May 06, 2025

Israel aiming for 'complete occupation' of Gaza under renewed assault Israel appears to be pushing for full occupation of Gaza in its latest military assault. That's according to Culture Minister Miki Zohar, who told Israeli public broadcaster KAN that such a move could put the remaining hostages in danger. Meanwhile, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, told Channel 13 that Israel is finally going to occupy Gaza and that the country needs to stop being afraid of using the word "occupation" UN warns Israel is weaponising water to destroy Gaza, its people A UN expert is sounding the alarm over what he calls a ""silent but lethal bomb"" in Gaza: not from missiles, but from a lack of clean water. Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, the UN's special rapporteur on the human right to water and sanitation, says Israel's destruction of water infrastructure and restriction of access to drinking water is fuelling a massive humanitarian crisis. He warned that cutting off water in a war zone like this is the equivalent of dropping a devastating, invisible weapon. France to host Al Sharaa, marking Syrian President's first European visit Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa is set to visit Europe for the first time since taking office, and his first stop will be France. French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting him on Wednesday, according to the French presidency. Macron plans to use the meeting to express France's commitment to a future Syria, one that's ""free, stable and inclusive of all its people"". The French president will also raise key concerns, including regional stability, especially in Lebanon, and the ongoing fight against terrorism. India's 'unfounded allegations' against Pakistan inflaming tensions in South Asia — OIC The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is voicing serious concern over rising tensions in South Asia. The 57-member group said that India's ""unfounded allegations"" against Pakistan are adding fuel to an already volatile situation. In a joint statement, the OIC said the accusations are making things worse and stressed its consistent stance against terrorism. Trump wants stronger US–Türkiye alliance: New US envoy to Ankara The new US ambassador to Türkiye says President Trump is aiming for a much stronger partnership with Ankara. Thomas Barrack, speaking to reporters upon arrival in the Turkish capital, said the president's message was simple: it's time to take the US-Türkiye alliance to the level it truly deserves. Barrack, who expressed pride in being on the land of his ancestors, added that the two countries have always had a solid relationship, but now it's time to make it extraordinary.