Today

Twenty-six Palestinians have been killed and 150 injured in Israeli tank shelling and gunfire near an aid distribution centre in Rafah, southern Gaza, according to medics and local residents.

Mohammed Ghareeb, a local journalist in Rafah, told the BBC that thousands of Palestinians had gathered near a US-backed humanitarian aid distribution centre when Israeli tanks approached and opened fire on the crowd.

Local journalists and activists shared harrowing footage of bodies and wounded individuals being transported on donkey carts to the Red Cross field hospital in the al-Mawasi area of Rafah, as rescue teams were reportedly unable to reach the scene.

The BBC has contacted the IDF for a response.

Mr Ghareeb said the crowd of Palestinians had gathered near Al-Alam roundabout around 04:30 local time (02:30 BST), close to the aid centre run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, shortly before Israeli tanks appeared and opened fire.

“The dead and wounded lay on the ground for a long time,” Mr Ghareeb said.

“Rescue crews could not access the area, which is under Israeli control. This forced residents to use donkey carts to transport victims to the field hospital.”

The Red Cross field hospital said 26 people had been killed and 150 injured.

Efforts were under way to transfer the casualties to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis for further treatment, the doctor added.

Civil Defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told the AFP news agency that more than 100 people were wounded “due to gunfire from Israeli vehicles towards thousands of citizens”.

The incident underscores the dire humanitarian conditions in Rafah, where recent Israeli military operations have severely limited access to aid and emergency services.

On Saturday, crowds of civilians rushed aid trucks in Gaza, the World Food Programme has said, as hunger and desperation create chaotic scenes.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is a new US and Israel-backed organisation that has been distributing food at designated sites across Gaza. Israel set up the plan after accusing Hamas of stealing aid, which the group denies.

The GHF said it distributed two million meals this week, which the BBC has not been able to independently verify.

This comes as the US attempts to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

Hamas responded to the US ceasefire proposal by saying it is prepared to release 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 dead hostages in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners.

However, the group also repeated its demands for a permanent truce, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and guarantees for the continuous flow of humanitarian aid. None of these are in the deal on the table.

Hamas said it had submitted its response to the US draft proposed by Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East.

Witkoff said the proposal was “unacceptable and only takes us backward” and insisted the US deal was “the only way we can close a 60-day ceasefire deal in the coming days.”

A major crisis is unfolding in Moldova, where Russia is using energy as a political weapon to influence the outcome of the autumn parliamentary elections. The first salvo came on Jan. 1, as Moscow halted the gas deliveries that had long provided low-cost electricity. Although Russia has since resumed gas flows to the pro-Russian separatist region of Transnistria, the rest of Moldova has been left to grapple with soaring prices, growing public discontent, and rising pressure ahead of a crucial vote. The goal, quite clearly, is to derail the country’s European path and tip it back into Moscow’s orbit.

As is typical in the course of its geopolitical skullduggeries, Vladimir Putin’s regime has deployed disinformation, distractions, and complicated moves aimed at contriving a version of plausible deniability.

A dangerous dependency on Russia

Historically, Moldova has depended on Russian gas via a complex mechanism involving the separatist region, where a large power plant generated electricity for the rest of the country. But on Jan. 1, 2025, both Moldova proper and the separatist enclave were plunged into an energy crisis after Russian gas supplies were halted following the expiration of a transit agreement with Ukraine.

It was actually Kyiv, engaged in full-scale war with Russia, that declined to renew the longstanding deal that allowed Russian gas to flow westward through its territory—but the move was telegraphed for many months, and alternatives existed.

Mainly, Russia could have easily rerouted gas to Transnistria via the TurkStream and Trans-Balkan pipelines, which run through Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania. But it declined to do so, even as households and businesses in Moldova faced skyrocketing prices, and Transnistria itself remained without gas. Russia justified this by accusing Moldova of owing $709 million in unpaid gas bills — a claim that has been thoroughly debunked: An independent international audit commissioned in 2023 found the true amount owed by the Moldovan government to Gazprom was just $8.6 million.

In early February, the European Union stepped in to avert a humanitarian emergency. It provided €20 million in emergency aid to subsidize gas deliveries to Transnistria for 10 days — from February 1 to February 10 — enabling the region to restart electricity production for Moldova proper. This was from arranged external deliveries, supported through EU subsidies.

The EU then offered to extend this arrangement through mid-April with a larger €60 million package. But Transnistrian authorities rejected the offer, reportedly objecting to conditions that would have required greater transparency and price alignment with EU standards. Some analysts believe the refusal reflected a desire to maintain dependency on Moscow rather than risk deeper integration with the West. Others simply have concluded Moscow was calling the shots.

Indeed, by mid-February, Russia resumed gas supplies to Transnistria. Deliveries came through the expected detour involving the Black Sea, Turkey, and the Balkans. But it is no longer reaching Moldova—ostensibly by a decision of the separatists.

Moldova’s pro-European government, led by President Maia Sandu, is convinced these maneuvers amount to a deliberate attempt to punish its Western, pro-EU tilt and sway the upcoming September parliamentary elections toward pro-Russian opposition parties. In response, Moldova accelerated diversification efforts, sourcing electricity and natural gas from Romania and other EU partners—at far higher prices than before.

Russia is, of course, under no obligation to provide anyone with gas. But the timing of its move is no coincidence, and the impact has been staggering: In Moldova proper, gas prices are up 24%, electricity 75%, and heating bills 40%. Because of downstream effects, overall inflation is expected to exceed 30%, creating severe economic distress just months before the vote.

The energy crisis triggered a sharp spike in inflation in Moldova. In January 2025, the annual inflation rate jumped to 9.1% compared to a year earlier, up from 7.0% in December 2024, marking the steepest increase in recent months. This surge was largely driven by significant hikes in tariffs for heating, gas, and electricity, as well as rising prices for food and medicine.

The result is a textbook case of Russia’s energy leverage at work: create pain for adversaries, reward loyal proxies, and manipulate regional infrastructure to achieve geopolitical goals. In this instance, to erode trust in Moldova’s leadership and swing the election. If the pro-Russian opposition were to win the election, the result will be a global shock because in the middle of the Ukraine war, a small but strategically consequential European country will have fallen, seemingly voluntarily, back into the Kremlin orbit.

The episode underlines the need for a longer-term strategy: one that shores up Moldova, counters Russia’s manipulation, and keeps this EU-candidate country on track.

Why Moldova Matters

If Moldova is pulled back into Russia’s orbit, the consequences will ripple far beyond its borders. It would deal a serious blow to Ukraine, whose EU accession is closely tied to Moldova’s. A pro-Kremlin government in Chișinău could legitimize and make permanent the Russian military presence in Transnistria, which has been in place for decades, even though Moldova’s government has considered this illegal.

A move in this direction would further destabilize NATO’s eastern flank and threaten Romania, Poland, and the entire Black Sea region. Worse still, inviting Russian troops into Moldova proper itself would undermine Moldovan sovereignty and European security.

Success in Moldova would also validate this model of energy blackmail and electoral interference. If left unchecked, similar tactics could be deployed in the Baltic states, the Balkans, and other vulnerable regions, many of which still rely on Russian energy or face internal political divisions that Moscow can exploit. The message would be clear: Russia can strangle a country’s economy, manipulate public opinion, and tilt an election—all at virtually no cost.

What Europe Must Do

Europe’s effort to assist in February suggests that there is an understanding of the stakes. But to safeguard Moldova’s democratic path and broader European security, the EU must do far more — not only to confront the energy blackmail but also to mitigate its political and social consequences.

·       Provide Massive Economic Aid to Offset Inflation: Moldova cannot afford Western market prices for energy. Inflation has already hit ordinary citizens hard, creating fertile ground for political discontent. A robust EU aid package must go beyond energy subsidies to include targeted social assistance, price caps, and support for small businesses. This is not just an act of solidarity—it’s a strategic imperative to prevent anti-European forces from exploiting popular frustration.

·       Counter Russian Disinformation at Scale: Moscow’s propaganda machine is working overtime to pin the energy crisis on Moldova’s leadership. Europe must respond with a coordinated campaign to expose Russian tactics, debunk misinformation, and promote media literacy. One promising step is the EU’s decision to open an Eastern Partnership office in Moldova—the first of its kind in the region—with disinformation as a top priority. But far more investment in narrative warfare is needed.

·       Fast-Track Moldova’s EU Membership: Most importantly, it’s time to stop viewing Moldova through a narrow bureaucratic lens. The country faces governance challenges, yes—but so did many prior EU entrants. Moldova’s small size (2.5 million people) makes integration manageable, while its geopolitical importance is undeniable. A fast-tracked accession process, similar to the one Ukraine has received, would send a powerful message: that Europe stands with its partners in their hour of need. And it would focus the minds of voters, counteracting the interference from Moscow.

Russia’s playbook is clear: create hardship, fuel resentment, and leverage democratic elections to install loyalist regimes that will cement authoritarianism and attempt to make permanent their hold on power. If it succeeds in Moldova, the European dream will be blocked from that country for a generation. Ukraine will be further isolated, and the Kremlin will chalk up another geopolitical win without firing a shot.

This is not just Moldova’s problem. It is Europe’s. It can be averted — but time is running out.

ASEAN nations have been closely observing the trajectory of US-China relations and have expressed their apprehensions vis-à-vis the uncertainty arising out of Trump tariffs. Leaders of Singapore and Malaysia have been particularly vocal in expressing their apprehensions.

While speaking at the opening of the 46th ASEAN Summit held at Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian PM, Anwar Ibrahim, referred to the imposition of tariffs by US President Donald Trump. Said the Malaysian PM:

‘Indeed, a transition in the geopolitical order is underway, and the global trading system is under further strain with the recent imposition of US unilateral tariffs,’

How ASEAN countries have benefited from the China+1 strategy

Here it would be pertinent to point out that ASEAN nations have also benefitted from the China+1 strategy of Western companies. Through this strategy, Western companies have been keen to reduce their dependence upon China and have been shifting to several ASEAN countries. Companies have moved from China not just to Vietnam but to other ASEAN nations like Indonesia and Malaysia as well.

Impact of China-US thaw on ASEAN

While many would have thought that ASEAN countries would heave a sigh of relief after the China-US agreement signed in Geneva, via which the US reduced tariffs against China from 145 percent to 30 percent. There has been a mixed reaction to the same, given the possibility of companies redrawing their China+1 plans.

Malaysia’s interest in BRICS+

Another important impact of Trump’s policies has been ASEAN countries seeking entry into multilateral organizations. Indonesia entered BRICS as a member in January 2025.

Malaysia, which entered BRICS as a partner country in October 2024, has also applied for full membership. Two other ASEAN countries, Vietnam and Thailand, also entered BRICS.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, while commenting on the ASEAN nation’s interest in joining BRICS:

‘Malaysia’s desire to join BRICS represents its effort to uphold policies and identity as an independent and neutral country, striking a balance with great powers and opening up new business and investment opportunities,’

Malaysia shares close economic ties with China as well as the US and the EU. Malaysia’s bilateral trade with China in 2024 exceeded $200 billion ($212.04 billion). The ASEAN nation’s trade with the US was estimated at $80.2 billion in 2024.

The Malaysian PM, Anwar Ibrahim, had earlier proposed an ‘Asian Monetary Fund’ as an alternative to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In recent years, Malaysia has been pushing for “de-dollarization,” or trade in non-dollar currencies, with several countries.

Anwar Ibrahim’s Russia visit and discussion of BRICS+

Apart from several other bilateral issues, the role of Malaysia in BRICS+ was also discussed during the recent meeting between Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the former’s Russia visit. The Malaysian PM thanked Putin for his role in facilitating Malaysia’s entry into BRICS+. The Russian president, on his part, welcomed the entry of Malaysia and other ASEAN nations as partner countries into BRICS+ during Russia’s chairmanship of BRICS+ in 2024.

During the meeting of Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during the former’s Indonesia visit, one of the issues that was discussed was Indonesia’s entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and OECD. The CPTPP—earlier the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)—was initially conceived by former US President Barack Obama. During US President Donald Trump’s earlier presidency, the US had pulled out of TPP. While the organization did face a setback after the US exit from the CPTPP — members like Japan and Australia, which are wary of China’s growing clout in the Indo-Pacific, have been playing a key role in giving a push to economic linkages. Two other ASEAN countries—Malaysia and Vietnam—are already members of the CPTPP.

The Indonesian president thanked Australia for its support for Indonesian into the CPTPP.

The Australian PM, while commenting on his support for Indonesia’s entry into CPTPP:

‘I assure you, Mr. President, of Australia’s support for your joining the OECD as well as your accession to the CPTPP.’

The Australian PM also reiterated Indonesia’s strategic importance in the context of the Indo-Pacific.

Indonesia’s important role on the global stage

Indonesia has robust ties with both China and the US and seeks to use multilateral platforms for further enhancing its clout, as several middle powers have done in recent years. Indonesia has sought to present itself as an important voice of the Global South and as an important link between the G7 and G20.

ASEAN-China-GCC

On the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit, the first ASEAN-China-GCC Summit was held for the first time. The Malaysian PM dubbed this as extraordinary. Anwar Ibrahim also said:

‘I am confident that ASEAN, the GCC, and China can draw upon our unique attributes and shape a future that is more connected, more resilient, and more prosperous.’

Conclusion

In conclusion, the interest of countries like Malaysia and Indonesia in entering multilateral organizations is driven by the changing geopolitical situation in ASEAN and beyond. These nations need to be deft and nimble and can not afford to have a zero-sum approach towards the same. The recent ASEAN Summit is a strong illustration of how ASEAN member states are seeking to diversify their relationships by seeking entry into important multilateral blocs. Apart from this, one point that is evident from the recent ASEAN summit was that ASEAN as a grouping is also seeking to strengthen ties with groups like the GCC.

Here’s where things stand on Sunday, June 1:

Fighting

• The governor of Russia’s Bryansk, Alexander Bogomaz, said seven people were killed, and 30 were injured in a train derailment in the region bordering Ukraine. Moscow Railway said in a post on Telegram that the derailment and bridge collapse was a result of “illegal interference in transport operations”. Ukraine’s military did not immediately comment.
• A Russian attack killed a child and wounded another person in the Ukrainian village of Dolynka in Zaporizhia, the region’s governor said.
• A man was also killed by Russian shelling in Ukraine’s Kherson region, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin wrote on Telegram.
• The Ukrainian Air Force said Russian forces launched an estimated 109 drones and five missiles across Ukraine on Friday and overnight. Ukrainian forces destroyed 42 of the drones, it added.
• Russia’s military said it captured the Ukrainian village of Vodolahy in the Sumy region and Novopil in the Donetsk region.
• The announcement came after Ukraine ordered the evacuation of 11 more villages in the Sumy region, saying Russia had amassed some 50,000 troops in the area.

Politics and diplomacy

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia did not “look very serious” and had given “no clear information” on what it plans to achieve at peace talks in Istanbul, Turkiye, next week.
• He did not comment on whether Ukraine would participate in the new round of negotiations, though Russia has said it would send a delegation led by Vladimir Medinsky, a former culture minister.
• China’s embassy in Singapore criticised French President Emmanuel Macron for comparing the defence of Ukraine with the need to protect Taiwan from a Chinese invasion, saying that “the two are different in nature and not comparable at all”.
• Russia’s war on Ukraine will be at the top of the agenda when German Chancellor Friedrich Merz meets with United States President Donald Trump on Thursday at the White House, according to a spokesman for the German government.
• Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said new rules set to regulate foreign ships crossing Swedish territorial waters from July 1 come amid “a growing number of concerning incidents in the Baltic Sea”, as Russia’s so-called Shadow Fleet continues to run into problems.

Weapons

• British Defence Secretary John Healey announces plans to build at least six new factories producing weapons and explosives, saying that “the hard-fought lessons from [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine show a military is only as strong as the industry that stands behind them.”

Getty Images

‘More defence spending means cuts elsewhere’

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Bitcoin Hyper Roadmap and Why It Matters

The Palestinian group Hamas has submitted its response to a United States-backed ceasefire proposal, but a leading official from the group said the proposed deal offered “no guarantees to end the war”.

Speaking to Al Jazeera on Saturday, Basem Naim said that Hamas had still “responded positively” to the latest proposal relayed to it by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, despite the Palestinian group saying that the proposal was different to one it had agreed upon with Witkoff a week earlier.

“One week ago, we agreed with Mr Witkoff on one proposal, and we said, ‘This is acceptable, we can consider this a negotiating paper,’” Naim said. “He went to the other party, to the Israelis, to get their response. Instead of having a response to our proposal, he brought us a new proposal … which had nothing to do with what we agreed upon.”

In a statement released earlier on Saturday, Hamas had said that it had submitted a response to Witkoff, and that the proposal “aims to achieve a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and ensure the flow of aid” to Palestinians in Gaza.

Hamas added that 10 living Israeli captives would be released as part of the agreement, as well as the bodies of 18 dead Israelis, in exchange for an “agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners”.

Witkoff called Hamas’s response “totally unacceptable”.

“Hamas should accept the framework proposal we put forward as the basis for proximity talks, which we can begin immediately this coming week,” the envoy said in a post on social media. “That is the only way we can close a 60-day ceasefire deal in the coming days in which half of the living hostages and half of those who are deceased will come home to their families, and in which we can have at the proximity talks substantive negotiations in good-faith to try to reach a permanent ceasefire.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed Hamas’s response, “As Witkoff said, Hamas’s response is unacceptable and sets the situation back. Israel will continue its action for the return of our hostages and the defeat of Hamas.”

Israel has now killed more than 54,000 Palestinians since October 2023, with starvation looming across Gaza after weeks of Israeli blockade, and only a small flow of aid since Israel allowed it to resume in mid-May.

Starvation

With hopes for a permanent truce seemingly fading once again, the level of hunger and desperation inside Gaza grows, with Israel allowing only a trickle of humanitarian aid into the Strip after it had imposed a total blockade for more than two months. The UN warned on Friday that all of the 2.3 million population of Gaza is now at risk of famine. That came after it said in mid-May that one in every five Palestinians there is experiencing starvation.

The World Food Programme (WFP), which has enough food ready near Gaza’s borders to feed the besieged territory’s entire population for two months, renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire as the only way to get the food to starving Palestinians.

The UN’s food agency said in a statement that it brought 77 trucks loaded with flour into Gaza overnight and early on Friday, but they were stopped by people trying to feed their starving families.

The US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is continuing with its own controversial aid distribution, which other aid groups say could violate humanitarian principles and militarise the delivery of desperately needed food. The Gaza Government Media Office said this week that at least 10 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli forces while trying to get aid.

“We went to this new area and we came out empty-handed,” resident Layla al-Masri said of a new GHF distribution point. “What they are saying about their will to feed the people of Gaza are lies. They neither feed people nor give them anything to drink.”

Another displaced Palestinian, Abdel Qader Rabie, said people across the besieged territory have nothing left to feed their families. “There’s no flour, no food, no bread. We have nothing at home,” he said.

Rabie said that every time he tries to get a box of aid at the GHF, he is swarmed by hundreds of other people trying to get it. “If you are strong, you get aid. If you are not, you leave empty-handed,” Rabie added.

There are also other risks. Families have reported that people have gone missing after reaching GHF distribution points.

“One of these cases is a man from the al-Mughari family – The family is appealing to the ICRC, OCHA, the civil defence teams, to go and search for him in that area – very close to the Netzarim Corridor [in central Gaza],” said Hind Khoudary, reporting from Deir el-Balah, central Gaza. Israeli authorities rejected the accusation, Khoudary added.

Bombing and forced displacement

The Israeli army is continuing its attacks on Gaza, with the spokesperson of the territory’s civil defence saying that approximately 60 homes had been bombed in the last 48 hours in Gaza City and northern Gaza.

On Saturday, there were also reports from across Gaza of the Israeli bombing killing at least 20 Palestinians. More than 3,900 Palestinians have been killed since Israel unilaterally broke a ceasefire in March and resumed its devastation of Gaza, despite growing international condemnation.

Since Friday’s early hours, the Israeli army has also ordered “all residents” of southern Khan Younis, Bani Suheila, and Abasan to evacuate immediately after it said rockets were earlier fired. “The [army] will aggressively attack any area used as a launching pad for terrorist activity,” military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a statement. The area of southern Gaza “has been warned several times in the past and has been designated a dangerous combat zone”, he added.

According to the UN, nearly 200,000 people have been displaced in the past two weeks alone, with displacement orders now covering the entirety of Gaza’s northernmost and southernmost governorates, as well as the eastern parts of each of the three governorates in between.

Hamas responded to a US ceasefire proposal by saying it is prepared to release 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 dead hostages in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners, while requesting some amendments to the plan.

The group repeated its demands for a permanent truce, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and guarantees for the continuous flow of humanitarian aid. None of these are in the deal on the table.

It was neither an explicit rejection nor a clear acceptance of the US terms, which Washington says Israel has accepted.

Hamas said it had submitted its response to the US draft proposed by Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East.

In a statement, Witkoff said: “I received the Hamas response to the United States’ proposal. It is totally unacceptable and only takes us backward. Hamas should accept the framework proposal we put forward as the basis for proximity talks, which we can begin immediately this coming week.

“That is the only way we can close a 60-day ceasefire deal in the coming days.”

A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said: “While Israel has agreed to the updated Witkoff outline for the release of our hostages, Hamas continues to adhere to its refusal.”

Hamas, a proscribed terror group in the US, UK and EU, said it was insisting on a “permanent ceasefire” and “complete withdrawal” of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

The group demanded a sustained flow of aid for Palestinians living in the enclave, and said it would release 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 dead hostages in exchange for “an agreed upon number” of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.

But Hamas now finds itself in the most complex and difficult position it has faced since the war began.

Under intense pressure from 2.2 million people living in the worst conditions in their history and from the mediators, the movement is unable to accept an American proposal that is, by all accounts, less generous than previous offers it has rejected multiple times, the most recent being in March.

At that time, senior Hamas official and head negotiator Khalil al-Hayya stated unequivocally that the movement would not agree to partial deals that fail to secure a complete and permanent end to the war.

Yet, Hamas also finds itself unable to reject the latest US offer outright, fully aware that Israel is preparing to escalate its ground offensive in Gaza.

The movement lacks the military capacity to prevent or even seriously resist such an assault.

Caught between these two realities, Hamas, in effect, responded to the US proposal not with an answer – but with an entirely new counterproposal.

The full details of the US plan have not been made public and are unconfirmed, but these key points are reportedly included:

• A 60-day pause in fighting

• The release of 28 Israeli hostages – alive and dead – in the first week, and the release of 30 more once a permanent ceasefire is in place

• The release of 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and the remains of 180 dead Palestinians

• The sending of humanitarian aid to Gaza via the UN and other agencies

The terms on offer were the ones Israel could accept – the White House made sure of that by getting Israel’s approval before passing the proposal to Hamas.

It is unlikely that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be willing to negotiate the changes Hamas wants.

He is under pressure to bring the hostages home and has said he is willing to accept a temporary ceasefire to do so.

But the Israeli government has always insisted on the right to return to hostilities, despite Hamas’s core demand for guarantees that the temporary truce be a path to ending the war.

Netanyahu has said the war will end when Hamas “lays down its arms, is no longer in government [and] its leaders are exiled from the Gaza Strip”.

Defence Minister Israel Katz was more blunt this week. “The Hamas murderers will now be forced to choose: accept the terms of the ‘Witkoff Deal’ for the release of the hostages – or be annihilated,” he said.

Responding to Witkoff’s latest comments, Hamas official Basem Naim told the BBC the group had last week come to an agreement with him on a proposal “which he deemed acceptable for negotiation” – but that the Israeli response “disagreed with all the provisions we had agreed upon”.

“Why, each time, is the Israeli response considered the only response for negotiation?” he said.

“This violates the integrity and fairness of mediation and constitutes a complete bias towards the other side.”

Earlier on Saturday, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said 60 people were killed and another 284 injured in the past 24-hours in Israeli strikes.

That does not include numbers from hospitals located in the North Gaza Strip Governorate because of the difficulty of accessing the area, it adds.

Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas’s cross-border attack on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

At least 54,381 people have been killed in Gaza since then, including 4,117 since Israel resumed its offensive on 18 March, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Renewed US–China trade tensions and the first bout of net outflows from US spot BTC ETFs since mid-May temporarily caused some volatility, briefly knocking Bitcoin lower to around $104,000. This profit-taking comes after Bitcoin’s (BTC) historic record high of nearly $112,000 in May. But seasoned crypto investors continue to show enthusiasm, recognizing that the recent market volatility creates attractive entry opportunities.

Adding to the optimism, US regulators have reaffirmed their friendlier stance toward crypto by dropping a high-profile lawsuit against Binance. Because of fresh tailwinds from regulatory authorities and growing corporate adoption of BTC, Market insiders are now pouring their capital into fundamentally strong cryptos.

With that in mind, we’ve listed four of the best cryptos to buy before Bitcoin marches toward new all-time highs.

Solaxy

Being the first Layer-2 scaling solution on Solana, Solaxy (SOLX) stands out as one of 2025’s most in-demand presales. By bundling off-chain transactions and then settling them on the Solana mainnet, Solaxy aims to vastly improve throughput, especially when network activity is high.

One of Solana’s main criticisms has been its occasional slowdowns or outages under heavy usage. Solaxy’s roll-up tech is designed to reduce these congestion issues, cutting down on fees and confirmation times.

You can still grab SOLX tokens at $0.00174 before the presale ends in less than 16 days. In fact, early buyers can also compound their holdings by earning double-digit staking rewards of up to 95% APY.

Solaxy is working on launching a bridge between Solana and Ethereum, potentially unlocking cross-chain liquidity for its users. Looking at Solaxy’s progress during its presale phase, early buyers have injected over $42 million in record time, and the capital inflows show no signs of slowing anytime soon.

As Solaxy moves closer to its full launch, analysts see parallels to Ethereum-based Layer-2 success stories and expect the SOLX token to produce similar or even better returns for early adopters.

Ethereum

Additionally, institutional interest is on the rise. Spot ETH ETFs attracted roughly $560 million in new capital this May, and the US SEC has given the green light for options trading on Ethereum ETFs from players like BlackRock.

With multiple tailwinds (like continuing DeFi expansion, ongoing ETH burns, and the possibility of even more regulatory breakthroughs), Ethereum remains one of the top crypto assets for both new and seasoned traders.

BTC Bull Token

BTC Bull Token (BTCBULL) is a Bitcoin-themed meme coin that has attracted massive attention during its presale, mainly because of its unique hold-to-earn BTC model.

As part of its tokenomics, BTCBULL rewards holders with actual BTC whenever Bitcoin reaches specific milestones, such as $150,000 or $200,000 for the first time. The project also implements supply burns at intermediate levels like $125,000, $175,000, and $225,000 for BTC to reduce BTCBULL’s token supply over time.

There’s even a massive community reward planned when Bitcoin reaches $250,000 for the first time. As a celebration bonus, 10% of all BTCBULL tokens will be airdropped to loyal holders.

This structure has resonated with investors who want to double-dip on Bitcoin’s potential future gains, as early supporters pour over $6.5 million into the BTCBULL token presale. The BTCBULL token is currently available for just $0.0025, allowing retail participants to buy at a discounted rate before the exchange listing.

BTCBULL also mirrors Bitcoin’s ethos with a fixed cap of 21 billion tokens (a nod to BTC’s 21 million supply). Early buyers can even stake their BTCBULL for a high annual passive yield of up to 62%.

Virtuals Protocol

Norrie and Fearnley may have never previously met on the ATP Tour, but they are well aware of each other, having trodden a similar path into the professional ranks.

The pair both played United States college tennis at Texas Christian University, with the older Norrie often going back to offer wisdom to the younger cohorts.

Norrie has been a shining example to them by maximising his abilities to forge an impressive career – reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2022 on his way into the world’s top 10.

Fearnley did not make his ATP debut until last year, turning professional shortly after completing his kinesiology degree.

At that point, he was still unranked but has since made one of the sharpest rises in ATP history.

Fearnley had not played on clay professionally until last month and a confident Norrie – who beat former world number one Daniil Medvedev in the first round – produced a confident display to win.

“I feel great – it was really tough to get there,” said Norrie.

“It was a tough match playing Jacob. He’s had an amazing season and breakthrough on the tour.”

The pair shared a warm embrace at the net after a three-hour contest played in bizarre circumstances.

Almost 50,000 football supporters were arriving at the Parc des Princes – which is over the road from Roland Garros – to watch the Champions League final on big screens.

Norrie had to abort his serve when he led 4-1 in the second-set tie-break, but refocused to secure a commanding lead.

As well as the fireworks, the players could also hear car horns tooting and police sirens during the opening two sets.

The noise subsided in the third set – as the football match’s kick-off time approached – and Norrie cruised to victory.

There’s a quiet change brewing in the crypto payments world. This is not just another blockchain buzz. SpacePay is stepping into the spotlight with a goal that might seem ambitious at first.

It is trying to outperform traditional payment systems that have been in place for decades. But once you understand what this crypto project is doing, that ambition starts to sound a lot more realistic.

SpacePay is designed to make crypto payments as easy as using cash or a card. In today’s fast-moving digital world, that’s exactly the kind of shift that could catch on quickly. Their team also launched the presale for its native token – $SPY.

As more people become comfortable with digital assets, the need for a smoother, simpler way to actually spend those assets becomes obvious.

What Makes SpacePay Different

Transaction Speed and Fees: A Clear Win for SpacePay

Privacy and Control Are Built In

Another area where SpacePay really separates itself is privacy. When you swipe a card or make a bank transfer, your data moves through centralized systems. It can be tracked, stored, and sometimes even sold.

With SpacePay, users don’t have to rely on banks. Payments are made directly from their own wallets. That means no middlemen, no stored personal information, and no chance of chargebacks. This level of user control gives people a sense of freedom and privacy that legacy systems simply can’t offer.

Easier for Merchants to Adopt

One of the reasons many businesses hesitate to accept crypto is the perceived complexity. They imagine they’ll need to learn new tools or invest in specialized devices. SpacePay eliminates that problem. The app is simple to install and works with the terminals they already have.

Even better, merchants don’t have to worry about crypto volatility. SpacePay automatically converts the payment to the local fiat currency of their choice, so they know exactly how much they’ll receive, regardless of market fluctuations.

All of this is happening behind the scenes. From the merchant’s point of view, it feels like a regular sale. That level of convenience is how crypto adoption moves from niche to mainstream.

The SPY Token Adds Another Layer

SpacePay’s SPY token also gives holders real advantages inside the SpacePay ecosystem.

If you hold SPY, you get monthly loyalty rewards for simply using the platform.

The more active you are, the more you earn. You also gain voting power, which means you can help shape the future of the project by participating in community decisions.

SPY holders are also first in line for new features. They’ll be the first to test new products, access new upgrades, and receive early perks that the general public doesn’t get.

On top of that, SpacePay has promised a revenue-sharing model. That means token holders can receive a portion of the platform’s income, creating a passive income opportunity that is directly tied to SpacePay’s growth.

There’s even a social good component. When you make donations using SPY, SpacePay will match your contributions to pre-approved charities. It’s a way for the project to not just grow in value, but also give back in meaningful ways.

The Presale Is On Now – and It Could Be Just the Beginning

The presale stage offers a chance to get involved early, before SpacePay launches more widely and potentially becomes a go-to solution for crypto payments around the world. As more users and merchants come onboard, the value of SPY could rise.

To get started, go to the official SpacePay website and connect your crypto wallet like MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or any other compatible option. You can buy SPY using ETH, BNB, USDT, MATIC, AVAX, BASE, or even a bank card.

Choose how much you want to invest, and approve the transaction. Once complete, you will become an early participant in one of the most promising crypto payment projects currently available.

       JOIN THE SPACEPAY (SPY) PRESALE NOW

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide financial advice. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, and the market can be unpredictable. Always perform thorough research before making any cryptocurrency-related decisions.

Two adults in their 40s and a teenager have been killed in a crash on the M5 in South Gloucestershire.

A second child was taken to hospital after being seriously injured when a white BMW left the northbound carriageway of the M5 at about 21:00 BST on Friday, between junction 14 at Falfield and junction 13 at Michaelwood services.

National Highways said the road was initially closed in both directions “due to the severity of the incident and complexity of the vehicle recovery”, but all carriageways had since reopened.

“No significant delays remain,” it added.

Insp Mark Vicary, of the roads policing unit, said: “Our thoughts first and foremost are with the child in hospital and loved ones who have received the most awful news overnight.

“A specially trained officer will provide them with support at this difficult time.

“Emergency services have worked throughout the night at what has proved to be a very complex scene.

“They have worked diligently and professionally to try to save life in the most tragic of circumstances.”

Insp Vicary said it had been necessary for the road closures into Saturday afternoon “to enable further collision investigation work during daylight hours”.

No fewer than 115 persons have been reported killed after a devastating flood submerged several communities in Mokwa in Niger State, North-central Nigeria.

Communities are still struggling from the impact of the severe flooding, which is believed to have been triggered by torrential rainfall and structural failures in some areas. The disaster, which struck the region on the morning of Thursday, May 29, has claimed over 100 lives so far. Residents of the area told HumAngle that the death toll is nearing 150 even as officials work to rescue more victims.

The spokesperson of Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Ibrahim Audu Hussein, told newsmen that over 3000 houses were submerged. Eyewitnesses report entire neighbourhoods submerged, forcing people to abandon their homes in search of safety. 

“There are entire families that have been almost wiped out,” Farouk Mokwa, a resident of the community, told HumAngle. “There is a family of 12, and only one person is alive. There is another family of nine, and only two people have survived so far.”

Farouk himself lost his shop, which functioned as both a chemist and a stop for people looking to buy soft drinks. The shop contained three refrigerators and goods worth millions of naira, he said. 

Rescue teams and emergency responders are on the ground to locate missing persons and provide relief to affected residents. The flooding has also cut off major roads, complicating rescue efforts and making access to food and medical supplies difficult.

So far, displaced people have sought refuge in two primary schools in Mokwa, while those with relatives in unaffected communities have trooped there in search of cover.

Mokwa serves as a commercial hub in Nigeria’s north-central region and a key point for traders and farmers from the north to the south. 

In response, President Bola Tinubu has ordered swift intervention from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to support rescue operations. Residents also said the Deputy Governor had paid a visit to the area to assess the devastation.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had issued prior warnings of potential flash floods, urging residents to take precautions. 

Nigeria faces annual devastation due to heavy rainfall, which wreaks havoc on infrastructure and is made worse by inadequate drainage systems. In September 2024, HumAngle reported how torrential rains and a dam failure in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria, led to severe flooding, claiming lives and displacing millions of residents.

Two months after the Maiduguri incident, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) revealed that in 2024, Nigeria saw one of its worst floods in decades, with significant deaths leaving 1.3 million people affected across 34 out of 36 states.

Currently, the number of residents displaced by floods in Nigeria has reached 1.2 million, with over 1000 deaths, according to NEMA.

The worsening flood crises highlight the urgent need for improved drainage infrastructure and long-term disaster management strategies to protect vulnerable communities. As relief efforts continue, affected families are in dire need of temporary shelter, clean water, and essential supplies.

In April 2025, a familiar tension resurfaced on the global trade stage. The United States, through its 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) report, criticized Indonesia’s national QR payment system, QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard), and its domestic payment network GPN for allegedly restricting access to foreign firms like Visa and Mastercard. This came at a politically sensitive moment: just as the U.S. announced a 32% reciprocal tariff on Indonesian goods—a move temporarily suspended by the Trump administration for 90 days starting April 9, 2025 (Office of the United States Trade Representative, 2025).

At the center of this trade dispute is a quiet yet transformative success story: Indonesia’s regulator-led push to unify, simplify, and democratize digital payments. While the U.S. frames QRIS as protectionist, many in the Global South see it differently. They see it as sovereignty in code form—a model where innovation doesn’t only emerge from Silicon Valley, but from sovereign policy designed with inclusion, affordability, and national interoperability at its core.

QRIS, launched in 2019 by Bank Indonesia, now boasts over 50 million users and 32 million merchants—92% of whom are MSMEs. Its impact is visible not only in transaction volumes but in the radical reshaping of Indonesia’s informal economy. Through a single interoperable QR standard, QRIS reduced barriers for small vendors, brought millions into the financial system, and enabled digital literacy at scale (Bank Indonesia, 2025; QRIS Interactive, 2025). Features like QRIS TUNTAS and QRIS Antarnegara extend its utility to ATM-like services and cross-border payments with neighboring ASEAN countries (“Riset Sukses QRIS Indonesia”, 2025).

Today, QRIS is accepted not only across Indonesia but also in partner countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei Darussalam, Japan, and South Korea. These regional agreements strengthen QRIS as a payment bridge across Asia, facilitating tourism, trade, and local currency settlements.

In contrast to the U.S. critique, QRIS represents a strategic choice to design for dignity rather than dependence. The lesson here is not anti-global—it is about asserting a model of digital governance where financial infrastructure, when governed wisely, can serve local resilience while remaining open to fair, mutually beneficial cooperation.

In fact, the Indonesian government has consistently expressed openness to global firms—including Visa and Mastercard—being part of the QRIS ecosystem. This reflects a collaborative model that embraces interoperability and innovation, as long as it aligns with the public interest and meets the nation’s inclusive development goals. The QRIS story shows that sovereignty and openness can coexist, and that digital payment systems can be built on principles of both equity and cooperation.

For the Global South, Indonesia’s QRIS success offers five strategic lessons:

1. Lead with Policy, Not Platforms: Innovation doesn’t have to be outsourced. Sovereign institutions can shape markets when they prioritize public interest over private monopolies.
2. Standardize Early to Scale Fast: Mandating one interoperable code simplified adoption, removed friction, and prevented early-stage fragmentation.
3. Subsidize the Small: By waiving merchant fees for low-value transactions, QRIS made itself indispensable to micro-enterprises.
4. Adaptation Is Innovation: QRIS kept evolving, integrating ATM functions, enabling cross-border payments, and responding to real-world behaviors.
5. Sovereignty Is Not Isolation: Building domestic rails doesn’t mean closing doors. It means entering global trade with stronger footing.
6. Data Inclusion Enables Policy Precision: By digitizing informal transactions, QRIS generates more accurate data flows across sectors. This improves transparency, tracks real-time economic activity—especially in the informal sector—and strengthens the foundation for evidence-based policymaking.

This trajectory stands in marked contrast to two other Global South giants: India and China.

In India, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), created a real-time payment system that integrates bank accounts across providers. Its success stems from similar government-led standardization, free or minimal transaction fees, and integration into flagship digital initiatives. UPI has become central to India’s financial inclusion drive, particularly among underbanked rural populations (IJFMR, 2025; NPCI, 2025).

Meanwhile in China, QR payment adoption exploded via a different route: commercial super-apps. Alipay and WeChat Pay dominated over 93% of the market by 2019, offering frictionless experiences integrated into social media and e-commerce platforms. However, their dominance led to walled gardens, until government intervention in 2017 required all non-bank QR transactions to be cleared through a centralized clearinghouse known as Wanglian (REI Journal, 2025; Toucanus Blog, 2025).

This comparison reveals not just different models, but different philosophies:

• Indonesia and India: regulator-first, interoperability by design, competition fostered between diverse providers.
• China: market-first, innovation by dominance, regulation applied retroactively to rein in systemic risk.

As financial digitalization accelerates worldwide, the choice is no longer between Silicon Valley or state control. The new frontier lies in hybrid governance models rooted in public interest, where local needs shape global partnerships. QRIS is not perfect, but it proves a crucial point: the Global South can chart its own fintech path—inclusive, interoperable, and sovereign—while still welcoming collaboration.

The key is to ensure that such collaborations are not extractive, but mutual. Interoperability with foreign systems can and should be pursued, as long as it doesn’t compromise local resilience or digital sovereignty. Rather than rejecting international cooperation, Indonesia’s QRIS shows how it can be done on equal terms—answering local priorities first.

For many nations in the Global South, digital public infrastructure like QRIS offers not just a financial tool, but a social mission. It is directly aligned with ESG and SDG narratives—advancing financial inclusion, reducing poverty, and promoting economic equity at the last mile. As such, future cooperation—whether with international firms or multilateral agencies—must serve this broader vision: technology as a lever for dignity, not dependency.

And sometimes, that path starts with a simple square of black-and-white code.

For all his faults and hubris, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy possesses one unmistakable quality: courage.

That became apparent during a memorable moment more than three years ago when Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.

A foreboding, endless column of Russian tanks and other armoured vehicles had breached the border in a pincer pattern.

In the halting face of such an intimidating display of overwhelming force, defeat seemed close by.

Kyiv looked bound to fall. Zelenskyy and company would be arrested or killed as a lethal exclamation point while Russian President Vladimir Putin installed a puppet regime to bow and obey.

The comedian turned unlikely wartime leader did not flinch. He stood his ground – on the sacred soil of Ukraine.

To reassure fretful Ukrainians, Zelenskyy posted a short video on social media featuring himself surrounded by several solemn-looking officials and cabinet ministers.

“The president is here,” he said. “We are all here … defend[ing] our independence.”

I was reminded of that remarkable scene while I read accounts over the past few months from a disparate group of Americans, including artists and academics, departing their beloved homeland in the distressing wake of President Donald Trump’s jarring return to the Oval Office.

Before I continue, I am obliged to make two instructive points.

First, by invoking Zelenskyy’s vow to remain in Ukraine despite the ominous risks, I do not mean to imply that enlightened Americans opting to forgo living and working in the United States, lack courage.

Far from it.

Each of us has confronted or will confront in due course a defining dilemma: to stay or to go.

Answering the prickly question can stir doubt and anxiety. Making a choice, regardless of the direction, is a bold act. It takes resolve to exchange the familiar for the unknown.

Second, I have avoided the word “flee” to describe why some Americans choose to emigrate due to Trump’s egregious modus operandi. “Flee” evokes impulsive panic or self-preservation, rather than thoughtful, deliberate decision-making.

Still, Zelenskyy offers a compelling example of why it is necessary to stay instead of escaping to Canada or Europe when a bully threatens the values and principles that you hold dear – fairness, truth, empathy, tolerance, justice, diversity, and intelligence.

So, enlightened Americans, I urge you to insist like Zelenskyy: We are all here.

Your presence in America to fight for its promise is a duty and responsibility.

Together, you can fashion a formidable, immovable buttress against the wretched aspects of Trumpism – its assault on facts, erosion of democratic norms, embrace of authoritarianism, and corrosive pursuit of division and fear.

This contest cannot be won remotely – far from the epicentre of the urgent battle. It has to be fought face-to-face with an uncompromising adversary and hand-in-hand with other enlightened Americans, thin on the privileges and resources that have enabled your exit.

Trumpism thrives when opposition retreats. Absence creates space for extremism to entrench itself even more deeply and widely into America’s already frayed and discordant fabric. Withdrawal only comforts the Trumpists determined to quash dissent and erase resistance through edicts, threats, and coercion.

Leaving can also be seen as an admission of defeat – a concession that an angry, ruptured country is beyond redemption or salvation.

Dynamic governance is not self-sustaining; it requires citizens to keep up the struggle, particularly when it is trying. By forsaking the arena, some enlightened Americans forfeit their ability to shape the present and the future.

In contrast, standing with and by enlightened Americans remaining behind, confirms that America belongs to all its people, not just the cartoonish characters shouting the loudest or demanding the most attention.

Trump welcomes the idea of disheartened Americans building new lives in new places because he is president. It is, I suspect, a point of pride since it suggests his vindictive agenda is working.

For Trump, the exodus of “liberal elites” or “out-of-touch” entertainers is proof that the old establishment, never subscribers to his jejune notion of America’s “greatness”, is being replaced by “authentic” patriots.

This response is, of course, symptomatic of Trump’s broader political strategy – drawing a Berlin-Wall-like line between “real” Americans – his supporters – and everyone else.

By celebrating the phenomenon of Americans parting in protest, he promotes the insidious attitude that protest is not an essential ingredient of a mature, confident nation, but a form of disloyalty.

Trump is not interested in unity or persuasion. As such, he frames his presidency as a litmus test of fidelity. If you don’t worship him, you’re encouraged to join the despondent diaspora – and, in his jaundiced view, good riddance.

Despite their arguments and reservations about resettling to avoid the depressing capitulation of major law firms, universities, and corporate media, Americans face an uncomfortable truth: walking out won’t help drive change.

Scholars and intellectuals with the mettle and means to challenge obstinate power should rejoin the fight where it counts: in classrooms, on airwaves, in town halls.

Declarations from abroad, however poignant, are not substitutes for showing up, time and again, in person to remind America that kindness, resiliency, and decency matter.

Trumpism thrives on spectacle, and few understand the potency of spectacle better than celebrities.

Many bidding America adieu did so defiantly, wielding a righteous pulpit from foreign shores. Even so, symbolism without substance is hollow.

Returning means tackling – head-on – the mess, the contradictions, the tarnished ideals of a battered nation still worth the imagination and effort.

Public figures ought to leverage their popular platforms not just to condemn, but to galvanise, to convey resistance not as elitist scorn but as shared obligation. That would impress more than a pointed opinion column in the New York Times or a thread of disparaging tweets ever could.

Zelenskyy knows that hard work is always done on the ground. This is where returnees can make a tangible difference – not as saviours parachuting in, but instead as allies to like-minded collaborators who do that hard work without notice or applause.

Trumpism may be ascendant, but it is not invincible. What it fears most is solidarity that bridges class, race, and background – solidarity that declares that America is not Donald Trump’s to disfigure or define.

The bruised and disillusioned exiles can reclaim their rightful place in that grave fray – if they come home.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.

Israel has refused to cooperate with the Ramallah meeting planned by Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE ministers.

The foreign ministers of five Arab countries who had planned to visit the occupied West Bank this weekend have condemned Israel’s decision to block their plans.

The ministers condemned “Israel’s decision to ban the delegation’s visit to Ramallah [on Sunday] to meet with the president of the State of Palestine, Mahmud Abbas”, the Jordanian foreign ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

Ministers from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were expected to take part in the meeting alongside Turkiye.

Israel late on Friday said it will not allow the meeting of Arab foreign ministers, who would have required Israeli consent to travel to the occupied West Bank from Jordan because Israel controls the Palestinian territory’s borders and airspace.

“The Palestinian Authority – which to this day refuses to condemn the October 7 massacre – intended to host in Ramallah a provocative meeting of foreign ministers from Arab countries to discuss the promotion of the establishment of a Palestinian state,” the Israeli official said late on Friday.

“Israel will not cooperate with such moves aimed at harming it and its security.”

The Israeli move came ahead of an international conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, due to be held in New York on June 17-20 to discuss the issue of Palestinian statehood.

Israel has come under increasing pressure from the United Nations and European countries which favour a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, under which an independent Palestinian state would exist alongside Israel.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that recognising a Palestinian state was not only a “moral duty but a political necessity”.

Last week, Israeli forces opened fire near a diplomatic convoy near Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, triggering an international outcry. The convoy included diplomats from the European Union, the United Kingdom, Russia and China.

The Israeli military claimed its soldiers fired “warning shots” after the group deviated from an agreed-upon route.

Israel has also allowed the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, with the government announcing plans to establish 22 new settlements, including retroactively legalising a number of unauthorised outposts.

The move has been condemned by Palestinian officials and global human rights groups.

The International Court of Justice declared last July that Israel’s longstanding occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal, and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, at least 972 Palestinians have been killed and more than 7,000 injured in attacks by the Israeli army and settlers across the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. An estimated 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7 and more than 200 were taken captive.

Since then, at least 54,381 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip and 124,054 wounded, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The Strip’s Government Media Office has updated the death toll to more than 61,700, saying thousands of people missing under the rubble are presumed dead.

At least 3,018 people displaced and 265 houses destroyed in the floods in central Nigeria as more rains are feared.

More than 150 people have been killed and thousands displaced after floods devastated parts of central Nigeria, local authorities said, as rescue teams continue to recover bodies and search for the missing.

The flooding struck the rural town of Mokwa in Niger State following torrential rains that began late on Wednesday and continued into Thursday.

The death toll has risen to 151 after more bodies were recovered nearly 10km (6 miles) from Mokwa, said Ibrahim Audu Husseini, a spokesman for the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) on Saturday.

At least 3,018 people have been displaced, while 265 houses were “completely destroyed” in the floods, he said, adding that many victims were believed to have been swept down the Niger River, warning that the toll could still rise.

President Bola Tinubu extended his condolences overnight and said search-and-rescue operations were ongoing with the support of Nigeria’s security forces.

“Relief materials and temporary shelter assistance are being deployed without delay,” he wrote in a post on social media.

“We lost everything, the families. We don’t have anywhere else to go, the property has gone,” Mohammed Tanko, a local, told Al Jazeera. “We lost at least 15 from this house.”

Another survivor said: “I escaped with only my nightdress. Right now, I can’t even identify where our home used to be.”

More rains feared

Meteorologists warn that more rain is expected in the coming days, raising fears of further flooding across the region.

Flooding is a regular threat during Nigeria’s six-month rainy season, but experts say the frequency and severity of these disasters are increasing due to climate change, unregulated construction, and poor drainage infrastructure.

“Flooding has become an annual event, between the months of April and October,” Ugonna Nkwunonwo, a flood risk analyst at the University of Nigeria, told Al Jazeera.

He warned that while flood risks have long been identified, “there has not been much political power to implement this change”.

“This flooding is a result of climate change, which is affecting the frequency and intensity of rainfall,” he said. “The amount of rain you expect in a year could probably come in one or two months, and people are not prepared for that kind of rainfall.”

Last year, more than 1,200 people died and up to two million were displaced by similar disasters across Nigeria.

“This tragic incident serves as a timely reminder of the dangers associated with building on waterways and the critical importance of keeping drainage channels and river paths clear,” the National Emergency Management Agency said in a statement.

Getty Images

Getty Images

‘Deterrence doesn’t come cheap’

‘Common sense’ vision

In the wake of the recent India-Pakistan confrontation, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s timely diplomatic mission to four friendly nations—Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan—has emerged as a significant step towards reinforcing Pakistan’s regional partnerships and showcasing its commitment to peace, cooperation, and brotherhood in a tense geopolitical climate. This carefully planned visit not only strengthened Pakistan’s ties with these brotherly nations but also sent a clear message to the world: Pakistan is not alone. It is backed by sincere, strategic, and spiritual allies who value peace, justice, and shared destiny over narrow national interests or short-term economic gains.

Each stop on this visit carried great symbolic and strategic significance. It reinforced bilateral trust, enhanced political understanding, and laid the groundwork for deeper cooperation in trade, defense, energy, culture, and regional integration. At the same time, it highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic maturity and moral high ground in contrast to India’s aggressive and isolating approach.

Turkey: Brothers in Arms and Spirit

The first leg of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s journey began in Ankara. The bond between Pakistan and Turkey is not transactional—it is historical, emotional, and spiritual. During the India-Pakistan crisis, Turkey extended its full and unwavering support to Pakistan. This support was not just political—it was moral, diplomatic, and deeply rooted in a shared sense of justice and historical brotherhood.

Turkey’s role in standing by Pakistan during the confrontation with India was instrumental in boosting Pakistan’s position internationally and deterring further Indian aggression. The people of Turkey, as always, remembered the sacrifices of Muslims in the subcontinent during the Khilafat Movement, and once again, Turkish hearts beat in unison with their Pakistani brothers.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s firm statements and diplomatic engagement during the crisis showed the world that Pakistan is not isolated. During the visit, both leaders reaffirmed their mutual commitment to strengthen cooperation in defense, trade, and strategic coordination. They emphasized joint efforts to combat Islamophobia, promote regional stability, and work for greater unity within the Muslim world.

Key Takeaway: Turkey’s support during the confrontation and the outcome of this visit reaffirmed the deep, unshakable brotherhood between the two nations. New trade and defense initiatives were discussed, and Turkey’s continued role in regional diplomacy was applauded.

Iran: A Neighbor’s Role in Pursuit of Peace

The second stop was Tehran, where Prime Minister Sharif met Iranian leadership in a warm and constructive environment. As neighboring Muslim countries, Pakistan and Iran share a border, a cultural affinity, and a common vision for regional peace. They also share a history of facing similar geopolitical pressures, especially from the Western world.

When India escalated tensions with Pakistan, Iran quickly offered to mediate—a noble and thoughtful gesture that Pakistan welcomed. Tehran’s effort to prevent further bloodshed reflected Iran’s maturity as a responsible regional actor. Unfortunately, India rejected the offer and chose to pursue aggression instead, leading to a dangerous escalation.

Despite India’s hostility, Iran stood firm in advocating peace and dialogue. Prime Minister Sharif’s meeting with Iranian leaders focused on enhancing border security, trade connectivity, and energy cooperation. Discussions also covered regional developments and the role both nations can play in promoting stability in Afghanistan and the broader Middle East.

Key Takeaway: Iran’s sincere efforts for peace were appreciated by Pakistan. The visit reinforced bilateral ties in trade, border management, and energy cooperation, and set a tone for greater regional coordination in times of crisis.

Azerbaijan: Strategic Ally, Loyal Friend

The third destination was Baku, where a deeply significant and emotional welcome awaited the Pakistani delegation. Azerbaijan and Pakistan share an extraordinary relationship grounded in shared religion, culture, and history. Both nations have stood shoulder to shoulder on every major issue—be it the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict or the Kashmir dispute.

Azerbaijan vocally supported Pakistan during the confrontation with India, dismissing diplomatic pressure and economic blackmail. The visit highlighted the two countries’ strategic convergence, and both leaders committed to expanding ties in defense, energy, and connectivity.

The highlight of this leg of the tour was the trilateral summit between Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. This landmark meeting was a symbol of Islamic unity and mutual support. The three nations discussed deeper integration in areas such as trade, technology, security, and cultural exchange. It was a bold display of a united front of Muslim nations determined to support each other and promote peace and justice globally.

Key Takeaway: Azerbaijan’s rock-solid support for Pakistan and the trilateral summit marked a new era of cooperation. It emphasized the rise of new regional alliances based on trust, respect, and shared values.

Tajikistan: Heart of Central Asia, Partner in Progress

The final stop was Dushanbe, where Prime Minister Sharif met with Tajikistan’s leadership. The visit reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening ties with Central Asian states, particularly with Tajikistan—a country linked to Pakistan by geography, religion, language, and shared challenges.

Pakistan and Tajikistan have long enjoyed warm relations, but the visit added renewed momentum to bilateral cooperation. Both leaders discussed expanding trade routes, especially through Gwadar and Central Asia, improving energy connectivity, and strengthening cultural and educational exchanges.

Tajikistan’s support for regional peace and dialogue aligned closely with Pakistan’s vision. The two countries also explored opportunities in hydropower, climate resilience, and people-to-people contact.

Key Takeaway: The visit to Tajikistan strengthened Pakistan’s vision of regional connectivity. It highlighted the strategic importance of Central Asia and reaffirmed that Pakistan is a gateway for the region’s economic growth and stability.

India’s Punitive Response: A Miscalculation?

India’s reaction to the support extended by Turkey and Azerbaijan to Pakistan was sadly predictable. New Delhi announced punitive measures targeting both nations in trade, tourism, and diplomatic relations. This was an attempt to coerce them into silence and dissuade others from supporting Pakistan.

However, this strategy has already shown signs of failure. Turkey and Azerbaijan, guided by principles, did not succumb to pressure. They chose friendship, morality, and shared destiny over economic convenience. Their leaders made it clear: they stand with Pakistan because it is right, not because it is easy.

This tactic is not new for India. It previously attempted to punish the Maldives for not aligning with its foreign policy goals. It urged Indian tourists and businesses to boycott the island nation. Yet, the Maldivian economy remained stable and even grew stronger with support from new partners. The world is watching and learning that using economic pressure to silence moral voices rarely works.

Will India harm Turkey and Azerbaijan? It may try—but it is unlikely to succeed. Both nations have resilient economies, strong alternative partnerships, and, above all, moral clarity. Their alignment with Pakistan is a principled stance, not a temporary convenience. Their message is clear: friendship cannot be bought or bullied.

A Vision for the Future

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s visit came at a critical moment in the region’s history. The India-Pakistan confrontation risked igniting a broader crisis. But Pakistan chose dialogue, solidarity, and diplomacy. By visiting these four friendly nations, the Prime Minister demonstrated Pakistan’s peaceful intent and diplomatic strength.

Short-term outcomes include:

Stronger bilateral ties and renewed political trust.

Agreements on trade, defense cooperation, and connectivity.

Unified diplomatic messages against regional aggression.

Long-term impacts may include:

Creation of a new regional bloc focused on Muslim unity and cooperation.

Enhanced regional trade corridors linking South Asia with Central Asia and the Middle East.

A more peaceful and balanced geopolitical landscape where mutual respect prevails.

A Diplomatic Triumph

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s diplomatic tour was a message of peace, friendship, and regional cooperation. At a time when aggression could have escalated into catastrophe, Pakistan chose the path of solidarity, dialogue, and unity. The visit to Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan was not only a reassurance to Pakistan’s friends—it was a strategic recalibration of regional alliances in favor of cooperation over confrontation.

In this ever-evolving geopolitical landscape, nations that choose principles over pressure, and friendship over fear, will shape the future. Pakistan, with its four loyal partners, has taken a bold and commendable step in that direction.

Let us hope the message of this tour echoes far and wide: peace is possible, unity is powerful, and true friendship cannot be intimidated.