war

Slovenia to recognise Palestinian state by mid-June

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Slovenia to recognise Palestinian state by mid-June

The Slovenian government has initiated the procedure for the recognition of a Palestinian state as a way to help end the conflict in Gaza. This decision was made to encourage negotiations and speed up dialogue in the United Nations for a ceasefire and a two-state solution. Other European Union member states are also considering recognizing a Palestinian state, with Slovenia aiming to complete the recognition process by June 13 at the latest. Israel has criticized this move, calling it a “prize for terrorism” that could hinder peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Major Rafah offensive will not defeat Hamas, according to Biden

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Major Rafah offensive will not defeat Hamas, according to Biden

President Joe Biden believes that a major Rafah operation by Israel will not advance the country’s objective of defeating the Hamas Palestinian militant group in Gaza, according to the White House. Kirby, a spokesman, stated that there are better ways to go after Hamas’ leadership without putting civilians at significant risk. The current negotiations for a possible hostage-release deal in Cairo have ended without resolution, and Israel plans to proceed with its operation in Rafah. U.S.-Israel consultations are ongoing about alternatives to a major ground operation in Rafah, with hopes that Israel will choose not to proceed with the offensive.

New Trump Tax Cuts Could Cost $4.6 Trillion, Bipartisan Watchdog Agency Says

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New Trump Tax Cuts Could Cost $4.6 Trillion, Bipartisan Watchdog Agency Says

The cost of extending the 2017 tax cuts for households, small businesses, and wealthy individuals enacted under President Donald Trump has expanded to .6 trillion, according to new estimates from Congress’ fiscal scorekeeper.

‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ cast harnessed their inner apes

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‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ cast harnessed their inner apes

Freya Allan arrived on set for the first day of filming “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” and was surprised to see her co-star Owen Teague and other cast members already in costume as apes. The film is the 10th in the franchise and follows a young chimp named Noa as he tries to protect his clan from a corrupt monarch named Proximus Caesar. The actors attended “ape school” to prepare for their roles, with each learning about the movements and behaviors of different types of apes. The movie is set to be released in theaters on Friday.

Israeli forces mass on Rafah’s outskirts as US warns a major assault could halt arms

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Israeli forces mass on Rafah’s outskirts as US warns a major assault could halt arms

Israeli forces massed tanks near Rafah in response to U.S. President Biden’s threat to withhold weapons if a major invasion occurred. Ceasefire talks in Cairo continued as Palestinian militant groups engaged in battles with Israeli forces on the outskirts of Rafah. The U.S. paused delivery of bombs to Israel due to civilian risks, causing concern for Israel’s ability to neutralize Hamas. Thousands of Palestinians fled to Deir Al-Balah, fearing a humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah. Israel’s assault on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, with the U.N. warning of a looming humanitarian crisis.

Putin says there is ‘nothing unusual’ about tactical nuclear weapons drill

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Putin says there is ‘nothing unusual’ about tactical nuclear weapons drill

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that a planned exercise involving the practice deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in southern Russia with Belarus is not unusual. Russia announced the nuclear exercise as a response to threats from France, Britain, and the United States. Putin mentioned that these exercises are routine and part of training. Belarus has joined Russia in similar exercises in the past, with uncertainty surrounding the nature of the nuclear weapons supplied to Belarus. The Pentagon noted that despite Moscow’s rhetoric, there has been no change in Russia’s strategic nuclear forces.

US working to deliver aid to Gaza through any available route, Ambassador says

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US working to deliver aid to Gaza through any available route, Ambassador says

The US is working to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza through various routes, including the sea lane from Larnaca, according to US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher. The construction of a floating platform for aid delivery is in its final stages, and efforts are being made to ensure that aid reaches Gaza as soon as possible.

Palestinians seek refuge ahead of Rafah offensive

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Palestinians seek refuge ahead of Rafah offensive

Israeli forces are closing in on Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, where thousands of Hamas fighters are holed up. More than a million people are sheltering in the city, prompting warnings of a humanitarian catastrophe. Israel seized the main border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, cutting off aid. Residents have been ordered to leave as an assault is anticipated. Tens of thousands have fled the city, turning neighborhoods into ghost towns.

Greece extends naval advisory to deter Russian oil ship-to-ship transfers

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Greece extends naval advisory to deter Russian oil ship-to-ship transfers

The Greek navy has extended an advisory to ban ship traffic off the coast of the southeastern Peloponnese to prevent ship-to-ship transfers of Russian oil. International sanctions have made trading Russian oil difficult, leading to vessels avoiding cargo and vessel checks by Greek authorities in offshore transfer points. The advisory is aimed at deterring such activities and may be extended further to push away ship-to-ship transfers close to Greek waters.

Pro-Palestinian protesters build barricades at Amsterdam university

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Pro-Palestinian protesters build barricades at Amsterdam university

Pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Amsterdam built barricades using desks and railings to block the entrance until the institution severs all ties with Israel. Riot police knocked down barricades at another UvA site and detained 169 people. The protesters are part of a wave of sit-ins and actions at universities in Europe against Israel’s war in Gaza. The university has exchange programs with three universities in Israel halted due to security concerns and cooperates with Israeli scientists or companies in eight European research projects. Ireland’s Trinity College Dublin announced it would divest from Israeli companies linked to settlements in occupied Palestinian territory following student protests.