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CANNES, France — Tuesday marked the beginning of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, launching nearly two weeks of continuous movie premieres that will conclude May 23 when the coveted Palme d’Or is awarded.

The prestigious French Riviera event opened with an homage to Peter Jackson, presenting the “Lord of the Rings” director with an honorary Palme d’Or. Elijah Wood, who portrayed Frodo Baggins in Jackson’s trilogy, made the introduction.

“I’ve never figured out why I’m getting a Palme d’Or. I’m not a Palme d’Or sorta guy,” the disheveled New Zealand director remarked.

Jackson received a musical tribute featuring the Beatles’ “Get Back,” referencing his acclaimed 2021 documentary. The filmmaker was spotted lip-syncing from his seat on stage.

The honor of officially launching the festival went to 88-year-old Jane Fonda and Chinese-Singaporean performer Gong Li.

“Cinema has always been an act of resistance,” Fonda declared.

During the presentation of the jury responsible for selecting the Palme d’Or winner, panel members delivered frank commentary about conducting a film festival amid global political turmoil.

Scottish screenwriter Paul Laverty, recognized for his collaborations with director Ken Loach, referenced this year’s festival poster featuring “Thelma and Louise” while addressing attendance at Cannes during what he termed “genocide in Gaza.”

Drawing from “King Lear,” Laverty stated: “Madmen lead the blind.”

“Cannes has a wonderful poster,” Laverty continued. “Isn’t it fascinating to see some of them like Susan Sarandon, Javier Bardem and Mark Ruffalo blacklisted because of their views in opposing the murder of women and children in Gaza? Shame on Hollywood people who do that.”

South Korean director Park Chan-wook, known for “Oldboy” and “No Other Choice,” leads the nine-person jury. He emphasized the connection between politics and filmmaking.

“Art and politics are not concepts that are in conflict with each other,” Park explained. “One cannot disqualify a film on the pretext that it has a political message. Just as one cannot reject a film because it would not be political enough.”

Additional jury members include Chloé Zhao, Stellan Skarsgård, Ruth Negga and Demi Moore, who gained Cannes recognition two years prior for her return performance in “The Substance.”

The festival has occasionally welcomed figures who receive cooler receptions in Hollywood. Three years prior, Cannes notably opened with Johnny Depp’s “Jeanne du Barry.”

James Franco made a surprise appearance at Tuesday’s opening ceremony. The 48-year-old actor previously attended Cannes in 2024.

In 2021, Franco and fellow defendants paid $2.2 million to resolve litigation claiming he coerced acting school students he taught into inappropriate and exploitative sexual scenarios.

Two decades after Guillermo del Toro debuted his celebrated fairy tale “Pan’s Labyrinth,” the filmmaker returned to Cannes Tuesday for a 4K restoration screening. Del Toro noted the film’s continued relevance, which follows a young girl and fascist officer in 1940s Spain.

“We are, unfortunately, in times that make this movie more pertinent than ever because they tell us everything is useless to resist, that art can be done with a —-ing app,” del Toro commented.

TEL AVIV, Israel — A comprehensive investigation has concluded that sexual violence served as a calculated and pervasive component of the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 assault and its consequences, according to findings released by an Israeli research organization.

The Civil Commission, an independent entity focused on documenting gender-based violence following Hamas’ 2023 assault on Israel that triggered the Gaza conflict, published their findings Tuesday in a document called “Silenced No More.”

Researchers conducted a two-year examination that incorporated over 400 witness accounts and nearly 2,000 hours of video evidence, identifying 13 distinct patterns of abuse including gang rape, sexual torture and forced nudity.

“Our findings demonstrate that it was a deliberate tactic within the broader architecture of the terror inflicted on victims and hostages,” stated Cochav Elkayam-Levy, who founded and chairs the commission while serving as the report’s primary author.

Since the Gaza war commenced, sexual violence allegations have become highly politicized, with both sides attempting to undermine each other’s claims.

Israeli officials have referenced incidents from the October 7 assault and hostage treatment to underscore what they characterize as Hamas brutality and support their military objective of eliminating future Gaza-based threats. Israel’s government has criticized the global community for allegedly dismissing or minimizing sexual violence evidence, claiming anti-Israel prejudice.

The Associated Press could not independently confirm the report’s conclusions, and some observers have questioned Elkayam-Levy’s earlier research. However, notable figures including Hillary Rodham Clinton, Rahm Emanuel and Facebook pioneer Sheryl Sandberg have supported her efforts.

United Nations officials state they have discovered “reasonable grounds” to believe Hamas fighters perpetrated rape and additional sexual violence during their offensive. International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan has indicated he believes three senior Hamas officials bear responsibility for “rape and other acts of sexual violence as crimes against humanity.”

Human rights organizations and Palestinians detained by Israel following the attacks have also provided extensive accounts of sexual violence and torture within Israeli detention facilities.

In March, Israel dismissed charges against five soldiers previously accused of beating and sodomizing a Palestinian prisoner in an incident allegedly partially recorded on video. Hard-line political figures, who had vigorously opposed the charges, celebrated the decision to drop them, while human rights advocates said it demonstrated Israel’s reluctance to probe misconduct.

Neither Israel’s government nor Hamas immediately responded to AP requests for comment.

The commission — consisting of researchers, legal experts and trauma specialists — gathered digital evidence, conducted interviews and recorded testimonies. Officials said they also verified information using independent data sources.

According to the report, Hamas and its allies primarily focused on women and hostages, though children also experienced violence and abuse.

One instance described two young hostages who returned being compelled to perform “sexual acts on one another,” including removing clothing while captors touched their private areas.

The document stated sexual torture aimed to intensify pain and suffering, with survivors experiencing burning, mutilation and forced object insertion. Some victims were discovered handcuffed or restrained. Armed groups also filmed acts of abuse and killings, distributing footage via social media, the report indicated.

The investigation recorded attacks at various locations, including the Nova Music festival, where hundreds died and others were kidnapped. The AP previously discovered evidence that sexual assault occurred during Hamas’ October 7 rampage, including testimony from a festival attendee who said he heard a woman screaming for help and shouting, “They’re raping me, they’re raping me!”

Hostages also faced sexual harassment and assault, some lasting months, the report stated.

Several freed hostages have publicly discussed sexual assault during captivity. In Israeli media interviews, Romi Gonen described repeated sexual assault and harassment by three men.

Another former hostage, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, told the New York Times he experienced sexual abuse from a captor and received death threats for speaking about it.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva unveiled a massive public security initiative on Tuesday, allocating 11 billion reais ($2 billion) to combat organized crime in what political observers view as an effort to strengthen his law enforcement reputation before October’s electoral contest.

The comprehensive program targets areas where Lula has faced persistent criticism from political opponents regarding his approach to public safety matters.

Key components of the initiative include intensifying efforts to stop illegal weapons trafficking, disrupting criminal organizations’ financial networks, improving murder case investigations, and upgrading the nation’s correctional facilities. Brazilian officials announced that approximately 1 billion reais ($190 million) will be allocated through December.

The funding will enable authorities to acquire sophisticated equipment including unmanned aircraft, body scanning technology, metal detection devices, cellular signal jamming equipment, X-ray systems, surveillance technology, radar systems, genetic identification tools, and transportation vehicles. The program specifically targets two major criminal enterprises: the First Command of the Capital (PCC) and the Red Command (CV).

Speaking at the presidential palace in Brasilia during the program’s announcement, Lula, who is seeking his fourth presidential term, revealed he had discussed security matters with U.S. President Donald Trump during his recent Washington visit.

“I told him we had proposals on financial asphyxiation (of crime gangs), fighting money laundering. Some of the weapons (used in Brazil) come from the United States,” Lula stated. “I told him that, if he wants to be a part of this, there’s space. But he will have to work in agreement with what are decisions of Brazil’s government and Brazil’s police.”

Congressional supporters of the president indicated that opposition state governors, who oversee regional law enforcement agencies, are hesitant to utilize resources from Tuesday’s announced program.

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and former Goias state Governor Ronaldo Caiado have consistently promoted hardline crime policies while criticizing Lula’s Workers’ Party for what they characterize as insufficient attention to public safety.

While Lula avoided responding to such criticism during the program launch, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin criticized former President Jair Bolsonaro, who has nominated his son as a presidential candidate.

“The only security policy in the previous presidency was to distribute weapons, allow weapons,” Alckmin stated. “And those end up with criminals, with organized crime. It is police who should be able to bear arms.”

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Law enforcement officials in Honduras detained three individuals Tuesday, including a former high-ranking politician, in connection with planning the 2024 murder of an environmental activist that highlighted government corruption and the dangers faced by those defending natural resources in Central America.

Former Tocoa mayor Adán Fúnez was taken into custody at his residence Tuesday as the suspected mastermind behind the killing, after years of allegations from religious and environmental groups.

The victim, Juan López, fought against corruption and spearheaded community opposition to an iron oxide mining operation in Colon, a remote area in northwestern Honduras. Activists argued the project threatened the region’s pristine forests and clear waterways, including protected conservation zones. López frequently criticized Fúnez, who backed the mining venture and maintained close ties to former Honduran President Xiomara Castro.

López demanded Fúnez’s resignation in September 2024 over corruption allegations.

Shortly afterward, a masked shooter killed the environmental and human rights advocate with six gunshots to the chest and one to the head, prompting calls for accountability from the Biden administration, Pope Francis and the United Nations. The killing also brought accusations against Fúnez, an influential figure in the region’s long-running violent land disputes. The murder recalled international outrage over the 2016 assassination of Honduran environmentalist Berta Cáceres.

More than a year after the killing, authorities arrested Fúnez alongside businessman Héctor Eduardo Méndez and Juan Ángel Ramos Gallegos. Prosecutors charged them with criminal conspiracy that violated fundamental rights.

“These three individuals are believed to be the intellectual authors of the environmentalist Juan López’s death,” Public Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Yuri Mora told The Associated Press.

The arrests follow several other detentions made months earlier, though environmental and religious leaders had long identified Fúnez as the assassination’s orchestrator. The public trial for all three defendants is scheduled to start in June.

Environmental advocacy carries significant risks in Honduras. Activists like López frequently serve as unwelcome watchdogs in resource-abundant regions of Latin America, which ranks as the world’s most dangerous area for environmentalists, according to advocacy group Global Witness.

Global Witness recorded 117 defender deaths in 2024, with 82% occurring in Latin America. Five activists died in the small Central American country, compared to 18 the previous year, based on their latest findings. In López’s hometown of Tocoa, environmental advocates opposing the mining project have faced systematic targeting for years, with eight activists jailed for over two years in what attorneys described as retribution for their activism.

Dalila Santiago, López’s close associate and fellow movement leader, expressed surprise at Fúnez’s arrest given Honduras’ widespread culture of impunity. Santiago described the detentions as validation that their struggle for justice and land protection justified the violent consequences they endured. She emphasized that Honduran officials must pursue other responsible parties and business executives connected to the mining operation.

The Honduran mining companies — Inversiones Los Pinares, Inversiones Ecotek and their parent organization — face environmental destruction charges filed by Honduras’ Public Prosecutor’s Office following López’s murder. The companies have highlighted the hundreds of employment opportunities the mine generated and their regional economic contributions.

“We’ve been calling for justice for so long,” Santiago said. “And we need the masterminds behind this to be caught and punished.”

Iraq and Pakistan have negotiated separate agreements with Iran to allow energy shipments through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to five sources familiar with the arrangements, showcasing Tehran’s growing influence over critical energy transportation routes.

Regional conflict involving the U.S. and Israel has dramatically reduced energy shipments from an area that typically provides 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Recent U.S. blockades of Iranian ports have further complicated the situation. While Iran initially attempted to completely shut down strait traffic, experts say the strategy has evolved.

“Iran has shifted from blocking Hormuz to controlling access to it … Hormuz is no longer a neutral transit route, it is a controlled corridor,” said Claudio Steuer from the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

Iraq, which typically ships most of its crude through the strait, has been severely impacted by the closure. Pakistan, attempting to mediate the conflict, relies heavily on Gulf energy imports and has experienced dramatically higher fuel costs.

Through a previously unreported arrangement between Baghdad and Tehran, Iraq obtained safe passage for two massive crude carriers, each transporting approximately 2 million barrels of oil, which successfully navigated the strait this past Sunday.

Baghdad continues working to obtain Iranian permission for additional transits, according to an Iraqi oil ministry official knowledgeable about the original agreement and ongoing negotiations. The government aims to protect oil revenues that comprise 95% of its national budget.

“Iraq is a close ally of Iran, and any deterioration in Iraq’s economy would also damage Iran’s economic interests in the country,” the official explained.

Two additional Iraqi oil ministry officials and a shipping industry source confirmed the Tehran negotiations. All sources requested anonymity since they lacked authorization to discuss the matter publicly.

Iraqi government representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, two tankers carrying Qatari LNG are traveling to Pakistan following a separate bilateral arrangement between Islamabad and Tehran, two industry sources told reporters, also requesting anonymity due to media restrictions.

Pakistan previously received approximately 10 LNG shipments monthly before the conflict began and now faces high summer electricity demand for air conditioning.

Sources indicated that neither Iraq nor Pakistan made direct payments to Iran or its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for the transit arrangements.

Qatar was not directly participating in the bilateral agreements, industry sources noted, though it notified the United States before the Pakistan shipments.

Pakistani petroleum and information ministries, along with Qatar’s foreign ministry, did not immediately respond to comment requests.

Additional countries are exploring similar arrangements, according to sources familiar with the discussions, as escalating energy costs and supply disruptions heavily impact economies, particularly in Asia.

“As more governments become willing to cut deals with Iran for passage, it risks normalising the idea that Iran will control the Strait of Hormuz on a more permanent basis,” explained Saul Kavonic, research director at consultancy MST Marquee.

Before the conflict, approximately 3,000 vessels traveled through Hormuz monthly. Current traffic represents roughly 5% of previous levels, shipping data indicates.

The disruption has driven Brent crude prices up more than 50% since the conflict began in late February. European and Asian LNG prices have increased between 35% and 50%.

Iran has expressed intentions to maintain strait control after the war ends. Tehran has demanded reparations, sanctions relief, and access to frozen assets as settlement conditions, which President Donald Trump called “garbage,” eliminating hopes for a conflict resolution deal.

Industry sources report Iran is formalizing its strait control. Iraq has been asked to submit documentation for each tanker to enable transit through designated maritime routes under Iranian naval supervision, one Iraqi oil ministry official revealed.

Specialized Iraqi oil ministry teams are providing Iranian authorities with comprehensive vessel information, including destinations, shipping details, ownership, and cargo specifications to prevent incidents.

A Pakistani source involved in Iranian vessel passage negotiations mentioned some procedural difficulties.

“The IRGC sometimes changes the goalposts, so it is hard to keep things on track, but we are working through it,” he said.

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigerian military officials are pushing back against allegations from a human rights organization that a weekend airstrike resulted in the deaths of 100 civilians at a local marketplace, highlighting ongoing concerns about military operations targeting armed groups in the nation’s unstable northern regions.

According to a Monday statement from Amnesty International, Nigerian forces conducted an aerial attack Sunday on a marketplace located in Tumfa within Zamfara state. Ibrahim Bello Garba, a Red Cross representative in the region, verified the military operation occurred and confirmed that “multiple civilians” lost their lives in the incident.

“In one village alone, 80 people were buried and there is no evidence that any of those people killed is a bandit. They are all civilians. The majority of them are young girls and small boys,” Amnesty International Nigeria director Isa Sanusi told the AP.

While military officials acknowledged conducting aerial operations in the area, they contested the casualty reports. “No verifiable evidence of civilian casualties as being suggested in the media has been established,” according to military sources.

Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, serving as a military spokesperson, emphasized that “Civilians are not the target, and everything is being done to avoid civilian casualties.” He noted that military operations remain active in the region.

This latest accusation adds to a growing list of incidents involving unintended military strikes affecting civilian populations in the West African country, which continues battling various militant organizations including Boko Haram.

Just last month, Nigerian air force operations resulted in an accidental strike that claimed 100 lives.

Military experts point to insufficient coordination between aerial units and ground forces as a contributing factor to these incidents, which have resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths. Government representatives maintain their operations specifically target members of armed militant groups.

The challenge of distinguishing targets becomes more complex as armed groups frequently operate among civilian populations in their areas of control.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Tuesday that his country successfully conducted a test launch of its newest intercontinental ballistic missile, describing the weapon as part of ongoing efforts to upgrade Russia’s nuclear capabilities. The announcement came just days after Putin’s recent statements suggesting the conflict in Ukraine may be approaching its conclusion.

The nuclear-capable Sarmat missile is scheduled to begin active military service before the end of this year, according to Putin. The weapon is designed to take the place of the older Soviet-era Voyevoda missile system.

“This is the most powerful missile in the world,” Putin declared, explaining that the combined destructive capability of the Sarmat’s multiple independently targeted warheads exceeds that of comparable Western weapons by more than four times.

Putin has consistently used nuclear threats as a diplomatic tool since ordering Russian forces into Ukraine in February 2022, attempting to discourage Western nations from increasing their military assistance to Ukraine.

Following his participation in Saturday’s Red Square military parade marking the anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II—notably the first such parade in nearly twenty years without heavy military equipment on display—Putin stated that the Ukrainian conflict is nearing its conclusion.

Throughout his tenure since 2000, Putin has directed comprehensive modernization of Russia’s nuclear capabilities inherited from the Soviet Union, including deployment of hundreds of new land-based intercontinental missiles, construction of advanced nuclear submarines, and upgrades to nuclear-capable aircraft.

Russia’s nuclear modernization program prompted the United States to begin its own expensive arsenal upgrade initiative.

The final nuclear arms control agreement between Russia and the United States lapsed in February, marking the first time in over fifty years that the world’s two largest nuclear powers operate without restrictions on their atomic weapons stockpiles, raising concerns about an unlimited arms competition.

The Sarmat missile—known by the Western designation “Satan II”—is intended to replace approximately 40 Soviet-built Voyevoda missiles. Development of the weapon began in 2011, and prior to Tuesday’s test, the missile had achieved only one confirmed successful launch and reportedly experienced a catastrophic failure during a 2024 test attempt.

Putin explained Tuesday that the Sarmat—among several advanced weapons systems he unveiled in 2018 while asserting they would neutralize potential U.S. missile defense systems—matches the Voyevoda’s power while offering superior accuracy. The missile can achieve suborbital flight patterns, Putin noted, providing it with a striking distance exceeding 35,000 kilometers (21,700 miles) and enhanced ability to overcome potential missile defense barriers.

Among Moscow’s new weapon systems is the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle, which can travel at speeds 27 times faster than sound. Initial units of this weapon have already been deployed.

Russia has also deployed the nuclear-capable Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, using conventional versions of this weapon twice in strikes against Ukraine. The Oreshnik’s maximum range of 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) allows it to strike any location across Europe.

Putin additionally revealed that Russia is approaching completion of two other advanced weapons: the nuclear-armed Poseidon underwater drone and the Burevestnik cruise missile, which operates using miniaturized nuclear reactors.

The Poseidon system is engineered to detonate near enemy coastlines, creating radioactive tsunamis. The Burevestnik possesses essentially unlimited operational range due to its nuclear propulsion system, enabling it to remain airborne for extended periods while circumventing air defense systems before attacking from unexpected angles.

Putin characterized these advanced weapons as Russia’s response to American missile defense systems developed following Washington’s 2001 decision to abandon a Cold War-era agreement that restricted missile defense capabilities.

Russian defense strategists have expressed concern that missile defense systems might encourage Washington to attempt a preemptive nuclear strike designed to eliminate most of Moscow’s nuclear forces, with the expectation of intercepting any remaining retaliatory missiles.

“We were forced to consider ensuring our strategic security in the face of the new reality and the need to maintain a strategic balance of power and parity,” Putin said.

A Holocaust survivor who dedicated his final decades to educating others about the Nazi era has passed away at 101 years old in northwestern Germany, local officials announced Tuesday.

Albrecht Weinberg died in the town of Leer just weeks after celebrating his birthday and attending the debut of a documentary about his experiences titled “Es ist immer in meinem Kopf” (“It is always in my head”), which drew hundreds of attendees, according to a city statement.

“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,” said Mayor Claus-Peter Horst.

Born on March 7, 1925, in Rhauderfehn near Leer, Weinberg endured imprisonment at Auschwitz, Mittelbau-Dora and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps, as well as surviving three forced death marches as World War II concluded. He dedicated many years to sharing his story with high school students and community groups about the horrors he witnessed.

In a recent interview, Weinberg described how his wartime trauma continued to affect him daily. “I sleep with it, I wake up with it, I sweat, I have nightmares; that is my present,” he explained.

He expressed deep concern about preserving Holocaust memory for future generations. “When my generation is not in this world anymore, when we disappear from the world, then the next generation can only read it out of the book,” he said.

In 2017, Germany honored Weinberg with its Order of Merit, though he returned the award last year following a parliamentary vote. He protested the decision where a motion by Friedrich Merz, now Germany’s chancellor, to increase border restrictions for migrants passed with support from a far-right political party.

Israel’s German ambassador Ron Prosor honored Weinberg on social media, 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.”

BOGOTA, Colombia – Civilians in Colombia endured their most devastating year of armed violence in a decade during 2025, according to a new report released Tuesday by the International Committee of the Red Cross highlighting the country’s worsening security crisis.

The humanitarian organization documented that forced displacement doubled last year, affecting 235,000 individuals as criminal organizations and insurgent groups battled both government forces and each other for territorial dominance. Community lockdowns enforced by rebel factions in rural towns and villages also surged by 99% compared to the previous year.

Colombia has experienced decades of warfare as insurgent movements and narcotics traffickers compete with government forces for control over remote regions, particularly strategic routes connected to cocaine smuggling operations.

While a 2016 peace agreement between Colombian authorities and the country’s most powerful rebel organization, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), initially decreased rural bloodshed, security conditions have since declined across numerous regions. Smaller armed factions have moved to seize territories previously controlled by FARC fighters, imposing taxes on local enterprises and threatening civilians who resist their authority.

“The humanitarian situation in 2025, is the result of a progressive deterioration that the ICRC has warned about since 2018,” stated Olivier Dubois, the ICRC’s chief of mission in Colombia.

President Gustavo Petro’s government has spent the last four years attempting to curb rural violence through negotiations with surviving rebel organizations and establishing temporary ceasefires with several groups.

However, opponents argue these truces have allowed insurgent forces to reorganize, acquire weapons, and tighten their control over local populations, leading to increased recruitment of minors into criminal organizations.

Political violence has also escalated throughout Colombia, exemplified by the fatal shooting of a presidential candidate during a campaign event in Bogota last year. Government officials have attributed the assassination to one of the country’s rebel factions.

The United Nations Human Rights office in Colombia reported in February that the nation’s security conditions were experiencing significant “backsliding,” with killings of human rights advocates rising 9% during the previous year.

Tuesday’s Red Cross report also revealed that 965 individuals were killed or wounded by explosive weapons, including landmines and drone attacks, representing a 33% increase from the prior year.

The humanitarian organization called on all parties involved in Colombia’s ongoing conflict to honor civilian protections and safeguard those seeking to withdraw from hostilities.

“Respect for international humanitarian law is not optional,” the group emphasized.

A Jerusalem-based watchdog organization revealed Tuesday that it will experience its first leadership change since its founding, with current Vice President Olga Deutsch set to become CEO and president effective January 1, 2027.

NGO Monitor’s founder Gerald Steinberg, who has guided the organization for a quarter-century, will transition to the role of president emeritus while maintaining his involvement in research and writing activities.

Deutsch brings more than ten years of experience with the organization to her new role, having managed European engagement initiatives, fundraising efforts, and international partnership development during her tenure.

Speaking about her upcoming responsibilities, Deutsch expressed both reverence and determination for the task ahead. “I step into this role with humility and a profound sense of historic responsibility,” Deutsch said. “Gerald foresaw that human rights groups would weaponize their influence against the Jewish state and Jewish communities worldwide; since October 7, that warning has become reality, with the threat growing every day.”

Deutsch emphasized the organization’s continued mission to examine groups that target Israel while supplying critical information to government officials and policymakers.

“At this critical moment, NGO Monitor stands singularly positioned to expose the actors behind these campaigns, and to arm decision-makers with facts needed to inform sound policy decisions,” Deutsch said. “Together with our exceptional team, and our professional and lay leadership, I am honored to lead this mission forward.”

The organization traces its origins to 2002, when Steinberg launched NGO Monitor following the Durban Conference. The initiative emerged as what the group characterized as a counter-response to the growing political power of human rights nongovernmental organizations, especially concerning advocacy related to Israel.

NGO Monitor describes its core mission as conducting research, promoting transparency, and examining organizations and funding sources involved in human rights and humanitarian advocacy work.

Steinberg expressed confidence in the organization’s direction under new leadership. “As I transition into the role of President Emeritus, and continue with research and writing, I do so with full confidence in NGO Monitor’s future,” Steinberg said.

“Olga is distinctly qualified to lead NGO Monitor forward, and under her leadership, NGO Monitor will continue to expand the impact of its research and uphold the vision that has guided me for the past quarter century,” he added.

A Palestinian-Syrian journalist’s investigation into a luxury development project in Damascus sparked controversy not for its corruption allegations, but because of the reporter’s Palestinian heritage, highlighting growing tensions for Palestinian refugees in post-Assad Syria.

When Qusai Amameh published his report about Mount Qasioun’s redevelopment plans for a five-star hotel and commercial complex, he anticipated discussions about transparency and reconstruction priorities. However, the criticism he received centered on his Palestinian identity rather than his journalism.

On May 3rd, Syria Shift, a platform allegedly connected to Syria’s Ministry of Information, released a video called “The Palestinian Filter” targeting Amameh, who serves as editor-in-chief of the Syrian platform Street. The segment focused on his Palestinian background instead of addressing his reporting content, raising fundamental questions about belonging and acceptance in modern Syria.

Fayez Abu Eid, who leads the Action Group for Palestinians of Syria, explained to The Media Line how social media has amplified hostility toward Palestinian refugees. “As political debate has moved onto social media and digital platforms, it’s become easier for criticism to cross the line into hostility, especially toward Palestinian refugees in Syria. There’s a difference between criticizing a person or a political position and blaming an entire community. When people start speaking in broad generalizations, it can fuel prejudice and deepen stereotypes,” he stated.

The controversial video sparked widespread condemnation from journalists, activists, and Palestinian rights advocates who accused the platform of encouraging discrimination and collective suspicion. Following intense public backlash, Syria Shift eventually deleted the video from its platforms.

Palestinian community members view this incident as part of a broader pattern affecting minorities in post-Assad Syria. Similar to how Alawites face scrutiny due to their association with the former regime and Druze communities encounter separatism accusations, Palestinians increasingly find themselves viewed with suspicion rather than as integral members of Syrian society.

These concerns intensified in April when Syrian security forces detained Palestinians throughout Damascus and surrounding areas following demonstrations against an Israeli law imposing death penalties for certain Palestinians convicted of terrorism-related offenses. Authorities arrested at least 30 individuals from Khan al-Shih camp alone, with additional detentions in Jaramana, al-Huseiniyeh, Rukneddine, and al-Hamah. Many were transported to undisclosed locations without official explanation.

The controversial Israeli legislation, promoted by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, passed the Knesset on March 30th with a 62-48 vote. Palestinian leaders and rights organizations condemned the law as creating discriminatory punishment systems, and its passage triggered regional protests.

Thousands of Syrians demonstrated from Damascus to Daraa, showing solidarity with Palestinians and opposing Arab normalization with Israel. In Damascus, protesters who had gathered at Umayyad Square broke away from the main rally and attacked the United Arab Emirates embassy. The UAE subsequently condemned what it termed “riots, acts of vandalism, and assaults” at its diplomatic facilities.

US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack called on Damascus to protect all diplomatic missions while continuing “the courageous work of reconciliation,” describing Syria’s regional reengagement as a defining chapter. The Syrian Foreign Ministry distanced itself from the violence, stating it did not represent the Syrian people.

Ryan Maarouf, a Syrian journalist from As Suwayda, told The Media Line that the new authorities are applying the same control strategies to Palestinians that they’ve used with other minority groups. “Just as the authorities tried to impose central control over the Druze, Alawites, and Kurds, it is natural that they would seek the same with Palestinians: ensuring full loyalty, preventing any independent political space, and eliminating any force that could be seen as a future source of concern,” he explained.

Maarouf noted that Damascus interprets Palestinian political expression through an Israeli security lens. “The Palestinian file in Syria is not only a social or legal issue. It is also tied to Israel’s security file, because any political or organizational Palestinian presence can be read by Israel as a threat, which makes the authorities even more sensitive toward it,” he said.

Following the UAE Embassy incident, some commentators broadly implicated Palestinians, with pro-government voices using the event to incite against the community and revive accusations that they represent political and security burdens. Rather than being viewed as refugees with historical Syrian connections, they were portrayed as destabilizing external forces.

Human rights organizations have warned that Palestinians are increasingly characterized either as security threats or remnants of the old regime, leading to enhanced scrutiny and social exclusion. Activists argue that the rapid resurgence of collective blame demonstrates that the Amameh case represents a wider atmosphere treating Palestinians as permanent outsiders.

Abu Eid emphasized the humanitarian toll Palestinians endured during Syria’s conflict years. “During the years of war, Palestinians in Syria paid a severe humanitarian price, even though many tried as much as possible to stay out of the conflict,” he said. “More than 7,500 Palestinians were arrested by the former regime’s security forces, around 1,500 died under torture, and the fate of more than 5,000 remains unknown to this day.”

Yarmouk camp, established in 1957 for Palestinians displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, exemplifies this suffering. Located on Damascus’s southern edge, the camp housed approximately 160,000 residents by 2011, making it Syria’s largest Palestinian refugee community. The Free Syrian Army entered in December 2012, followed by an Assad regime siege in July 2013 that cut off food and medicine supplies. Over 160 people died from starvation, and a 2018 regime offensive destroyed most of the camp, including UN Relief and Works Agency facilities.

A Yarmouk camp social worker, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, told The Media Line that while Palestinians haven’t experienced direct ground-level measures, media discourse close to authorities has become increasingly harsh. “There is a growing feeling that some voices are trying to demonize Palestinians and portray them as an obstacle to Syria’s stability, and this is causing real concern among Palestinians in Syria,” the worker said.

According to UNRWA’s 2026 humanitarian appeal, 92% of Palestine refugees in Syria—more than 384,000 people—face food insecurity, up from approximately 63% in March 2024. Additionally, roughly 30%, or more than 125,000 people, remain in protracted internal displacement.

Abu Eid confirmed that suspicion has persisted under the new government. “Even today, many Palestinians feel they are viewed with suspicion or treated through broad narratives that ignore the diversity of their positions and experiences during the war,” he said. “This feeling grows stronger when decisions affecting them are issued and then later amended or apologized for.”

These fears escalated last year following reports that official documents had replaced “Syrian Palestinian” with “Palestinian resident.” The social worker described more extensive changes: “The description ‘Syrian Palestinian’ was replaced with ‘resident Palestinian,’ and the original place of registration was removed in favor of classifying them as ‘foreigners.’ This created serious fears for us as Palestinians, because we consider ourselves Syrians as well, not only Palestinians.”

While Syrian authorities characterized these changes as technical errors, Palestinian groups viewed them as attacks on their legal identity. Abu Eid explained the community’s interpretation: “When terms like ‘Palestinian resident’ appeared instead of ‘Syrian Palestinian,’ many people did not see it as a simple technical issue. They understood it as a possible sign of a deeper change in the legal approach to Palestinians and a warning that their long-established rights could be weakened.”

Maarouf offered a more skeptical perspective: “When the label ‘Palestinian resident’ appeared instead of ‘Syrian Palestinian,’ I do not see it as merely a technical mistake, but rather as a way of testing public reaction to any future change related to the legal and social status of Palestinians.”

Palestinians in Syria have historically maintained a unique legal status. Law 260 of 1956 granted many Palestinian refugees rights similar to Syrian citizens in employment, education, public services, and residence, while preserving their Palestinian nationality and excluding them from political rights like voting or holding office.

Maarouf emphasized the deep integration Palestinians achieved over decades: “Palestinians in Syria lived for decades almost as Syrians. They served in the army, owned homes, and built full lives. Presenting them today as an external party or a temporary guest is not just an administrative issue, but a clear political message.”

This contrasts sharply with Palestinian experiences in Lebanon, where they cannot own property, practice dozens of professions, or obtain citizenship, with UNRWA reporting that over 80% live below the poverty line.

A joint April analysis by Syrians for Truth and Justice, the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre, and Justice for Life documented presidential decrees and ministerial decisions throughout 2025 that amended laws and restructured state institutions without parliamentary approval. The reclassification of Palestinians as “foreigners” has raised concerns that Damascus is adopting Lebanon’s model of permanent legal marginalization.

While the Ministry of Information launched a media code of conduct in February to regulate hate speech and promote post-Assad professionalism, critics argue that pro-government media and online networks continue treating minorities—including Druze, Alawites, Kurds, and Palestinians—through loyalty and suspicion frameworks.

This pattern has resulted in documented violence. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom stated in its 2026 Annual Report that transitional authorities “exhibited systematic and ongoing tolerance for egregious violations of religious freedom” throughout 2025, recommending Syria for Country of Particular Concern designation. On March 7, 2025, fighters loyal to transitional authorities or operating under the Ministry of Defense killed at least 1,500 Alawite civilians in two days of summary executions along the Syrian coast. A July 2025 escalation in Suwayda displaced approximately 187,000 Druze, according to Syrians for Truth and Justice.

In March, Kurdish civilians returning from Nowruz celebrations in Afrin faced attacks by groups that forced them to step on Kurdish flags while General Security personnel watched without intervention. These attacks occurred two months after a presidential decree recognizing Kurdish cultural rights and criminalizing ethnic incitement.

The Action Group for Palestinians of Syria reported that monitoring of the April detention campaign suggests several possible justifications, including alleged Islamic State affiliations, alleged connections to Assad regime remnants, and the UAE embassy attack. The Ministry of Interior had already arrested two individuals connected to the embassy incident, with spokesman Nour al-Din al-Baba accusing them of former Syrian regime ties. While some Khan al-Shih detainees were later released, others remain in custody.

Abu Eid concluded with a call for balanced recognition: “Any fair approach to Palestinians in Syria must recognize both realities at once: They are part of the Syrian social fabric, but they are also a refugee community with a unique legal and historical status. Ignoring either side makes the issue far more dangerous and unstable.”

Culinary professionals from across Israel gathered at Tel Aviv’s waterfront to showcase their heritage through food, proving that even amid regional tensions, the spirit of celebration endures. The annual EAT Festival, running from May 11-14 at Charles Clore Park, drew massive crowds despite looming security concerns.

Roey Mantzour, who operates the Arayes catering business specializing in meat-filled pita bread, believes Israeli cuisine mirrors the nation’s character. “The food in Israel reflects who we are: smart, diverse, a gathering of exiles from all over the world who came here to live. And here, we have the best food in the world,” Mantzour explained.

Monday evening’s festival opening saw thousands of visitors flooding the seaside park, creating a lively atmosphere filled with aromatic spices, grilled meats, baked goods, and desserts. Vendors offered an extensive range of options, from traditional meat dishes and street food to plant-based alternatives, sweets, and beverages.

The event demonstrated Israelis’ determination to maintain normalcy and joy during challenging times. Families, couples, tourists, and friend groups filled the park, embracing the creative energy of Tel Aviv against the Mediterranean backdrop. Daily festivities begin at 6 p.m., featuring live music and dining as the sun sets over the coastline.

Yaniv Wahby traveled from Daliyat al-Karmel in northern Israel to serve traditional Druze specialties including stuffed grape leaves, rice-filled cabbage rolls, za’atar pastries with olive oil, and signature Druze flatbread topped with various ingredients from labneh and chocolate to fresh fruit, halva, and hummus.

Wahby’s northern community has endured significant hardship from Hezbollah rocket attacks in recent months, nearly forcing him to close his business due to decreased tourism. However, he maintained an optimistic outlook at the festival. “We really suffered in Daliyat al-Karmel. During the war, things were very difficult,” Wahby shared with The Media Line. “Now, thank God, we finally have a little breathing room. We came here, as we do every year, to create a good atmosphere and give people a chance to be happy. We’re giving it everything we’ve got.”

Chef Moti Yevdayev, an Azerbaijani immigrant who arrived in Israel in 1998, presented his mother’s traditional recipes while wearing colorful traditional clothing in turquoise, red, and yellow hues. “From the age of one, I was always near the tandoor oven, my aunt, my mother, and my whole family while they cooked,” Yevdayev told The Media Line. “Over the years, I grew up and decided I wanted to enter the culinary world because food is what I love most.”

Yevdayev emphasized the authenticity of Azerbaijani cooking, highlighting fresh vegetables and minimal seasoning. According to the chef, the cuisine relies primarily on salt, pepper, saffron, and “lots of love and patience.”

His featured dish, shah plov, consists of rice steamed with dried fruits, raisins, chestnuts, meat, caramelized onions, and pomegranate, all encased in dough and baked for hours. “It creates this incredible crust while everything inside steams together into one perfect bite, sweet, sour, salty, and rich,” the chef described.

Additional offerings included qutab, a grilled pastry with spinach and herbs or meat, brushed with vegan butter substitute to maintain kosher standards, and gürzə dumplings with both meat and vegetarian potato-onion versions. He also brought authentic stuffed grape leaves directly from Azerbaijan.

Currently serving as chef for the Azerbaijani Embassy in Israel, Yevdayev manages all embassy events and leads kosher culinary tours internationally. Security concerns have prevented his long-held restaurant dreams, though he hopes this year will finally allow that goal to materialize.

“Today we’re here at the festival in Tel Aviv. This is a huge dream of mine,” Yevdayev said. “We make all the food here by hand. It’s very hard work. Around 20 older women came to help cook because only they know the traditional folding, stuffing, and preparation techniques. It’s honestly beautiful to watch, almost like a movie.”

Asian cuisine was well-represented through authentic Thai and Korean food stalls. Suni Kim originally visited Israel eight years ago for the Jerusalem Marathon and fell in love with the country. After returning permanently a year later, she met her husband and now has a one-year-old child. Three years ago, she established Tel Aviv’s first Korean restaurant, Kimchi’s Korean Restaurant.

Kim’s festival offerings included authentic Korean dishes such as bibimbap, Korean barbecue, and Korean corn dogs – “anything that you see on TikTok that people love to try,” she explained to The Media Line.

Observing the packed park around her, Kim praised Israeli resilience. The people of Israel are “very, very brave. One day, there’s a tragedy, and the next day, they recover so fast. And it’s very, very impressive.”

She noted that despite living under war’s shadow, “everyone’s excited to come out for the food, so it shows the energy.”

Jerusalem’s renowned Machneyuda restaurant, established by celebrity chef Assaf Granit, sent representative Gal Hadar to the festival. According to Hadar, they participate because “the sea is here. You can get a tan. It’s not cold here,” and crucially, “The people of Tel Aviv want polenta. They don’t want to travel to Jerusalem for polenta, so the polenta comes to them.”

Machneyuda’s signature polenta with mushroom ragout and truffle oil was featured alongside buns filled with chorizo and siska, a spiced meat preparation. Hadar explained that superior siska originates from Jerusalem because “that is where the Kurdish people live and they brought their traditions and food culture there.”

When asked if Tel Aviv residents appreciate Jerusalem cuisine, Hadar responded confidently: “Yes, very much. We try our best to make them love it.”

Mantzour showcased his specialty dish of pita stuffed with kebab meat, typically fatty lamb. “We grill it over a very low flame so the pita becomes crispy while the kebab stays soft,” he described to The Media Line. “We serve it with dips like tahini, red harissa, and pickles.”

While acknowledging arayes as traditionally Lebanese, he jokingly remarked that “we took it from the Arabs like everything else.” Despite this humor, he expressed genuine pride in participating annually since the festival’s inception a decade ago.

“Tel Aviv is undoubtedly the culinary center of Israel,” Mantzour stated, emphasizing this year’s special significance. “This event is extremely important this year because there haven’t been many events since Purim. This is a very major event in Israel, and it’s important that it happens. We’re very happy it’s taking place despite the tension in the background.”

Tamir Cohen, Mantzour’s colleague, echoed these sentiments. “Food in Israel is the best therapy for us Israelis,” Cohen concluded. “Through food and culinary culture, we continue living. For us, food is the cure for all the madness we experience as a nation. We are a people constantly living through wars, but we also love to enjoy life, celebrate, and eat.”

Hadar from Machneyuda added: “Am Yisrael Chai – long live the people of Israel.”

Devastating floods have swept through six provinces in South Africa, claiming the lives of at least 10 people and leaving thousands of homes in ruins since the severe weather began on May 4.

Government officials have officially declared a natural disaster in response to the widespread flooding, severe thunderstorms, powerful winds, and even snowfall that have impacted the Western Cape, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Mpumalanga provinces. This official designation allows authorities to access emergency funding and deploy additional resources for disaster response.

Cape Town has experienced some of the worst damage, prompting the Western Cape provincial government to temporarily shut down schools and close portions of the popular Table Mountain tourist site. Officials reported Tuesday that flooding has impacted no fewer than 26 informal settlements surrounding the city, with more than 10,000 structures suffering damage.

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his grief Monday over the weather-related deaths as the Southern Hemisphere enters its winter season, stating he felt “deep sadness” about the loss of life.

“Authorities are making the best use of science to pre-empt some of these events and to respond to the aftermath,” Ramaphosa said.

Climate experts warn that severe flooding throughout Southern Africa is becoming more intense due to extreme weather conditions. Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe have all experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall in recent months, creating what many consider the region’s most devastating flooding in years.

This marks the second time this year South Africa has faced such extreme weather conditions. In January, officials declared a national disaster following torrential rains and flooding in the northern region that killed at least 30 people, damaged thousands of homes, and destroyed critical infrastructure including roads and bridges.

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungary completed its historic political transition Tuesday as Péter Magyar’s cabinet ministers officially took their oaths of office, bringing to a close Viktor Orbán’s 16-year reign over the Eastern European nation.

The ceremony installing 16 new ministers occurred just two days following parliamentary committee reviews, demonstrating the 45-year-old attorney’s determination to rapidly dismantle the political framework Orbán established during his extended tenure as leader.

Magyar’s European Union-aligned Tisza party delivered a decisive electoral victory over Orbán’s nationalist Fidesz movement last month, capturing more parliamentary support than any political organization in Hungary’s post-Communist era.

This electoral triumph provided Tisza with a commanding two-thirds parliamentary majority, positioning the party to reverse numerous policies that earned Orbán criticism as an authoritarian leader from the far-right.

Speaking after his ministers’ installation ceremony in Hungary’s legislative building, Magyar declared that “the government now being formed will be the government of all Hungarians” and “a servant of the nation and not of the prime minister,” delivering a clear rebuke to his predecessor’s approach.

“We must repair the destruction, division, backwardness and loss of trust over the past two decades by making Hungary a functioning, livable and self-reliant country again,” he stated.

The electoral results gave Tisza control of 141 parliamentary positions from the total 199 available, while Orbán’s EU-skeptical Fidesz party retained just 52 seats, falling dramatically from their previous 135. The extreme-right Mi Hazánk (Our Homeland) movement secured six positions.

Nearly 3.4 million Hungarian voters who supported Tisza anticipate Magyar will pursue accountability measures against Fidesz leadership and their business partners for alleged wrongdoing and corrupt practices during the previous administration.

Magyar intends to establish a National Asset Recovery and Protection Office, a specialized agency responsible for examining and attempting to reclaim public resources allegedly misappropriated throughout Orbán’s leadership period. He has additionally announced Hungary’s participation in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, enabling EU investigators to examine fraud allegations and monitor how bloc funding was utilized.

The new leader has also promised to halt operations at Hungary’s state broadcasting network — commonly viewed as Orbán’s party propaganda outlet — until journalistic neutrality can be reestablished.

During his inaugural address, Magyar once again demanded that numerous Orbán appointees holding extended-term positions resign by May 31, specifically naming the president, attorney general, media authority director, and Constitutional Court chief justice.

The incoming administration will oversee 16 ministerial departments, an increase from Orbán’s final government structure of 12. Magyar has committed to substantially reorganizing governmental operations, creating independent ministries for health, environmental protection, and education that were previously consolidated under Orbán’s system.

He has also emphasized restoring democratic frameworks and legal accountability that deteriorated during Orbán’s administration, while pursuing consequences for individuals he claims oversaw and profited from systematic official corruption.

Magyar’s leadership is anticipated to reshape political relationships throughout the European Union, where Orbán frequently disrupted bloc operations by blocking important decisions, particularly regarding assistance for Ukraine.

Supporting these objectives, Magyar’s team has indicated priority efforts to release approximately 17 billion euros ($20 billion) in EU funding that was suspended during Orbán’s tenure due to rule-of-law and corruption issues. These resources are critically needed to revitalize Hungary’s economic performance, which has remained stagnant over the past four years.

In a Facebook video message Monday, newly appointed Foreign Minister Anita Orbán, a diplomatic and international policy specialist, explained her department’s main objective will be to “bring EU funds home” and “consolidate Hungary’s place in Europe and in the EU.”

Other cabinet officials installed Tuesday included Economy and Energy Minister István Kapitány, a former Shell corporation executive, and Finance Minister András Kármán, an economist and previous Erste Bank executive.

A comprehensive investigation released Tuesday reveals that Hamas and allied Palestinian militant groups employed systematic sexual violence during their October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, according to a detailed civil commission report.

The extensive 300-page document, called “Silenced No More,” was compiled by the Civil Commission on October 7 Crimes by Hamas Against Women and Children following two years of intensive research, witness interviews, forensic analysis, and examination of visual evidence.

Investigators reviewed an enormous collection of evidence including over 10,000 photographs and video clips, more than 1,800 hours of recorded material, and conducted over 430 interviews with survivors, witnesses, former hostages, experts, and family members of victims.

The commission documented 13 distinct patterns of sexual and gender-based violence that occurred both during the initial assault and while victims were held captive in Gaza. These included rape, gang rape, forced nudity, sexual torture, mutilation, posthumous sexual abuse, and attacks committed in front of family members. Investigators also found instances where family members were forced to commit sexual acts against each other, which the commission termed “kinocidal sexual violence.”

“The scale, coordination, and repetition of the conduct demonstrate a widespread and systematic attack against civilians in which sexual violence was deliberately used as a method of terror,” the investigation concluded.

The report details how attackers filmed, broadcast live, and shared images of abuse and killings on social media platforms and through victims’ personal accounts, weaponizing the documentation as psychological warfare against families and Israeli society.

Commission investigators determined that the documented actions constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocidal acts under international law. They called on Israeli officials and international governments to recognize sexual and gender-based violence as a separate category requiring specific criminal accountability in future legal proceedings.

These conclusions support previous findings, including a March 2024 United Nations report by Special Representative Pramila Patten, whose investigation found “reasonable grounds” to believe conflict-related sexual violence took place during the October 7 attacks and “clear and convincing information” that Gaza hostages experienced sexual violence.

During the October 7 assault, Hamas-led militants breached the Gaza border into Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the kidnapping of 251 hostages. Israeli officials report that hundreds of attackers were captured inside Israel following the assault. The Israeli Knesset approved legislation Monday to create a specialized court system for prosecuting October 7 defendants, including those facing charges related to sexual crimes.

KYIV, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confronts his most serious corruption crisis to date as criminal charges have been filed against his former chief of staff in a multimillion-dollar laundering operation.

While Zelensky himself has not been implicated in the extensive investigation that has shaken Ukraine since November, the allegations against his former top aide Andriy Yermak represent the closest that anti-corruption investigators have come to the president’s inner circle.

The 54-year-old Yermak, a former film producer who orchestrated Zelensky’s remarkable transformation from television comedian to wartime president, was formally designated as a suspect Monday evening in an alleged $10.5 million money laundering operation involving a luxury housing project near Kyiv.

Through his attorney, Yermak dismissed the allegations as baseless when speaking to Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne.

Anti-corruption court officials are currently considering prosecutors’ request to set Yermak’s bail at $4 million.

Zelensky has remained silent regarding the charges against his longtime associate, with his communications adviser stating Monday that it was premature to address the matter. The president’s office has not responded to detailed inquiries about the case.

Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko from the Penta think tank believes the charges against Yermak may not immediately threaten Zelensky’s position but could damage his reputation if he seeks re-election post-war.

“This entire affair is a delay-action mine for President Zelenskiy that may not explode now, but later,” Fesenko stated.

The charges stem from Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau’s extensive “Midas” investigation, which has captivated the nation as anti-graft agencies have intensified their wartime activities.

Previous revelations last year exposed an alleged $100 million energy sector kickback scheme involving Timur Mindich, a former business associate of Zelensky from his entertainment career. The scandal erupted as Russia was targeting Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure, sparking public outrage.

The controversy prompted a government reorganization that led to Yermak’s resignation in November. Mindich subsequently fled to Israel and maintains his innocence.

The investigation gained renewed attention recently when Ukrainian media outlets and opposition politicians released what they claimed were wiretapped conversations involving Mindich.

Reuters was unable to independently confirm the authenticity of these transcripts, which allegedly captured Mindich discussing a prominent Ukrainian drone manufacturer with national security chief Rustem Umerov. Umerov’s spokesperson has denied any misconduct. Ukraine’s chief anti-corruption prosecutor confirmed Tuesday that Umerov served as a witness in the “Midas” investigation.

Additional transcript excerpts reportedly feature Mindich and an unidentified woman discussing real estate matters and referencing individuals called “Andriy” and “Vova” – the latter being a common nickname for “Volodymyr.”

Opposition parliament member Oleksiy Honcharenko remarked, “This is now something that Zelenskiy himself, personally, cannot ignore.”

NABU director Semen Kryvonos informed reporters Tuesday that Zelensky has not been the focus of any investigations. Current Ukrainian law prohibits criminal investigations of sitting presidents.

The timing of these charges is particularly delicate as Ukraine continues to rely on essential Western financial assistance, which is partially tied to anti-corruption initiatives. Meanwhile, U.S.-supported peace efforts have stagnated in the conflict’s fifth year.

Some legislators, including members of Zelensky’s Servant of the People party, view the Yermak case positively as evidence of Ukraine’s commitment to combating corruption.

Parliamentary foreign affairs committee chairman Oleksandr Merezhko noted, “Partners see that Ukraine has an independent anti-corruption system that is performing its function.”

Despite increased attention on corruption issues, Zelensky’s public support has remained relatively steady in recent months, with approximately 58% of Ukrainians expressing trust in their president, according to May 4 data from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology.

However, a May 6 survey revealed that 54% of respondents consider corruption a greater threat to Ukraine’s future than the ongoing war with Russia when forced to choose between the two.

Kyiv residents interviewed Tuesday expressed mixed reactions of concern and wariness.

Valentyna Nevoyt, 70, commented, “Clearly the president is involved, because it can’t be that people near him were in very close contact and he didn’t know anything about what they were doing.”

Currency exchanger Natalia Chernilevska, 53, acknowledged the risk of Zelensky becoming personally implicated while praising his wartime leadership.

“For me, Zelenskiy is an example of a good leader of the country who is fighting to the end,” she said.

BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon’s Hezbollah leader is pushing his country’s government to abandon upcoming face-to-face negotiations with Israel, arguing such meetings favor the enemy and demanding a return to indirect diplomacy.

The two nations are set to begin two days of Washington-hosted discussions this Thursday, aiming to halt the current conflict that erupted two months ago after the Iran war and address the broader relationship between these longtime enemies who have been fighting since Israel’s establishment in 1948.

In a letter to his organization’s leadership, Naim Kassem argued that face-to-face negotiations serve Israel’s interests and represent “concessions by Lebanese authorities.” He insisted Lebanon’s leadership should return to indirect diplomacy with Israel, similar to previous approaches that led to the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.

Third-party mediators typically facilitate indirect negotiations.

Kassem also declared that disputes over Hezbollah’s weapons stockpile remain a domestic Lebanese matter and should not be included in discussions with Israel. Lebanon’s government has pushed for the militant organization’s disarmament following the latest fighting that began in early March, declaring all military operations by the group unlawful.

Lebanese officials have also called for an end to hostilities, Israeli forces leaving Lebanon, Lebanese military deployment south of the Litani river, freedom for Lebanese prisoners in Israeli custody, and the return of displaced civilians to their communities.

Kassem announced Tuesday that his organization stands ready to work toward achieving these five government objectives.

Even with the U.S.-mediated ceasefire that took effect April 17, both Israel and Hezbollah continue launching daily strikes against each other.

Lebanese Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine reported Tuesday that 380 people have died and 1,122 have been injured since the ceasefire began.

He noted that since the current war started March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel two days after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, Lebanon’s casualties have reached 2,882 killed and 8,786 wounded.

Starting early Tuesday, Israeli warplanes conducted strikes across southern Lebanon and hit the village of Sohmor in the eastern Bekaa Valley, according to the state-run National News Agency. The agency reported that airstrikes on Jibchit village resulted in three deaths and four injuries Tuesday.

Israeli forces had previously warned residents of Sohmor and four southern Lebanese villages to evacuate.

The National News Agency also reported that Israeli troops entered portions of the southern village of Deir Mimas along the Litani River and destroyed a solar-powered water pumping station serving the community. The agency said the 5 a.m. (0200 GMT) explosion caused extensive damage.

Israeli military officials shared images of soldiers positioned along the Litani River but did not specify exact locations.

Hezbollah released a statement claiming its fighters targeted Israeli forces Tuesday morning near the Litani River in Deir Seryan village using rockets, though no additional information was provided.

Also Tuesday, Hezbollah acknowledged that one of its military leaders died in an airstrike near Beirut last week. The organization published a photograph of Ahmed Ghaleb Balout, describing him as a commander who dedicated most of his life to combat.

Balout died May 6 during an airstrike on a Beirut suburb.

This marked the first airstrike near Beirut since the ceasefire took effect.

Israeli military officials announced Thursday they had eliminated Balout, whom they identified as a leader in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, along with two additional militants.

Israeli construction crews demolished approximately 50 Palestinian businesses this week in al-Eizariya, a town located southeast of Jerusalem, as part of preparations for a disputed road construction project in the occupied West Bank.

Israeli officials maintain the demolitions are necessary to construct a roadway that will benefit Palestinian communities. However, Palestinian leaders contend the road represents part of a larger strategy to redirect Palestinian vehicles away from a new highway designed to connect Israeli settlements in the region.

The construction falls within the E1 corridor, a strategically important West Bank area that Israel is developing in ways that Palestinian officials say would block the creation of a future Palestinian state.

“The shops that were demolished are where Israel is planning to build a new road that will divert all Palestinian traffic to that road so that they can close down the whole area of E1 for Palestinians,” explained Hagit Ofran, who leads the anti-settlement organization Peace Now.

The destruction occurred on Tuesday in al-Eizariya, coming less than one week after some business owners received evacuation orders for structures built without official permits. Legal representatives filed appeals reaching Israel’s Supreme Court, but the demolitions proceeded regardless.

Israeli officials stated the demolished structures, which included automotive service centers, metal recycling facilities, and produce vendors, were constructed illegally and that property owners had received warnings for “several years” about potential enforcement action.

COGAT, the Israeli military agency responsible for civilian matters in the West Bank, announced the buildings were blocking the planned roadway intended to link Palestinian communities.

Israeli authorities describe the new transportation network as a solution to traffic problems that will enhance living conditions for Palestinian residents in the region.

Human rights organizations and the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority argue the demolitions connect to Israel’s broader plans to restructure transportation infrastructure and establish separate roadway systems based on Israeli versus Palestinian identification. They claim Israel’s proposed tunnel-and-bypass system will force Palestinian drivers off a main Israeli highway connecting West Bank settlements to Jerusalem, effectively blocking access to significant portions of the territory.

Several of the destroyed businesses had partially obstructed walkways and access routes into the community. Palestinians maintain that obtaining legitimate building permits from Israeli authorities is virtually impossible, even while Israeli settlement construction continues expanding rapidly.

Mohammad Abu Ghalieh, a 48-year-old business owner, expressed shock at having to rebuild following the demolitions.

“Forty-eight years of night and day to build something for his children and himself, and in one day and one night, everything was gone,” he stated.

Daoud al-Jahalin, who leads a nearby village council, reported that over 200 families would lose their sources of income.

The E1 development generates particular controversy because it extends from Jerusalem’s outskirts far into the occupied West Bank, separating the cities of Ramallah and Bethlehem while restricting Palestinian movement between northern and southern areas.

Israeli leadership and settlement critics alike acknowledge the E1 initiative would create obstacles for establishing a connected Palestinian state throughout the West Bank. Israel plans to construct approximately 3,500 residential units adjacent to the current Maale Adumim settlement.

Israel took control of the West Bank during the 1967 Middle East conflict. The global community largely views Israeli settlement development in occupied territories as violations of international law and barriers to peace.

ATHENS, Greece — Greek defense officials confirmed Tuesday that an explosive-laden military drone discovered on a Mediterranean island last week was manufactured in Ukraine, with authorities describing the situation as an “extremely serious” threat to regional maritime safety.

The unmanned watercraft was located by a fisherman inside a coastal cave on Lefkada island on May 7, who then pulled it toward a nearby harbor. Greek naval forces transported the device to a mainland military facility the following day for examination before safely disposing of the explosives, according to Greece’s state broadcaster ERT.

“We have certainty now that it is a Ukrainian USV,” stated Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, using the military term for unmanned surface vehicle.

Ukrainian officials have not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.

Speaking to European Union defense ministers during a Brussels meeting, Dendias indicated he would address the matter with both his European counterparts and Ukrainian leadership directly.

“You understand that the presence of that USV — the drone, the sea drone — affects the freedom of navigation and affects also the security of navigation,” Dendias explained. “This is an extremely serious issue.”

Ukrainian forces have deployed similar waterborne drones against Russian naval targets in the Black Sea region, recently expanding operations to target oil transport vessels as part of efforts to disrupt Moscow’s energy export capabilities.

While Greek officials provided limited additional information about the drone’s specifications, naval specialists noted similarities to Ukraine’s Magura-class vessels — a design created by Ukrainian intelligence services.

The island of Lefkada sits along a heavily trafficked shipping route connecting Greece and Italy, frequented by tourist vessels, commercial ferries, and cargo ships.

“It appears that the (drone) suffered some malfunction and was moving in an uncontrolled way,” explained Stefanos Gikas, Greece’s deputy maritime affairs minister, during a Monday television interview. “So this craft — a black thing without navigation and carrying explosives — could have struck a tourist vessel.”

The escalating drone warfare between Ukrainian and Russian forces has resulted in numerous incidents affecting NATO and European Union territories, primarily involving suspected Russian drones violating member nation airspace.

“They are violating our airspace. And it’s very clear that inside the European Union we should rearrange our capacities, our capabilities, in order to decrease this type of violations,” Romanian Defense Minister Radu-Dinel Miruța told reporters in Brussels Tuesday.

“It is very important to understand that this is a common threat,” he added. “It is happening on the entire eastern flank.”

Kuwait has formally accused Iran of orchestrating a military assault on one of its strategic islands earlier this month, claiming that Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces attempted to infiltrate territory that houses a major Chinese-backed port development.

The Middle Eastern nation announced Tuesday that six armed Iranian paramilitary operatives tried to breach Bubiyan Island on May 1, located in the northwestern section of the Persian Gulf near the borders with Iraq and Iran.

According to Kuwaiti officials, the infiltration team planned to execute “hostile acts” on the island, though authorities did not specify the exact nature of the intended operations.

Kuwaiti security forces successfully intercepted four of the attackers, while two managed to flee during the confrontation. One Kuwaiti security officer sustained injuries during the incident, which was initially reported on May 3 without details about Iranian involvement.

The detained suspects have been identified as two Revolutionary Guard naval captains, one Guard naval lieutenant, and one Guard army lieutenant, according to Kuwaiti authorities.

Bubiyan Island serves as the location for the Mubarak Al Kabeer Port, currently under development as part of China’s extensive “Belt and Road” infrastructure initiative. This same port facility has previously been targeted during regional conflicts involving Iran.

The timing of Kuwait’s allegation appears significant, as it coincides with President Trump’s scheduled diplomatic visit to Beijing for discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Iran is expected to be among the key topics during their summit, particularly given China’s history of purchasing Iranian oil despite international sanctions and Beijing’s concerns about the ongoing energy crisis caused by regional instability.

Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee revealed another significant military development in the region during a Tel Aviv conference. “I’d like to say a word of appreciation for United Arab Emirates, the first Abraham accord member,” Huckabee stated. “Just look at the benefits. Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them.”

This marks the first public confirmation of Israeli military deployment to the UAE, highlighting the strengthening defense partnership between the two nations that established diplomatic relations in 2020. The UAE has been seeking to reassure investors and residents about security following Iranian missile and drone attacks even after regional ceasefires.

The ambassador expressed optimism about expanding regional cooperation, saying he was “very optimistic” that additional Middle Eastern countries would soon join the Abraham Accords for formal diplomatic recognition of Israel.

However, Huckabee acknowledged the challenges facing regional diplomacy, noting that many Arab states remain angry about Israel’s extensive military operations following Hamas’s 2023 attack, which have resulted in widespread destruction in Gaza and Israeli control over territories in Lebanon and Syria.

“The Gulf states now understood they will have to make a choice — is it more likely they will be attacked by Iran or Israel?” Huckabee asked. “They see that Israel helped us and Iran attacked us. Israel is not trying to take over your land, and is not sending missiles to you.”

In related regional developments, Bahrain announced Tuesday that prosecutors have sentenced at least two dozen individuals on charges including espionage and conspiracy with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Three defendants received life sentences, while others got shorter terms on Iran-related charges.

The narrow Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian influence, and diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran appear stalled, raising concerns about potential renewed conflict in the strategically vital region.

WASHINGTON – A crucial diplomatic meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is taking place in Beijing on May 14th and 15th, drawing international attention as the world’s two largest economies work to navigate escalating global tensions.

The two-day summit agenda covers numerous contentious issues, including commercial disagreements, technology concerns and artificial intelligence developments, Taiwan’s security situation, Middle East ceasefire initiatives, and allegations regarding China’s relationship with Iran. The leaders will also address agricultural trade deals, Boeing aircraft transactions, export restrictions, and collaborative efforts to combat fentanyl and other illegal drugs.

Experts suggest major diplomatic victories are improbable, though both nations hope to avoid additional deterioration in their relationship. The Taiwan question represents perhaps the most delicate discussion point – reports indicate Beijing seeks to make the self-ruled territory a central focus of negotiations, while certain American allies worry about a deal-making approach regarding Taipei. Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery cautioned that Taiwan could be “on the menu” during the diplomatic talks. China’s foreign minister has called on the U.S. to “make the right choices” regarding Taiwan, while American officials maintain their policy remains unchanged and caution that any forced modification of Taiwan’s current situation would create regional instability.

The situation involving imprisoned Hong Kong media executive Jimmy Lai is anticipated to arise during discussions – Lai’s relatives hope Trump will urge Xi to secure his freedom. The White House has emphasized America’s ongoing military assistance to Taiwan, highlighting recently authorized defense equipment transactions.

GOTLAND, Sweden — Military leaders from NATO nations gathered this week on a strategic Swedish island to conduct war games simulating an attack by an unnamed adversary massing forces near the alliance’s eastern frontier. In a notable development, Ukrainian military advisors joined the exercise to share their battlefield expertise in drone combat.

The Associated Press observed the Swedish-organized training exercise as European nations grapple with dual challenges: escalating Russian aggression and uncertainty about America’s continued NATO commitment.

The military simulation, which included American personnel, addressed real-world security concerns. An Associated Press investigation has documented Russia’s intensified sabotage campaign across Europe, featuring cyberattacks on vital infrastructure and widespread disinformation operations.

Exercise planners designed a scenario where Gotland island faced electrical blackouts and food supply disruptions from sabotage attacks, examining potential NATO responses before triggering Article 5, the alliance’s mutual defense provision.

“In theory, it could happen tomorrow,” said Rear Adm. Jonas Wikström, director of the exercise.

Swedish Defense Chief Gen. Michael Claesson acknowledged America’s crucial military role in European security, explaining that “any change in the American presence” impacts alliance capabilities. He emphasized to the AP that despite President Trump’s announced European troop reductions, interpretations “as the Americans are leaving — and they are not” miss the mark.

Nevertheless, European defense officials are closely monitoring the Trump administration’s NATO policies. Trump has previously characterized the alliance as a “paper tiger” and recently ordered at least 5,000 American troops withdrawn from Germany, threatening additional removals.

The president has also criticized NATO partners for failing to support America in Iran-related conflicts, while U.S. air defense systems and missiles have been relocated from Europe to the Middle East, creating potential security gaps. Several European countries have been informed of delays in their American weapons purchases.

Claesson dismissed suggestions that recent initiatives — including a “hybrid navy” partnership among Nordic, Baltic, British and Dutch forces — represent preparation for reduced American support.

However, he noted, “everything that offers European allies freedom of action is good.”

Britain and Norway are also developing joint frigate capabilities, according to Marte Gerhardsen, state secretary at Norway’s Defense Ministry.

Since Trump’s January 2025 return to office, he has suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine and occasionally supported Moscow’s positions in war-ending negotiations.

During this week’s exercises, Ukrainian forces demonstrated their combat experience and potential value as future NATO members.

Ukrainian drone specialists invited to train Western troops in aerial warfare tactics decisively defeated Swedish forces during simulations, a 24-year-old pilot reported to the AP.

“They stopped the training three times” to allow troops tactical adjustments, but in actual combat “they would have been dead,” explained the pilot, identifying himself by his military call sign Tarik.

Swedish personnel show promise but require improved drone technology and tactics, while commanders need enhanced understanding of unmanned warfare, said another pilot using the call sign Karat.

He detailed operating small, first-person-view attack drones against Russian positions on front lines. Drone operators sometimes receive reconnaissance support but often work “blindly.”

Western military personnel cannot comprehend the reality, he added: “You need to see this with your own eyes.”

All Western forces must “learn rapidly” in drone operations and countermeasures, with Ukrainians offering the “fastest” learning opportunity, Claesson stated.

“What they’ve taught us is you have to really focus on your survivability and how you can’t be detected,” explained U.S. Brig. Gen. Curtis King. Simultaneously, Western nations must develop “deep” detection systems for long-range drone identification.

This expertise is critically needed along NATO’s Russian border, where recent months have seen multiple drone violations, including Ukrainian aircraft diverted by Russian electronic jamming.

The objective involves creating integrated systems allowing radar from various manufacturers and countries to share threat data, King explained. While this process has begun, “we’re not there yet.”

Exercise planners selected Gotland island due to its strategic Baltic Sea position between Russian-controlled Kaliningrad — where Moscow has deployed missiles — and mainland Sweden.

“If you control Gotland, you pretty much control the central part of the Baltic Sea,” Claesson observed.

The Baltic Sea serves as Russia’s economic lifeline, with “shadow fleet” vessels transporting oil and liquefied natural gas that funds Moscow’s Ukrainian war effort.

Following the Cold War’s end, Sweden essentially eliminated Gotland’s military presence, but Russia’s 2022 Ukrainian invasion prompted reconsideration and reinforced military deployment. Sweden and Finland both joined NATO in 2024.

“A very reasonable scenario” involves Russian President Vladimir Putin using Gotland to challenge NATO by seizing a small portion of alliance territory to test collective response, Claesson suggested.

NUEVA VENECIA, Colombia — Standing in his small speedboat, Jhon Cantillo pulls up a dense mass of bright green aquatic vegetation and points toward the endless expanse of water now blanketed by the invasive plant.

The thick vegetation creates an almost solid green carpet across the water’s surface when viewed from above. Below the surface, lengthy stems dive deep into the water column with roots stretching toward the bottom, making complete removal nearly impossible.

This environmental disaster is playing out in Colombia’s Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta, an enormous coastal marsh system located roughly 19 miles from Santa Marta on the Caribbean shoreline. What once served as a crucial transportation route and fishing ground has transformed into what local leaders call an ecological emergency as thick plant growth strangles the waterways.

“What we’re seeing here today is a problem. One that affects not only movement or fishing, but the community as a whole,” said the 32-year-old Cantillo, who works as an environmental and social advocate in the Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta region.

Local residents report that the rapidly expanding invasive species from Asia — known scientifically as Hydrilla verticillata — has taken over the wetland during the past twelve months after initially emerging around mid-2025. The thick plant growth, which community members call “horse tail,” is blocking traditional fishing paths, jamming waterways and preventing access to areas where people gather freshwater, while increasing expenses for communities that depend almost completely on the lagoon for survival.

The Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta represents one of Colombia’s most critical fishing habitats, functioning as breeding grounds for numerous marine species.

In Nueva Venecia and Buenavista — two remote fishing villages constructed almost completely on wooden platforms above the water — vast areas of previously open water now lie beneath the invasive vegetation. Both communities exist largely as informal settlements without access to many essential government services.

Nueva Venecia — established in 1847 as a fishing village — houses approximately 4,500 residents in roughly 500 brightly painted dwellings. Buenavista, which developed during the 1950s, contains about 1,150 people living in 163 equally colorful structures, where residents navigate between homes, businesses and educational facilities using small watercraft and canoes.

“A year ago, there were canoes fishing here. Teachers and students crossing the lagoon. Today, what we see is a problem,” Cantillo said.

The consequences are spreading throughout these already struggling communities. Fishing yields have declined, transportation has grown more challenging and households are experiencing increased expenses as they must purchase drinking water.

In Nueva Venecia, a local fisherman worked without a shirt under the intense midday sun, removing dried pieces of vegetation from his fishing equipment, which he had spread in the sunlight to facilitate cleaning.

“We can’t work because of this plant,” said 61-year-old Santander Cueto. “It doesn’t let us cast our nets — everything gets tangled.”

Tasks that were once simple now require much more time to complete.

“The lagoon’s completely covered. There’s nowhere left to fish,” said Demóstenes Guerrero, 58, a fisherman and representative of a fishing association in Buenavista.

In certain locations, community groups venture out in wooden vessels to carve narrow pathways through the densest plant growth, creating channels for canoes to navigate without fouling their motors. These activities require intensive labor and depend primarily on community volunteers, and must be repeated every few days since the quickly growing vegetation rapidly blocks the passages again.

The marsh system covers approximately 1,600 square miles of lagoons, mangrove forests and wetlands — roughly equivalent to Los Angeles — and has held UNESCO biosphere reserve status since 2000.

The Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta receives water from the Magdalena River — one of Colombia’s primary waterways — which transports untreated sewage from throughout much of the nation, explained Julián Arbelaez, a water and sanitation engineer working in the area.

This influx of nutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorus, establishes perfect conditions for invasive plants when water movement slows in wetland environments like this one.

“That load causes the river to enter a state of eutrophication,” Arbelaez said, describing a phenomenon where excessive nutrients promote accelerated plant development.

The plant growth is also preventing access to cleaner water sources. Community members normally travel by boat to gather freshwater from channels linked to the Magdalena River, but many of these pathways are now obstructed. Consequently, Arbelaez explained, people are increasingly obtaining water nearer to their residences — frequently in locations contaminated by raw sewage.

Community members report that another invasive species, Eichhornia crassipes, which remains on the water’s surface, has existed in the lagoon for an extended period and also interferes with fishing and transportation, although its effects have been less dramatic.

Local officials say modifications in water circulation have also contributed to the emergency, with freshwater now controlling areas where saltwater previously helped control or eliminate Hydrilla verticillata.

Sandra Vilardy, a Universidad de los Andes professor with a doctorate in ecology who has studied the region for approximately two decades, explained that research remains limited regarding how the plant arrived and that current theories are still hypothetical.

She indicated that maritime shipping represents one of the most probable introduction methods, with the vegetation possibly entering through major river networks before expanding into wetlands via smaller boats and dredging operations. Another possibility, she noted, involves the disposal of aquarium plants into waterways, a frequent source of biological invasions worldwide, though she observed this explanation seems less probable given the area’s environmental characteristics.

“This is a monster in terms of growth,” Cantillo explained, detailing how it expanded from minimal presence early last year to encircling entire communities within months.

Attempts to eliminate the plant can actually worsen the problem, since pieces can separate and spread to new areas. Community members say removal efforts have been mostly restricted to small-scale manual clearing by fishermen and occasional test programs by government agencies, with no successful comprehensive solution implemented.

The emergency is now causing some residents to contemplate relocating permanently.

“We now face a risk that we didn’t have 20 or 25 years ago — the risk of mass displacement,” Cantillo said.

Demonstrations and highway blockades have occurred as anger increases over what locals characterize as an inadequate and delayed government response.

Alfredo Martínez, director of CORPAMAG, the regional environmental agency, stated that Hydrilla verticillata lacks official classification as an invasive species in Colombia and that national management protocols remain under development. He reported that monitoring and removal activities are proceeding with local community participation, noting that no additional expansion has been detected since March and that reduced water levels may be limiting its growth.

César Rodríguez Ayala, a community leader in Nueva Venecia, described how the emergency is impacting virtually every element of daily life.

“If the fisherman can’t work, the shop doesn’t sell,” he explained. “We are living a very difficult situation, economically and environmentally.”

Although mechanical removal techniques are available, complete elimination appears unlikely in the near future due to expensive costs and restricted resources, according to Cantillo.

“We are part of Colombia too,” Rodríguez stated. “We live on the water, but we also deserve to be seen — and helped — in a moment like this.”

The United Nations children’s agency announced Tuesday that 70 young people have died in Palestinian territories outside of Gaza since the beginning of 2025, averaging approximately one death per week, with more than 800 additional children sustaining injuries.

According to UNICEF, the majority of casualties in the West Bank and East Jerusalem resulted from gunfire using live rounds, though some children were also stabbed, physically assaulted, or attacked with pepper spray.

“These are not isolated incidents. They point to a sustained pattern of the worst kind of violation — violations against children,” spokesperson James Elder said during a press conference in Geneva following his recent trip to the West Bank.

Elder reported that Israeli forces were responsible for 93% of the child fatalities recorded since January 2025. The remaining deaths resulted from attacks by settlers, unexploded weapons, or unintentional strikes by Palestinian forces.

Israeli military officials had not provided a response to requests for comment at the time of the report. Human rights organizations have documented an escalation in violence targeting Palestinians by both Israeli settlers and military personnel beginning in 2023.

International consensus, including the United Nations and most nations worldwide, considers Israeli settlements in West Bank territory seized during the 1967 conflict to be in violation of international law, though Israel challenges this interpretation.

Uganda’s longtime leader Yoweri Museveni took the presidential oath on Tuesday, beginning his seventh consecutive term and solidifying his control over the East African nation for nearly 40 years.

The 81-year-old former rebel commander secured victory in January’s presidential race, capturing 72% of votes in an election overshadowed by violence and claims of electoral misconduct.

During his inauguration address, Museveni highlighted his administration’s economic achievements since assuming office in 1986. He pointed to projections showing the nation’s economy could experience growth exceeding 10% in the coming fiscal year as the country prepares to launch oil production.

Questions about who will eventually replace Museveni continue to grow. Many observers believe he is positioning his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to take over leadership, though Museveni has publicly rejected claims that he is preparing Kainerugaba for the presidency.

Opposition figure Bobi Wine, the popular musician-turned-politician who came in second place in Uganda’s last two presidential contests, remains in exile in the United States. Wine fled the country following a military assault on his residence after the election.

The Islamic State terrorist organization has taken responsibility for a fatal assault on Syrian government troops in the country’s eastern region, marking the group’s first deadly strike against the current Syrian administration since February.

The Monday assault in Hasakah province resulted in the deaths of two Syrian army personnel, underscoring the persistent security challenges facing President Ahmed al-Sharaa as he works to strengthen governmental control across Syria, nearly eighteen months after removing Bashar al-Assad from power.

Syria’s official news outlet SANA initially reported that two military personnel died and additional soldiers sustained injuries when unidentified attackers targeted a military transport vehicle in the Hasakah countryside on Monday.

Through its Amaq News Agency, Islamic State released a short declaration stating that their operatives had “killed and wounded six members of the apostate Syrian army” in an ambush conducted in the same region.

During the height of Syria’s civil conflict ten years ago, Islamic State maintained control over approximately one-fourth or more of Syrian territory before being driven out by a coalition led by the United States along with other opposing forces.

Al-Sharaa previously fought against Islamic State during his time leading the al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front throughout the civil war period. He broke away from al Qaeda in 2016.

Under al-Sharaa’s leadership, the Syrian government became part of the American-led coalition fighting Islamic State last year.

In February, Islamic State announced a renewed campaign of operations targeting al-Sharaa’s administration and executed multiple attacks, including one assault that resulted in the deaths of four Syrian government security officers near Raqqa.