June 18, 2024

Half million Palestinians at 'worst hunger level' due to Israel's Gaza war https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/half-million-palestinians-at-worst-hunger-level-due-to-israels-gaza-war-18176796 Almost half a million people are experiencing "catastrophic" hunger in Gaza, according to a United Nations-backed assessment. The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, partnership said that around 495,000 people — around 22 percent of the Gaza population — are still facing "catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity". This is also known as IPC Phase 5: the worst hunger rating. *) Every day, 10 Gaza children lose one or both legs due to Israel's war — UN https://trtworld.com/middle-east/every-day-10-gaza-children-lose-one-or-both-legs-due-to-israels-war-un-18176961 Ten children per day are losing one or both of their legs in Israel's genocidal war in besieged Gaza, the head of the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees said. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini cited figures from the UN children's agency UNICEF and said amputations often take place in "horrible conditions", without anaesthesia. He said that figure "does not even include arms and hands,” of which there are many more cases. *) Australia awaits Assange's arrival after US guilty plea https://trtworld.com/australia/australia-awaits-assanges-arrival-after-us-guilty-plea-18176954 WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has walked free from a court on the US Pacific island territory of Saipan in a deal that allowed him to head straight home to Australia. During the three-hour hearing, Assange pleaded guilty to one criminal count of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified national defence documents. He said he had believed the US Constitution's First Amendment, which protects free speech, shielded his activities. *) ICC issues arrest warrants for Russian military chief, ex-defence minister https://www.trtworld.com/europe/icc-issues-arrest-warrants-for-russian-military-chief-ex-defence-minister-18176787 The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for former Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu and General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov. The ICC said the decision was made after an investigation into alleged international crimes committed in Ukraine between October 2022 and March 2023. Shoygu and Gerasimov are accused of ordering attacks on civilian infrastructure, as well as committing crimes against humanity of inhumane acts. And finally… *) Trump leads in voter confidence on economy, Biden preferred for democracy https://trtworld.com/us-and-canada/trump-leads-in-voter-confidence-on-economy-biden-preferred-for-democracy-18176973 US voters see Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump as the better candidate for the economy, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll has found. The same vote on Tuesday showed that US President Joe Biden scored better with his approach on preserving democracy. The poll shows that less than five months before the November election, the electorate is divided on the candidates' approach to issues that respondents view as the country’s top problems.

Netanyahu torpedoes Biden's truce deal, vows to continue war on Gaza https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/netanyahu-torpedoes-bidens-truce-deal-vows-to-continue-war-on-gaza-18176539 The US-backed proposal to end Israel's war on Gaza is in doubt after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would only be willing to agree to a "partial" ceasefire deal that would not end the war. In an interview, Netanyahu stated he is open to a limited deal to free some of the hostages. However, he insisted the war would continue after a pause. Netanyahu's comments sharply contrast with the deal outlined by US President Joe Biden last month. *) Blinken tells Israel's Gallant to ease tensions with Hezbollah https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-blinken-tells-israels-gallant-to-ease-tensions-with-hezbollah-18176540 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to avoid escalation with Hezbollah amid Israel's ongoing war on Gaza. Blinken stressed protecting humanitarian workers in Gaza and seeking a diplomatic resolution to prevent further conflict. This comes as Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu threatened a military invasion of Lebanon. *) Israel turns Greek Cypriots into its logistics base — Turkish FM https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/israel-turns-greek-cypriots-into-its-logistics-base-turkish-fm-18176532 Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has raised alarms over escalating tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, focusing on threats from Greek Cypriots. Fidan warned against using southern Cyprus as a base for operations against Gaza, stating it would not benefit the Greek Cypriot administration. He urged regional actors to recognise the seriousness of the situation and to prevent further militarisation in the region. *) Kenya troops leave Nairobi to start mission in gang-hit Haiti https://www.trtworld.com/content/article/kenya-troops-leave-nairobi-to-start-mission-in-gang-hit-haiti-18176551 A Kenyan force has left Nairobi to lead a multinational mission addressing gang violence in Haiti, according to Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki. About 400 police officers departed Nairobi on Monday night aboard Kenya Airways. The group comprises elite officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit, General Service Unit, Administration Police, and Kenya Police. And finally… *) NASA scraps planned spacewalk after astronaut suit malfunction A NASA spacewalk at the International Space Station (ISS) was abruptly ended when water began leaking from one of the astronauts' spacesuits inside the airlock. NASA called off the spacewalk on Monday after astronaut Tracy Dyson reported water squirting from her spacesuit's cooling system. The leak occurred as Dyson switched her suit to battery power before floating outside the station. Despite the incident, astronauts Mike Barratt and Tracy Dyson were reported safe and not in immediate danger, according to NASA. https://www.trtworld.com/science-and-tech/nasa-scraps-planned-spacewalk-after-astronaut-suit-malfunction-18176553

*) Israel preparing for multi-front war — Netanyahu https://trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israel-prepared-for-multi-front-war-netanyahu-18176229 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel is preparing to change the situation on its border with Lebanon. Speaking to Israel’s Channel 14 about the possibility of a full-scale war with the Lebanese Hezbollah group, Netanyahu said if necessary, Israeli forces “can fight on several fronts.” Regarding Israel’s war in Gaza, he said the phase of intense fighting is nearing an end, but that the war will not end until Hamas no longer controls the enclave. *) Death toll rises in Russia's Dagestan region after militant attack https://trtworld.com/europe/death-toll-rises-in-russias-dagestan-region-after-militant-attack-18176196 More than 15 policemen and several civilians, including an Orthodox priest, have been killed by armed militants in Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan. The gunmen opened fire on two Orthodox churches, a synagogue and a police post in two cities, according to the authorities. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were declared days of mourning in the region. *) Over 1,300 die in hottest Hajj, mostly unlisted pilgrims — Saudi Arabia https://trtworld.com/middle-east/over-1300-die-in-hottest-hajj-mostly-unlisted-pilgrims-saudi-arabia-18176218 Saudi Arabia has said that more than 1,300 faithful died during the Hajj pilgrimage during intense heat, and most of the deceased did not have official permits. The dead came from more than 10 countries stretching from the United States to Indonesia, and some governments are continuing to update their totals. Diplomats say the cause of death in most cases was heat-related. Temperatures in Mecca this year climbed as high as 51.8 degrees Celsius, according to Saudi Arabia's national meteorological centre. *) Iran, Bahrain signal thaw in relations after years of strain https://trtworld.com/middle-east/iran-bahrain-signal-thaw-in-relations-after-years-of-strain-18176228 Bahrain and Iran have agreed to start talks aimed at resuming diplomatic relations between the two countries. This is according to Bahrain's state news agency. During a meeting in Tehran, the foreign ministers reportedly agreed to establish mechanisms to mend ties after eight years of regional hiatus. And finally… *) UAE to partner with UN to aid Sudan, South Sudan https://www.trtworld.com/africa/uae-to-partner-with-un-to-aid-sudan-south-sudan-18176226 The United Arab Emirates has signed an agreement with the UN World Food Programme to contribute $25 million in emergency food assistance. The assistance will be provided to those directly affected by the crises in Sudan and South Sudan, including refugees and displaced people by the war. Since mid-April 2023, the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been engaged in a war that has killed nearly 15,000 people and displaced around 8.5 million, according to the UN.

*) 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.

*) 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.

*) 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.