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Israel pushes further into parts of north Gaza; new cracks in Netanyahu coalition

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Israel pushes further into parts of north Gaza; new cracks in Netanyahu coalition

Israeli troops and tanks entered parts of the northern Gaza Strip, killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians. The Israeli forces also took over ground in Rafah, a city by the Egyptian border. Benny Gantz threatened to resign if Netanyahu does not agree to a post-war plan for Gaza by June 8. The recovery of the body of a hostage taken by Hamas triggered the latest incursions. Israeli forces have continued operations in Gaza, conducting precise operations against terrorists and infrastructure. Netanyahu has faced criticism for failing to articulate an endgame in the war. Gantz proposed a six-point plan for Gaza’s civil administration. The strain on Israel’s coalition has increased, with demands for clarity on post-war plans. Armed groups attacked Israeli forces in Jabalia and Rafah, resulting in casualties on both sides. Israel’s military reported 281 soldiers killed in fighting, while over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes. UNRWA stated that nearly 800,000 Palestinians have fled Rafah since the ground operation began. Israel aims to capture Rafah to destroy Hamas and ensure security.

Russia says Ukraine makes 60-drone attack on Russia, oil refinery halted

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Russia says Ukraine makes 60-drone attack on Russia, oil refinery halted

Ukraine launched a major attack on Crimea and Russian regions with missiles and drones, causing an oil refinery in southern Russia to halt operations. Russian air defenses shot down the missiles and drones. The Ukrainian-launched drones carried bigger charges than previous attacks, including steel balls. Russia has reported a rise in Ukrainian attacks on its territory, prompting President Putin to carve out a buffer zone in northeastern Ukraine. The White House reiterated its policy of not encouraging Ukraine to use U.S. weapons against Russian territory. Russia captured a village in Kharkiv region and considers Crimea and other regions part of Russia, while Ukraine and its allies reject this stance. President Zelenskiy is determined to eject all Russian troops from Ukraine and expects Russia to escalate its offensive. Ukraine lacks sufficient air defenses to defend itself, and the West is concerned about the outcome of a potential defeat for Russia.

Why the American-Anglo-Canadian plan of 1978 failed

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Why the American-Anglo-Canadian plan of 1978 failed

The Soviet Union influenced Akel to reject a solution plan proposed by the US, UK, and Canada for the Cyprus problem in 1976. The Soviet Union did not want the Cyprus problem to be solved by a US initiative, as it would strengthen the US’s prestige in the region and maintain tension in Greece-Turkey relations.

IWW Cyprus: Workers spend the majority of their daily lives in undemocratic workplaces

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IWW Cyprus: Workers spend the majority of their daily lives in undemocratic workplaces

The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) is a global labor union that has been organizing in Cyprus since 2020. The IWW stands out from traditional trade unions by being a union for all workers, including minorities, migrants, and sex workers. The IWW is not trying to be friendly with employers and government, unlike traditional unions. The IWW is a horizontal organization that values transparency and full participation rights for all members. The IWW encourages workers to join traditional trade unions as well. In Cyprus, the IWW organizes all workers under one big union, unlike traditional federations divided by profession or sector. The IWW aims to prioritize organizing over mere mobilizing and believes in forming strong relationships with fellow workers.

Poland to spend around $2.5 bln on securing eastern border, says PM

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Poland to spend around $2.5 bln on securing eastern border, says PM

Poland is investing 10 billion zlotys in a program to secure its eastern border due to a perceived threat from Russia and Belarus. The program includes building fortifications and enhancing security measures to prevent unauthorized entry. Prime Minister Donald Tusk also plans to discuss financing for the European Sky Shield Initiative with the European Investment Bank.

Fifty dead in heavy rain, floods in central Afghanistan, official says

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Fifty dead in heavy rain, floods in central Afghanistan, official says

At least 50 people are dead in central Afghanistan due to heavy rain and flooding. The rain spell began on Friday, cutting off key roads and causing significant destruction in the province of Ghor. 2,000 houses were destroyed, 4,000 were partially damaged, and 2,000 shops were flooded in the capital, Feroz-Koh. Last week, flash floods in northern Afghanistan killed 315 people and injured over 1,600. Afghanistan is vulnerable to natural disasters, and the lack of aid has worsened since the Taliban took over in 2021.

Hugs but not the full socialist-era kiss for Putin, Xi in Beijing

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Hugs but not the full socialist-era kiss for Putin, Xi in Beijing

A new era of strategic partnership between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping began in Beijing, leading to rare hugs between the two leaders. Russia, facing Western sanctions, is increasingly reliant on trade with China, which is challenging U.S. supremacy. The leaders signed a statement opposing the U.S.-led world order and pledged cooperation in various fields. Putin then visited the city of Harbin before returning to Moscow.

Tragedies and irresponsibility

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Tragedies and irresponsibility

A crew member on a tugboat unloading jet fuel for RAF Akrotiri at Cape Gata was seen fishing and smoking a cigar instead of being vigilant. This poses a risk of the highly flammable material igniting at any moment, potentially leading to a fire or explosion with severe consequences.

‘Inhuman and degrading treatment of migrants in Cyprus’

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‘Inhuman and degrading treatment of migrants in Cyprus’

People sent to Pournara migrant reception centre in Cyprus were placed in containers without electricity or hot water, crammed next to each other in unhygienic conditions.

Cypriot team conquers Guinness World Record for highest altitude fitness session [PHOTOS]

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Cypriot team conquers Guinness World Record for highest altitude fitness session [PHOTOS]

A team led by Alexis Economides broke the record for the highest altitude fitness session by reaching the summit of Mera Peak in Nepal, 6,476 meters above sea level. The team included Alexis, Evgenia Konstantinou, Trevor Jones, and four Sherpas. Training in Cyprus prepared them for the harsh Himalayan conditions, and despite the challenges of high altitude, they successfully completed a workout session at the summit. The team plans to continue exploring extreme altitudes to promote physical health and resilience.