*) US won't supply weapons to Israel if it invades Gaza's Rafah city — Biden

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/us-wont-supply-weapons-to-israel-if-it-invades-gazas-rafah-city-biden-18086860

US President Joe Biden has said America will not supply weapons or artillery shells to ally Israel if Tel Aviv invades southern Gaza's Rafah city.

Biden admitted in an interview with CNN that “bombs the US has supplied to Israel and now paused have been used to kill civilians.”

He said he “made it clear that if [Israeli troops] go into Rafah…” the US will not supply the weapons that have been used historically there.

However, he also said the US was still committed to Israel's so-called “defence” and would supply Iron Dome rocket interceptors and other arms.

*)  Israel pounds overcrowded Gaza's Rafah as truce talks resume in Cairo

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/israel-pounds-overcrowded-gazas-rafah-as-truce-talks-resume-in-cairo-18078947

Meanwhile in Gaza, Israel has bombarded Rafah, where it has launched a ground invasion, as talks resume in Cairo aimed at agreeing the terms of a ceasefire.

This week Israel sent tanks into Rafah and seized the nearby crossing into Egypt that is the main conduit for aid into the Palestinian territory.

Then overnight heavy Israeli strikes and shelling hit across Gaza as Palestinians scrambled in the dark to pull survivors out from under the rubble of buildings.

*) Medics uncover 49 bodies from new mass grave at Gaza's al-Shifa hospital

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/medics-uncover-49-bodies-from-new-mass-grave-at-gazas-al-shifa-hospital-18080518

Gaza health workers have uncovered at least 49 bodies at al Shifa hospital, the latest such discovery at the facility previously raided by Israeli forces.

Motassem Salah, head of the emergency department at al Shifa, told journalists that "a third mass grave was found inside this hospital”.

So far 520 bodies have been recovered from "seven mass graves" found at three different hospitals across Gaza in recent weeks.

*) Russia's Putin set to mark Victory Day as Ukraine feels the pinch

https://www.trtworld.com/europe/ukraine-thwarts-alleged-russian-plot-to-murder-zelenskyy-two-arrested-18068292 

Russian President Vladimir Putin is all set to address the annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, an event he hopes will rally patriotism as his forces advance in Ukraine.

The May 9 parade marks the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II and has become one of Russia's most important public holidays under President Putin.

The Russian leader has repeatedly framed the current fight against Ukraine as an existential battle against "Nazism"

*) Eric Saade wears Palestinian keffiyeh during Eurovision performance

https://www.trtworld.com/europe/eric-saade-wears-palestinian-keffiyeh-during-eurovision-performance-18085450

Swedish singer Eric Saade has performed at the semifinal of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh around his wrist.

A keffiyeh is a Palestinian scarf that symbolises support of Palestine and protests against Israel’s war on Gaza.

He was one of three contestants who opened this year’s Eurovision contest in Malmo city in southern Sweden, which has faced calls for Israel to be excluded.

May 9, 2024

*) Israel killed 500+ Gaza medics since Oct 7 — health authorities

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israel-killed-500-gaza-medics-since-oct-7-health-authorities-18138481 

Since October 7 last year, over 500 medical workers in Gaza have been killed by Israel, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in the enclave.

This grim statistic was highlighted on International Nurses Day, with 138 nurses among those killed. 

Health Ministry spokesperson Khalil al-Daqran emphasised the challenges faced by these healthcare professionals, including injuries and detentions in Israeli prisons. 

*) Egypt to join genocide case against Israel at top UN court

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/egypt-to-join-genocide-case-against-israel-at-top-un-court-18131402 

Egypt has announced its decision to support a genocide lawsuit against Israel, filed by South Africa at the International Court of Justice. 

This move by Egypt is a response to what it calls the "escalating severity and scope" of Israel's offensive in Gaza, including the targeting of civilians and infrastructure. 

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry's statement condemned these actions as violations of international law, humanitarian law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention.

*) Fight between Sudan's army, paramilitaries leave dozens dead in Darfur — UN

https://www.trtworld.com/africa/fight-between-sudans-army-paramilitaries-leave-dozens-dead-in-darfur-un-18135457 

Clashes between Sudan’s army and rival paramilitaries have resulted in at least 27 deaths in the city of El-Fasher in one day, according to the United Nations. 

Eyewitnesses have described the city being battered by air strikes, artillery fire, and machine gun clashes since Friday, leading to around 850 people being displaced. 

The UN's ability to verify information is hindered by a communications blackout, leaving medics and human rights defenders struggling to relay news. 

*) Kashmiris prepare to voice discontent in India's election against Modi 

https://www.trtworld.com/asia/kashmiris-prepare-to-voice-discontent-in-indias-election-against-modi-18138784 

India's national election has resumed, including in New Delhi-administered Kashmir, where voters are expected to express their discontent with significant changes in the disputed region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government remains popular in many parts of India and his Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is anticipated to win the election.

However, Modi's decision in 2019 to bring Kashmir under direct and strict rule by New Delhi sparked resentment among Kashmiris. 

This election marks their first opportunity to vote since these changes were implemented.

And finally...

*) Turkish archer Mete Gazoz becomes European champion

https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/turkish-archer-mete-gazoz-becomes-european-champion-18131725 

Turkish archer Mete Gazoz has won a gold medal in the men’s recurve category at the Essen 2024 European Outdoor Championships.

Gazoz defeated Slovenian Den Habjan Malavasic 6-0 in the final to become the European champion on Sunday.

May 13, 2024

*) Israel kills more than a dozen in strike on Gaza home

The Israeli occupation army has struck a home in Gaza's Nuseirat camp, killing more than a dozen people, according to the official Palestinian news agency.

Citing medical sources, it said that at least 14 people were killed and dozens of Palestinians, including children were wounded in the strike.

Palestinian Civil Defense estimated around 100 people were inside the home that was targeted by Israeli warplanes.

*) Palestinians to mark 76th year of Nakba on Wednesday 

On May 15 Palestinians will mark the 76th year of their mass expulsion from land that is now administered by Israel.

Palestinians refer to it as the “Nakba,” Arabic for “catastrophe.” 

Some 700,000 Palestinians — a majority of the prewar population — fled or were forcibly driven from their homes before and during the 1948 war following Israel's establishment.

*) Blinken in Ukraine to tout US support amid Russian advances

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Kiev.

This is a senior US official's first visit to Ukraine since Congress passed a long-delayed $61 billion military aid package last month.

The unannounced trip aims to show US solidarity with Ukraine as it struggles to fend off heavy Russian bombardment on its northeastern border.

*) Wildfires sweep western Canada

One of the year's first major wildfires in Canada has closed in on the British Columbia town of Fort Nelson.

About 4,700 people were ordered to evacuate from the remote town, as a fire advanced to within 2.5 kilometres of Fort Nelson.

*) Columbia University student tears up her diploma 

A student at Columbia University has ripped up her diploma during a graduation ceremony to protest the institute’s complicity in Israel's genocidal attacks on Palestinians in Gaza.

During the commencement ceremony in New York, Tarsis Salome, a Columbia social work graduate tore her diploma to shreds while on stage.

The move came after the university cancelled its main graduation ceremony after pro-Palestinian students erected a tent encampment there

May 14, 2024

*) Palestinians mark 'Nakba' anniversary amid ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/palestinians-mark-nakba-anniversary-amid-ongoing-israeli-attacks-on-gaza-18162719

Tens of thousands of civilians have fled the southern Gaza city of Rafah in anticipation of a threatened Israeli ground offensive. 

This mass displacement coincides with Palestinians marking the anniversary of the "Nakba" or "catastrophe" of 1948.

On the eve of the "Nakba" commemoration, thousands participated in an annual march through the ruins of villages from which Palestinians were expelled during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. 

During this conflict, approximately 760,000 Palestinians fled or were forcibly removed from their homes.

*) Biden moving ahead on $1B arms package for Israel — reports

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-biden-moving-ahead-on-dollar1b-arms-package-for-israel-reports-18162659

The Biden administration has informed key lawmakers that it is preparing to send a new package of more than $1 billion in arms and ammunition to Israel.

This is according to two congressional aides who spoke on condition of anonymity. But there is no immediate indication of when the arms will be sent. 

The Wall Street Journal reports that the weapons package includes $700 million in tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and $60 million in mortar rounds. 

*) Israel's Rafah invasion pushed truce talks with Hamas 'backward': Qatari PM

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/israels-rafah-invasion-pushed-truce-talks-with-hamas-backward-qatari-pm-18155632

Israel's recent invasion in Rafah has significantly hindered truce negotiations with Hamas, according to mediator Qatar. 

Talks have reached "almost a stalemate," said Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani at the Qatar Economic Forum.

He further pointed out that Israeli politicians' statements suggest a commitment to continuing the war, with no clear vision for Gaza's future. 

*) US vows security for Ukraine as Russian forces make advances

https://www.trtworld.com/europe/us-vows-security-for-ukraine-as-russian-forces-make-advances-18159494

The United States will continue to support Ukraine until its security is "guaranteed," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced during a visit to Kiev. 

His statement came just hours after Russian forces reported further advances in the northeastern Kharkiv region.

Blinken's trip follows the recent approval of a $61-billion financial aid package for Ukraine by the US Congress, providing arms and support for Ukraine's military. 

And finally …

*) OpenAI's latest update GPT-4o mimics human cadences, detects moods

https://www.trtworld.com/science-and-tech/openais-latest-update-gpt-4o-mimics-human-cadences-detects-moods-18154900

OpenAI has released an update to its artificial intelligence model, GPT-4o, which now mimics human cadences in verbal responses and can detect people's moods. 

Despite its advanced capabilities, OpenAI clarifies that the new model's primary allure lies in its enhanced performance. 

GPT-4o operates faster than previous versions and can reason across text, audio, and video in real-time.

May 15, 2024

*) South Africa to ask ICJ to order halt in Israel's Rafah invasion

South Africa will ask the top UN court to order a halt to the Rafah invasion as part of its case in The Hague accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

The hearings at the International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court, come after South Africa last week asked for additional emergency measures to protect Rafah.

It also asked the court to order Israel to allow unimpeded access to Gaza for UN officials, organisations providing humanitarian aid, journalists and investigators.

*) Ireland to recognise Palestinian statehood 'this month': top envoy

Ireland is certain to recognise Palestinian statehood by the end of May, the country's Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said.

Martin, who is also Ireland's deputy prime minister, made the announcement to Newstalk radio station without specifying a date.

In March the leaders of Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and Malta said in a joint statement that they stand ready to recognise Palestinian statehood.

*) Several dead, hundreds injured in pro-independence rallies in New Caledonia

At least three people have been killed and hundreds more injured during a second night of protesting in New Caledonia, authorities say.

Demonstrations against a constitutional reform pushed by Paris have roiled the archipelago, which has long sought independence.

Despite heavily armed security forces fanning out across the capital and the ordering of a nighttime curfew, protesting continued.

*) Indonesia’s death toll rises to 67 from Sumatra floods, 20 still missing

Indonesian rescuers have raced to find dozens of people still unaccounted for after heavy rains caused flash floods and washed volcanic debris into residential areas.

67 people died and 20 people remain missing, according to the national disaster agency.

Hours of torrential rain caused mud and rocks to flow into districts near one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, destroying dozens of houses and damaging roads.

*) Meta restores Facebook posts of Malaysian PM Anwar's meeting with Hamas

Meta Platforms has restored Facebook posts by Malaysian media covering Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's meeting this week with a Hamas leader in Qatar. 

Earlier, Malaysia had sent a letter asking Meta to explain the removal of the posts by two media organisations about the meeting. 

In addition, it addressed the closure of a Facebook account last month belonging to a third outlet, the Malaysia Gazette, which covers Palestinian issues.

Earlier this month, Meta employees published an open letter calling out the company's internal and external censorship of any show of support for Palestinians.

May 16, 2024

*) US House votes to force arms shipments to Israel

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that would force President Joe Biden to send weapons to Israel, seeking to rebuke the Democrat for delaying bomb shipments.

The Israel Security Assistance Support Act was approved by 224 to 187 votes, largely along party lines. 

Sixteen Democrats joined most Republicans in voting yes, and three Republicans joined most Democrats in opposing the measure.

*) Israeli war on Gaza killed over 100 academics, researchers

Gaza authorities have released a list of more than 100 academics and researchers killed by Israeli forces.

They have called on the free countries of the world and all educational organisations worldwide to condemn this historical crime and to pressure the Israeli occupation to stop its genocidal war on Gaza.

*) Students in Germany stage pro-Palestine demonstrations

University students in Berlin protested against a crackdown on Palestine supporters and police violence.

Around 300 demonstrators gathered at the Free University of Berlin, reacting to a recent crackdown on Palestine supporters' protests at German universities. 

They demanded the university administrations withdraw criminal charges against students detained during the demonstrations.

There were also demonstrations in several Swiss cities against Israel's war on Gaza, but they were quelled after police intervention.

*) FIFA to seek legal advice on a proposal to suspend Israel from football

FIFA plans to seek independent legal advice before holding an extraordinary council meeting by July 25 to decide on a Palestinian proposal to suspend Israel from international football due to human rights abuses in Palestine.

The FIFA president Gianni Infantino outlined the plan at the FIFA congress after representatives of the Palestinian and Israeli football federations had a chance to speak in front of the 211 member associations.

The Palestine Football Association proposal noted “international law violations committed by the Israeli occupation in Palestine, particularly in Gaza” and cited FIFA statutory commitments on human rights and against discrimination.

*) OpenAI teams up with Reddit to enhance ChatGPT experience

OpenAI partners with Reddit in a groundbreaking deal to bring its content to ChatGPT, sending the media platform's shares up 12 percent in extended trade.

The deal underscores Reddit's attempt to diversify beyond its advertising business and follows its recent partnership with Alphabet to make its content available for training Google's AI models.

May 17, 2024

*) 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

*) ICC prosecutor seeks Gaza ‘genocide’ arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/icc-prosecutor-seeks-gaza-genocide-arrest-warrants-for-netanyahu-gallant-18164417

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has said he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in connection with their actions during Israel’s seven-month war on Gaza.

Karim Khan said he believes Netanyahu and his Defence Minister Yoav Gallant are responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

The prosecutor must request the warrants from a pre-trial panel of three judges, who take on average two months to consider the evidence and determine if the proceedings can move forward.

*) Palestinians in Gaza outraged over ICC request to arrest Hamas leaders

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/palestinians-in-gaza-outraged-over-icc-request-to-arrest-hamas-leaders-18164527

Palestinians in besieged Gaza have expressed frustration and anger about the International Criminal Court's request seeking arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders.

Yasser al Satari, a Palestinian in Rafah, said the ICC has "equated the victim with executioner," making the "victim and executioner equal."

Another displaced Palestinian Mohammad Abdel of Nuseirat camp said those who are defending their land cannot be considered war criminals.

*) Israel’s onslaught in Gaza ‘not genocide’: Biden

https://www.trtworld.com/content/article/live-blog-israels-onslaught-in-gaza-not-genocide-biden-18164529

US President Joe Biden has defended Israel’s ongoing carnage in besieged Gaza, saying that what it is happening in the blockaded enclave is “not genocide.”

Biden also rejected the decision by International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan to seek arrest warrants for a pair of senior Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Since October last year, Israel has killed more than 35,000 people — majority of them babies, children and women — and wounded over 79,000, while some 10,000-plus Palestinians are estimated to be buried under debris of bombed homes.

*) Trump’s ‘hush money’ trial enters critical phase as prosecution rests case

https://www.trtworld.com/us-and-canada/trumps-hush-money-trial-enters-critical-phase-as-prosecution-rests-case-18164525

Approximately five weeks, 19 witnesses, reams of documents and a dash of salacious testimony later, the prosecution up against Donald Trump has rested its case, handing over to the defence before closing arguments set for next week.

The defence called its first witness, the paralegal of Trump lawyer Todd Blanche, to kick off their case that sees the former president accused of covering up hush money payments to an adult movie actress over an alleged encounter that could have derailed his 2016 White House bid.

Monday saw extended quibbling among the legal teams that, along with the upcoming holiday weekend, means closing arguments that the judge had hoped could start on Tuesday are now set for next week.


And finally…

*) Türkiye declares a day of national mourning for Iran’s Raisi

https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/turkiye-declares-a-day-of-national-mourning-for-irans-raisi-18164508

Türkiye will observe a day of national mourning over the death of Iran’s Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said after his late counterpart perished in a helicopter crash.

The crash also resulted in the deaths of Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, as well as that of Malik Rahmeti, the governor of East Azerbaijan province, and Imam Ali Hashim of Tabriz province.

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

*) Norway, Ireland and Spain recognise Palestine as a state

Norway, Ireland and Spain have recognised the Palestinian state.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris called it “a historic and important day” and said the move to recognise the State of Palestine was coordinated with Spain and Norway.

Several European Union countries have in the past weeks indicated that they plan to make the recognition official, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.

The efforts come as a mounting death toll from Israel’s war on Gaza prompts calls globally for a ceasefire and Palestinian recognition.

*) Tens of thousands gather for Raisi's funeral in Tehran

Tens of thousands of Iranians have flocked to the streets of Tehran to join the funeral processions of president Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage, who died in a helicopter crash.

In the centre of the city, people holding portraits of Raisi gathered in and around the University of Tehran, where Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, is due to lead prayers for Raisi and his companions, including foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian.

*) Blinken unsure Israel will make compromises for Saudi normalisation deal

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was unsure whether Israel was ready to make compromises to reach a deal to normalise relations with Saudi Arabia, notably on a pathway to an independent state of Palestine.

His frank assessment came after Jake Sullivan, US President Joe Biden’s national security advisor, visited both countries and briefed the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the “potential” of a possible deal.

But Blinken acknowledged doubts about whether Netanyahu and his hard-right government would meet Saudi demands if the normalisation issue became more than “hypothetical.”

*) Schools shut in India, Pakistan as temperatures soar to 47.4C

Authorities in several parts of India and Pakistan have announced the closure of schools amid intense heat waves.

The decision comes as temperatures soar to alarming levels, posing significant risks to the health and safety of students and educators alike.

The India Meteorological Department said the Najafgarh area in the capital New Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 47.4 degrees celsius. 

Pakistan, on the other hand, is currently sizzling with temperatures between 38 and 43 degrees celsius, which are likely to soar to 46 degrees celsius in the coming week.

*) TRT World bags Telly Award for video series on Zionist movement

TRT World has bagged a coveted Silver Telly Award in the News & Information category for its compelling video series on the history of the Zionist movement.

This three-episode series delves into the early 19th-century considerations by various Zionist groups to establish a Jewish state in regions such as the United States, Argentina, and Uganda.

The Telly Awards, a prestigious US-based competition, received over 13,000 entries this year. TRT World’s series was chosen from among nominations from six continents and all 50 US states.

May 22, 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

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

May 9, 2024

Daily News Brief

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