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Palestinian business owners in the West Bank received orders Monday to demolish 15 shops, coming just one day after top Israeli government officials gathered to mark the revival of a nearby settlement.

The demolition notices were issued to Al-Fandaqumiya village, according to a local leader, following Sunday’s ceremony where Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar marked the reestablishment of the Sa-Nur settlement.

Sa-Nur, located in the northern West Bank, was among 19 settlements removed in 2005 as part of Israel’s disengagement plan that also withdrew settlers from Gaza – a decision that continues to anger Israel’s political right.

The current far-right Israeli government has pushed for aggressive settlement growth, with Palestinians receiving thousands of demolition notices since the administration came to power, United Nations records show.

International law considers Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank illegal, though Israel contests this position. The territory remains central to Palestinian hopes for a future state, but expanding settlements have divided the land into fragments.

Under the present government, Israel has authorized 102 additional settlements, nearly doubling the 127 that existed when officials took office, according to Israeli advocacy group Peace Now.

Refaat Qaruriya, who leads Al-Fandaqumiya’s village council, said store owners received 30 days’ notice for the demolitions. He expressed concern that the Sa-Nur settlement would prevent villagers from reaching their agricultural land.

Israeli military officials stated the shop demolitions were ordered because the structures lacked proper building permits, insisting the timing had no connection to Sa-Nur’s reestablishment.

Palestinians maintain that obtaining such construction permits is nearly impossible under current policies.

“This development (in Sa-Nur) raises serious concerns regarding further escalation, restrictions on Palestinian access to land, and the deepening of a de facto annexation reality,” Palestinian Authority official Amir Daoud told Reuters.

Smotrich has openly advocated for West Bank annexation, stating his goal of achieving “maximum territory and minimum (Palestinian) population” under Israeli control.

During Sunday’s ceremony, Smotrich also urged Israeli settlement of “all of Gaza” along with territories Israel occupies in Lebanon and Syria.

With Israeli elections scheduled by late October, both Katz’s Likud party and Smotrich’s Religious Zionism group have seen declining poll numbers. Both parties rely heavily on settler support.

“It’s clear that the whole land of Israel belongs to the people of Israel, period. About what to do with the Arabs, I don’t have an answer to what to do with them – the land belongs to us,” said Meir Goldmintz, a settler moving to Sa-Nur.

United Nations data shows at least 580 settler attacks on Palestinians since early 2026, forcing approximately 1,800 people from their homes due to violence and access limitations.

Human Rights Watch has characterized the increasing violence and Palestinian displacement in the West Bank as ethnic cleansing supported by Israeli authorities – an accusation Israel denies.

Israeli prosecutions of settler violence remain uncommon, according to Israeli rights organization Yesh Din.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced Monday that his administration will implement stricter firearm regulations following two tragic school shootings that occurred last week.

The deadly incidents, carried out by students, culminated in a devastating attack in Turkey’s southeastern Kahramanmaras province that claimed the lives of eight students and one teacher. These types of school violence incidents are extremely uncommon in Turkey, leaving the nation in shock.

Under the new measures, Turkey plans to strengthen regulations around gun ownership and impose harsher penalties on firearm owners when minors gain access to their weapons. Additionally, Erdogan stated that authorities will implement enhanced internet monitoring as part of the government’s comprehensive response to these tragic events.

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Following his party’s overwhelming electoral victory, Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar revealed his initial Cabinet selections on Monday after conducting the first meeting with his parliamentary group members.

Magyar’s center-right Tisza party crushed longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Hungary’s April 12 election, capturing a commanding two-thirds parliamentary majority that will enable them to reverse numerous policies established during Orbán’s 16-year tenure.

The incoming leader has pledged to rebuild Hungary’s democratic foundations and legal framework, which deteriorated during Orbán’s administration, while pursuing accountability for those he claims oversaw and profited from extensive government corruption.

Tisza secured an unprecedented 141 parliamentary seats from the total 199 available — marking the most substantial majority since Hungary transitioned from Communist rule. Orbán’s far-right, anti-European Union Fidesz party saw their representation plummet from 135 seats to just 52.

During Monday’s Budapest press conference, Magyar — who will replace Orbán as prime minister — announced plans to expand the government structure from 12 to 16 ministries.

Among his disclosed Cabinet nominees were Anita Orbán (no family connection to the current prime minister) for foreign affairs minister, István Kapitány for economy and energy minister, and András Kármán for finance minister.

Magyar stated his party would establish a government “that will be worthy of the Hungarian people’s trust.”

The incoming prime minister has committed to extensively restructuring Hungary’s governmental framework, including establishing independent ministries for health, environmental protection, and education — departments that were eliminated under Orbán’s leadership.

According to Magyar, the new parliament will convene for its opening session on May 9 or 10, followed immediately by the prime ministerial election. Cabinet confirmations will proceed in subsequent days, he explained.

BRUSSELS — The European Union is threatening to withhold approximately $1.8 billion in funding from Serbia unless the country addresses growing concerns about its democratic institutions, according to a warning issued Monday by EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos.

The threat comes after international observers reported witnessing violent incidents and voting irregularities during local elections held last month across 10 Serbian municipalities.

Speaking to European Union lawmakers, Kos expressed mounting alarm about Serbia’s trajectory. “We are increasingly worried about what is happening in Serbia,” she stated, adding that the European Commission is currently “assessing whether the country still fulfills the conditions for payments under the EU’s financial instruments.”

The commissioner outlined a range of troubling developments that have prompted EU scrutiny, including “laws that undermine the independence of the judiciary, to crackdowns on protesters and recurrent meddling in independent media.”

Serbia currently has access to substantial EU funding designed to support growth in nations seeking membership, contingent on implementing democratic reforms. While Belgrade has already received $130 million from these programs, Kos noted that this “leaves around 1.5 billion under a question mark.”

The European Union has intensified its efforts to bring Western Balkan countries into the fold since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, amid concerns that Moscow might attempt to destabilize a region still recovering from conflicts during the 1990s.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, a populist leader, publicly states his intention to guide Serbia toward EU membership while simultaneously maintaining strong ties with Russia. Last year, he ignored EU objections and participated in Russia’s Victory Day parade alongside President Vladimir Putin.

Democracy experts from the Venice Commission, Europe’s primary constitutional affairs organization, conducted a fact-finding mission to Serbia last month. They met with political figures and senior judicial officials to evaluate concerns brought forward by Serbia’s parliamentary president.

The commission plans to issue an “urgent opinion” based on their investigation in the coming weeks. Kos emphasized that Brussels expects Serbia “to fully align its judicial laws with the Venice Commission’s recommendations and to restore the independence of its media.”

“Serbia has to deliver,” she concluded.

Eight individuals have received prison sentences from a Turkish court following a fatal cable car incident at a popular Mediterranean resort that claimed one life and injured seven others.

A court in southern Turkey handed down the sentences Monday, with four defendants receiving seven-and-a-half year terms after being found guilty of causing death and injury through negligence, according to state-run Anadolu news agency. The remaining four defendants received sentences ranging from three years and four months to five years for identical charges.

The tragic incident occurred on April 12, 2024, when a cable car gondola struck a support pole and broke apart, causing passengers inside to fall onto the rocky terrain below. Following the collision, the entire cable car system was forced to shut down, trapping 174 tourists in their gondolas suspended high above the ground. Some passengers remained stranded for almost 23 hours before rescue operations could safely evacuate them.

The cable car system transports visitors from Konyaalti Beach up to a dining establishment and observation deck located at the top of Tunektepe peak, which rises 618 meters (2,010 feet) above sea level. The accident took place during the Eid al-Fitr celebration, which marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

The majority of those convicted in the case worked for ANET, a company owned by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality that manages the cable car operations in this Mediterranean coastal city.

Venezuelan officials announced Monday that 51 individuals have been transferred from traditional imprisonment to alternative custody arrangements, marking the latest development in the government’s stated commitment to fostering national reconciliation.

While authorities declined to identify the specific individuals or detail their cases, legal representatives and family members of numerous people detained in connection with alleged corruption at the state petroleum company PDVSA confirmed Thursday that several of their clients had been freed. Many relatives maintain their loved ones’ innocence. A planned Monday news conference by the group representing these detainees was delayed, with organizers citing ongoing legal proceedings for many cases.

In an official statement, the government explained it had petitioned for “the granting of alternative measures to deprivation of liberty for a group of individuals who were being held in detention, for their alleged or proven involvement in the commission of crimes provided for under the Venezuelan legal framework” and confirmed the request was approved last week.

Officials did not detail the specific alternative arrangements, though such measures typically involve electronic surveillance, mandatory court appearances, or travel restrictions preventing departure from the country.

While Venezuelan leadership consistently rejects claims of holding political detainees and maintains all imprisoned individuals have committed legitimate offenses, acting President Delcy Rodriguez has facilitated the release of hundreds since January. This includes releases under a limited amnesty statute enacted by the legislature. These initiatives form part of broader agreements aimed at restoring diplomatic ties with the United States following President Nicolas Maduro’s capture in January.

The legal advocacy organization Foro Penal reported this month that 485 political detainees remain incarcerated, while government officials claim thousands have either been freed or had legal restrictions lifted since the amnesty took effect.

Foro Penal, alongside other human rights organizations and opposition representatives, has criticized the amnesty’s implementation, arguing the process moves too slowly and excludes many qualified candidates.

MADRID (AP) — Undocumented immigrants across Spain started submitting applications Monday for a groundbreaking amnesty initiative that could provide legal status to hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals currently living and working in the country without proper documentation.

The Spanish government’s strategy stands in stark contrast to policies adopted by other European nations, where officials have increasingly focused on restricting immigration and increasing removal operations. Spanish leaders justify this initiative as an economic necessity that has gained backing from both business leaders and labor organizations.

Facing demographic challenges with an aging workforce, Spanish officials say the country requires additional workers to sustain economic growth, generate tax revenue, and support the social security system.

The legalization initiative was first unveiled in January and received final approval this month. Under the program, immigrants lacking legal documentation can obtain a one-year renewable residency permit by demonstrating they have resided in Spain for at least five months and maintained a clean criminal background. The application deadline extends through the end of June.

Concerns have emerged regarding the compressed timeframe for processing applications, with the Spanish government estimating potential participation at 500,000 migrants, while research organization Funcas projects the number could reach approximately 840,000 individuals.

More than 370 postal facilities began accepting applications, while officials announced that 60 social security locations and several immigration offices would also process submissions. Digital applications became available Friday.

Those seeking assistance at postal locations in Madrid and Barcelona reported smooth operations overall, though some expressed frustration with extended waiting periods despite scheduled appointments.

“The process is quite straightforward since I scheduled my appointment online and received one for this morning,” explained Nubia Rivas, a 47-year-old Venezuelan immigrant who submitted her paperwork at a Madrid post office. “The procedure moves somewhat slowly here, but it flows steadily.”

Venezuelan immigrant Johana Moreno arrived at a central Madrid postal facility alongside her spouse. She explained that while she worked as an archivist in Venezuela, she currently earns income through house cleaning services.

“This is exactly what we desire,” Moreno stated regarding the opportunity to obtain legal status. “To live properly, to work, to contribute meaningfully. To fulfill our tax obligations. We understand that legal status brings rights, but it also comes with responsibilities.”

Spain’s population has expanded significantly in recent years to include approximately 10 million foreign-born residents, representing one in every five people living in the country. Large numbers originate from Colombia, Venezuela, and Morocco, having departed their home countries due to economic hardship, violence, or political turmoil.

Numerous immigrants from Latin American and African nations provide essential labor in critical sectors of Spain’s economy, including agricultural production, tourism, and service industries.

Election officials in Peru started examining thousands of challenged ballots Monday, creating significant delays in determining the final outcome of the April 12 general election as the race for second place in the presidential runoff remains extremely close.

More than one million votes from approximately 6% of polling locations across the country are under review due to incomplete information or mistakes on vote tallying forms, according to Peru’s National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE).

The National Jury of Elections (JNE), Peru’s highest election authority, announced it has begun conducting public hearings to examine each disputed polling station before including those results in the official count, a procedure that may require several weeks to complete.

“We expect that by mid-May we will have, at the very least, the presidential results, which are what we need to determine the runoff,” JNE Secretary General Yessica Clavijo told local radio station RPP.

The official vote tallying has remained virtually unchanged since Friday. Based on nearly 94% of counted ballots, conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori maintains approximately 17% of votes, while left-wing congressman Roberto Sanchez and ultra-conservative Rafael Lopez Aliaga continue battling for the second runoff position with 12.0% and 11.9% respectively – separated by roughly 13,000 votes.

During recent days, Sanchez has slowly gained ground over former Lima mayor Lopez Aliaga, continuing a trend that has benefited the leftist legislator who serves as an ally to imprisoned former president Pedro Castillo. Castillo secured the presidency in 2021 through substantial backing from rural and inland areas of Peru.

The majority of contested polling stations are situated beyond Lima, the capital city, and their geographical distribution will serve as the “determining factor for the second round,” JPMorgan noted in a client analysis.

“The fact that the gap has widened again, even as urban and overseas votes continue to be counted, suggests that Sanchez’s rural base is generating enough votes to offset opposing pressure,” the bank added.

The counting delays have sparked fraud accusations from Lopez Aliaga and demands for ONPE chief Piero Corvetto’s resignation from business leaders and legislators representing multiple political parties.

The JNE submitted a criminal complaint to prosecutors against Corvetto, citing alleged violations including breaches of voting rights.

While Corvetto has admitted to logistical setbacks, he has rejected claims that any voting irregularities occurred. Corvetto did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

European Union election observers reported last week that they discovered no evidence of fraudulent activity.

A prominent military leader within Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces has abandoned the paramilitary organization to join the nation’s regular army, marking a significant development as the country’s brutal civil conflict continues into its fourth year.

Army leader Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan publicly welcomed Maj. Gen. al-Nour Ahmed Adam, also called al-Qubba, who switched allegiances earlier this month. The sovereign council shared footage on social platforms of Burhan meeting with Adam in Sudan’s Northern province near the Egyptian border.

“Doors are open to all those who lay down arms and join the path of national reconstruction,” stated Burhan, who leads the sovereign council.

The Rapid Support Forces have remained silent regarding Adam’s departure.

According to regional news sources, Adam escaped from RSF-controlled territory in Darfur this month, bringing with him dozens of fighters and military equipment when he joined government forces.

The Sudan Tribune reported that Adam’s departure followed disagreements with RSF leadership, particularly their decision not to name him military commander of North Darfur province after the group captured el-Fasher city in October, which had been the army’s final stronghold in Darfur.

Adam represents one of the highest-ranking officials to abandon the paramilitaries since fighting began. Last year, Abu Aqla Kaikel, commander of the Sudan Shield Forces, also left the RSF when government troops recaptured the strategically important Gezira province.

Sudan’s conflict erupted in April 2023 when tensions between military leaders and the RSF escalated into armed combat throughout Khartoum and other regions of the vast nation.

The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project estimates the fighting has claimed at least 59,000 lives, though the U.S.-based monitoring organization acknowledges this figure likely underrepresents the actual death toll due to reporting challenges.

American military forces have taken control of an Iranian cargo vessel suspected of transporting materials that could serve military purposes, according to maritime intelligence officials who spoke Monday.

The container ship Touska, operating under Iran’s flag, was intercepted by U.S. forces on Sunday near Iran’s Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel belongs to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), a company targeted by American economic sanctions.

According to U.S. Central Command, the ship’s crew ignored repeated commands over a six-hour span and violated an American naval blockade. Ship tracking systems show the vessel last transmitted its location at 1308 GMT on Sunday.

Intelligence officials, speaking anonymously, indicated their preliminary analysis suggests the ship was transporting dual-purpose materials following its journey from Asia. While they didn’t specify exact items, U.S. Central Command has previously identified metals, piping, and electronic parts as examples of goods that serve both civilian and military functions.

Iran’s military leadership characterized the seizure as “armed piracy” and described it as “blatant aggression,” according to state-controlled media reports Monday. Iranian officials said the vessel had departed from China and that they were prepared to challenge U.S. forces but were limited by the presence of crew members’ relatives aboard the ship.

The United States sanctioned IRISL in late 2019, labeling it as “the preferred shipping line for Iranian proliferators and procurement agents” involved in moving materials for Iran’s ballistic missile development.

Sources indicate the Touska operates with an Iranian captain and crew, though it remains unclear if all personnel are Iranian citizens. IRISL vessels typically fall under Revolutionary Guards oversight and employ primarily Iranian sailors, sometimes supplemented by Pakistani maritime workers, according to additional sources.

Satellite tracking data from SynMax analytics shows the ship docked at China’s Taicang port near Shanghai on March 25, then proceeded to Gaolan port in southern China between March 29-30. The vessel loaded cargo containers at Gaolan before making an additional stop at Port Klang anchorage in Malaysia on April 11-12 to take on more containers.

Chinese foreign ministry representatives expressed concern Monday about what they termed the “forced interception” of the Iranian cargo ship, calling on all parties to act responsibly regarding ceasefire agreements.

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social Sunday that the Touska faced U.S. sanctions due to its “prior history of illegal activity,” stating that American forces were “seeing what’s on board.”

The U.S. Navy expanded its Iranian shipping blockade Thursday to encompass cargo classified as contraband, announcing that vessels suspected of heading toward Iranian territory would be “subject to belligerent right to visit and search.” The contraband classification includes weapons and ammunition.

Iran’s foreign ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.

Diplomatic representatives from Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to meet in Washington D.C. this Thursday, according to an anonymous Israeli official who spoke with Reuters on Monday.

Israel’s delegation will include Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter, the source confirmed.

The upcoming meeting represents the initial diplomatic engagement between the two nations following the implementation of a 10-day ceasefire that began last Thursday.

A British court has rejected a lawsuit brought by the father of deceased singer Amy Winehouse against two friends who made over $1.2 million selling the performer’s personal belongings at auction.

Mitch Winehouse, serving as his daughter’s estate administrator, took legal action against Naomi Parry and Catriona Gourlay in London’s High Court, claiming the pair had no legal authority to sell items worth approximately 890,000 pounds.

The Grammy-winning artist passed away at age 27 in 2011 due to alcohol poisoning at her London residence.

Both women defended their actions, with Parry, who worked as Winehouse’s stylist, and Gourlay maintaining they legitimately owned or were gifted the collection of 150 pieces, which featured clothing, accessories, jewelry and handbags.

Court records show Parry collected $878,000 from 56 items sold through Julien’s Auctions in Los Angeles during 2021, with the silk minidress from Winehouse’s final Belgrade, Serbia concert alone bringing in $243,200. Gourlay received $344,000 for her 85 items.

Following Deputy Judge Sarah Clarke’s decision to throw out Mitch Winehouse’s claims that the duo lacked permission to conduct the sales, Parry celebrated the ruling.

“The High Court has cleared my name, unequivocally and in full, after years of deeply damaging and unfounded allegations brought by Mitch Winehouse,” Parry stated. “This was not a partial outcome or a matter of nuance. The claim has failed entirely. It should never have been brought.”

SRINAGAR, India — A devastating transportation accident claimed 21 lives Monday when a passenger bus plummeted off a mountainous highway in Indian-controlled Kashmir, according to local authorities.

The vehicle, designed to hold 42 passengers but carrying more than 60 people, was traveling from Ramnagar town toward Udhampur city when disaster struck. Civil administrator Prem Singh reported that the bus collided with an auto-rickshaw while navigating a sharp turn in the treacherous mountain terrain.

Following the collision, the bus careened off the highway and tumbled approximately 100 feet down a rocky embankment before landing on a roadway below, Singh explained. The occupants of the three-wheeled vehicle were also hurt in the incident.

Emergency responders and local residents quickly mobilized to the crash site to begin rescue efforts. Singh confirmed that 19 victims perished immediately at the scene, while two additional passengers succumbed to their injuries after being transported to medical facilities. Approximately 45 injured survivors are receiving treatment at multiple healthcare facilities, with several listed in critical condition.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a statement expressing his condolences regarding the tragedy and pledged financial assistance for the families of those killed.

The accident highlights India’s ongoing struggle with traffic safety, as the nation records among the world’s highest rates of roadway fatalities. Annual statistics show hundreds of thousands of people are killed or injured in crashes typically attributed to dangerous driving practices, inadequate road maintenance, and deteriorating vehicle conditions.

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Three former Google executives appeared virtually in an Indonesian corruption court Monday, rejecting allegations that the tech giant participated in a fraudulent laptop procurement scheme that cost the government $125 million.

The case centers on Nadiem Anwar Makarim, 41, who co-founded Indonesia’s major ride-sharing service Gojek before serving as the nation’s education minister. Authorities arrested him in September following investigations into suspected corruption involving Chromebook laptop purchases.

Testifying through Zoom at Jakarta’s Corruption Court were Scott Beaumont, who led Google Asia Pacific from 2014 to 2019, Caesar Sengupta, who served as general manager and vice president between 2018 and 2021, and former executive William Florence.

The laptop acquisition was designed to advance the government’s initiative to digitize educational institutions across the country.

During his tenure as education minister from 2019 to 2024, Makarim allegedly pushed for Google’s Chromebook selection even after ministry researchers declined to endorse the devices, citing poor performance in areas with limited internet connectivity.

Prosecutors claim Makarim misused his position by directing the 2020-2021 national procurement process “entirely for personal business interests.” They allege he pressured Google to invest in PT Aplikasi Karya Anak Bangsa (PT AKAB), Gojek’s parent corporation.

The acquisition of over 1.2 million Chromebooks aimed to expand Google’s market control in Indonesia’s education system, according to lead prosecutor Muhammad Fadli Paramajeng. He connected the program to Google’s approximately $787 million investment in PT AKAB through its Asia Pacific division.

Prosecutors claim Makarim obtained roughly 809 billion rupiah ($48.2 million) through his involvement in the scheme.

Beaumont rejected these accusations during his testimony. “There was no connection at all between Google’s investment in GoTo and any of the conversations with the Ministry of Education,” he stated to the three-judge panel. Makarim’s Gojek company combined with Indonesia’s largest online retailer Tokopedia in 2021 to create the GoTo Group.

Sengupta similarly disputed the allegations against him.

Google has maintained that Chromebooks are built for classroom environments, including remote locations. The company emphasized that while the devices work best with cloud connectivity, they function offline without internet access. Google also clarified that it provides software licensing but doesn’t control Chromebook pricing.

The Harvard-educated Makarim established Gojek in 2009 and led the company until 2019, when its valuation exceeded $10 billion. He left to join former Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s administration.

Prosecutors argue his departure from PT AKAB and Gojek represented “strategic concealment” to hide conflicts of interest. They claim Makarim installed trusted allies as directors and “beneficial owners,” enabling him to secretly influence company operations.

The former minister could face life imprisonment if convicted.

Makarim has consistently maintained his innocence, stating he never personally benefited from Chromebook contracts or associated services.

His legal team contends he properly separated from PT AKAB when assuming office, experienced a wealth decrease of more than 50% during his ministerial term, and that procurement choices were handled by technical staff and officials rather than the minister directly.

A verdict may be delivered within the month. The case also involves charges against two former Education Ministry officials and a previous technology consultant, while another staff member remains a fugitive.

BUDAPEST – Peter Magyar, who won recent Hungarian elections, issued a renewed demand Monday for the country’s president and senior judicial officials to step down within weeks or face forced removal from their positions.

Magyar specifically targeted President Tamas Sulyok, who has the support of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party, along with the nation’s highest-ranking judges. He set a firm deadline of May 31 for their voluntary departure.

Speaking at a Monday press conference, Magyar delivered a sharp message about his expectations. “We expect the resignation of Orban’s puppets,” he declared. “May 31 is the deadline until when they can submit their resignation. After then, we will live with our mandate and legal possibilities to remove them from office.”

The ultimatum represents an escalation in the political confrontation between Magyar’s opposition movement and the established government structure that has been in place under Orban’s leadership.

Multiple nations throughout Central Europe removed infant formula from store shelves this week following the discovery of rodenticide contamination in HiPP brand baby food containers over the weekend.

Austria’s top health official urged parents and childcare facilities to exercise extreme care when giving children HiPP products. The manufacturer issued a recall for certain infant food containers after laboratory tests in Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic confirmed the presence of rodenticide.

Officials suspect deliberate contamination occurred in 190-gram containers of carrot and potato baby food designed for 5-month-old infants that were distributed through SPAR grocery chains in Austria. Initial testing revealed contamination on Saturday.

Austrian investigators announced Monday they are searching for an additional contaminated container that may have been purchased at a Spar location in Eisenstadt, an eastern Austrian community, according to the APA news service.

“It is deeply disturbing that someone is apparently willing to endanger the health of babies for criminal motives,” Health Minister Korinna Schumann told APA.

Czech authorities discovered two contaminated HiPP containers at a retail location in Brno. State prosecutors in Brno acknowledged the discovery but declined to provide additional information due to an ongoing police investigation.

The German-headquartered HiPP company confirmed that tainted containers were also located in Slovakia beyond those found in the Czech Republic. The manufacturer stated that “retail partners in both countries have already removed all jars of HiPP baby food from sale as a precaution.”

Slovak law enforcement officials said they are examining questionable containers from a store in Dunajska Streda.

Slovenia took preventative action by removing all HiPP products from Spar and other grocery stores, according to its health inspection agency.

Austrian officials also contacted Hungarian authorities, warning that a contaminated container might have been bought by residents living near the border area around Eisenstadt.

Burgenland Police in Austria indicated the suspect products likely display a white label with a red circle on the container bottom. Additional warning indicators include damaged or previously opened lids and unusual or rotten odors. The containers might not produce the typical popping sound when first opened.

The Burgenland prosecutor’s office is treating the case as “intentional endangerment of the public.”

HiPP stated last week that the recall “is not due to any product or quality defect on our part. The jars left our HiPP facility in perfect condition.”

As a safety measure, HiPP announced it was recalling all infant food containers sold at Austria’s SPAR grocery chains — including SPAR, EUROSPAR, INTERSPAR and Maximarkt locations — throughout Austria.

Rodenticide commonly contains bromadiolone, which interferes with blood clotting mechanisms, according to the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety. Consuming rodenticide can cause bleeding gums and nosebleeds along with bruising and bloody stools.

The agency noted that symptoms may emerge two to five days following consumption.

Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has achieved a stunning electoral triumph, capturing the most decisive parliamentary victory the country has witnessed in decades. The 62-year-old ex-fighter pilot left his ceremonial presidential position in January to pursue Sunday’s legislative contest, where he campaigned on eliminating what he called the “corrupt officials, conspirators and extremists” controlling the nation.

Bulgarian citizens delivered an overwhelming mandate to Radev, enabling him to establish the country’s first single-party administration in almost three decades. This decisive outcome promises to bring political stability after the nation endured eight separate elections over five years.

“This represents a victory of hope over distrust, a victory of freedom over fear,” Radev declared following the results.

The timing proved crucial for Radev, who had occupied Bulgaria’s largely ceremonial presidential office for nine years. During a political breakdown that began in 2020, he remained positioned above the parliamentary turmoil, selecting interim administrations when necessary and steadily building his political influence while established parties struggled with unstable coalition arrangements.

Throughout his campaign, Radev embraced positions favorable to Moscow, rejecting military assistance for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and condemning Bulgaria’s euro adoption in January. He had been preparing for this political opportunity for years.

His transition to parliamentary politics coincided with mounting public anger toward traditional parties. Mass demonstrations that toppled the previous short-term administration in December reflected widespread demand for governmental reform.

Established political forces suffered significant defeats in Sunday’s voting, including the pro-European GERB party led by former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms controlled by businessman Delyan Peevski, who faces U.S. and UK sanctions for corruption allegations.

“Radev’s success stemmed from widespread frustration following years of unsuccessful anti-corruption campaigns, anxiety about increasing costs, and significant pro-Russian attitudes,” explained Atanas Rusev, who directs the security program at Sofia’s Centre for the Study of Democracy. “Radev skillfully exploited these concerns.”

Radev initially assumed the presidency in January 2017 following his military service and American training. During his first term, he emerged as an opponent of then-Prime Minister Borissov, who confronted corruption accusations.

When authorities searched Radev’s offices in 2020, Bulgarians viewed the action as politically motivated, sparking the largest public protests since Bulgaria entered the European Union in 2007. These demonstrations contributed to Borissov’s downfall, while Radev secured reelection for a second presidential term in 2021.

A subsequent period of political instability followed, characterized by fragile coalitions that quickly collapsed. Additional protests erupted last year over a proposed budget featuring substantial tax increases.

Following the government’s resignation, Radev announced his decision to abandon the presidency and seek parliamentary office.

Critics have questioned his unclear campaign platform, and many voters describe him as lacking personal magnetism, noting his stern appearance in campaign advertisements wearing a white shirt and burgundy tie.

However, he has successfully conveyed strength through social media videos showing him piloting military aircraft.

Political observers, voters, and diplomatic officials are monitoring how closely a Radev administration will align with Russian interests. During his final campaign event last week, he projected large-screen images of himself meeting world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Radev’s campaign messaging resembled that of Hungary’s pro-Moscow former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, particularly when discussing restoration of Russian oil and gas imports to Europe.

“I’m deeply concerned because if he maintains such pro-Russian positions, this could create serious problems,” said Tsvetan Hristov, a 36-year-old information technology worker.

Nevertheless, no evidence suggests he would block Ukrainian aid or attempt withdrawing from the eurozone, and experts doubt he would risk essential EU funding designated for Bulgaria.

His primary challenges exist domestically in one of the European Union’s most impoverished and corruption-plagued member states, where prosecutors claim hundreds of millions of euros in European assistance have been illegally diverted to businesspeople and government officials, public contracts have been manipulated, and electoral fraud occurs regularly.

“Following his overwhelming domestic victory, he will likely pursue international credibility by developing relationships with other European leaders,” said Maria Simeonova, who leads the Sofia office of the European Council on Foreign Relations.

Military forces from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo successfully liberated more than 200 civilians during a joint operation targeting an extremist camp in eastern Congo, according to statements released Monday by Uganda’s military leadership.

The rescue mission, which took place last week, targeted a facility operated by the Allied Democratic Forces, an extremist organization with Ugandan origins that has been active in eastern Congo. This militant group declared its loyalty to the Islamic State organization approximately ten years ago.

The joint military operation represents ongoing efforts by regional forces to combat extremist activities in the volatile eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where various armed groups have operated for years.

Multiple Central European countries initiated emergency removals of infant food products from retail stores this Monday following the discovery of rat poison contamination in HiPP brand baby food containers during weekend testing.

Austria’s health ministry issued urgent warnings to parents, childcare facilities, and nurseries to exercise extreme vigilance when feeding infants with HiPP products. The German-based manufacturer initiated a recall after laboratory testing in Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic revealed the presence of rat poison in product samples.

Officials suspect criminal interference with 190-gram containers of carrot and potato baby food formulated for 5-month-old infants, which were distributed through SPAR grocery chains in Austria. Initial contamination was detected through Saturday testing.

Austrian investigators announced Monday they are actively searching for a second potentially contaminated container that may have been purchased at a Spar location in Eisenstadt, an eastern Austrian municipality, according to the Austrian news agency APA.

“It is deeply disturbing that someone is apparently willing to endanger the health of babies for criminal motives,” Health Minister Korinna Schumann told APA.

Czech authorities discovered two contaminated HiPP containers at a retail location in Brno. State prosecutors in Brno verified the discovery but declined to provide additional information due to the ongoing criminal investigation.

The Germany-headquartered HiPP corporation confirmed that contaminated containers were identified in both Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The company stated that “retail partners in both countries have already removed all jars of HiPP baby food from sale as a precaution.”

Slovak law enforcement officials confirmed they are examining suspicious containers recovered from a store in Dunajska Streda.

Slovenia’s health inspectorate announced the preventative removal of all HiPP products from Spar and additional supermarket chains throughout the country.

Austrian officials also contacted Hungarian authorities, warning that contaminated products may have been purchased by residents living near the border area surrounding Eisenstadt.

Burgenland Police in Austria indicated that suspicious products likely display a white label with a red circle on the container bottom. Additional warning indicators include compromised or previously opened lids, unusual or rotten odors, and the absence of the typical popping sound when initially opening the jar.

The Burgenland prosecutor’s office is pursuing the investigation under charges of “intentional endangerment of the public.”

HiPP issued a statement last week clarifying that the recall “is not due to any product or quality defect on our part. The jars left our HiPP facility in perfect condition.”

As a safety measure, HiPP announced the recall of all baby food containers sold through Austria’s SPAR retail network, including SPAR, EUROSPAR, INTERSPAR and Maximarkt locations.

According to the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, rat poison commonly contains bromadiolone, a substance that inhibits blood coagulation. Consumption of rat poison may cause bleeding gums, nosebleeds, bruising, and blood in bowel movements.

The agency warned that symptoms may manifest two to five days following ingestion.

PARIS, April 20 – Elon Musk has been called to appear before French prosecutors in Paris as authorities expand their investigation into his social media platform X, examining allegations connected to the site’s artificial intelligence chatbot Grok, algorithmic manipulation, and unauthorized data harvesting.

The cybercrime unit of the Paris prosecutor’s office is spearheading the investigation.

Reuters was unable to contact Musk’s representatives regarding the summons. When initial allegations surfaced in July, Musk rejected the claims and characterized the investigation as “politically motivated.”

The investigation began on January 12, 2025, when Paris prosecutors launched a probe following two formal complaints, one submitted by a French legislator, regarding allegedly biased algorithms.

Initially, the case focused on unauthorized data harvesting and algorithmic manipulation charges before being transferred to police on July 9, 2025.

Authorities broadened their investigation in November 2025 after discovering new evidence, adding charges related to involvement in possessing and distributing child exploitation imagery and denying crimes against humanity.

By January 2026, investigators added another charge concerning the distribution of sexual content using someone’s likeness without permission, following the creation of sexually explicit deepfake images through X’s Grok system.

According to prosecutors, X transitioned in 2025 from using the SAFER child protection system to developing their own internal monitoring system. Officials documented an 81.4% decrease in reports X submitted to the U.S. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding France between June and October 2025.

Prosecutors further claim that Grok allowed users to generate sexualized content, including images of minors and victims of the Crans-Montana fire, while also producing hate speech and material that glorified crimes against humanity.

Consulted experts told prosecutors that proper safeguards could have prevented these issues.

Investigators also point to X’s failure to supply basic user information in multiple hate speech and antisemitism investigations, which has obstructed their inquiries.

The Paris prosecutor’s office announced the summons following a February police raid on X’s Paris headquarters, conducted with Europol assistance. Officials stated they are coordinating with prosecutors in other nations.

Musk has been called for an “audition libre,” a voluntary questioning session where authorities can interview someone without making an arrest. The individual can leave at any time and choose not to speak, though any statements made are officially documented and may have legal implications.

The investigation can proceed regardless of whether Musk provides testimony. Legal professionals suggest it’s advisable to explain any refusal to appear to avoid the impression of obstructing the investigation.

The potential criminal charges being examined include:

• Involvement in possessing pornographic images of minors

• Involvement in organized distribution or provision of pornographic images of minors

• Violation of personal image rights (sexual deepfakes)

• Denial of crimes against humanity (Holocaust denial)

• Unauthorized data extraction from automated systems by organized groups

• Tampering with automated system operations by organized groups

• Operating an illegal online platform through organized groups

Diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions between the United States and Iran hit a potential roadblock following the American seizure of an Iranian cargo vessel in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump announced that American negotiators would travel to Pakistan to continue discussions aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Iran. However, Iranian officials have expressed hesitation about proceeding with the diplomatic process in light of the recent ship seizure.

The incident occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for international shipping and oil transport. The timing of the seizure has complicated efforts to advance peace negotiations between the two nations.

The planned talks in Pakistan were intended to build on previous diplomatic efforts, but Tehran’s reluctance following the maritime incident has cast doubt on whether the negotiations will proceed as scheduled.

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev’s center-left coalition has secured a decisive victory in the country’s parliamentary elections, bringing an end to five years of political instability, election officials announced Monday.

Election results with 96% of votes tallied showed Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria coalition capturing 44.7% of the vote by early Monday. The commanding lead put them more than 20 points ahead of their closest competitors – veteran politician Boyko Borissov’s center-right GERB party and the reform-minded We Continue the Change party, which finished in a virtual tie at 13.4% and 12.9% respectively.

Two additional parties are expected to claim seats in Bulgaria’s 240-member parliament based on preliminary tallies.

Borissov acknowledged his defeat and offered congratulations to the winning coalition.

Speaking to reporters, Radev characterized his coalition’s success as “unequivocal,” calling it a “victory of hope over distrust, a victory of freedom over fear.” He pledged that Bulgaria would “make every effort to continue on its European path.”

“But believe me, a strong Bulgaria and a strong Europe need critical thinking and pragmatism. Europe has fallen victim to its own ambition to be a moral leader in a world without rules,” Radev stated.

Throughout his presidential tenure, Radev developed a reputation for pro-Russian sympathies. He consistently challenged European Union initiatives to provide military assistance to Ukraine in its conflict against Russia’s invasion. Radev has maintained that backing Ukraine could drag Bulgaria into the war and has advocated for renewed diplomatic engagement with Russia to resolve the crisis.

The 62-year-old former military pilot stepped down from his largely ceremonial presidential role in January, several months before his second term expired, to pursue the more influential position of prime minister.

Radev, who completed a Master of Strategic Studies at the U.S. Air War College in 2003 before becoming Bulgaria’s air force commander, draws support from two distinct groups: those seeking an end to oligarchic corruption and those attracted to his Euroskeptic and Russia-aligned positions.

The nation’s previous conservative administration fell in December following massive anti-corruption demonstrations that brought hundreds of thousands of protesters, primarily young people, into the streets.

Radev’s public standing rose as he positioned himself against established criminal networks and their connections to senior political figures. During campaign events, he promised to “remove the corrupt, oligarchic model of governance from political power.”

Bulgaria, a member of both NATO and the European Union, has faced ongoing criticism for failing to address corruption and weaknesses in its legal system.

The country of 6.5 million people has endured divided parliaments since 2021, creating unstable governments that have lasted less than a year before falling to street demonstrations or legislative maneuvering.

Weary of constant electoral cycles, Bulgarian citizens expressed cautious reactions to the election outcome.

“Above all, we expect a more stable judicial system, and for trust in institutions to truly be restored. Until now, they have been heavily influenced by various figures, many of whom, as we can see from the current results, have now left the government,” said Nikoleta Dimitrova, a 37-year-old shop assistant from Sofia.

Accountant Cveta Gerogieva, 55, remained skeptical: “I hope that we will really live a better life, but I am not sure that there will be stability for a long period. Probably we will vote again.”

TOKYO — Japanese officials Monday warned residents along northern coastlines about heightened possibilities of a catastrophic earthquake after a powerful 7.5-magnitude tremor struck earlier in the day.

Government meteorological experts and Cabinet officials announced there’s approximately a 1% probability that a mega-quake could hit Japan’s northern shores within the coming week following Monday’s significant seismic event near the Chishima trough.

Authorities emphasized their warning does not constitute an earthquake forecast, but they encouraged citizens to enhance emergency preparations, including stockpiling food supplies and readying evacuation kits, while maintaining normal routines.

This marks the second such regional warning issued within recent months. A similar alert was announced after a major December earthquake, though no subsequent large quake materialized.

Monday’s powerful tremor occurred off the Sanriku coast in northern Japan at approximately 4:53 p.m. local time (0753 GMT), striking at a shallow depth of roughly 10 kilometers (6 miles), meteorological officials reported.

The earthquake triggered tsunami waves, with authorities detecting an 80-centimeter (2.6-foot) surge at Kuji port in Iwate prefecture within an hour of the initial quake. A smaller 40-centimeter (1.3-foot) wave was recorded at another port within the same prefecture.

Tsunami warnings remained active across Japan, with officials cautioning about potential waves reaching 3 meters (10 feet) in height. However, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center based in the United States declared the tsunami danger had subsided.

Japanese meteorological agencies instructed coastal residents to immediately evacuate shoreline and riverside areas, seeking higher elevation shelter. Officials also warned communities to prepare for possible aftershocks lasting approximately one week.

Television broadcasts on NHK showed numerous residents driving to elevated parks and facilities. In Hokkaido’s Tomakomai town, one resident brought his child to a hilltop park after collecting them from tutoring school, planning to remain until authorities lifted the alert.

Emergency management officials said Iwate and three additional northern prefectures issued voluntary evacuation recommendations affecting more than 128,000 residents.

Fire and disaster management authorities reported they continue monitoring conditions, but no casualties or structural damage have been confirmed, including at power facilities and other critical infrastructure.

Nuclear safety regulators confirmed all atomic power plants and associated facilities in the affected region remained undamaged with no irregularities detected.

A similar 7.5-magnitude earthquake in December resulted in dozens of injuries.

Monday’s event occurred 15 years after the devastating March 11, 2011, magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that devastated northern Japan, killing over 22,000 people and displacing nearly half a million residents, primarily due to tsunami destruction.

Approximately 160,000 Fukushima residents evacuated their homes due to radioactive contamination from the tsunami-damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility. About 26,000 of those evacuees have not returned, having relocated permanently, living in areas that remain restricted, or harboring ongoing radiation concerns.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A critical two-week ceasefire in the Iran conflict is set to expire Wednesday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, with Pakistan’s capital city making preparations for potential renewed diplomatic discussions between Iran and the United States.

The temporary truce, which involves Iran, Israel and the United States, was established following several ultimatums issued by President Donald Trump that at one point threatened Iran’s entire “civilization.” Given the pattern of previous deadline extensions and last-minute developments, additional delays or unexpected shifts are anticipated before the Wednesday cutoff.

Potential negotiations in Islamabad face significant obstacles as the ceasefire deadline approaches, with discussions expected to focus on the Strait of Hormuz situation, Iran’s nuclear activities and related matters. The fragile nature of the truce became evident over the weekend when Iran launched attacks on vessels in the strait, while U.S. forces intercepted and seized an Iranian ship attempting to evade the American naval blockade, demonstrating that renewed warfare remains a possibility.

The temporary halt in hostilities commenced on April 8, although Iranian forces continued targeting Gulf Arab nations and Israel even after the ceasefire took effect. A puzzling assault on an Iranian petroleum facility located on an island also occurred that same day. Despite these incidents, the ceasefire has generally remained intact. Without an agreed-upon extension from all parties – either through public statements or by allowing the deadline to pass without resuming combat operations – the two-week agreement will lapse on April 22. The absence of any diplomatic breakthrough significantly increases the risk of renewed conflict.

Pakistan previously hosted negotiations between Iranian and American representatives from April 11 through the early hours of April 12. These discussions marked the most senior-level diplomatic contact between the two nations since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance participating, though no agreement was reached. Recent preparations by Pakistani officials mirror those made for the initial talks, indicating another round of negotiations may be planned, though neither Iran nor the United States has yet dispatched diplomatic teams to Pakistan.

The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway at the Persian Gulf’s entrance through which one-fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments travel, remains essentially blocked due to Iranian military actions in the area, including attacks that occurred on Saturday. Additional concerns exist that Iran may have placed explosive mines in shipping lanes typically used during peacetime. Reports indicate Iran has been demanding up to $2 million per vessel for safe passage through the strait since the conflict began. Reopening this vital shipping route represents a primary objective in ongoing negotiations and serves as Tehran’s most significant bargaining chip against Washington, especially as nations worldwide implement energy rationing and face potential jet fuel shortages. This weekend, U.S. Navy forces targeted an Iranian cargo vessel that attempted to breach the American blockade, with Marines boarding the ship via helicopter.

Iran’s stockpile of weapons-grade uranium remains within the country’s borders, presumably buried at enrichment facilities that were bombed during a 12-day conflict last June. Iran has not conducted uranium enrichment since that time but continues to assert its right to do so for civilian purposes while denying any intention to develop nuclear weapons. Both Trump and Israeli officials have demanded that Iran completely eliminate its nuclear program and surrender its existing uranium stockpile. Iran refused these terms in a 10-point proposal it submitted for ending the war.

HAGATNA, Guam — The U.S. Coast Guard has verified that a capsized vessel discovered in waters near Saipan is indeed the cargo ship that vanished during a devastating typhoon, leaving six crew members unaccounted for.

Coast Guard officials announced Monday that they continue their search for the missing crew members. The upturned vessel was initially discovered on Saturday in the waters surrounding the U.S. territory.

A crew aboard an HC-130 Hercules aircraft from the U.S. Air Force 31st Rescue Squadron positively identified the capsized boat as the cargo ship Mariana on Sunday evening, according to a Coast Guard statement.

The 145-foot American-registered dry cargo vessel experienced mechanical problems on Wednesday when its starboard engine failed just as a powerful typhoon approached Saipan and surrounding islands, bringing devastating winds and heavy rainfall.

Following the crew’s distress call reporting the engine failure and requesting help, Coast Guard personnel established regular hourly communication with the struggling vessel.

However, all communication ceased on Thursday. A search aircraft was dispatched that morning but was forced to return to Guam due to dangerous wind conditions from the storm.

HANOVER, Germany – During a meeting at Germany’s premier industrial trade fair on Monday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised Brazil’s capacity to significantly increase production of essential metals while offering German technological assistance.

Speaking at the Hanover industrial exhibition alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Merz highlighted promising opportunities. “There are significant opportunities in the cost-effective extraction of certain metals required for e-mobility and wind turbines,” the German leader stated.

Merz emphasized his country’s readiness to collaborate, saying “Germany is prepared to support Brazil with technological know-how and expertise in order to further expand these relations.”

Through a translator, President Lula acknowledged Brazil’s growing investments in essential minerals and rare earth elements, but set clear conditions for future partnerships. “We will not accept any models that reduce our country to mere resource extraction, serving only to meet demand from abroad,” Lula declared.

The Brazilian president also expressed interest in strengthening military ties with Germany. “We are engaged in dialogue regarding strategic areas such as tanks, air defence and drones, as well as joint projects,” he explained.

Officials from both countries were scheduled to hold formal government consultations later Monday to discuss these partnerships further.