*) Iran’s President Raisi, FM found dead at helicopter crash site

Iranian state media has reported that President Ebrahim Raisi alongside the country’s foreign minister, and other officials have been found dead at the helicopter crash site.

Rescue teams had been scouring the area since Sunday afternoon after the helicopter went missing.

Early Monday, relief workers located the helicopter, with state TV confirming the president’s death.

*) Ireland aims to recognise Palestinian statehood this month

Ireland’s prime minister announces that the country will recognise a Palestinian state by the end of this month while emphasising that this decision does not imply a severance of ties with Israel.

Sources close to Israeli President Isaac Herzog have said that Herzog cautioned Harris that unilateral recognition of Palestine might jeopardise any chance of Hamas releasing hostages it holds in Gaza and could incite further attacks on Israel.

*) Fresh floods kill 66 in Faryab, northern Afghanistan

Fresh floods in Faryab province, northern Afghanistan, have killed 66 people, according to a provincial official.

This latest incident adds to a series of deadly floods this month that have devastated the country.

The flooding has damaged over 1,500 houses, submerged more than 1,000 acres of agricultural land, and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of livestock.

*) Taiwan’s new president Lai Ching-te takes office

Taiwan has inaugurated Lai Ching-te as its new president. 

Lai, a relative moderate, will continue the self-governing island’s policy of de facto independence while aiming to strengthen its defences against China.

Lai succeeds Tsai Ing-wen, who guided Taiwan through eight years of economic and social progress despite the Covid-19 pandemic and increasing military threats from China.

*) Israelis march for Netanyahu’s resignation, immediate hostage negotiations

Thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets in multiple cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa.

The demonstrators demanded a hostage exchange with Palestinian resistance groups, the ousting of Netanyahu’s government, and the scheduling of early elections.

May 20, 2024

*) Israel kills 25 Palestinians, including 10+ minors, in Gaza

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israel-kills-25-palestinians-including-10-minors-in-gaza-18165361

Israeli strikes have killed 17 Palestinians, including over 10 children, and injured dozens in Gaza City and Rafah. 

In Gaza City's Al-Daraj neighbourhood, 16 Palestinians died in an Israeli air strike on a house. One Palestinian was killed in Rafah when Israeli forces targeted a house belonging to the Al-Sha'er family.

Earlier, Israeli forces hit a house in Al-Nuseirat camp, killing eight Palestinians.

*) ‘New war crime’: Israel bars scores in Gaza from Hajj amid Rafah invasion

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/new-war-crime-israel-bars-scores-in-gaza-from-hajj-amid-rafah-invasion-18165328

Thousands of Palestinians have been barred from performing the Hajj pilgrimage due to Israel’s occupation of the Rafah crossing, the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs said.

In a statement, the ministry said that “preventing thousands in Gaza from performing the Hajj is a clear violation of freedom of worship and international humanitarian law.” 

Hajj, the pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest site Kaaba in Mecca, is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims are required to perform it at least once in life if they have the means to do so.

*) UN set to vote on commemorating the 1995 Srebrenica genocide annually

https://www.trtworld.com/europe/un-set-to-vote-on-commemorating-the-1995-srebrenica-genocide-annually-18165406

The UN will vote on creating an annual day to commemorate the 1995 genocide of over 8,000 Bosniaks by Bosnian Serbs. This proposal has faced strong opposition from Serbs, who fear it will label them all as supporters of the genocide.

The resolution, sponsored by Germany and Rwanda, doesn’t blame Serbia directly. Despite this, Bosnian Serb President Milorad Dodik and Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic have campaigned against it.

The 193-member General Assembly is set to vote on designating July 11 as the “International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica,” to be observed annually starting in two months.

*) Türkiye applauds Spain, Ireland, Norway’s recognition of Palestinian state

https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/turkiye-applauds-spain-ireland-norways-recognition-of-palestinian-state-18165045

The Turkish foreign ministry said Türkiye is pleased by announcements from Spain, Ireland, and Norway that they will recognise the state of Palestine.

The Ministry said in a statement that the “recognition of Palestine is a requirement of international law, justice, and conscience.”

*) Macron faces crucial showdown as he lands in restive New Caledonia

https://www.trtworld.com/australia/macron-faces-crucial-showdown-as-he-lands-in-restive-new-caledonia-18165370

French President Emmanuel Macron has landed in the Pacific island of New Caledonia for a series of talks during which he will aim to turn the page on riots triggered by a contested electoral reform.

Any attempt to convince the rioters to get off the streets will be a challenge, as will trying to persuade the French-ruled territory’s pro-independence parties who blame Macron and his government for the riots.

May 23, 2024

*) Iran preliminary report indicates no foul play in Raisi's helicopter crash

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/iran-preliminary-report-indicates-no-foul-play-in-raisis-helicopter-crash-18165759 

Iranian Armed Forces have released a preliminary report on the investigation into the president’s helicopter crash.

Preliminary evaluation indicates that the helicopter continued on its predetermined route without altering its flight path. 
According to the report, the helicopter caught fire after the crash, and no traces of gunfire or similar damage were found. 

*) More than 100 people killed by a landslide in Papua New Guinea

https://www.trtworld.com/climate/more-than-100-people-killed-by-a-landslide-in-papua-new-guinea-18165763 

A massive landslide has struck Papua New Guinea's highlands, with many feared dead, according to local officials in the region.
The disaster hit a village, in Papua New Guinea's remote Enga province, at around 3:00 am local time.

The provincial governor said the landslide had caused "loss of life and property".

*) Growing recognition of Palestine isolating Israel and allies: Turkish FM


https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/growing-recognition-of-palestine-isolating-israel-and-allies-turkish-fm-18165720 


Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said, "The increasing number of countries recognising Palestine is isolating Israel and its supporters more and more." 
Speaking at a joint press conference with the Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Fidan said, "It is time for the international community to set aside its silence and take steps to stop the genocide perpetrated by Israel's racist and fundamentalist regime.”
*) China says drills around Taiwan test 'seizure of power' capability
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/china-says-drills-around-taiwan-test-seizure-of-power-capability-18165753

After days into Taiwan's new leader being sworn in, the Eastern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army stated that China's military has commenced its second day of war games around Taiwan. 

The group's spokesman noted that the two-day exercises are testing the 'capability of joint seizure of power, joint strikes, and control of key territories'. 


And finally…


*) Directors at Cannes: Palestinian films 'more important than ever'

https://www.trtworld.com/arts-and-culture/directors-at-cannes-palestinian-films-more-important-than-ever-18165426 

Veteran Palestinian film director Rashid Masharawi presented his project, "They are the story," at the Cannes Film Festival in France.
Managing 20 teams in Gaza from abroad, he directed a collection of short films called "Ground Zero", recounting the Israeli bombardment of Gaza and the ensuing humanitarian disaster from the perspective of civilians on the ground.
Norway-based Palestinian director Mohamed Jabaly also said, "Our narrative and storytelling is more important than ever," 
Palestinian cinema does not have its own tent at the event, but Algeria has made space for its filmmakers at the other end of the international market at Cannes.

May 24, 2024

*) Israel bombs Palestinian shelters in Rafah, leaving dozens dead

Israeli forces have targeted tents of displaced Palestinians near the UNRWA headquarters in northwestern Rafah, resulting in numerous casualties, according to the Palestine Red Crescent.

The attacks have claimed the lives of at least 30 people and left dozens more injured.

Gaza's civil defence agency corroborated these reports, highlighting the severe impact on an area sheltering approximately 100,000 displaced Palestinians.

*) Israel's actions in Gaza are collective punishment: ICC chief prosecutor

International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan said that Israel is imposing collective punishment on Gaza, emphasising that no one has immunity to commit war crimes or crimes against humanity.

In an interview with the British newspaper The Sunday Times, Khan discussed the reactions following his move to seek arrest warrants for members of the Palestinian group Hamas and senior Israeli officials.

*) Death toll from Russian strike on hypermarket in Ukraine's Kharkiv rises

The death toll from a Russian air strike on a hypermarket in Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv rose to 16, local authorities have said.

Earlier in the day, the authorities said 12 people were killed in the attack, which targeted a local hypermarket and damaged a furniture store and a shopping centre.

They claimed that the strike was carried out using two guided bombs. 

*) France ends New Caledonia state of emergency, more forces arrive

Seven more mobile force units will soon arrive as reinforcements in New Caledonia, the Elysee said in a statement, also indicating a state of emergency would end as planned, in the French Pacific territory on Tuesday morning.

Seven people have been killed, hundreds arrested and large numbers of buildings and cars destroyed in a fortnight of upheaval, triggered by a contested electoral reform and fueled by sharp economic disparities between the indigenous Kanak population and people of European background.

*) Seven young elephants drown in Sri Lanka

Wildlife authorities in Sri Lanka found seven carcasses of young elephants believed to have drowned in the biggest single loss of the animals in five years.

Sri Lanka's wild elephant population has dwindled to just over 7,000 down from an estimated 12,000 at the beginning of the last century.

May 27, 2024

Algeria proposes UNSC resolution calling for truce in Gaza

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-algeria-proposes-unsc-resolution-calling-for-truce-in-gaza-18167320 

Algeria has circulated a proposed UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and ordering Israel to halt its military invasion in the southern city of Rafah immediately.

The draft resolution also demands that the ceasefire be respected by all parties and calls for the immediate release of all hostages.

Additionally, the draft demands compliance with previous council resolutions that call for the opening of all border crossings and humanitarian access to Gaza's 2.4 million people who desperately need food and other aid.

*) Prosecutor seeks guilty verdict in Trump trial, citing powerful evidence

https://www.trtworld.com/us-and-canada/prosecutor-seeks-guilty-verdict-in-trump-trial-citing-powerful-evidence-18167314 

In the closing arguments at the first-ever criminal trial of a former US president, prosecutors stated that Donald Trump engaged in a "conspiracy and a cover-up" to conceal hush money payments to an adult movie star.

Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass delivered the prosecution's summation, urging the jury to disregard distractions and focus on the evidence. 

Steinglass argued that the prosecution had presented compelling evidence of Trump's guilt.

*) Turkish universities to welcome academics from West who oppose Israel’s war

https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/turkish-universities-to-welcome-academics-from-west-who-oppose-israels-war-18167339 

The president of Türkiye’s Council of Higher Education has announced that the doors of Turkish universities are open to academics and students from Western educational institutions who lost their jobs for opposing Israel’s massacres in Gaza.
The announcement was made at the opening of a conference titled “Gaza Genocide Attempt: Tellings of an Eyewitness” at the Social Sciences University of Ankara.

The conference was presented by Ghassan Abu Sitta, the Palestinian rector of Glasgow University, who volunteered as a doctor during Israel's siege of Gaza and was prevented from talking about his experiences in some European countries.

*) Kenya begins holding public hearings into alleged abuses by UK troops

https://www.trtworld.com/africa/gunmen-kill-multiple-civilians-abduct-dozens-in-central-nigeria-official-18166913 

Kenya has launched public hearings to investigate allegations of human rights violations and abuses of power by British troops stationed in the former colony.

The sessions will examine accusations of mistreatment, torture, unlawful detention, and killings, according to a circular issued by the lower house of parliament. 

British soldiers stationed in the country have faced accusations of serious offences, including murder.

And finally…

*) Colombia moves to become latest South American country to ban bullfighting

https://www.trtworld.com/latin-america/colombia-moves-to-become-latest-south-american-country-to-ban-bullfighting-18167325 

Colombia's congress has passed a bill banning bullfighting, a popular yet controversial pastime in the South American country with hundreds of events drawing thousands of spectators every year.

If approved by President Gustavo Petro, who has in the past supported restrictions on bullfighting, the ban will come into effect in 2027.

The lower house gave the bill the green light with a 93 to 2 vote.

May 29, 2024

*) China’s Xi Jinping calls for Israel-Palestine peace summit

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-chinas-xi-jinping-calls-for-israel-palestine-peace-summit-18167728

The Chinese president has called for a peace conference on Israel’s war on besieged Gaza as he addressed Arab leaders and diplomats at a forum in Beijing.

This week, China is hosting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el Sisi and several other Arab leaders for a forum at which discussions on the war in Gaza are expected.

Addressing the delegations, the president said China supported a “broad-based” peace conference to resolve the conflict.

*) No country is safe unless Israel is made to abide by int’l law: Erdogan

https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/no-country-is-safe-unless-israel-is-made-to-abide-by-intl-law-erdogan-18167436

No country is safe unless Israel abides by international law, according to the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Turkish president was referring to Israel’s actions in Palestine’s Gaza which have been ongoing for more than seven months despite rulings and resolutions against it.

Erdogan said: “A bare-knuckled Israel is a threat not only to Palestine or Gaza but also to global peace and humanity as a whole.”

*) ‘Finish Them!’: Haley inscribes genocidal message on Biden’s bomb to Israel

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/finish-them-haley-inscribes-genocidal-message-on-bidens-bomb-to-israel-18167719

Nikki Haley, the former Republican presidential contender, has sparked global outrage after writing “Finish Them!” for the Palestinians of Gaza on an Israeli artillery shell during a visit to Israel.

An image of Haley crouched in front of pallets of America-supplied shells, writing with a marker on one, was shared on social media by an Israeli politician and former ambassador to the United Nations.

Haley finished her inscription with a note that “America loves Israel always” with a heart emoji, and was quickly slammed for the message.

*) Women lead Mexico’s presidential race to historic final
https://www.trtworld.com/americas/women-lead-mexicos-presidential-race-to-historic-final-18167740

Campaigning to be Mexico’s next president has reached a climax with two women leading the race for the first time in the Latin American nation.

A woman appears almost certain to be elected leader of the world’s most populous Spanish-speaking country when millions of Mexicans vote on Sunday.

Both the women have dominated the presidential race, in a dramatic change for a country with long-standing gender inequality.

*) India’s New Delhi records highest-ever temperature of 49.9°C

https://www.trtworld.com/climate/indias-new-delhi-records-highest-ever-temperature-of-499degreec-18167344

Temperatures in India’s capital have soared to a record-high 49.9 degrees Celsius as authorities warn of water shortages in the sprawling mega-city.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), which reported “severe heat-wave conditions,” recorded the temperatures on Tuesday at two New Delhi suburbs stations, Narela and Mungeshpur.

The weather bureau said the temperatures were nine degrees higher than expected.

May 30, 2024

Jury convicts Donald Trump on all 34 charges in hush money trial

https://www.trtworld.com/us-and-canada/jury-convicts-donald-trump-on-all-34-charges-in-hush-money-trial-18168112

Donald Trump has become the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes. 

A New York jury found Trump guilty of falsifying business records in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through hush money payments to an adult movie actress.

The verdict from the 12-person jury convicted Trump on all 34 counts after deliberating for 9.5 hours.

*) Recognising Palestine generates positive momentum — Norway’s ambassador

https://www.trtworld.com/europe/recognising-palestine-generates-positive-momentum-norways-ambassador-18167646

The recognition of an independent Palestinian state strengthens the idea of the two-state solution to the longstanding issue of Israeli occupation of Palestinian land, Norway’s ambassador to Türkiye told TRT World.

Andreas Gaarder said “the intention is to contribute to creating a momentum and also to signal to the world community that this is an important issue that needs to be solved and it needs to be solved now.”

Gaarder said Oslo has been involved in “hectic diplomatic activity” in Brussels in the past few days, while strongly advocating for the end of Israel’s brutal war on Gaza and for long-lasting peace in the region.

*) NY hospital fires nurse for Gaza ‘genocide’ reference during award speech
https://www.trtworld.com/discrimination/ny-hospital-fires-nurse-for-gaza-genocide-reference-during-award-speech-18167836
A nurse at New York University Langone Medical Center has been fired for referring to the “genocide” in Gaza during a speech accepting an award earlier this month.
Hesen Jabr, a Palestinian American labour and delivery nurse, drew a link between her work and the suffering of mothers in Gaza.
Jabr said after the speech, she was “dragged” to an office and was handed her termination letter for putting “others at risk” and “offending people.”
*) NATO discusses allowing Ukraine to use Western arms to strike inside Russia
https://www.trtworld.com/europe/nato-discusses-allowing-ukraine-to-use-western-arms-to-strike-inside-russia-18168072
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg pushed at the start of a meeting of the alliance’s foreign ministers to let Ukraine use Western weapons to strike inside Russia.
Ukraine has been pressing its supporters, led by the United States, to allow it to use the longer-range weaponry it supplies to hit targets on Russian soil.
Some countries including Britain and the Netherlands say Kiev has the right to use their weapons to strike military targets in Russia.
And finally…

*) Efes-2024 exercise based on peacekeeping, no country targeted: Erdogan

https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/efes-2024-exercise-based-on-peacekeeping-no-country-targeted-erdogan-18167900

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that the Turkish military’s ongoing Efes-2024 drill is based on peacekeeping.

In an address to the military during the exercise in Izmir province, the Turkish president said that “no country is targeted within the scope of the Efes-2024 drill.”

Erdogan said Türkiye has the opportunity to use the new domestic systems that have entered the inventory during the ongoing drill.

May 31, 2024

*) Blinken calls Israeli officials to discuss Gaza ceasefire deal
https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-blinken-calls-israeli-officials-to-discuss-gaza-ceasefire-deal-18169087 
The US State Department said the Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called top Israeli officials to discuss a proposed deal for a truce in Gaza.
According to statements, Blinken spoke with the Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz and the Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant.
In both calls, he "commended" Israel for the proposal and said the onus was on Hamas to agree.
*) Exit polls indicate Sheinbaum wins historic Mexican presidential race
https://www.trtworld.com/latin-america/exit-polls-indicate-sheinbaum-wins-historic-mexican-presidential-race-18169100 
According to exit polls in Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum is set to be elected the country’s first woman president.
A polling firm said the ruling party candidate won around 58 percent of the votes, against 29 percent for her main opposition rival.
Sheinbaum’s win is seen as a milestone in Mexico after a history of gender-based violence.
*) South Africa's Ramaphosa urges parties to unite after ANC loses majority


https://www.trtworld.com/africa/south-africas-ramaphosa-urges-parties-to-unite-after-anc-loses-majority-18169070
South Africans voted for national and provincial lawmakers in an election in which the governing party fell short of a majority for the first time.
South Africa’s president urged political parties to find common ground, overcome their differences, and work together for the country's good.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said: "Our people expect all parties to work together within the framework of our Constitution and address whatever challenges we encounter peacefully."
*) Clashes renew between Sudan's army and RSF paramilitaries
https://www.trtworld.com/africa/clashes-renew-between-sudans-army-and-rsf-paramilitaries-18169090
Violent clashes broke out between the Sudanese army and members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum, Al Jazirah and White Nile states and in the city of El Fasher.
Eyewitnesses said the army conducted air strikes on RSF gathering centres near a petroleum refinery north of Khartoum, resulting in thick columns of smoke rising.
And finally…


*) Turkish amputee team protest Gaza massacres after 6-0 win over Israel

https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/turkish-amputee-team-protest-gaza-massacres-after-6-0-win-over-israel-18169067
The Turkish National Amputee Football Team defeated the Israeli team 6-0 in the 2024 European championship match in France.
The Turkish team who refused to shake hands with their Israeli opponents, protested Israel’s brutal war on Gaza and dedicated the win to the Palestinian people.

June 3, 2024

US says response from Hamas on truce deal still awaited

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-us-says-response-from-hamas-on-truce-deal-still-awaited-18169816

A response from Palestinian resistance group Hamas on US President Joe Biden’s ceasefire proposal is still being awaited, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has told reporters.

CIA Director Bill Burns will be in Doha to consult with Qatari mediators on the Gaza ceasefire proposal, Sullivan said. 

Qatar has been mediating on Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

*) Urgent call in Morocco to bar suspected ship with Indian weapons for Israel

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/urgent-call-in-morocco-to-bar-suspected-ship-with-indian-weapons-for-israel-18169838

An activist group in Morocco has urged the government to block a cargo ship suspected of transporting Indian weapons to Israel from passing through its territorial waters.

Sailing under the flag of Luxembourg, the commercial ship departed from India on April 18 and is set to arrive at the Spanish port of Cartagena on Wednesday, the National News reported.

To enter the Mediterranean, ships travelling east from the Atlantic must pass through the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates Spain and Morocco.

*) Prosecutors paint Hunter Biden as driven by addiction in gun trial
https://www.trtworld.com/us-and-canada/prosecutors-paint-hunter-biden-as-driven-by-addiction-in-gun-trial-18169825
Jurors have heard unsparing accounts of Hunter Biden’s drug use in his own words as his trial on gun charges, the first-ever prosecution of a child of a sitting US president, has gotten under way.
Hunter Biden, 54, the only surviving son of President Joe Biden, is charged with lying about his illegal drug use when buying a handgun in 2018, a felony.
He is also charged with illegal possession of the firearm.
*) Two pilots killed as training aircraft crashes in central Türkiye
https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/two-pilots-killed-as-training-aircraft-crashes-in-central-turkiye-18169536
Two pilots were killed after a training aircraft crashed in central Türkiye, the country’s National Defence Ministry has said.
The SF-260D type aircraft belonging to the Air Forces Command, which took off from the 12th Air Transport Main Base Command in Kayseri for training, crashed for an unknown reason, the ministry said on social media platform X.
Search and rescue efforts have begun.
And finally…

*) India’s Modi declares historic victory, but fails to win ‘big majority’

https://www.trtworld.com/asia/indias-modi-declares-historic-victory-but-fails-to-win-big-majority-18169400

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has claimed victory for the ruling National Democratic Alliance, terming it a “historical feat” in the history of the South Asian country.

As per the final tally, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies won 295 seats, while the opposition Indian National Congress and its allies were trailing with 231 seats.

17 seats were won by other candidates in the 543-member lower house of India’s parliament.

June 5, 2024

US circulates revised Gaza truce draft at UN but Israel objects

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-us-circulates-revised-gaza-truce-draft-at-un-but-israel-objects-18170639

The United States has circulated the revised draft of a UN Security Council resolution aimed at bringing about a ceasefire in Gaza, but Israel privately objected to its close ally’s latest attempt to stop the genocidal war.

The draft says the Security Council “welcomes the new ceasefire proposal announced on May 31, which is acceptable to Israel ... (and) calls upon Hamas to also accept it.”

But an Israeli official said that the language overlooks Israel’s stated aim of destroying Hamas.

*) Sodomised to death: Stories of torture at Israel’s Sde Teiman base emerge

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/sodomised-to-death-stories-of-torture-at-israels-sde-teiman-base-emerge-18170660

A three-month investigation by The New York Times has unearthed severe torture and egregious human rights violations at an Israeli military base in Sde Teiman, southern Israel.

Since the onset of Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, a chilling pattern of grotesque abuse has emerged within Sde Teiman’s walls.

Detainees, shackled by horror, have borne witness to unspeakable acts: sodomised with metal rods, jolted with electricity, and subjected to merciless beatings with batons, rifle butts, and handheld metal detectors.

*) Outrage grows as RSF is blamed for killing 100+ in Sudan’s Gezira
https://www.trtworld.com/africa/outrage-grows-as-rsf-is-blamed-for-killing-100-in-sudans-gezira-18170661
Sudanese and international organisations and institutions have condemned the killing of over 100 civilians in the village of Wad al Noora in Sudan’s Gezira state allegedly by paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. 
They are calling for an immediate investigation and accountability for those responsible.
The Madani Resistance Committee, a local pro-democracy activists group, put the toll at “more than 104.”
*) Ukraine to get $225M worth US weapons that Kiev can use inside Russia
https://www.trtworld.com/us-and-canada/ukraine-to-get-dollar225m-worth-us-weapons-that-kiev-can-use-inside-russia-18170649
US officials said Washington will send about $225 million in military package to Ukraine.
The officials said the aid includes munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, as well as mortar systems and an array of artillery rounds.
Under a new US directive, Ukraine can use such weapons to strike across the border into Russia if Russian forces there are attacking or preparing to attack.
And finally…

*) Survey: 21% Germans prefer ‘more players with white skin’ in national team

https://www.trtworld.com/discrimination/survey-21-germans-prefer-more-players-with-white-skin-in-national-team-18170245

A new survey on German football and racism has sparked an intense debate in the country ahead of the Euro 2024 Championship.

In a representative poll by public broadcaster ARD, 21% of Germans said they prefer to see more players with white skin in the national football team. Nearly 17% said they regret that the national team’s current captain is a player with Turkish roots.

Ronny Blaschke, a renowned expert on German football, said the outcome of the survey was not surprising, as racism in football has long been a serious problem, and was further exacerbated by the rise of the anti-immigrant far-right AfD party.

June 7, 2024

Hamas sees no sign of Israel agreeing to Biden’s truce plan

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-hamas-sees-no-sign-of-israel-agreeing-to-bidens-truce-plan-18172710

Hamas said it has shown “full positivity” in efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement with Israel in Gaza.

In a statement, the Palestinian resistance group said it urged the US to pressure Israel to accept a deal leading to a permanent ceasefire in the blockaded enclave.

Hamas said that while US officials have said Israel has accepted a ceasefire proposal outlined by President Joe Biden on May 31 and later backed by the US, the group has not not heard any Israeli official confirm the development.

*) Israel keeps 9,170 Palestinians captive against 116 Israelis Hamas holds

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/israel-keeps-9170-palestinians-captive-against-116-israelis-hamas-holds-18172722

The detention disparity is clear.

Even as the global powers are pressing Hamas to release 116 Israeli hostages, there’s minimal demand for Israel from the same powers to free more than 9,170 Palestinians it has abducted since October last year.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club, Israeli authorities have committed “horrific crimes” against prisoners, leading to at least 18 deaths since Israel’s brutal war began, while it is estimated that dozens of detainees from Gaza have been killed.

*) Russian nuclear-powered submarine, other naval vessels dock in Cuba
https://www.trtworld.com/latin-america/russian-nuclear-powered-submarine-other-naval-vessels-dock-in-cuba-18172706
A Russian nuclear-powered submarine and other naval vessels have arrived in Cuba for a five-day visit in a show of force amid spiralling US-Russian tensions.
The submarine Kazan, which Cuba says is not carrying nuclear weapons, was accompanied by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov, as well as an oil tanker and a salvage tug.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said in a statement that prior to entering the Havana port, the fleet “completed an exercise on the use of high-precision missile weapons.”
*) Amid far-right surge, Ramelow warns of division between east, west Germans
https://www.trtworld.com/europe/amid-far-right-surge-ramelow-warns-of-division-between-east-west-germans-18172546
The electoral show by the far-right AfD party in the just-concluded European elections could drive a wedge between East and West Germany, the top elected official of the country’s Thuringia province has said.
Minister-President Bodo Ramelow of the German free state of Thuringia warned that “emotional unity is breaking down.”
Ramelow told a local newspaper that in social networks after the European elections, many users were questioning “where is the gratitude of East Germans,” adding that such comments weren’t needed right now.
And finally…

*) More than 1.5M Muslims arrive in Mecca for annual Hajj pilgrimage

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/more-than-15m-muslims-arrive-in-mecca-for-annual-hajj-pilgrimage-18172453

Muslim pilgrims have been streaming into Islam’s holiest city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia ahead of the start of Hajj later this week

Saudi officials say more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in the country, the vast majority by air, from across the world. 

More are expected, and hundreds of thousands of Saudis and others living in Saudi Arabia will also join them when the pilgrimage officially begins on Friday.

June 13, 2024

A summary of today's impactful news stories from around the world hand-picked by our staff at TRT World.

May 20, 2024

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