*) 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

*) 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

Yemen’s Houthis attack more ships in solidarity with Gaza

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-yemens-houthis-attack-more-ships-in-solidarity-with-gaza-18173076

Yemen’s Houthis said they carried out attacks on three ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden over the past 24 hours.

The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office confirmed receiving reports of attacks on two of the ships mentioned by the Houthis.

Yahya Saree, the Houthis’ military spokesperson, said in a televised briefing that the group’s naval and missile forces and the air force carried out the three military operations

No information on the owners or operators of the ships was provided.

*) Poll shows surge in Palestinian backing for armed resistance against Israel

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/poll-shows-surge-in-palestinian-backing-for-armed-resistance-against-israel-18173078

According to an opinion poll, support for armed resistance as the best means to end Israeli occupation and achieve independence has surged among Palestinians in the last three months.

The poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR) showed that support for armed struggle in the occupied West Bank and besieged Gaza climbed by 8 percentage points to 54 percent.

Support for Hamas rose by 6 percentage points to 40 percent. Fatah, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, had 20 percent backing.

*) Biden, Zelenskyy ink 10-year ‘historic’ US-Ukraine security deal
https://www.trtworld.com/europe/biden-zelenskyy-ink-10-year-historic-us-ukraine-security-deal-18173095
US President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy have signed a landmark 10-year security deal between Washington and Kiev. 
The Ukrainian leader called it a “historic day” in the fight against Russia.
The deal will see the United States provide Ukraine with a range of military aid and training over the next decade, while Zelenskyy said it would act as a bridge to his country finally winning membership of the NATO alliance.
*) Trudeau ally accuses unnamed lawmakers of being ‘traitors’ to Canada
https://www.trtworld.com/us-and-canada/trudeau-ally-accuses-unnamed-lawmakers-of-being-traitors-to-canada-18173102
The head of a Canadian political party has said that an intelligence report about some members of parliament acting as agents for other nations was concerning and that offending lawmakers must be removed.
Jagmeet Singh of the opposition left-leaning New Democrats said he was alarmed after reading an unredacted version of the report.
Singh, who as the leader of a major party exercised his right to request increased security clearance to read the documents, said the report showed that Canada is vulnerable to foreign interference, which could weaken the confidence of its citizens.
And finally…

*) Israeli seizure of Rafah crossing prevents 2,500 Palestinians from Hajj

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/israeli-seizure-of-rafah-crossing-prevents-2500-palestinians-from-hajj-18173117 
Israel’s seizure of the Rafah crossing, which connects Gaza to Egypt, has prevented 2,500 Palestinians from performing the Muslim Hajj pilgrimage this year, according to the Ministry of Endowments in the blockaded enclave.

This is a “clear violation of religious freedom,” ministry spokesperson Ikrami Al-Mudallal, told Anadolu news agency.

The war has prevented the ministry from completing the usual Hajj preparations, including signing transportation contracts within Egypt and Saudi Arabia and booking accommodations in Mecca and Medina, he added.

June 14, 2024

*) China’s relationship with Australia ‘on right track’

China's relationship with Australia is "on the right track", Premier Li Qiang has said in Canberra as the two trading partners moved on from a bitter economic dispute. 

The highest-ranking Chinese official to visit Australia since 2017, Li held high-level talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following a welcome ceremony at Parliament House.

Starting in 2020, a slew of Australia's most lucrative export commodities were effectively banned from China.

But as ties have gradually improved under a new government in Canberra, Beijing has wound back most of these costly trade barriers.



*) Russia to hold trial of US reporter Gershkovich behind closed doors, TASS reports


The Russian trial of detained US reporter Evan Gershkovich will start on June 26 and will be held behind closed doors, Russian state-run news agencies TASS and RIA reported, citing a Russian court.

Last week, prosecutors said the Gershkovich case would be heard by a court in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg, where the reporter was arrested in March 2023 on suspicion of espionage.
He denies the charges.

*) Indian passenger and goods trains collide in West Bengal

An express passenger train and a goods train have collided in India's West Bengal killing at least five people, officials said.

"Doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, medical assistance," Mamata Banerjee said on social media. "Action on war-footing initiated."
Banerjee said the crash took place in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district, when the Kanchenjunga Express train was hit by a goods train.
Images on Indian broadcasters showed tangled wreckage of carriages flipped on their side, and one thrust high into the air precariously balanced on another.

*) Hezbollah 'escalating' its attacks against Israel — Israeli army

The Lebanese Hezbollah group has been "escalating" its attacks against Israel’s northern front, "jeopardising the future of Lebanon", the Israeli army said. 

“Hezbollah has launched more than 5,000 rockets, anti-tank missiles and explosive UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) since the events of October 7,” army spokesperson Daniel Hagari said at a press conference broadcast by Israel’s Channel 12.

Hezbollah has not issued a comment on the Israeli army spokesperson's remarks.


And finally…

*) ‘Inside Out 2’ scores massive $155 million opening


Hollywood’s summer movie anxieties gave way to joy this weekend with the massive debut of Disney and Pixar’s “ Inside Out 2.” The animated sequel earned $155 million in ticket sales from 4,440 theaters in the US and Canada, according to studio estimates.

Not only is it the second-highest opening weekend in Pixar’s 29 years of making films and the second-biggest animated opening ever; It’s also the biggest of 2024, and since “Barbie.” 

With an estimated $140 million from international showings, “Inside Out 2” had a staggering, and record-breaking, $295 million global start.

June 17, 2024

*) Israeli strike kills several Palestinians in Gaza's Nuseirat

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israeli-strike-kills-several-palestinians-in-gazas-nuseirat-18174272 

An Israeli air strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza has killed several Palestinians, according to Palestinian news agency WAFA.

Both local media sources and witnesses say the Israeli military carried out a series of air strikes on various parts of Gaza during the Muslim festival Eid al Adha.

Israel's war on Gaza, now in its 256th day, has killed at least 37,347 Palestinians and wounded 85,372.


*) Israelis flood streets in rally, calling change of Netanyahu administration

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/israelis-flood-streets-in-rally-calling-change-of-netanyahu-regime-18174261 

Protesters in Israel have converged in occupied West Jerusalem, calling for new elections in an effort to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Following the departures of former members of Netanyahu’s war cabinet, opposition groups declared a week of street protests that included blocking highways and mass demonstrations.

On Monday, thousands of Israelis gathered outside the Israeli parliament and planned to march to Netanyahu's private home in the city.

*) Record number of NATO nations meet defence spending target — Stoltenberg


https://www.trtworld.com/europe/record-number-of-nato-nations-meet-defence-spending-target-stoltenberg-18174271 

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that a record 23 of NATO's 32 member nations are hitting defence spending targets this year.

Stoltenberg said “Europeans are doing more for their collective security than just a few years ago" in a speech at the Wilson Center research group.

The estimated figure is a nearly fourfold increase from 2021, when only six nations were meeting the goal.

*) US braces for massive heatwave, over 75 million remain under alert

https://www.trtworld.com/climate/us-braces-for-massive-heat-wave-over-75-million-remain-under-alert-18174277 

Weather experts have warned the US is bracing for a massive week-long heat wave.

The Northeast and Midwest are preparing for sweltering temperatures as a "heat dome" settles over a large part of the country.

The National Weather Service said that over 75 million people were under some level of heat alert as of Monday morning. 
And finally…

*) Pilgrims triumph over heat as Hajj 2024 nears conclusion

https://trtworld.com/middle-east/pilgrims-triumph-over-heat-as-hajj-2024-nears-conclusion-18174280 

Muslim pilgrims will perform the third day of the symbolic stoning of the devil before the Farewell Tawaf, which means circling the Holy Kaaba in Mecca.

The stoning of the pillars represents the devil and takes place in Mina, just outside the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

The final days of the Hajj coincide with faithful around the world celebrating the Eid al Adha holiday.

June 18, 2024

*) Israel kills 21 Palestinians in Gaza on 3rd day of Eid al Adha

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israel-kills-21-palestinians-in-gaza-on-3rd-day-of-eid-al-adha-18174695 

As Muslims around the world mark the final day of Eid al Adha, Israeli air strikes on Gaza killed at least 21 Palestinians the day before.

According to medical sources, Israeli warplanes struck three homes in the central city of Deir al Balah, killing 13 people and injuring several others.

Meanwhile in central Gaza, an Israeli drone strike killed two civilians.

And several others were reported killed and wounded in an air strike on a house in the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood of Gaza City.


*) Over 3,500 children face hunger due to Israeli siege — Gaza officials

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/over-3500-children-face-hunger-due-to-israeli-siege-gaza-officials-18174549 

Local authorities in Gaza have raised the alarm about over 3,500 children at risk of hunger due to Israel's tightened siege and the closure of aid crossings.

The Gaza Government Media Office warned that the enclave is "rapidly" heading towards famine, accusing Israel and the US of conspiring to block humanitarian aid.

The statement emphasised that 3,500 children face death from malnutrition due to the critical lack of nutritional supplements and vaccines now prohibited by Israel.

*) Pyongyang decked up as Putin makes first visit to North Korea in 24 years

https://www.trtworld.com/content/article/pyongyang-decked-up-as-putin-makes-first-visit-to-north-korea-in-24-years-18174689 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in North Korea, Russian news agencies reported. 

This visit is Putin's first to the country in 24 years and aims to bolster cooperation amid US-led sanctions and escalating tensions with Washington. 

Earlier on Wednesday, Putin was welcomed at Pyongyang's airport by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, highlighting the importance of their diplomatic engagement.

*) 'Nowhere to flee' for Rohingya in western Myanmar conflict — UN

https://www.trtworld.com/asia/nowhere-to-flee-for-rohingya-in-western-myanmar-conflict-un-18174529 

Tens of thousands of Rohingya in Myanmar's Rakhine region are facing a dire situation, the UN human rights chief has reported. 

The Arakan Army issued a warning to evacuate the town of Maungdaw, primarily inhabited by Rohingya, ahead of an impending offensive. 

Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council, Volker Turk expressed deep concern over the plight of the Rohingya.

He emphasised that they have nowhere to flee amidst the intensifying conflict in western Myanmar.

And finally…

*) Türkiye open Euro 2024 with 3-1 victory over Georgia

https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/turkiye-open-euro-2024-campaign-with-3-1-victory-over-georgia-18174621 

In their Euro 2024 debut, Türkiye secured a 3-1 victory over Georgia in a closely contested match highlighted by two spectacular Turkish goals. 

Mert Muldur gave Türkiye a first-half lead with a thunderous volley from the edge of the box before Georgia equalised in the 32nd minute.

But then, 19-year-old Arda Guler, coming into the tournament fresh from a run of goals for Real Madrid, scored after 65 minutes – an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

And Kerem Akturkoglu sealed the deal, passing into an empty net in added time to end the game at 3-1.

June 19, 2024

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

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Daily News Brief

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