circumstances, he no longer wanted to defend his case in The Hague.

The timing of that interview remained unclear. Dela Rosa has rejected claims of participation in unlawful killings.

The Senate crisis represents a significant test of Marcos’ leadership, as he had depended on the powerful Duterte family’s backing to secure victory in the 2022 election before a bitter split that resulted in him turning over his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte to the ICC.

The 81-year-old Duterte is expected to become the first former Asian leader to face trial at the ICC. He denies encouraging police to commit murder.

Political tensions have escalated recently regarding dela Rosa and Monday’s impeachment of the former president’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who was previously Marcos’ ally and campaign partner.

Sara Duterte, currently in The Hague visiting her father, is battling for her political future, confronting an impeachment trial in the Senate that could damage her potential presidential campaign in 2028.

“What we are seeing now is the administration using all government resources to demolish political opposition,” she said in statements released by her office.

She claimed dela Rosa would face extraordinary rendition, comparing it to what she described as her father’s unlawful kidnapping.

“That is how the world saw it then. And that is also what they are trying to do now,” she said.

A devastating storm swept through India’s most populous state on Wednesday, killing 89 people and leaving destruction in its wake, according to state disaster management officials who released the death toll on Thursday.

The severe weather struck Uttar Pradesh with powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and hailstones during what officials described as “adverse weather conditions” on Wednesday, the state’s relief commissioner announced in a social media post.

Beyond the tragic loss of life, the storm left 53 people with injuries, destroyed 87 homes, and killed 114 farm animals throughout the region, authorities reported.

News footage captured the storm’s destructive power as strong winds toppled large trees and advertising signs, with debris crashing into vehicles while dust clouds engulfed the area and scattered wooden furniture from street vendors.

A state relief official confirmed to news agencies that many of the deaths resulted from trees falling on victims and residential walls collapsing under the storm’s force.

These types of severe storms typically occur in the northern Indian state during the hot months spanning March through June, before monsoon season arrives to provide relief from the intense heat.

The state’s chief minister, whose administration operates under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, has ordered government officials to provide immediate assistance to storm survivors and distribute emergency financial support within one day, according to state authorities.

PUNTLAND, Somalia — Abdi Ahmed Farah has watched most of his hundreds of goats perish. The 70-year-old herder never imagined his region of Somalia could go three years without consistent rainfall.

Water purchases have left him drowning in debt. The water reservoir beside his tent sits nearly dry. His family survives on just one daily meal of rice mixed with sugar and oil. His newborn, the youngest of 22 children born just three weeks ago, receives only sporadic drops of breast milk from his wife.

“I have considered abandoning my family because I cannot provide for them,” Farah stated, positioned protectively near his dwindling food reserves.

Another devastating drought has struck millions across Somalia, a nation ranked among the globe’s most susceptible to climate disasters. Rivers have run dry while harvests have failed. Climate experts believe this drought may rank as the most severe in the country’s recorded history.

The emergency has worsened due to reduced aid contributions, particularly steep cuts from the Trump administration, alongside escalating costs from the Iran war. Somalia imports the majority of its fuel from Middle Eastern nations and relies on foreign sources for 70% of its food supply.

Maize and sorghum production during the October-December rainy period hit record lows in Somalia, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization reported.

Nutrition specialists caution that close to half a million children could experience severe acute malnutrition, the most dangerous form. This figure would exceed the number of children needing treatment during the 2011 and 2022 droughts, UNICEF data shows.

“2026 is the worst year on record for Somalia in terms of drought,” stated Hameed Nuru, the U.N. World Food Program director for Somalia. “Children have started dying.”

Government officials and United Nations representatives calculate that 6.5 million residents confront emergency hunger levels, accounting for one-third of the nation’s population and marking a 25% jump since January.

Relief organizations work to stretch available resources while the Somali diaspora sends financial assistance home, though humanitarian officials caution these efforts fall short of meeting needs.

“This drought is not just another cycle of dry season. It’s a repeated climate shock with shrinking humanitarian support,” explained Mohamed Assair, a manager with Save the Children in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region.

Farah’s herd once numbered 680 goats, but inadequate food and water combined with drought-related diseases have killed all except 110 animals, which barely survive.

“There is no market for my goats because they are so thin. Previously we would trade them for rice, but now we can’t,” he explained. Farah’s family established camp near Usgure village ten days earlier. Nearly a dozen goat carcasses scatter the surrounding area.

In Usgure, housing 700 families, community leader Abshir Hirsi Ali described the local economy’s collapse due to dependence on herders like Farah. Businesses have shuttered while food supplies have diminished.

A brief recent rainfall created puddles of contaminated water. “Some families were so desperate they drank it … now there is a high number of people with fever,” Ali reported.

Save the Children occasionally delivers free water to Usgure, though commercial water delivery services have increased prices fourfold and a 50-kilogram bag of flour now costs $40, representing a one-third price increase.

“I’m not only afraid for my family but the future of the whole village,” said Muhubo Tahir Omar, a 47-year-old mother of 11 children.

Omar, like other parents, sold her livestock to cover educational expenses, “but when we didn’t pay, the teachers left.” Her remaining goat has fallen ill.

Decades of warfare in Somalia have forced millions from their homes. The current drought has displaced an additional 200,000 people this year, U.N. estimates indicate.

Families traverse difficult terrain carrying minimal provisions.

“People are on the move … and when people move, people die,” noted Kevin Mackey, the Somalia director for humanitarian group World Vision. He recently encountered people who traveled nine days on foot to reach assistance in southern Dollow.

Approximately 80 families reside in a displacement camp near Shahda village in Puntland.

Shukri, a 20-year-old mother of four, typically manages one daily meal from charitable donations. Currently no food remains available and clean water access is restricted.

“The children got diarrhea (from dirty water) and malnourishment worsened,” said Shukri, who provided only her first name. “I know a few people who have died.”

Many migrate to Mogadishu, the capital, where food remains scarce.

Fadumo, a 45-year-old mother of seven, relocated there from Lower Shabelle, where al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militants already threatened livelihoods.

“The water sources we depended on for farming, including the river, dried up,” Fadumo said. “Conflict made our situation even worse, forcing us to flee.”

Drought devastated Somalia in 2022 with an estimated 36,000 deaths, the U.N. reported. Now the emergency assistance previously mobilized for such crises has diminished.

“Unless there is a sudden and substantial response from donors, the outlook is deeply concerning. A drought of similar severity in 2022 received a response five times greater than what we are seeing,” said Antoine Grand, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Somalia.

Aid funding to Somalia declined to $531 million in 2025 primarily due to reduced contributions from the United States, which previously served as Somalia’s largest donor. In 2022, aid funding totaled nearly five times more at $2.38 billion.

WFP planned to assist 2 million people with food aid this year but has reached only 300,000 due to funding shortfalls.

A treatment center at the hospital in Qardho, Puntland, cares for children with severe acute malnutrition. However, therapeutic milk supplies have become scarce, forcing nurses to use homemade substitutes like cow’s milk, director Shamis Abdirahman explained.

The facility receives approximately 15 children monthly, though staff anticipate increases as displaced populations arrive.

Four-year-old Farhia weighs only 7.5 kilograms. Her eyes appear sunken while her bones show prominently beneath her skin.

Her family fled to Qardho after all their goats died, her mother Najma explained.

“I don’t know what to hope for, or see how we can get back to what we had,” she said.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — While Israeli drones fly overhead and emergency vehicle sirens echo in the distance, Tarik Zaeem remains focused on his computer, developing code for a valet parking application based in Saudi Arabia and fixing issues with its barcode scanning feature.

During the week, the programmer navigates through Gaza City’s bomb-damaged streets to reach a shared workspace where independent contractors can power their equipment and connect to reliable internet service. This remote employment offers crucial financial support and mental relief from life in the impoverished and heavily damaged Gaza Strip.

“When I work, I forget everything and focus on the coding. I stop thinking about my family’s basic needs,” said the 44-year-old developer, referring to his spouse and three children who escaped to Egypt when the conflict began. “I stop thinking about airstrikes or searching for drinking water. When I’m on my laptop, I shut everything else out.”

Zaeem belongs to a network of independent contractors who create code, develop designs, and build programs for overseas customers. Online platforms that link them with clients — such as Freelancer.com, Upwork and Mostaql — have registered thousands of Palestinian workers from Gaza.

Similar to other Gaza residents, these workers have sometimes faced difficulties obtaining food, water and housing, lost friends and family members, and watched their homes and communities destroyed by Israeli bombing campaigns. While many ceased working, others continued their projects, creating brand logos for Canadian pizza restaurants, developing reservation systems for Palestinian barbershops, and building websites for companies in Kuwait and Turkey.

Following two challenging years of intense warfare, their employment situation is becoming more stable, though broader recovery and rebuilding initiatives remain stalled seven months after an unstable ceasefire began in October.

Online freelance work gained popularity over ten years ago in Gaza. Conventional industries declined after Hamas took control of the territory in 2007, as Israel’s strengthened blockade severely damaged farming, manufacturing and other economic sectors.

Widespread joblessness and improved internet access — over 90% of Gaza households had online connectivity before the war — drove thousands of tech-savvy university graduates to pursue work opportunities overseas.

International donors and non-governmental organizations recognized this trend, funding coding competitions, business incubators and programming schools. The United Nations Development Program stated in 2018 that “freelancing and online jobs are considered to be among the best temporary solutions to the unemployment problem.”

Prior to the conflict, the U.S.-based organization Mercy Corps operated Gaza Sky Geeks, which managed active coworking facilities featuring glass walls and graffiti artwork displaying the word “entrepreneur” in Arabic. According to senior program manager Rand Safi, enthusiasm grew dramatically when it became evident that remote workers from Gaza could successfully compete in international markets.

Most of this progress disappeared during the war that began with Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, when Hamas-led fighters killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel’s counterattack resulted in more than 72,700 deaths, according to local authorities, and forced most of Gaza’s 2 million residents to relocate — frequently several times. Hundreds of thousands found refuge in overcrowded tent settlements, while electrical and internet service interruptions became common.

Gaza Sky Geeks reported that two of its three facilities were destroyed in bombing raids. Business owners, program participants and teachers have been killed or lost touch. Currently, the organization is among those working to revive the industry, supporting operations at five independent shared workspaces where digital freelancers can resume their activities.

“They want the vibes, and I think they want a piece of their past,” Safi explained. “There is a sense among people of not wanting to be dependent on humanitarian aid. They want an income.”

More than three-quarters of Gaza’s communication infrastructure sustained damage during the war, and electrical outages frequently made completing contracts difficult.

“When we first started, the main problem was electricity and internet access. Now that’s less of an issue because workspaces have opened across Gaza,” said software engineer Sharif Naim.

During the conflict, Naim established Taqat Gaza, a shared workspace running on solar power systems, providing remote workers the chance to work in three-hour time slots. Currently, it serves over 500 freelancers, providing full-day internet connectivity and professional networking opportunities that Naim described as equally valuable.

“The focus (today) is creating a proper work environment, training and helping freelancers rebuild skills lost during the war so they can compete in the global market again,” he explained.

Some of these efforts have targeted women, many of whom became primary earners or needed additional income during the war.

Reem Alkhateeb, a mother and graphic designer, explained that she attempts to find time for online work while handling daily survival challenges, including standing in lines for food and water. Costs have increased dramatically and her husband lost his employment, transforming her freelance work from extra income into the family’s primary financial support.

“Our dreams are no longer about luxury or big ambitions. We dream about the simplest things that should already be basic human rights: having electricity, having internet access, being able to live and work normally,” she stated.

With banking services frequently unavailable in Gaza and payment systems like PayPal blocked for users with Palestinian addresses, freelancers have needed to discover alternative payment methods. Some direct payments through family members living abroad who can receive transfers for them, while others use cash intermediaries who accept electronic payments for high fees.

Several programs have emerged to assist freelancers in managing complex payment obstacles. Following the deaths of her husband and daughter in 2024, Salsabil Bardawi created “Gaza Talents” as a service to connect Gaza freelancers with international customers and support their career development. The platform has generated over $600,000 in earnings for workers, collaborating with the Bank of Palestine and the digital payment system “PalPay.”

“A lot of people can work, all they need is a laptop, internet, electricity and clients,” she said.

VIENNA (AP) — The renowned coffee shops of Vienna have welcomed the Eurovision Song Contest with open arms. However, they’ve also felt the impact of controversy surrounding Israel’s participation in the glittering pop music event.

Officials initially excluded Israel when they announced their list of “Eurofan Cafes” — Vienna establishments serving dishes and music from participating nations.

MQ Kantine, a contemporary café located in the city’s artistic museum district, volunteered to fill the gap. The establishment now features falafel, bagels with lox and kosher wine on its menu, small Israeli flags strung across the ceiling — and a police officer stationed at the entrance.

Heavy security measures are in place throughout Vienna during the international music competition, whose “United by Music” theme feels somewhat empty this year. Five nations are refusing to participate due to Israel’s involvement. Pro-Palestinian activists have organized a protest concert — among multiple Eurovision alternative events happening across Europe — and plan an anti-Israel demonstration before Saturday’s grand finale.

At MQ Kantine, volunteers rotate shifts watching for possible problems. However, the atmosphere has remained welcoming so far, according to Daniel Kapp, a PR consultant and pro-Israel advocate.

“It’s beautiful,” he said, watching patrons enjoy coffee and beer on the café’s outdoor seating area in the warm spring weather, though he acknowledged that the police presence indicates things are “not entirely normal.”

“My feeling is that Austria to a certain degree has learned from its history,” Kapp said, referencing the lethal antisemitism during Nazi rule before and throughout World War II. “Which is why the support for Israel is a lot more normal than it is in other countries.”

Israel has participated in Eurovision for over five decades, claiming victory four times. However, its involvement has faced opposition since launching military action in Gaza following the Hamas-led cross-border assault on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people. Over 73,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict started, according to the territory’s Health Ministry, which functions under Hamas control and maintains detailed records generally considered reliable by the international community.

Israel’s government has consistently justified its military campaign as retaliation for the Oct. 7 assault. However, several experts, including those appointed by a United Nations organization, have characterized Israel’s Gaza offensive as genocide. Israel, which is home to numerous Holocaust survivors and their families, has strongly rejected this accusation.

Recent Israel-Hezbollah conflicts in Lebanon and the U.S.-Israeli confrontation with Iran have escalated tensions further.

The 2024 Eurovision event in Malmo, Sweden, and the previous year’s competition in Basel, Switzerland, witnessed pro-Palestinian demonstrations demanding Israel’s exclusion. Five nations — Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain — withdrew from the 2026 contest after organizers permitted Israel to participate.

These conflicts have created a divided Eurovision experience. A celebratory party environment exists within the Wiener Stadthalle arena and the separate Eurovision Village fan area. However, entry requires navigating extensive security, including searches, scanners and a complete bag prohibition inside the venue. Armed officers maintain a highly visible street presence.

Concern about potential terrorist threats remains elevated in the city following a 21-year-old Austrian man’s guilty plea for planning to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna in 2024, after allegedly swearing loyalty to the Islamic State group.

Israeli performer Noam Bettan informed Israeli media that, similar to last year’s Israeli representative Yuval Raphael, he rehearsed performing while facing hostile crowds. Occasional shouts mixed with applause when he performed during Tuesday’s first Eurovision semifinal. He earned a place in Saturday’s finale by ranking among the top 10 in combined viewer and national jury voting.

Contest organizers reported removing four individuals from the 10,000-person audience for disruptive conduct.

Austrian Eurovision enthusiast Ivo Herzl, who attended the semifinal, described “the vibe was incredibly positive.” He demonstrates Israel support by creating and selling Mazel Lov T-shirts — a wordplay on “mazel tov,” a Hebrew and Yiddish congratulatory expression.

“Vienna has always been a city of tolerance,” Herzl said. “It’s the city of music and we’ll always do everything possible for everyone to enjoy a musical event.”

Some Israeli supporters expressed comfort with the extensive security measures. Oz Yona, experiencing his first Eurovision, reported encountering “no hate” and felt Austria addresses antisemitism seriously.

He attended with friends to support Israel, though he remained pessimistic about Bettan’s prospects — for artistic rather than political considerations.

“I don’t think he will win,” Yona said. “Finland is better this year. Greece is better this year. We have a good song, but not a winning song.”

Birgitta Peterson and Kristina Nilsson, wearing coordinated pink bomber jackets and calling themselves The Swedish Ladies, enjoy discovering new cities and reuniting annually with their “Eurovision family” of fellow supporters. They intend to display Israeli flags during Saturday’s finale, after Swedish participant Felicia stated earlier this year that she questioned Israel’s contest participation.

They describe how Israel-related tensions have split a fan community historically recognized for its welcoming nature and celebration of diversity.

“The wounds are very deep at the moment,” Nilsson said.

“This event should really be about ‘united by music’ and happiness,” she added. “That’s what Eurovision is all about.”

A prominent human rights organization has released findings detailing severe violations committed during the occupation of a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a Thursday report.

Human Rights Watch documented serious crimes during M23 rebels and Rwandan military forces’ control of Uvira, which lasted approximately one month spanning late 2025 into early 2026.

The organization’s investigation recorded 53 summary executions, eight sexual assaults, and 12 enforced disappearances that occurred while the armed groups controlled the city.

According to the findings, combatants opened fire on civilians attempting to flee and conducted house-to-house searches specifically targeting males they suspected of connections to government-supported local armed groups.

The rebel forces initially seized control of Uvira in December but later retreated following diplomatic pressure from the United States.

Neither the government of Rwanda nor representatives for the rebel organization provided immediate responses to requests for comment. Both parties have previously rejected similar accusations of rights violations and have instead pointed to alleged attacks against Tutsi community members by Congolese military forces and their militia allies.

Despite ongoing international mediation attempts, including efforts by the United States, violence has persisted throughout eastern Congo.

In March, Washington implemented sanctions targeting the Rwandan Defence Force and high-ranking military leaders due to their purported backing of M23, allegations that Rwanda continues to reject.

Most recently, the rebel forces pulled back from multiple positions in South Kivu province, where Uvira is situated, moving approximately 30 kilometers northward.

President Trump arrived in Beijing Thursday seeking Chinese assistance to resolve the ongoing conflict with Iran, as diplomatic efforts to end the war remain at a standstill and global economic impacts continue mounting.

The Iran conflict is dominating Trump’s discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his first presidential visit to China since 2017, though experts doubt he will receive the backing he’s seeking from Beijing.

More than a month has passed since a fragile ceasefire was implemented, yet diplomatic initiatives have failed to advance toward ending a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives, altered Middle Eastern partnerships, and increased prices for oil and other essential commodities worldwide.

The United States is demanding that Tehran abandon its nuclear program and release its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that handled approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas transport before hostilities commenced on February 28.

Tehran is seeking war damage payments, an end to the American blockade of Iranian ports, and cessation of combat on all battlefronts, including Lebanon where Israel is fighting Iran-supported Hezbollah. Trump has called Tehran’s demands “garbage.”

Trump’s China trip, taking place while Beijing maintains strong relations with Tehran and purchases significant amounts of Iranian oil, occurs as the war drives up domestic inflation and creates political risks for Trump’s Republican Party ahead of November’s midterm elections.

America hopes to persuade China “to play a more active role in getting Iran to walk away from what they’re doing now and trying to do now in the Persian Gulf,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Fox News’ “Hannity” program in footage released Wednesday.

“We’ve made clear to them that any support for Iran would obviously be detrimental for our relationship. That obviously is going to come up in this conversation on trade,” Rubio added during the Air Force One interview while traveling to China.

The administration announced Tuesday that senior American and Chinese officials agreed last month that no nation should impose fees on regional traffic, as Iran has threatened. China has not challenged this statement.

Ship-tracking information revealed Wednesday that a Chinese supertanker loaded with 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude passed through the Strait of Hormuz, representing the third confirmed Chinese oil tanker transit since the war started.

Additional nations are considering shipping agreements similar to Tehran’s arrangements with Iraq and Pakistan, sources indicated, potentially solidifying Tehran’s dominance over the waterway that typically carries fertilizers, petrochemicals, and other bulk materials essential to global supply networks.

Tracking data from LSEG showed Thursday that a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker operated by Japanese refining company Eneos has navigated the Strait of Hormuz, marking the second known Japan-connected vessel to cross the strait.

Japan depended on the Gulf region for roughly 95% of its oil imports before the conflict began.

Wednesday reports demonstrated how the Iran war has accelerated political realignment throughout the region.

Israel announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret March journey to the UAE for discussions with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, which Israel described as producing a “historic breakthrough” in bilateral relations.

The nations restored diplomatic ties in 2020 through the Trump-supported Abraham Accords, and their partnership has grown stronger since the UAE faced Iranian attacks.

However, the UAE’s foreign ministry rejected claims about the visit, stating “any claims regarding unannounced visits or undisclosed arrangements are entirely unfounded.”

Iran, which has targeted the UAE more heavily than other Gulf states in response to American-Israeli strikes, cautioned the Emiratis against becoming adversaries.

“Enmity with the Great People of Iran is a foolish gamble. Collusion with Israel in doing so: unforgivable. Those colluding with Israel to sow division will be held to account,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi posted on X.

Reuters also reported that Saudi military aircraft attacked Iran-backed militias in Iraq, part of a wider pattern of Gulf nation military responses during the war that have stayed concealed. Sources said retaliatory attacks were also conducted from Kuwait into Iraq.

Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday he believes advancement is occurring in talks to conclude the war.

“The fundamental question is, do we make enough progress that we satisfy the president’s red line?” Vance told White House reporters. “And the red line is very simple. He needs to feel confident that we put a number of protections in place such that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.”

Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons.

A South Korean government official says Iran was most likely responsible for an attack on one of their country’s cargo ships near the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports from Yonhap news agency on Thursday.

The senior foreign ministry official told reporters that Seoul is reviewing intelligence information provided by the United States regarding the May 4 incident involving HMM’s Namu vessel. The attack sparked a fire and caused damage to the ship’s lower stern hull.

“Once we go through the investigation and present the evidence, I trust that the Iranian side will respond in an appropriate way,” the official said.

The foreign ministry has not yet verified the official’s statements made to reporters.

Investigation teams from South Korea have traveled to Dubai, where the damaged Namu is currently docked for inspection before repairs begin. The experts are conducting detailed forensic analysis of the vessel’s damage.

Iranian officials have previously rejected claims they were involved in the attack, which involved a powerful strike to the ship’s side. Iran has not issued further statements while Seoul continues its investigation.

Shortly after the incident occurred, the U.S. President said Iran had attacked the South Korean ship and called on Seoul to participate in American-led initiatives to protect maritime traffic in the strait.

Demonstrations erupted across several areas of Cuba’s capital city on Wednesday night as residents expressed their anger over recurring electrical blackouts by banging pots and pans in the streets, a Reuters witness reported.

The protests took place in various neighborhoods throughout Havana despite a heavy police presence in the area. Hundreds of people participated in the demonstrations, voicing their frustration with the ongoing power outages that have been affecting the city.

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian officials report that Russian forces unleashed a devastating aerial bombardment on the nation’s capital during the early hours of Thursday, wounding a minimum of four civilians.

The head of Kyiv’s Military Administration Tymur Tkachenko confirmed that destruction occurred throughout six separate districts of the city. Tkachenko stated that Russian forces were launching both ballistic missiles and unmanned aircraft against the capital, causing harm to homes and essential infrastructure.

The Darnytsia district experienced severe devastation when a multi-level apartment complex suffered a partial collapse, creating a split through the middle of the structure and trapping residents beneath debris. Ukraine’s Emergency Service reported successfully pulling at least 10 individuals from the wreckage.

Rescue teams worked at the location to locate additional survivors while smoke from the bombardment continued rising from the debris pile.

Tkachenko reported that in the Dnieper district, an unmanned aircraft struck the top of a five-floor apartment building. Additional structural damage occurred to another building located in the Dniprovskyi district.

Residents throughout the capital heard multiple explosions during the early morning hours of Thursday.

This assault occurred just hours following an unusual midday strike on Kyiv that resulted in the deaths of at least six individuals, as reported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy stated that the previous attack utilized no fewer than 800 drones. He described the multi-hour bombardment as designed to inflict maximum “pain and grief” on the population.

Visual documentation has surfaced showing diplomatic discussions between former President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit to China.

The images capture moments from high-level conversations between the two world leaders, providing a glimpse into international diplomatic proceedings.

The photographs document the meeting between the American and Chinese officials during the official visit.

Cuba’s energy minister announced Wednesday that the Caribbean nation has completely depleted its diesel and fuel oil supplies, leaving the capital experiencing the most severe power outages in decades as U.S. sanctions continue to restrict fuel imports to the island.

“We have absolutely no fuel (oil), and absolutely no diesel,” Energy Minister Vicente de la O stated during a government media appearance, describing the national power system as being in a “critical” condition. “We have no reserves.”

The minister reported that power outages have intensified significantly over recent weeks throughout Havana, with numerous districts experiencing darkness for 20 to 22 hours each day. This development adds to the mounting difficulties facing residents who are already dealing with severe shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies.

According to de la O, the country’s electrical system is now running exclusively on domestic crude oil, natural gas and renewable energy sources.

While Cuba has added 1,300 megawatts of solar energy capacity during the previous two years, much of this power generation is being lost due to electrical grid instability caused by the fuel crisis, the minister explained, which diminishes both efficiency and total power output.

The nation’s leading energy official indicated that Cuba is continuing efforts to secure fuel imports despite the sanctions, though he noted that increasing worldwide oil costs and shipping expenses related to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran are creating additional complications for these procurement efforts.

“Cuba is open to anyone that wants to sell us fuel,” the minister stated.

Both Mexico and Venezuela, which previously served as major oil suppliers to Cuba, have halted fuel shipments to the island following an executive order issued in January 2026 that threatens tariffs against any nation providing fuel to the communist-governed country.

Since December, only one major oil vessel, the Russian-flagged Anatoly Kolodkin, has successfully delivered crude oil to Cuba, offering brief assistance to the island during April.

These latest power disruptions in Havana and other areas occur as the U.S. fuel embargo against Cuba reaches its fourth month, severely impacting public services throughout the Caribbean island home to nearly 10 million residents.

The United Nations recently condemned the fuel blockade as illegal, stating it has hindered the “Cuban people’s right to development while undermining their rights to food, education, health, and water and sanitation.”

The leaders of the United States and China began their highly anticipated summit Thursday in Beijing, with observers predicting limited progress on major disputes involving Iran conflict, commercial relations, technology issues and Taiwan.

Trump hopes to focus talks on trade and deals for China to buy more agricultural products and passenger planes, setting up a board to address their differences and avoid a repeat of the trade war ignited last year after Trump’s tariff hikes.

Xi will likely bring up America’s decision to sell weapons to Taiwan, a self-governed island that Beijing claims as its own territory. Trump in December authorized an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, but has not yet moved forward with delivery.

The primary objective for the two-day diplomatic gathering centers on maintaining stability between the nations. Trump plans to depart Friday afternoon following a final private session with Xi.

The ongoing Iran conflict will probably feature prominently in discussions. Before the meetings began, Trump had hoped China would leverage its significant influence to pressure Iran into accepting American conditions to end the two-month conflict or reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, though he has moderated those expectations before the summit.

Trump touched down in Beijing Wednesday evening, with formal summit activities commencing Thursday.

China’s leader will formally receive Trump in a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, followed by official discussions between the two nations.

Cultural activities are also planned, including a stop at the Temple of Heaven, before concluding the day with a formal state dinner.

While the visit promises elaborate ceremony and symbolic gestures, neither country has revealed specific outcomes Trump might achieve from the meetings.

BEIJING (AP) — President Donald Trump began Thursday’s activities marking the most intensive phase of his China visit, engaging in a summit anticipated to showcase elaborate ceremonies and symbolic gestures while offering limited prospects for significant advances on critical matters including trade disputes, U.S.-Taiwan relations, or the conflict in Iran.

Trump’s arrival Wednesday evening featured an ornate welcoming ceremony, with his convoy passing beneath numerous American and Chinese flags while skyscrapers displayed illuminated Chinese text proclaiming “Beijing Welcome.” Following the reception, the Republican leader proceeded to his accommodations without scheduled public appearances.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping was scheduled to conduct meetings with Trump Thursday at the Great Hall of the People, which serves as a legislative headquarters for the communist administration and hosts significant cultural and social gatherings on Tiananmen Square’s western edge.

Their bilateral discussions will precede Trump’s visit to the Temple of Heaven — a 15th-century religious site representing the connection between celestial and earthly realms. Both leaders will participate in a formal state dinner.

Friday’s agenda includes planned working sessions over tea and lunch between Trump and Xi.

White House representatives have maintained that Trump’s journey aims to achieve tangible outcomes, indicating potential announcements regarding trade matters, possibly including Chinese agreements to purchase American soybeans, beef, and aircraft. Administration officials also seek to establish a Board of Trade with China for addressing commercial disputes between the nations.

However, both governments have not provided specific details about potential outcomes from the three-day diplomatic mission, particularly as Beijing’s strong economic connections to Iran may create complications.

The president’s Beijing visit occurs while Iran continues influencing his domestic priorities and raising concerns about potential U.S. economic weakness during the election period preceding November’s midterm elections — where Republicans aim to retain Congressional control.

The U.S. and Israel’s conflict with Iran has resulted in the practical shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, leaving oil and natural gas vessels stranded and causing energy costs to surge, threatening worldwide economic stability.

Extended time with Xi — particularly amid spectacular settings — will provide substantial opportunity for Trump to address multiple challenging subjects. These encompass Iran and trade issues, along with Taiwan and potential three-nation nuclear weapons agreements involving Washington, Beijing, and Russia.

Nevertheless, advancement beyond diplomatic courtesies — and extensive mutual praise between Trump and Xi, who have publicly exchanged effusive compliments for years — may prove difficult to achieve.

“Neither side will make much progress on the two major foreign policy issues,” predicted Jim Lewis, a tech policy fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis. “Trump will press the Chinese to help him on Iran. They’ll be unwilling. The Chinese will press Trump to make concessions on Taiwan. We’ll see what we get out of that.”

In Washington, war politics became more complex Wednesday when Senate Republicans again prevented Democratic legislation aimed at ending Iranian hostilities — though Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski opposed her party, becoming the third Republican senator voting against continuing the conflict.

China purchases the most Iranian oil globally, yet Trump has minimized suggestions that he will pressure Xi to increase efforts against Iran regarding strait reopening — despite White House officials indicating he will privately advocate this position to China’s leader.

The president also states that U.S. economic pressures will not weaken American negotiating positions with Iran during the current fragile ceasefire. When asked while departing the White House whether ordinary Americans’ financial stability influences Iranian negotiations, Trump replied, “Not even a little bit.”

“I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” Trump stated, suggesting that “every American understands” this stance.

The administration has struggled maintaining consistent messaging regarding inflation and warfare.

Vice President JD Vance emphasized at Wednesday’s news conference that Trump remained “laser focused” on inflation while disputing Trump’s statements that U.S. economic concerns were irrelevant to war resolution.

“Well, I don’t think the president said that,” Vance responded when questioned about the remarks. “I think that’s a misrepresentation of what the president said.”

Taiwan’s situation remains prominent, given China’s displeasure with U.S. weapons sales to the self-governing island that Chinese authorities consider part of their territory.

The Trump administration approved an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan while delaying delivery. Trump has also shown increased uncertainty regarding Taiwan — raising questions about potential reduced support for the island democracy.

Taiwan leads global chip manufacturing, creating components vital for artificial intelligence development. Trump has pursued trade agreements with Taiwan to encourage domestic chip production.

Trump personally contacted Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, inviting him aboard Air Force One during an Alaska refueling stop en route to Beijing — joining numerous CEOs from technology, defense, finance, and agriculture sectors in the delegation. Additional officials include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, along with Trump’s son Eric and daughter-in-law Lara Trump.

Elon Musk, the SpaceX leader who previously directed Trump’s federal workforce reduction efforts, also traveled to China.

The U.S. and China established a trade agreement last year that reduced mutual tariff threats. White House sources report ongoing discussions and shared interest in extending this arrangement, though announcement timing during Trump’s visit remains uncertain.

Trump indicated he will request Xi provide American companies increased Chinese market access, encouraging his counterpart to “‘open up’ China so that these brilliant people can work their magic.” He also seeks extending agreements allowing continued Chinese rare earth mineral exports to the U.S., encouraging China to avoid limiting global supplies in response to Trump’s threatened tariffs.

Senior American officials have stated Trump will propose U.S., China, and Russia signing agreements limiting each nation’s nuclear weapon stockpiles — a concept Beijing has previously questioned.

Political opposition leaders in the Dominican Republic voiced strong criticism Wednesday regarding a newly signed pact with the United States that would allow the Caribbean nation to temporarily house deportees from other countries, arguing the arrangement compromises national sovereignty and lacks sufficient transparency.

The Dominican Foreign Ministry announced Tuesday that the non-binding memorandum of understanding would permit the country to temporarily accept a restricted number of third-country nationals who have clean criminal backgrounds before they are sent back to their nations of origin.

This arrangement represents the most recent in a series of similar pacts between the Trump administration and various nations across Latin America and Africa, which have faced widespread criticism. These third-country deportation programs, requiring millions in funding, form part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement strategy that involves sending migrants to nations other than their countries of origin.

“This agreement represents a surrender of our national sovereignty,” Manolo Pichardo, from the opposition Fuerza del Pueblo party, told The Associated Press.

“It subordinates Dominican interests to the geopolitical priorities of major Western powers and their strategic allies,” Pichardo added.

Former Dominican Foreign Minister Andrés Navarro raised concerns about the apparent secrecy surrounding the pact and urged the government to release the complete memorandum so citizens can fully comprehend its implications.

“What has been published says practically nothing,” Navarro said Tuesday.

Navarro explained that although he backs maintaining and enhancing ties with the U.S., he seeks assurance that the pact won’t compromise Dominican sovereignty.

The Dominican Foreign Ministry maintained the pact “will be carried out in accordance with national law and the country’s international obligations, without altering Dominican immigration policy or current border control and management procedures.”

The ministry stressed that the arrangement excludes children and nationals from neighboring Haiti, which occupies the same Caribbean island of Hispaniola alongside the Dominican Republic.

The U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Leah Campos, stated on Instagram that “this short-term memorandum of understanding allows the United States to remove and repatriate third-country nationals more quickly, while respecting Dominican law, the country’s sovereignty, and current border procedures.”

She highlighted that the U.S. is working alongside the Dominican Republic to address transnational crime and drug trafficking, combat terrorism, and advance regional stability and prosperity.

Search teams from Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces working alongside U.S. military personnel have recovered the remains of a second American service member who disappeared during joint training exercises in southern Morocco, officials announced Thursday.

According to a social media statement from Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces, the servicewoman’s body was discovered on May 12 at a rocky cliff location in the Cap Draa region after extensive search and rescue operations.

Both American military personnel had been participating in the African Lion joint training exercises when they were reported missing near Tan Tan in Morocco’s southern region on May 2, according to U.S. and Moroccan military officials. The first soldier’s remains were found and recovered near a cliff in the Cap Draa area on Sunday, the U.S. Army confirmed.

President Donald Trump is conducting high-stakes discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing this Thursday, working to achieve economic victories, preserve a delicate trade agreement, and address complex challenges including the Iran conflict and weapons sales to Taiwan.

The president’s highly watched journey to China – his first presidential visit to America’s primary strategic competitor since 2017 – carries heightened importance as his public approval numbers have suffered due to the Iranian conflict.

Trump’s delegation includes business leaders such as Elon Musk and Nvidia’s chief executive Jensen Huang, who joined the presidential aircraft during a fuel stop in Alaska at Trump’s invitation.

Several of these business executives, including Huang and Musk, hope to address their concerns with China, and Trump has indicated he will press Xi to make China more accessible to American companies.

However, the balance of influence has changed since Trump’s 2017 visit when China made extraordinary efforts to impress Trump and purchase American products worth billions, according to Ali Wyne, senior advisor for U.S.-China relations at International Crisis Group.

During that earlier period “China was trying to persuade the United States of its growing status… This time around it’s the United States, unprompted, of its own volition, that is acknowledging that status,” Wyne explained, noting that Trump brought back the term ‘G2’, describing a superpower partnership, during his October meeting with Xi at an APEC gathering in South Korea.

The leaders’ agenda includes extensive interaction time: discussions at The Great Hall of the People, a visit to the UNESCO heritage site Temple of Heaven, and a formal state dinner on Thursday, followed by tea and lunch on Friday, the White House announced.

However, Trump approaches these negotiations from a position of reduced strength.

American judicial decisions have limited his authority to impose tariffs freely on Chinese and other foreign exports. The Iran conflict has also increased domestic inflation and raised the possibility that Trump’s Republican Party could lose control of one or both congressional chambers in November’s midterm voting.

While China’s economy has struggled, Xi doesn’t confront similar economic or political challenges.

Despite these tensions, both nations want to preserve the trade agreement reached last October, where Trump postponed massive tariffs on Chinese products and Xi stepped back from restricting global rare earth supplies, which are essential for manufacturing everything from electric vehicles to military equipment.

The leaders are also anticipated to explore mechanisms for supporting bilateral trade and investment, plus discussions on artificial intelligence matters.

The United States hopes to export Boeing aircraft, agricultural products, and energy resources to China to reduce a trade imbalance that has long frustrated Trump, while China seeks American relaxation of restrictions on chipmaking technology and sophisticated semiconductors, according to planning officials.

Beyond trade issues, Trump is expected to ask China to persuade Tehran to negotiate with Washington to resolve the conflict. However, experts question whether Xi will pressure Tehran significantly or withdraw support for its military, considering Iran’s importance to Beijing as a strategic balance against American influence.

For Xi, American weapon sales to Taiwan, the democratically governed territory that China claims, represents a primary concern.

China restated its firm opposition to these sales on Wednesday, with the fate of a $14-billion package pending Trump’s decision remaining uncertain. American law requires providing Taiwan with defensive capabilities, despite the absence of official diplomatic relations.

“Trump doesn’t really have that many of the cards to play. But I don’t think that Trump actually sees the situation that way,” said Ronan Fu, an assistant research fellow at Taiwan’s top government think tank Academia Sinica.

“I don’t think that Trump is going to just let Beijing basically ask for whatever they want and then the US will make any concession that Beijing requests.”

Xi has a return visit provisionally scheduled for later this year, which would mark his first trip to the United States since Trump returned to office in 2025.

Violent confrontations in a region of southern Sudan have claimed the lives of more than 61 individuals, including nine children, according to a local medical organization that reported the casualties Wednesday. The deadly fighting represents another chapter in the broader civil war that has devastated the African nation since 2023.

The Sudan Doctors Network, an organization that tracks casualties from the ongoing conflict, reported that the violence began earlier this month in Kauda, located in South Kordofan. The battles have pitted forces associated with the rebel organization Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North against members of the Otoro tribe.

The leader of the SPLM-N, Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, has formed an alliance with the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which is currently engaged in combat against Sudan’s military forces.

The nation’s conflict, now entering its fourth year, has resulted in military control over northern, eastern and central territories, including the country’s Red Sea ports and oil infrastructure. The RSF paramilitary forces and their allies maintain control over the western Darfur area and portions of the Kordofan region near the South Sudan border, both areas containing valuable oil deposits and gold mining operations.

The SPLM-N under al-Hilu’s leadership has maintained operations in South Kordofan and has participated in a regional government established by the RSF paramilitaries.

The SPLM-N represents a splinter group from the SPLM, which serves as the governing party in neighboring South Sudan. The Otoro tribe represents a minority community within the Nuba Mountains area of South Kordofan.

Sudan’s civil war began in April 2023 following escalating tensions between military and RSF forces that exploded into full-scale warfare. The fighting has resulted in at least 59,000 deaths, forced approximately 13 million people from their homes, and created famine conditions across large areas. More than 30 million citizens require humanitarian aid.

The medical organization’s report indicated that survivor accounts collected by their South Kordofan team revealed that five women and nine children were among the fatalities during the two-week period.

Mohamed Elsheikh, the group’s spokesperson, told The Associated Press that poor communication has made it difficult to verify the full toll, which is likely higher as the clashes continue.

The medical group additionally reported that SPLM-N combatants destroyed residential buildings and commercial establishments while stealing property. Survivors allegedly informed the organization that civilians were “indiscriminately targeted.”

The organization also issued warnings about “systematic burning” and civilian attacks in areas surrounding Kauda, noting the absence of safe evacuation routes for injured people or aid delivery.

The SPLM-N did not immediately respond to request for comments.

In Dilling, another town in South Kordofan, artillery shelling by the RSF on Tuesday killed seven people and wounded 17, according to a local hospital. Umm Bakhita Hospital director Omran Teia in Dilling told the AP that civilians were targeted by the paramilitary and SPLM-N.

Both opposing forces in Sudan’s conflict have faced accusations from the United Nations and human rights organizations of committing serious crimes, including ethnic cleansing, extrajudicial killings and sexual violence against civilians. Humanitarian organizations indicate the actual casualty count could be significantly higher due to restricted access to combat zones throughout the expansive country.

SAO PAULO — A Brazilian senator running for president has dismissed accusations of impropriety following reports that he sought millions in funding from an incarcerated banker at the heart of a corruption investigation, a development that may damage his anticipated October campaign against Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The Intercept Brazil released audio recordings on Wednesday showing Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro requesting 61 million reais ($12 million) from Daniel Vorcaro for financing “The Dark Horse,” a film project about his imprisoned father, former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Vorcaro previously led the now-closed Banco Master and faces allegations in a widespread fraud investigation that has implicated numerous high-level Brazilian officials this year. Authorities accuse him of swindling bank customers out of millions through fraudulent investment schemes. Federal police and the Supreme Court continue investigating the matter.

The senator stood by his actions in response to the revelations.

“Our case is of a son seeking PRIVATE sponsorship for a PRIVATE film about his father’s story. No public money,” Flávio Bolsonaro said in a statement. “I did not offer any (illegal) advantages in exchange. I did not have private encounters. I did not intermediate business with the government. I did not receive money.”

Political analyst Thomas Traumann warned the disclosure could damage Bolsonaro’s campaign as his Liberal Party prepares for its nominating convention.

“As Flávio Bolsonaro is an unknown politician whose biggest asset is being son of the former president, a scandal like this could have a devastating impact,” Traumann said. “(Flávio Bolsonaro’s) asking for money and showing intimacy with a banker who is under police investigation for fraud could force Brazil’s opposition of changing its candidate to keep its chances.”

According to The Intercept Brazil’s report, Bolsonaro contacted Vorcaro in October. The banker was taken into custody in March and has attempted to negotiate a cooperation agreement with prosecutors.

Brazilian banking regulators closed Banco Master, which held assets exceeding $16 billion, in November.

Following the scandal’s emergence, Flávio Bolsonaro and his supporters have claimed without proof that Lula should be blamed for the situation; federal investigators have found no connections between Vorcaro and the current government. This week, Sen. Ciro Nogueira, a former chief-of-staff for Jair Bolsonaro, disputed news reports claiming he regularly received payments from Vorcaro for his support.

WASHINGTON, May 13 – America is working to persuade China to take a more significant role in encouraging Iran to abandon its current activities in the Gulf region, according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a television appearance Wednesday.

Rubio shared these remarks while speaking with Fox News host Sean Hannity in a broadcast interview.

Deportations from the United States to El Salvador have surged dramatically in early 2026, with official data showing removals have nearly doubled compared to the previous year, as the Central American nation’s leader has emerged as a willing partner in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement priorities.

According to migration authority statistics obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday, 5,033 Salvadorans were removed to their homeland during the first quarter of 2026, a stark jump from the 2,547 individuals deported in the corresponding timeframe of 2025.

This represents an almost 98% spike coinciding with the Trump administration’s expansion of removal flights worldwide. International deportation operations from the United States increased by approximately 61% from 2024 to 2025, based on information gathered by the Asociación Agenda Migrante El Salvador, known as AAMES, along with other advocacy groups.

Since the United States has ceased routine publication of deportation statistics, researchers are now depending on alternative data sources from receiving nations such as El Salvador, flight tracking information, and other metrics.

“This confirms a real hardening of the U.S. immigration system toward the region,” stated César Ríos of AAMES regarding the dramatic rise in removals.

The escalation occurs as the tough-on-crime leader has worked to position himself alongside U.S. President Donald Trump, while the American government has secured partnerships throughout Latin America to advance its immigration agenda. Although Mexico and fellow Central American countries have quietly received deportees from third nations, the Salvadoran president has openly championed Trump’s regional initiatives.

Most prominently in March 2025, the leader accepted 238 Venezuelan deportees allegedly linked to the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua, confining them in a massive detention facility constructed for suspected gang affiliates as part of his comprehensive anti-gang campaign. This action sparked extensive human rights violation allegations.

The international controversy emerged following an arrangement between Trump’s administration and the Salvadoran government to accept what officials characterized as the transfer and detention of foreign criminals to El Salvador. The agreement provided El Salvador with $6 million from the United States.

In April, the Trump administration erroneously deported Maryland resident and Salvadoran citizen Kilmar Abrego García, who held protected status in the United States, creating another legal and political controversy. The Salvadoran leader initially declined to return Abrego García and rejected accusations of physical abuse and torture — practices that human rights organizations have extensively documented in Salvadoran detention facilities.

Abrego García was subsequently returned to the United States in June to confront charges alleging he facilitated illegal immigration, accusations his legal team describes as “baseless.” He has entered a not guilty plea and requested case dismissal while the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced intentions to deport him to Liberia.

More recently, the Salvadoran president joined other conservative Trump supporters in an alliance Trump named the Shield of the Americas, ostensibly designed to combat criminal organizations across Latin America, despite the absence of two crucial nations in such efforts — Mexico and Colombia — who declined participation.

Simultaneously, numerous migrants in the United States are monitoring U.S. Supreme Court proceedings as Trump attempts to eliminate protections for hundreds of thousands of migrants from Haiti and Syria, a development concerning the more than 200,000 Salvadoran migrants with temporary protected status who fear similar consequences.

The Salvadoran leader has assisted U.S. immigration objectives even prior to Trump taking office.

In 2023, El Salvador’s administration implemented a $1,130 charge on travelers from dozens of nations transiting through the country’s primary airport, responding to Biden administration pressure to help limit migrant movement toward the United States’ southern border. Concurrently, emigration from El Salvador, driven by gang violence and economic hardship, decreased following the controversial anti-gang offensive.

Policy experts noted that the government leveraged reduced migration numbers as negotiating leverage to counter U.S. human rights criticisms.

Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis claimed victory for his Progressive Liberal Party on Tuesday evening, earning a second consecutive term in a snap parliamentary election.

Speaking to supporters at a celebration event in Nassau late Tuesday night, Davis emphasized that the electoral success represented more than just a political win for his party, but a triumph for the nation as a whole.

“To Bahamians who voted today, but did not vote for us, I want you to know I’ve listened to you, I’ve heard you and I want you to know that I will continue to work hard for all Bahamians,” Davis told the crowd, standing alongside his wife, Ann Marie, and top party leadership.

Local news outlets reported the PLP appeared positioned to capture over 30 seats out of the 41 available in parliament during Tuesday’s voting. Complete official tallies had not yet been made public.

The outcome represents the first instance of a political party achieving consecutive general election victories in the island nation since 1997.

Davis had already received a concession call from Michael Pintard, the leader of the opposing Free National Movement, before making his victory speech.

Speaking to FNM supporters at party headquarters on election evening, Pintard acknowledged the electoral outcome and said his party respected the voters’ decision.

“The Bahamian people made their choice, in a democracy that is the only voice that ultimately matters,” Pintard stated.

Several Caribbean leaders offered congratulations to Davis following his reelection, including Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, both of whom recently won new terms in their own countries within the past year. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also extended congratulations on the victory.

This election cycle featured the inaugural voting for representatives from two newly established constituencies: St. James and Bimini and the Berry Islands. The addition of these districts expanded the total parliamentary representation from 39 to 41 seats.

During the prior general election in September 2021, the PLP secured 32 of the available 39 seats, while the FNM claimed the remaining seven positions.

Campaign discussions in the weeks before the election centered on several major concerns, including healthcare system conditions, public safety and crime levels, rising living expenses, and immigration policy matters.

Multiple international organizations deployed election monitoring teams to observe the voting process. The Commonwealth, Organization of American States, U.S. government, and regional partnership CARICOM all sent official observers to oversee the election.

JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition introduced legislation Wednesday to dissolve parliament, marking the initial formal move toward calling new elections this year.

The legislation paves the way for an official parliamentary vote to dissolve the body and set a date for new elections. Reports from Israeli media outlets indicate the preliminary vote could take place as early as next week.

Netanyahu’s governing coalition is approaching the conclusion of its four-year mandate and is required to conduct new elections no later than the end of October. However, several of Netanyahu’s ultra-Orthodox coalition partners have pressed him to move the election date earlier to the beginning of September.

The legislation specifies that elections must occur “no less than 90 days” following its passage, providing Netanyahu with the ability to select a timing that maximizes his chances of electoral success.

The current coalition has governed during a particularly challenging period that encompassed the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and subsequent military conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. Recent polling data suggests the coalition, which consists of religious and nationalist parties, may face difficulties securing reelection.

QUETTA, Pakistan — Deadly confrontations between security forces and insurgents in Pakistan’s troubled Balochistan province claimed the lives of five military personnel, including an army major, officials announced Wednesday. A banned separatist organization took credit for initiating the attack on government troops.

Military officials reported that security forces had begun operations in Barkhan district to eliminate insurgent fighters that the government in Islamabad alleges receive support from India. The prohibited separatist group known as the Baloch Liberation Army, or BLA, released a statement claiming its members had launched an assault on the troops, which led to intense gunfire.

The military confirmed that an army major was among those killed in action, while also reporting that seven militants died during the confrontation.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s most expansive yet sparsely populated province, is rich in natural resources but has endured ongoing violence from separatist movements and assaults by the Pakistani Taliban. The BLA, which received a terrorist designation from the United States in 2019, has conducted multiple strikes against both security personnel and civilians throughout the region in recent years.

Military officials referred to the deceased militants as participants in “Fitna al-Hindustan,” terminology that Pakistani officials apply to insurgents they claim receive Indian backing.

India has consistently rejected accusations that it provides assistance to militant organizations operating within Pakistan.

Security officials reported Wednesday that an unmanned aircraft attacked a facility housing Iranian opposition members located north of Erbil in Iraq.

According to the sources, the strike specifically targeted a weapons storage facility within the compound.

Officials indicated there were no reported deaths from the attack.

Iranian officials carried out the execution Wednesday of a man who had been found guilty of fatally stabbing a police officer with multiple wounds during countrywide demonstrations that took place in early 2026, according to reports from the semi-official Fars news agency.

The rights organization HRANA stated in their report that a legal representative claimed officials prevented independent attorneys from representing the defendant in his case.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron wrapped up his African tour on Wednesday with discussions in Ethiopia focusing on the long-debated issue of giving Africa a voice on the U.N. Security Council.

The French leader met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed before sitting down with African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres to talk about making international governance more inclusive.

According to a meeting summary, the officials “recognized the need for African representation.”

Macron’s African journey took him through Egypt, Kenya and Ethiopia, where he advocated for greater African participation in global institutions like the U.N. Security Council.

Speaking at the Africa Forward Summit, which France and Kenya jointly organized and marked the first time the event was held in an English-speaking nation, Macron acknowledged Africa’s need for permanent council positions.

The summit concluded with a peace and security statement that emphasized “the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of the U.N. Security Council to make it more effective and representative.”

African nations have long pushed for permanent membership based on current global demographics, with continental organizations pointing out that a continent with over 1.4 billion residents lacks permanent decision-making authority.

Guterres stated Wednesday that global affairs would improve with a more inclusive U.N. Security Council.

“A Security Council that today does not represent geographically the realities of the world. We have three European permanent members, one North American and one Asian. No Latin American, no African is obviously a Security Council that has a problem of legitimacy, and that brings with it a problem of effectiveness,” he said.

Following Macron’s meeting with Abiy, officials revealed a new $63.9 million loan agreement to support Ethiopia’s renewable energy initiatives and digital transformation efforts.

At the Africa Forward Summit, Macron announced that French government and private investors would commit $27 billion in funding to promote sustainable development throughout the continent.

LONDON – A ceremonial elephant wasn’t part of Wednesday’s State Opening of Parliament in Britain, but a metaphorical one dominated the proceedings as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced an escalating leadership crisis.

The traditional parliamentary ceremony unfolded against the backdrop of mounting pressure on Starmer to step down, with speculation swirling that a leadership challenge could remove him from office before summer arrives and derail his newly established governmental agenda.

Following significant defeats for his Labour Party in recent local and regional voting, Starmer had endured increasing demands for his resignation and hoped the ceremonial event featuring King Charles would help him regain control and “get on with the job of changing our country for the better.”

CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES FOR THE PM

An already demanding day – requiring Starmer to interact publicly with political adversaries who had been celebrating his difficulties – became more complicated around 1000 GMT when troubling news emerged.

Reports from The Times indicated that Wes Streeting, Starmer’s health minister and considered his most formidable potential challenger, was preparing to step down and initiate a leadership battle.

This development occurred as King Charles, wearing full ceremonial military attire alongside Queen Camilla, was still traveling to parliament in the royal carriage.

Representatives for Streeting declined immediate comment, though they had previously stated he preferred not to overshadow the King’s Speech.

CEREMONY CONTINUES DESPITE TURMOIL

Shortly afterward, Starmer guided a group of legislators from the House of Commons to the House of Lords, participating in the elaborate, time-honored tradition of parliamentary reopening that occurs annually.

During the formal door-knocking portion of the ceremony, one legislator quipped “Not now, Andy,” referencing Andy Burnham, another potential leadership contender who serves as mayor of Greater Manchester and therefore couldn’t participate in the proceedings.

Camera coverage captured the prime minister engaging in awkward conversation with Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party’s opposition leader, who had recently suggested on social media that Starmer would be fortunate to remain in office for two weeks, much less two years.

Members of his own party – nearly 25 percent of whom reportedly want his resignation – walked behind him during the procession.

King Charles subsequently delivered remarks prepared by Starmer’s administration, outlining their objectives for the coming year.

The monarch concluded his address by saying: “I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.”

JERUSALEM (AP) — The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday that the leader conducted a covert trip to the United Arab Emirates while the Iran conflict was underway.

During his time there, Netanyahu held discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to a statement from the Israeli leader’s office. The statement indicated that the trip “resulted in a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.”

This disclosure follows Tuesday’s revelation by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee that Israel had provided Iron Dome air-defense systems to the UAE, complete with Israeli personnel to manage their operation.

UAE officials have not issued any statement regarding the alleged visit from the Israeli Prime Minister.

Mexico’s national oil company Pemex announced Wednesday that an employee who was hurt in a refinery blast has died from his injuries. The worker passed away Tuesday night while being transported to receive medical treatment, according to a company statement.

According to Mexican publication Milenio, the Pemex employee Victor Hugo Lopez Matus sustained severe third-degree burns across 80% of his body when an explosion occurred in the cooling tower at the Hidros II facility, based on medical documentation.

The oil company’s official statement did not verify the worker’s name. Pemex has not yet responded to requests for additional information.

On Monday night, Pemex acknowledged that flames erupted in a cooling tower within the 325,000-barrel-per-day facility located at the Port of Salina Cruz in Oaxaca, stating the blaze had been completely put out.

The corporation reported that six individuals sustained injuries and were transported for hospital care.

Mexico’s state-owned oil enterprise was compelled to temporarily halt operations at the refinery following Monday’s fire incident, based on information from a knowledgeable source and industry tracking service IIR Energy.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly rejected media reports on Wednesday suggesting the CIA conducted lethal operations within Mexico, claiming the U.S. news outlet was trying to “hurt the government and the people of Mexico.”

The controversy began when CNN published a story Tuesday alleging the CIA helped orchestrate a targeted killing of a Sinaloa cartel member on a highway near Mexico City, sparking intense debate in Mexico. The New York Times subsequently reported that Mexican security forces executed the operation while the CIA offered planning assistance and support.

Sheinbaum dismissed the CNN story as a “lie.” When questioned about The New York Times account during her daily morning briefing, she described it as “a fiction the size of the universe.”

CIA spokesperson Liz Lyons also criticized the CNN coverage, writing on X that “this is false and salacious reporting that serves as nothing more than a PR campaign for the cartels and puts American lives at risk.”

CNN has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.

Unlike her political mentor and former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who frequently targeted journalists during his morning briefings and even publicly exposed personal information of critical reporters, Sheinbaum has adopted a more restrained approach when facing media criticism.

However, the current president has faced multiple controversies involving the United States recently as she works to balance maintaining positive relations with Washington while renegotiating trade agreements and responding to President Donald Trump’s threats regarding cartel enforcement.

Sheinbaum has emphasized Mexico’s independence, though this position faces growing scrutiny.

In the previous month, two CIA operatives died in a vehicle accident alongside Mexican investigators while returning from a counter-narcotics mission in Chihuahua, a northern state. Sheinbaum stated she was unaware of the operation, and both Mexican and U.S. officials provided conflicting information for several days.

One week following that incident, a New York court filed charges against Sinaloa’s governor – a senior member of Sheinbaum’s political party and Lopez Obrador supporter – for drug trafficking and weapons violations, alleging involvement in large-scale illegal drug smuggling into the United States.

Syria and the United Arab Emirates unveiled an ambitious $50 billion economic partnership on Monday, May 11, marking what officials called a pivotal moment in Syria’s rebuilding process and a new era of Arab-led investment in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

The massive investment plan was revealed during the inaugural Syrian-Emirati Investment Forum held in Damascus, featuring a high-ranking UAE delegation headed by Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and prominent business leaders, including Eagle Hills founder Mohamed Alabbar.

During the forum’s opening session, Al Zeyoudi detailed the UAE’s strategic vision, stating the initiative seeks to “advance bilateral relations across investment and trade sectors in a manner that serves the shared interests of both countries and their brotherly peoples.” He emphasized to Syrian officials and business leaders that the UAE views “economic integration and direct dialogue remain the optimal path toward sustainable growth.”

Syrian officials welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm. Dr. Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar, Syria’s Minister of Economy and Industry, characterized the forum as “a restoration of trust and natural communication between brothers.” He praised the UAE’s development approach, telling attendees: “What we see in the UAE is the result of genuine effort and vision. We seek to benefit from an experience that turns the impossible into reality.”

Al-Shaar also pledged government backing for the initiative, promising full support for UAE projects and describing modern Syria as “a major investment opportunity and a platform for launching toward the future.”

Alabbar captured significant attention when he revealed Eagle Hills’ plans for extensive urban development and logistics projects worth $50 billion. He told forum participants the region is “undergoing a very major political transformation,” explaining this shift has given investors confidence to commit substantial funding that matches Syria’s historical importance and its people’s hopes.

The comprehensive investment strategy encompasses building modern smart cities in Damascus and Latakia, delivering over 100,000 housing units, plus renovating critical infrastructure including airports in Latakia, Qamishli, and Deir ez-Zor. The overarching objective involves establishing Syria as a logistics center connecting the Arabian Gulf with the Mediterranean Sea.

This forum represents the culmination of Abu Dhabi’s gradual diplomatic approach spanning several years. Political observers highlight Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s April visit to the UAE as the crucial political endorsement that enabled major Emirati corporations to move forward with implementation.

The UAE’s Syrian community, numbering approximately 250,000 residents, is playing a vital role as a conduit for expertise and capital transfer. Mahmoud al-Dharawi, deputy head of the Syrian Economic Forum for Development, declared that Syria has become “a major investment opportunity” with the potential to attract long-term strategic partners.

While challenges persist regarding international financing systems and ongoing sanctions impacts, the substantial Emirati presence in Damascus delivers what experts call a clear message: economic considerations may ultimately prevail over political reluctance.

Success of this multi-billion dollar collaboration would extend beyond reconstructing Syria’s physical infrastructure. It could transform the power dynamics throughout the eastern Arab world by positioning economics as the sole reliable foundation for regional stability, proving that development and mutual economic benefits might achieve what years of warfare could not.

As the forum wrapped up, it became evident that Damascus and Abu Dhabi aim to create a new chapter in regional history—one based on the principle that lasting partnerships are built through economic integration and development, potentially restoring Syria’s traditional position as a commercial and investment hub in the Arab world.

The relationship between Syria and the UAE has evolved through multiple significant phases. Dating back to Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s leadership, the UAE has supported Syrian development initiatives, while Dubai and Sharjah became important centers for Syrian business communities starting in the 1990s.

Although diplomatic relations cooled following the start of Syria’s civil war in 2011, Abu Dhabi maintained relatively positive ties with Damascus before beginning what observers termed “active engagement” in 2018. This trajectory gained momentum after the catastrophic February 2023 earthquake, when UAE humanitarian assistance became a diplomatic bridge that facilitated Syria’s reintegration—under former President Bashar Assad—into the Arab League.

Current bilateral goals extend well beyond real estate development into strategic logistics cooperation. Forum discussions explored opportunities for investing in and managing airports in Latakia, Qamishli, and Deir ez-Zor, as part of broader efforts to reconnect Syria with international trade networks.

Given the substantial Syrian expatriate community in the UAE, representing approximately 68% of Syria’s educated workforce living abroad according to economic analysts, many experts anticipate this partnership will establish a “human bridge” that could accelerate the return of Syrian knowledge and investment capital.

Supporters of this initiative maintain the project transcends simple reconstruction. They view it as an effort to reshape the political and economic framework of the Arab East through investment-driven stability, providing a model where development and regional collaboration replace conflict as the primary language of the future.

Israeli police fatally shot a Palestinian father of four who was trying to scale the concrete wall dividing the West Bank from Jerusalem in search of employment opportunities, Palestinian officials reported.

Palestinian health officials and the Red Crescent named the victim as 44-year-old Zakaria Qatusa from Deir Qadis, located approximately 13 miles northwest of where Tuesday night’s fatal shooting occurred in Al-Ram, a West Bank community adjacent to the barrier.

Israeli police have not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding the deadly incident. Qatusa’s funeral took place Wednesday.

According to his brother Khalid Qatusa, the deceased man was attempting to cross into Israel to find work to support his family. “He was forced to resort to this method as there was no other opportunity to meet the needs of his household and live a dignified life. This was the only way,” Khalid Qatusa explained. “He was neither an aggressor nor a threat.”

Growing numbers of West Bank Palestinians have been attempting unauthorized border crossings to seek employment in Israel in recent years. Prior to the current Israel-Hamas conflict, thousands of Palestinians possessed legal work permits for Israel, but these authorizations were severely curtailed following the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

The restrictions have led to skyrocketing joblessness and economic hardship throughout the West Bank, where employment opportunities have become scarce. Similar fatal shootings have occurred at this same barrier location where Al-Ram meets Beit Hanina, a neighborhood in east Jerusalem.

United Nations humanitarian coordination officials report that Israeli forces or settlers have killed at least 47 Palestinians as of May 11.

Medical specialists examining Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi have determined she requires extensive medical treatment following her collapse inside an Iranian detention facility more than a week ago, according to her foundation’s announcement Wednesday.

Recent angiography testing revealed severe blockages in two major arteries, with her vascular condition showing marked deterioration compared to similar testing conducted in 2024, the foundation reported.

The 53-year-old activist lost consciousness and was rushed from the prison facility to a hospital in northwestern Iran on May 1. Following her release on bail approximately 10 days afterward, she was moved to a Tehran medical facility where her regular physicians conducted thorough examinations.

Medical staff noted that her blood pressure remains unstable, partially attributed to injury affecting the brain region that controls such bodily functions.

Healthcare providers have prescribed an eight-month treatment regimen in a setting “free from external stressors, where she can receive permanent care and long-term treatment.”

Both her foundation and numerous Nobel Prize recipients worldwide have demanded Mohammadi’s complete and immediate release. The prominent human rights and women’s rights activist received the Nobel Prize in 2023 while incarcerated and has faced multiple imprisonments during her advocacy work.

Her current detention started in December following her arrest in Mashhad, located in northeastern Iran.

Family members report her physical condition had been declining while imprisoned, worsened by severe physical assault during her arrest. She experienced cardiac arrest in March and continues managing a pulmonary blood clot that predates her imprisonment, requiring blood-thinning medication and constant medical supervision.

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s former top aide finds himself at the center of a significant corruption investigation, as anti-corruption agencies have officially designated Andrii Yermak as a suspect in a massive financial scheme.

Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office have formally accused Yermak of participating in a money-laundering operation worth 460 million hryvnia, equivalent to approximately $10.5 million.

Officials clarified that President Zelenskyy himself is not considered a suspect in this investigation.

This development falls just short of filing formal charges against Yermak, who stepped down from his position in November. During his tenure, he served as Ukraine’s primary representative in negotiations with the United States and departed amid a scandal that posed the most serious challenge to Zelenskyy’s administration since Russia’s military offensive began.

Yermak has maintained a polarizing presence in Ukrainian politics. While leading Zelenskyy’s presidential office, he held significant authority within the administration, overseeing diplomatic relations with America and other Western nations, and even exploring potential cease-fire arrangements with Russia.

His formal involvement in this investigation draws the probe nearer to Zelenskyy himself, raising questions about the president’s knowledge and possible participation. A Ukrainian court conducted the initial hearing on Tuesday, with proceedings continuing throughout the week.

The relationship between Yermak and Zelenskyy dates back more than 15 years, when Yermak worked as an attorney expanding into television production while Zelenskyy gained fame as a Ukrainian entertainer and performer.

Initially handling international relations for Zelenskyy’s first presidential team, Yermak received a promotion to chief of staff in February 2020. This role positioned him as the nation’s second-most powerful official, often serving as the president’s primary advisor and gatekeeper. Political observers widely credit him with selecting key government officials, including prime ministers and cabinet members.

Zelenskyy placed considerable confidence in Yermak, bringing him along on all international travels following Russia’s February 2022 invasion. When the corruption allegations surfaced in late 2025, Zelenskyy initially withstood significant public demands to remove Yermak from his position.

The allegations against Yermak involve money laundering connected to an upscale construction development near Kyiv. His legal representative has dismissed the suspicion notice as baseless and rejected claims of Yermak’s participation in any illegal activities.

Anti-corruption investigators contend that the development served as a vehicle for laundering funds through multiple shell companies. They assert that Yermak and his associates intended to build four private estates along with additional luxury amenities.

At Tuesday’s initial court appearance, Yermak maintained his innocence regarding the accusations and stated that his possessions consist of “only one apartment and one car.”

This case represents one component of a larger investigation that anti-corruption agencies disclosed last year.

The broader $100 million bribery operation involved officials and associates within Zelenskyy’s circle and became public knowledge in November, triggering Yermak’s exit from the presidential administration.

The investigation revealed high-level officials demanding contractors pay kickbacks of up to 15% in return for construction contracts with Energoatom, the government-owned nuclear power company. The probe included more than 1,000 hours of recorded conversations featuring individuals using coded language.

Following the scheme’s public exposure, Ukraine’s parliament supported Zelenskyy’s decision to remove the energy and justice ministers. His administration imposed sanctions on close associates allegedly connected to the operation, including Tymur Mindich, a business partner in a media production company that Zelenskyy partially owned before assuming the presidency. Reports indicate Mindich has left the country.

Prosecutors have yet to determine whether any funds Yermak allegedly laundered originated from the Energoatom operation.

While not directly connected to the investigation, the probe and the involvement of a trusted ally and former chief of staff could potentially damage Zelenskyy’s reputation.

Widespread corruption remains a significant barrier preventing Ukraine’s European Union membership, which Zelenskyy actively pursues alongside continued Western assistance in countering Russia’s invasion.

The investigation has also affected current officials participating in peace discussions with the United States. Rustem Umerov, who leads Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council and plays a crucial role in American-led diplomatic initiatives, has faced questioning as part of the probe.

Zelenskyy’s presidential term technically concluded in May 2024, but he has remained in office without conducting elections, arguing they cannot occur while Russia controls approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.

His opponents argue that strengthening credibility with Ukraine’s Western partners is equally crucial, as their assistance remains essential for the military campaign and future conflict resolution negotiations.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A dramatic confrontation unfolded Wednesday at the Philippine Senate building, complete with gunshots and a tense standoff, as authorities attempted to arrest a senator wanted by the International Criminal Court on murder charges related to crimes against humanity.

The chaotic scenes in Manila occurred just two days after the Netherlands-based court made public an arrest warrant targeting Ronald Marapon dela Rosa, who previously headed the national police under ex-President Rodrigo Duterte and played a key role in implementing the controversial anti-drug operations that resulted in thousands of deaths among suspected low-level offenders.

The November-issued warrant accuses dela Rosa of committing murder as a crime against humanity, specifically alleging he was responsible for killing at least 32 individuals during his tenure as police commander from July 2016 through late April 2018.

The 64-year-old dela Rosa has declared his intention to challenge the ICC arrest warrant and indicated he plans to pursue every available legal option to fight the charges.

Officials from the ICC have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the Manila incident.

The Philippines withdrew from the international court in 2019 following a United Nations notification, a move that came after former ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda announced her decision to launch a preliminary investigation into claims of extrajudicial executions during Duterte’s drug war.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who took office in 2022 after Duterte, the Philippines has not returned to ICC membership. However, the current administration has indicated it would provide assistance if the ICC requested international law enforcement to apprehend Duterte through what’s known as a red notice — essentially a global alert asking police agencies worldwide to find and provisionally detain a suspect. Officials have not confirmed whether such a notice has been issued for dela Rosa.

Duterte himself was taken into custody last year and transported to The Hague to face crimes against humanity charges connected to the lethal drug enforcement campaign. He continues to be held there while awaiting his trial proceedings.

Court judges previously dismissed an attempt by Duterte’s attorneys to have the case dismissed based on claims that the court lacked authority since the Philippines had left the organization. The court determined that nations cannot “misuse” their withdrawal rights from the Rome Statute “to protect individuals from accountability for alleged crimes already being examined,” according to the judicial decision.

Established in 2002, the international court’s mission focuses on prosecuting leaders and high-ranking officials for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide. While 125 nations participate as members, three significant world powers — the United States, Russia, and China — remain outside the organization. Ukraine became an official member in January 2025.

The court employs over 900 personnel and operates on an annual budget exceeding 196 million euros, equivalent to approximately $229 million.

The ICC functions as a final judicial option, intervening only when national court systems prove incapable or unwilling to pursue legal action against suspects.

The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on chief prosecutor Karim Khan, several ICC judges, and Khan’s two assistant prosecutors. Trump has criticized the court for what he calls “illegitimate and baseless actions” directed at America and Israel.

During his previous presidency, Trump also sanctioned Khan’s predecessor, Fatou Bensouda. The Biden administration later removed those sanctions.

Russia similarly rejects the court’s jurisdiction and has issued arrest warrants for Khan and the ICC judge who authorized President Vladimir Putin’s warrant.

Since his 2023 arrest warrant was issued, Putin has continued international travel, including visits to ICC member nation Mongolia, as well as trips to China and North Korea, neither of which belongs to the court.

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — A senior European Union energy official cautioned Wednesday that although aviation fuel supplies face no immediate danger, extended shortages remain a possibility that cannot be dismissed.

Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen informed the media that potential fuel shortages will hinge on developments in the Iran conflict and conditions in the Strait of Hormuz, along with airline industry responses after carriers such as Lufthansa’s German parent company grounded substantial numbers of flights.

Conflicts near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments travel, have interrupted supply chains and triggered worldwide fuel price increases.

Though Jørgensen stated “we’re not there yet” regarding aviation fuel shortages, he indicated that the EU’s executive branch will begin discussions with member nations “on how best to address the situation,” while declining to provide specific details.

The Iran conflict has driven jet fuel costs to more than twice their previous levels in certain markets since late February, creating particular vulnerability for airlines since fuel expenses represent a substantial portion of their operational budgets.

The commissioner noted that the bloc’s payment of an additional 35 billion euros ($41 billion) for identical fuel quantities since the Iran war began highlights the urgent need to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuel dependence.

“Really, this is not an energy crisis. This is a fossil fuel crisis,” Jørgensen stated, emphasizing that despite the EU’s energy supply diversification, improved efficiency, and increased renewable energy adoption following Russia’s 2022 Ukraine invasion, challenges persist.

Cyprus Energy Minister Michael Damianos, representing the country that currently leads the EU’s rotating presidency, indicated that fossil fuels including natural gas will continue as part of the bloc’s energy portfolio for the near future, even while maintaining the firm objective of achieving a 90% reduction in greenhouse emissions by 2040. He noted that natural gas from newly discovered deposits off Cyprus’ southern coastline could reach European markets between late next year and early 2028.

Jørgensen emphasized the EU’s continued strong commitment to rapid greenhouse gas emission reductions, stating that “the climate crisis will not go away.”

Looking ahead, the EU commissioner revealed ongoing discussions with Gulf region countries aimed at restoring energy flows from that area once a negotiated peace agreement with Iran is established.

Last month, EU Council President Antonio Costa and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the bloc’s readiness to collaborate with Persian Gulf nations on new energy transport projects that would not be vulnerable to warfare or geopolitical conflicts.

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Government prosecutors in Indonesia announced Wednesday they are pursuing an 18-year prison term for Nadiem Anwar Makarim, who helped establish the ride-hailing and payment service Gojek, in connection with corruption charges related to a school laptop purchasing program implemented during the coronavirus pandemic.

During court proceedings at Jakarta’s Corruption Court, prosecutors additionally requested a financial penalty of 1 billion rupiah (approximately $57,180) and demanded the confiscation of Makarim’s property should he fail to return 809 billion rupiah (roughly $48.2 million) connected to the educational program, plus 4.8 trillion rupiah (around $275.4 million) in what they termed unexplained assets.

According to the prosecution’s proposal, Makarim would serve an extra nine years behind bars if he doesn’t meet these requirements within 30 days following a final judicial decision.

Authorities took Makarim into custody in September following an inquiry into the procurement process, which prosecutors claim resulted in approximately $125 million in government losses. This week, court officials granted a modification to his detention conditions, allowing house arrest after he underwent medical surgery.

The legal proceedings have captured widespread public interest, with hundreds of “ojek” motorcycle taxi operators frequently attending court sessions to demonstrate support for the individual who transformed Indonesia’s gig-based economy.

The charges focus on claims that Makarim, who held the education ministry position from 2019 through 2024, “enriched himself” via the government’s Chromebook acquisition initiative spanning 2020-2022. Prosecutors informed the three-member judicial panel that he misused his official authority to sway policy choices and business transactions.

They claimed Makarim coerced Google into investing in PT Aplikasi Karya Anak Bangsa (PT AKAB), Gojek’s parent organization, which subsequently merged into the GoTo Group.

Throughout the hearings, prosecutors dismissed statements from three former Google leadership figures who testified that Google’s GoTo investment had no connection to the Indonesian government’s choice to purchase Chromebooks for educational institutions.

“Google’s investment in GoTo is considered a mutually beneficial relationship that may have influenced Chromebook procurement policy,” prosecutors declared to the court, maintaining that the Chromebook acquisition and Google’s investment — valued at roughly $787 million through Google Asia Pacific — were linked.

The judicial panel is anticipated to announce a decision within the next few weeks. Should Makarim be found guilty, he would receive one of the most severe corruption penalties in Indonesia’s recent legal history.

In response to the sentencing request, Makarim rejected any misconduct and condemned what he characterized as disproportionate punishment.

“These are lawful earnings from building a company and creating jobs,” he stated to media representatives following the court session, referencing his ownership in Gojek. “I am effectively being charged with 27 or 28 years in prison, far more than many violent criminals.”

He maintained there was “no administrative violation and no element of corruption” in his conduct, noting that the financial restitution demanded by prosecutors greatly surpassed his genuine wealth.

The Chromebook initiative began during the health crisis to facilitate distance learning. Prosecutors stated Makarim promoted Chromebooks despite warnings they were inefficient in regions with poor internet connectivity.

Makarim has insisted that purchasing choices were handled by technical staff members, not himself. His legal representatives contend he sold his PT AKAB holdings when assuming office and that his financial worth decreased during his government service.

Russian authorities have added former British Defense Minister Ben Wallace to their criminal wanted database as part of an unnamed investigation, according to state media reports citing the Russian Interior Ministry on Wednesday.

Wallace held the position of Britain’s defense chief from before Moscow’s full-scale attack on Ukraine in 2022 through August 2023. Following his departure from office, he has remained an outspoken supporter of increased military assistance to Ukraine while criticizing Russian military actions.

State media outlets provided no additional information about the investigation, and Wallace has not responded to requests for comment regarding the development.

The move appears connected to statements Wallace made at last year’s Warsaw Security Forum regarding Crimea, the Ukrainian territory Russia seized in 2014. A Russian regional legislator had previously demanded in October that Wallace be added to Moscow’s international wanted database over those remarks.

During his September appearance at the security conference, Wallace advocated for assisting Ukraine in conducting military operations against the bridge connecting southern Russia to Crimea.

“We have to help Ukraine have the long-range capabilities to make Crimea unviable. We need to choke the life out of Crimea. And if we do that, I think Putin will realise he’s got something to lose,” he said. “We need to smash the cursed bridge.”

The total number of foreign officials and public figures listed in Russia’s Interior Ministry wanted database remains unclear. However, independent news organization Mediazona reported in 2024 that dozens of European politicians and officials appear on the list.

JERUSALEM (AP) — The international diplomat responsible for monitoring the Gaza ceasefire agreement admitted Tuesday that the deal has fallen short of what both sides anticipated.

Nickolay Mladenov, who serves as the chief representative for the International Board of Peace monitoring the Israel-Hamas truce, said the situation remains disappointing for all parties involved.

“Seven months since the ceasefire, the door to the future of Gaza is still closed. It is not what the Palestinians were promised and it is not what they deserve. And it is not giving Israel the security to move forward, as the Israeli people also want,” he said.

The diplomat was visiting Jerusalem Wednesday in an attempt to revive momentum for the ceasefire agreement that Israel and Hamas reached more than seven months ago.

Since the International Board of Peace started meeting last year, minimal advancement has occurred on crucial elements of the step-by-step ceasefire plan, such as removing weapons from Hamas and other armed factions and beginning reconstruction efforts in the heavily damaged territory following two years of conflict.

The original agreement called for Hamas to surrender its arsenal, Israeli military forces to pull back, and massive rebuilding projects to begin in devastated areas of the coastal territory after more than two years of warfare.

However, the months following the ceasefire have been marked by both Israel and Hamas pointing fingers at each other for breaking the agreement. Relief organizations report that Israel has blocked the full amount of humanitarian supplies that were supposed to enter Gaza. Meanwhile, Hamas continues to maintain its weapons and controls approximately half of the territory.

Israeli military operations in Gaza have intensified recently following the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, raising Palestinian concerns that widespread bombing campaigns and full-scale conflict could resume soon.

Mladenov brings extensive diplomatic experience as a former United Nations representative and advisor who previously held ministerial positions in Bulgaria. He was appointed last year to lead Gaza oversight efforts for the International Board of Peace, established under President Donald Trump to manage post-conflict planning for the region.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted when Hamas-led fighters launched an assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the capture of 251 hostages. Israel’s military response has resulted in more than 72,724 Palestinian deaths, including at least 846 fatalities since the ceasefire began last October.

These casualty figures come from the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilian and military deaths but indicates that roughly half of those killed were women and children. United Nations agencies and independent analysts generally consider the ministry’s data, despite being part of the Hamas-controlled government, to be credible.

BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union leadership announced Wednesday plans to urge member countries to prohibit so-called ‘conversion therapy’ targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, responding to widespread public pressure and timing the announcement ahead of this weekend’s Brussels Pride celebration.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared Wednesday that such “conversion practices” have “no place in our Union.” Enhanced protections for LGBTQ+ residents have remained a key pledge of EU leadership since von der Leyen assumed her role in 2019.

Research from the EU’s Agency for Fundamental Rights revealed in 2024 that 25% of surveyed LGBTQ+ individuals had experienced the scientifically debunked practice designed to alter their sexual orientation or gender identity. The highest rates were documented in Greece, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Slovakia.

The commission’s action followed a petition drive that gathered signatures from more than one million EU residents calling for “a binding legal ban on conversion practices targeting LGBTQ+ citizens in the European Union.”

Currently, only 10 of the 27 EU member states have implemented complete or partial bans on conversion therapy, data from the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association – Europe shows.

Malta became the first EU country to prohibit attempts to alter gay individuals’ sexual orientation in 2016. France has since followed suit, establishing criminal penalties including imprisonment and monetary fines for those who employ such practices against LGBTQ+ individuals.

“Conversion practices are built on a lie, the lie that LGBTQ+ people need to be fixed, that there is something wrong with who they are. And there is, of course, nothing to fix, there is nothing to cure, and there is no one to change,” stated Hadja Lahbib, the European commissioner for equality. “You cannot torture away a person’s identity, and you cannot legislate it away. And yet these practices continue, unfortunately.”

Brussels, serving as the EU’s institutional center, expects tens of thousands of participants for Saturday’s march as the city commemorates three decades of its annual LGBTQ+ rights and cultural parade.

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigerian military forces have once again caused massive civilian casualties in an airstrike intended to target militant fighters, marking another deadly error in a troubling pattern that has emerged over recent years and calls into question the effectiveness of a key U.S. security ally.

Sunday’s devastating attack claimed the lives of at least 100 innocent people, including young children, according to Amnesty International’s Nigerian branch. The strike hit a marketplace in Tumfa, located in the northwestern region of Zamfara state. A local Red Cross representative verified the aerial bombardment to The Associated Press, confirming that “multiple civilians” lost their lives.

Nigerian military leadership, however, disputes claims of civilian deaths. Major General Michael Onoja acknowledged that forces did conduct an airstrike on the market area but insisted there was “no verifiable evidence of civilian casualties.” He stated that military operations in the region are ongoing.

These types of deadly incidents have become routine across Nigeria’s violence-plagued northern territories, where armed forces depend extensively on air attacks to strike at bases used by numerous militant organizations. Armed fighters typically travel in large motorcycle convoys through isolated forest areas and remote settlements that ground forces cannot easily access.

Research conducted by SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based analytical organization that compiled reports and information from impacted communities, shows that military airstrikes have resulted in more than 500 civilian deaths since 2017.

The Trump administration has recently deployed military personnel and drone aircraft to provide intelligence gathering and logistical assistance to Nigerian forces. Whether American-supplied intelligence played a role in Sunday’s strike remains unclear.

On several previous occasions, Nigerian officials have acknowledged responsibility for civilian deaths from airstrikes, characterizing these incidents as unintentional. However, residents and security experts report that such occurrences are happening with increasing frequency.

Defense Minister Christopher Musa has stated that the military is working to enhance its human rights practices and ensure accountability among its personnel.

Numerous armed organizations operate throughout Nigeria beyond Boko Haram, the most notorious extremist faction that began its violent campaign in 2009 seeking to impose its radical Islamic ideology across the northeastern region.

Many of today’s fighters were previously cattle herders who became involved in disputes with agricultural communities over land and water resources. These groups have evolved from carrying traditional weapons to conducting assaults with firearms smuggled across borders, leading to thousands of annual fatalities.

Certain militant factions conduct large-scale killings and abduct victims for ransom money in northwestern and central areas. According to analysts, they also demand “tax” payments from local populations to fund their activities, supplementing income from kidnapping operations.

Assaults can continue for multiple days in villages that lack sufficient security protection. Fighters typically avoid staying in any single area for extended periods, constantly moving locations and mixing with civilian populations to avoid capture.

Nigerian government officials explain that preventing civilian casualties during airstrikes proves difficult because armed groups frequently use innocent people as protective shields.

“Bandits and terrorists, unlike professional soldiers, don’t respect the rules of engagement. They don’t care about killing their hostages if they come under attack,” former President Muhammadu Buhari previously stated.

According to Senator Iroegbu, a security expert based in Abuja, the repeated military errors that result in civilian fatalities can also be traced to gaps in intelligence collection and inadequate communication between ground units, aircraft crews, and other key participants.

Nigerian government and military leaders routinely pledge to examine airstrikes to prevent future mistakes. Security analysts note, however, that such reviews typically fail to produce meaningful changes.

In 2024, military authorities took the unusual step of pursuing legal action against two service members following an airstrike that killed more than 80 civilians in Kaduna state. Officials also committed to publishing their investigation findings but have yet to do so.

Oluwole Ojewale from the Institute for Security Studies, which focuses on African issues, emphasized that Nigeria requires better investment in pilot education and training programs, along with modernized aircraft and targeting technology.

He added that military forces must also work to establish trust and gain cooperation from local communities, whose knowledge of militant group movements is essential for accurate targeting and successful operations against these organizations.

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — In a symbolic move toward better diplomatic relations, Turkey has lifted trade restrictions with Armenia on Wednesday, marking progress between the two nations that have been at odds for decades.

The neighboring countries have maintained no official diplomatic ties, with their shared border remaining sealed since the 1990s. Tensions have persisted due to historical disputes and Turkey’s close partnership with Azerbaijan.

Both nations committed in late 2021 to working toward better relations, naming special representatives to explore reconciliation options and border reopening possibilities. These diplomatic efforts have already led to restored direct air travel and relaxed visa requirements.

Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Oncu Keceli announced on social media platform X Wednesday that technical and administrative efforts to reopen the shared border continue moving forward.

The new policy allows goods shipped between Turkey and Armenia through third-party countries to properly identify their actual origin or destination, removing previous labeling restrictions, according to Keceli.

“In the light of the historic opportunity seized to strengthen lasting peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus, Türkiye will continue to contribute to the development of economic relations in the region and to further advancing cooperation for the benefit of all countries and peoples of the region,” Keceli stated, using Turkey’s official spelling.

Armenian officials praised the development.

“We would like to emphasize that this is an important step toward the establishment of full and normalized relations between the two countries, which could logically continue through the opening of the Armenia-Turkey border and the establishment of diplomatic relations,” Armenian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ani Badalyan responded on X.

Turkey closed its Armenian border in 1993 to support Azerbaijan during its territorial dispute with Armenia over the Karabakh region, also called Nagorno-Karabakh internationally.

During 2020, Turkey provided substantial military support to Azerbaijan in a six-week war against ethnic Armenian forces supported by Armenia over Karabakh territory. Azerbaijan reclaimed significant portions of the region and surrounding areas, utilizing Turkish military equipment including combat drones.

The two countries also share a painful historical legacy concerning the estimated 1.5 million Armenian deaths during massacres, deportations and forced relocations beginning in 1915 under Ottoman rule.

Most historians classify these events as genocide. Turkey strongly disputes this characterization, acknowledging casualties occurred during that period while arguing death counts are exaggerated and resulted from civil conflict.

BARCELONA, Spain — Spanish government records reveal that a Russian cargo vessel which went down in Mediterranean waters more than a year ago following engine room explosions was potentially transporting nuclear submarine reactor components.

The vessel Ursa Major went down on December 23, 2024, in waters between Spain and Algeria during what was reported as a voyage from St. Petersburg to Russia’s Pacific port of Vladivostok. Fourteen crew members were rescued by Spanish maritime teams, though two sailors were lost.

According to a written government response to parliamentary opposition members, the vessel’s commanding officer “confessed” the ship was transporting “components for two nuclear reactors similar to those used in submarines.”

The parliamentary document, dated February 23 and first disclosed by CNN on Tuesday, has been reviewed by The Associated Press.

When the vessel sank, Russian state shipping company Oboronlogistika claimed the Ursa Major was the victim of sabotage. The company reported three major explosions struck the vessel near the waterline in what they characterized as a “terrorist attack.”

Oboronlogistika operates under Russia’s defense ministry and faces sanctions from both the United States and European Union due to military connections.

Ship records indicated the vessel was transporting 129 containers, two large cranes, and “two well covers,” according to the government document.

When questioned by Harbor Master officials in Cartagena, Spain, following the rescue, the ship’s captain disclosed that the well covers were actually nuclear components. The captain clarified that no nuclear fuel was aboard the vessel.

Spanish officials explained they could not inspect the ship to verify this information during rescue operations, which prioritized crew safety and searching for missing personnel. The wreckage lies approximately 2,500 meters below the surface.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated during a Wednesday press briefing that he had not reviewed reports about the ship’s cargo, adding “there is nothing for us to comment on here.”

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysian maritime authorities acknowledge they possess limited authority to prevent vessels linked to Iran from conducting oil transfers in waters off their coastline, a practice that enables Iran to circumvent international sanctions and has sparked increasing international condemnation.

According to United Against Nuclear Iran, a U.S.-based advocacy organization, satellite surveillance has documented 42 ship-to-ship oil transfers involving Iranian vessels in waters approximately 70 kilometers (45 miles) from Malaysia’s southern Johor state since February 28, following U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran that initiated Middle East hostilities.

Shipping industry groups and UANI have condemned these transfer operations, with the advocacy group claiming Malaysia demonstrates insufficient enforcement measures.

Mohamad Rosli Abdullah, Director-General of Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement Agency, explains that these transfers frequently occur in international waters beyond Malaysian authority, and these vessels, referred to as a “shadow fleet,” successfully avoid detection through various tactics including disabling tracking equipment, using fraudulent identities, conducting nighttime operations, and utilizing complicated ownership arrangements.

“The issues raised do not align with the actual situation on the ground and do not reflect the operational realities of maritime enforcement conducted by the MMEA,” Mohamad Rosli told The Associated Press.

American officials have previously indicated that Iranian petroleum exports depend significantly on service providers and ship-to-ship transfer operations conducted near Malaysian territorial waters.

This region, designated as the Eastern Outer Port Limits, or EOPL, within the South China Sea, sits along one of the planet’s most heavily trafficked maritime commercial routes and provides a midpoint between Iran and China, which purchases approximately 90% of Iranian petroleum.

Secret open-ocean transfers involving Iranian-connected tankers have continued for years, enabling Tehran to market its crude oil while providing purchasers with reasonable deniability regarding the petroleum’s origin.

Although not prohibited by law, Malaysia discourages unauthorized transfers conducted outside designated zones, where such activities can receive proper oversight since they significantly heighten spill risks, involve deteriorating vessels, and occur far from ports where accidents could receive better containment.

Representatives from both the Iranian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and the U.S. State Department did not provide immediate responses to requests for comment.

Even with a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports beginning in mid-April, UANI continues tracking Iranian-connected tankers still in operation, although the number successfully passing through remains unclear.

As of Tuesday, two dozen Iranian-linked vessels monitored by UANI were positioned or waiting near the EOPL transfer area off Johor, though determining how many departed before the blockade implementation remains uncertain.

“It’s business as usual,” senior UANI adviser Charlie Brown told the AP.

“Because of Malaysia’s inaction, it is facilitating this business model by Iran and China and dark fleet actors,” he said, warning Malaysia is becoming “a facilitator rather than merely a transit point” for illicit activity.

UANI argues that Malaysia could implement environmental regulations requiring advance notification for ship-to-ship transfers, prohibit Malaysian companies from supporting involved vessels, and mandate adequate insurance coverage for accidents and oil spills, among other measures.

However, Mohamad Rosli stated Malaysia has limited options since the “activities are typically conducted outside Malaysian territorial waters, particularly in areas located near maritime boundaries or international shipping routes.”

He emphasized that enforcement follows Malaysian law and applicable international agreements strictly, and authorities have “never compromised nor provided any special treatment or privileges to any country.”

While the transfer location is generally considered part of Malaysia’s broader economic zone, it borders the Riau Archipelago, which belongs to Indonesian territory.

Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry indicated authorities are examining the situation to assess the activity’s legality.

“Indonesia does not permit its territory or maritime zones to be used for unlawful activities,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang.

“At the same time, Indonesia continues to uphold legitimate navigational rights under UNCLOS (the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), including the right of innocent passage, transit passage, and the right of passage through Indonesian maritime zones.”

Mohamad Rosli mentioned that Malaysia had previously seized two vessels this year, one without national registration and another flying a Cameroon flag, participating in transferring 2 million barrels of crude oil within Malaysian territorial waters.

Both vessels received later release on bond for conducting unauthorized oil transfers. Brown noted one vessel was observed earlier this month performing a ship-to-ship transfer of suspected Iranian petroleum in Johor waters.

Malaysian authorities “will continue to strengthen monitoring and enhance strategic cooperation with relevant agencies to ensure that the nation’s maritime domain’s safety and sovereignty are consistently safeguarded,” Mohamad Rosli said.

MANILA, Philippines — Shots were fired Wednesday evening at the Philippine Senate building where Senator Ronald dela Rosa has been taking refuge from law enforcement officials seeking his arrest on International Criminal Court charges, according to an Associated Press reporter and other witnesses present.

The cause of the shooting and whether anyone was wounded remained unclear. Dela Rosa has been under the protection of fellow senators inside the legislative building while Philippine officials attempt to apprehend him for potential transfer to the ICC.

Senate President Alan Cayetano made a brief statement to reporters, confirming that building security informed him of the gunfire before quickly departing without offering additional information.

“The emotions are high here,” Cayetano said. “This is the Senate of the Philippines and we are allegedly under attack.”

The ICC made public its arrest warrant for dela Rosa on Monday. The 64-year-old former national police commander oversaw President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug enforcement campaigns that resulted in the deaths of thousands of suspected low-level offenders.

The warrant, initially issued in November, accuses dela Rosa of murder as a crime against humanity involving “no less than 32 persons” during his tenure leading the national police from July 2016 through April 2018 under Duterte’s administration.

Dela Rosa has pledged to challenge the ICC warrant through all available legal channels. On Wednesday evening, he urged his supporters to come to the Senate complex to help block what he described as his imminent detention.

When National Bureau of Investigation officers attempted to take dela Rosa into custody Monday, he escaped to the Senate chamber and requested assistance from colleague senators. Cayetano announced at that time he would hold the government agents in contempt.

Health officials in southwestern France have temporarily barred passengers and crew members from leaving a cruise vessel docked in Bordeaux following reports of numerous gastroenteritis cases aboard the ship.

The Ambassador Cruise Line ship Ambition, carrying approximately 1,700 people, arrived from Belfast and Liverpool before being held at port as a safety precaution. French television reports indicate one passenger has died during the voyage.

Regional health authorities emphasized that this apparent stomach illness outbreak bears no connection to a separate hantavirus incident that occurred on the luxury vessel Hondius during its journey from Argentina to the Canary Islands.

Ambassador Cruise Line announced through social media that they have put stronger cleaning and safety measures in place on the Ambition. “Once clearance is granted, guests will be permitted to disembark,” the company stated.

Officials described the passenger restriction as temporary while they await results from medical examinations.

Stomach-related illnesses frequently occur on cruise vessels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already documented four separate outbreaks this year on cruise ships, including two cases of E.coli and two instances of norovirus.

Gastroenteritis, commonly known as stomach flu, primarily causes nausea and loose bowel movements. While highly transmissible, the condition typically resolves without serious complications, though severe cases may result in fluid loss requiring medical attention.

This illness differs significantly from hantavirus, which carries a much higher death rate but rarely spreads between people except through prolonged direct contact.

Albrecht Weinberg, a centenarian who lived through the horrors of Nazi concentration camps and dedicated his later years to sharing his testimony, passed away Tuesday in Leer, Germany, at the age of 101, according to local officials.

The survivor had experienced unimaginable suffering during World War II, imprisoned in multiple concentration camps including Auschwitz, Mittelbau-Dora, and Bergen-Belsen, and forced to endure three death marches. Weinberg’s passing occurred just weeks following his 101st birthday celebration and the debut of a film documenting his experiences, titled “Es ist immer in meinem Kopf” (“It Is Always in My Head”), which attracted hundreds of viewers.

Weinberg entered the world on March 7, 1925, in Rhauderfehn, a community close to Leer. As a young man, he was taken into custody for forced labor and managed to survive some of the most infamous facilities in the Nazi camp system. The Holocaust claimed the lives of most of his relatives, including siblings Dieter and Friedel, based on records from the Claims Conference’s survivor testimony project.

According to Leer Mayor Claus-Peter Horst’s public statement, Weinberg devoted his remaining years to continuously sharing his survival story. “Since returning from New York to his East Frisian home 14 years ago, Albrecht recounted tirelessly and with incredible energy his terrible experiences during the Nazi era and warned again and again against forgetting,” Horst said.

During Germany’s struggle with both the declining population of living Holocaust witnesses and rising concerns about far-right political movements, Weinberg established himself as a regular presence in educational institutions and community events. Though he was honored with Germany’s Order of Merit in 2017, he made the decision in 2025 to return the award following a parliamentary migration vote that received backing from the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD). This legislative action shattered a decades-long postwar tradition of avoiding dependence on far-right support for parliamentary majorities.

Israel’s ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, honored Weinberg’s memory, describing him as “a bridge—between past and present, between pain and hope, between the dead he could never forget and the young people whom he encouraged to seek the truth,” according to The Associated Press.

According to a Reuters investigation, Saudi Arabia conducted secret airstrikes on Iranian territory in late March, marking a retaliatory response to attacks the kingdom endured during recent regional hostilities, four sources told the news agency.

The military operations represent the first documented instance of Saudi forces striking targets within Iran’s borders.

A source familiar with the situation described the military action as “tit-for-tat strikes in response to attacks Saudi Arabia had suffered.”

The Reuters investigation revealed that these strikes exposed vulnerabilities in Saudi Arabia’s defensive capabilities, despite the nation’s strong military partnership with the United States and its longstanding dependence on American security guarantees. According to the report, hostile attacks during the conflict managed to breach the U.S. protective security framework safeguarding the Gulf nation.

Sources indicated that Saudi officials notified Iran following the completion of their military operations. Reuters documented that extensive diplomatic communications ensued, accompanied by Saudi threats of potential further military action. These diplomatic exchanges ultimately resulted in mutual agreements designed to lower tensions between the rival nations. This informal de-escalation pact reportedly became effective approximately one week prior to the April 7 ceasefire agreement reached between Washington and Tehran.

The revelation of Saudi military action emerged one day following The Wall Street Journal’s disclosure that the United Arab Emirates had similarly conducted strikes within Iranian territory during the same conflict period. The publication reported that the UAE operation took place in early April, coinciding with President Trump’s ceasefire declaration, though the exact timing relative to the announcement remained unclear.

During the conflict, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates employed contrasting approaches, Reuters found. While Riyadh worked to prevent further escalation and kept diplomatic channels open with Iranian representatives, including Iran’s ambassador stationed in Riyadh, the UAE pursued a more aggressive stance focused on punishing Tehran.

Israeli Eurovision contestant Noam Bettan secured his place in Saturday’s grand final following Tuesday’s semifinal performance in Vienna, though his appearance sparked both enthusiastic support and vocal opposition from audience members.

Bettan performed his entry “Michelle” as the tenth act of the evening, ultimately earning enough votes to advance alongside nine other nations: Greece, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Moldova, Serbia, Croatia, Lithuania, and Poland.

The performance was marked by disruptions, with venue security removing multiple spectators who engaged in anti-Israel demonstrations. Local authorities escorted out one protester who yelled “genocide” during Bettan’s time on stage.

Speaking to Israeli media afterward, Bettan acknowledged the hostile reception but remained focused. “The calls were really, really loud. But I focused on the performance,” Bettan explained following his stage exit. He continued, “I searched with my eyes for the Israeli flags in the crowd. That strengthened me.”

Upon learning of his advancement to the final round, Bettan expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating he was thankful “to all the people of Israel, to all the Jews in the world, and to everyone who voted for us.”

“Wow, I had an amazing performance, I enjoyed every moment, see you in the final. I truly felt like I was singing for the State of Israel. I was simply channeling the people and felt like I was a conduit,” he added.

Meanwhile, Eurovision organizers issued a warning to Israel’s Kan public broadcaster regarding an online promotional campaign supporting Bettan, citing updated competition regulations designed to restrict external promotional efforts.

Eurovision director Martin Green revealed that officials quickly contacted the Israeli delegation after discovering online videos featuring Bettan. “Within 20 minutes, we had contacted the KAN delegation to ask them to immediately stop any distribution of the videos and remove them from any platforms where they had been published. They immediately acted to do this,” Green stated.

When questioned by The Times of Israel, Kan responded that it “is following all of the rules of the competition.” A delegation insider noted that contestants from Malta and Romania had conducted similar promotional campaigns this year.

BRUSSELS (AP) — Palestinian musician Bashar Murad took the stage at an elegant Brussels venue Tuesday night, delivering an emotional rendition of Nina Simone’s “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” in both English and Arabic. The crowd responded with thunderous applause as the last notes echoed through the hall.

Murad’s performance was part of a growing movement of alternative concerts protesting Israel’s inclusion in this week’s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. Critics are voicing opposition to Israel’s participation amid its ongoing military operations in Gaza and surrounding regions.

This year’s Eurovision, celebrating its 70th anniversary with the theme “United by Music,” has seen five nations — Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland — refuse to participate. Despite the boycotts, 35 countries are still competing, with ten nations including Israel and frontrunner Finland securing spots in Tuesday’s semifinals.

The “United for Palestine” concert in Brussels brought together European performers with Palestinian musicians like Murad, who nearly represented Iceland in the 2024 competition.

“It’s always amazing to be in the same room with people who believe in the same things as you and people who believe that we can’t just let the show go on,” Murad explained.

Murad’s parents, including his father who helped found the prominent Palestinian band Sabreen, had previously tried without success to get Palestine admitted to Eurovision in 2007 through the European Broadcasting Union in Geneva.

Israel has been a Eurovision participant since 1973, claiming victory four times and maintaining strong cultural ties to the annual competition.

However, Israel’s continued involvement has generated increasing controversy as international anger mounts over casualties in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Iran. Mass demonstrations have swept from Rome to Madrid, with European Union officials considering additional sanctions.

“We have to create an alternative because the participation of Israel is problematic,” stated Katrien De Ruysscher, who leads activist organization SOS Gaza. Her group partnered with rights organization 11.11.11 to coordinate the Brussels gathering.

Previous Eurovision events in Malmo, Sweden in 2024 and Basel, Switzerland the year before witnessed significant pro-Palestinian demonstrations demanding Israel’s removal. Allegations also surfaced that Israel’s government violated competition guidelines to assist their representative.

Contest organizers have strengthened voting procedures this year following claims of ballot manipulation, though participants continue to be evaluated by national panels and global audiences.

The European Broadcasting Union rejected calls to exclude Israel, prompting the five-nation boycott.

Amnesty International’s secretary general Agnès Callamard argued Eurovision should remove Israel just as it did with Russia in 2022 following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Songs and sequins must not be allowed to drown out or distract from Israel’s atrocities or Palestinian suffering,” Callamard declared.

Similar protest concerts are occurring across Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Italy and Spain, according to Brussels event organizers.

Spanish public television, which traditionally broadcasts Eurovision, will instead air an alternative program Saturday evening called “La Casa de la Música.” The special will honor the network’s 70-year history with performances by 20 established and emerging artists, including Benidorm Fest winners who would typically advance to Eurovision.

Despite these alternative events, none will match Eurovision’s massive reach — the contest attracted 166 million viewers in 2025 and maintains its devoted fanbase.

Murad expressed hope that counter-programming might encourage reflection on Eurovision’s founding principles of musical unity.

“The purpose of these alternative programs that are happening is to remind Eurovision what it’s actually about and to try to hopefully bring it back, to correct its course, and make it actually live up to the things that it claims to be about,” he said. “A lot of people in the world feel that the competition has lost its meaning.”