June 21, 2025

Israel continues to kill Palestinians in Gaza, block aid Trump exaggerated impact of US strikes: Khamenei 239 children dead in El Fasher as RSF siege starves Darfur Canada resumes US trade talks after dropping tech tax Japan launches satellite to monitor climate

* Israel's genocidal war claims more Palestinian lives in Gaza * Terror attack in Pakistan kills 13 soldiers * Iran warns of ‘crushing’ response if attacked again * Iran bars UN nuclear chief, halts surveillance at nuclear sites * Türkiye eyes active role in Antarctica's future

* Israel kills more Palestinians in Gaza amid truce calls * Gaza ceasefire could be reached 'next week': Trump * Iran holds state funeral for top brass killed by Israel * Rwanda, DRC sign peace agreement in Washington * Development Road Project expected to generate over $50B: Erdogan

Gaza in 'catastrophic situation of genocide' — Spain "Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called the situation in Gaza a ""genocide,"" urging the European Union to suspend its cooperation agreement with Israel. His comments come as Gaza rescuers report Israeli forces have killed 76 more residents in ongoing assaults. Meanwhile, EU leaders have expressed deep concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis and mounting civilian deaths, calling on Israel to lift its blockade on the besieged enclave. " It's not working': Israeli opposition leader calls for end to Gaza genocide " Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has called the ongoing war in Gaza a failure, saying it ""has reached a dead end"" and urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to end the carnage. In a post on X, Lapid said, “What we are doing in Gaza is not working. The war has reached a stalemate.” He stressed the need to shift focus toward securing the release of captives and called on the leadership to change strategy." Trump says US-China inked trade deal, offers no details "US President Donald Trump announced the United States signed a trade deal with China, though no details have been released. Speaking at a White House event, Trump said, “We just signed with China...,” highlighting it as a step toward opening up the Chinese market. He added that the agreement includes developments that “never really could have happened” before." DRC and Rwanda to sign peace deal in US amid doubts over impact "Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are set to sign a peace agreement in Washington to end years of deadly conflict in eastern DRC. The deal follows months of US-led diplomacy under the Trump administration, which has hailed it as a major achievement. However, concerns remain over the agreement’s vague terms and the political and economic motives behind it." Russia confirms Istanbul remains as venue for Ukraine talks "Istanbul remains the venue for negotiations between Moscow and Kiev, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has confirmed. Responding to a question at a press briefing in Moscow, Zakharova said the timing of the next round will be determined by the heads of delegations. Zakharova also thanked Türkiye for its hospitality and continuous facilitation of the negotiation process. "

Israel kills over 100 Palestinians in Gaza "Israel has killed more than 100 Palestinians in last 24 hours, including many aid seekers, and wounded hundreds others in besieged Gaza. Meanwhile,the UN agency for Palestinian refugees has warned that Palestinians in Gaza face a severe water crisis threatening them with death from thirst, as Israeli strikes and fuel restrictions have crippled the enclave's water infrastructure. " Trump open to Iran nuclear talks " President Donald Trump has said the United States will hold talks with Iran over its nuclear programme next week, following a 12-day conflict with Israel that drew in the US and left hundreds dead and wounded. Trump claimed recent US air strikes had led to the ""total obliteration"" of Iran's nuclear capabilities, setting the programme back ""decades"". He added that the ceasefire he announced earlier in the week was ""going very well."" However, a leaked US intelligence assessment seen by American media suggested the strikes may have delayed Iran's nuclear efforts by only a few months." Israeli military, illegal Zionist settlers kill four Palestinians in occupied West Bank "Israeli military and illegal Zionist settlers have killed at least four Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Three Palestinians were killed in Kafr Malik, a village northeast of Ramallah, where dozens of illegal Israeli settlers stormed the area, set vehicles on fire and attacked residents. At least seven others were wounded, including one person in critical condition." Kenya protests turn deadly "Sixteen protesters were killed and at least 400 wounded, with 83 in serious condition, following protests across Kenya. A rights group said most were killed by police. Protests raged across at least 23 counties and coincided with the first anniversary of demonstrations opposing tax hikes that left 60 people dead and 20 others missing." Zelenskyy seeks to buy US air defence systems "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he had discussed buying US air-defence systems with President Donald Trump during their meeting on the sidelines of NATO's summit in The Hague. He added that Kiev was ready to buy this equipment and support American weapons manufacturers and the two leaders have also discussed a potential joint drone production. "

Palestinian resistance fighters kill seven Israeli occupation soldiers in Gaza " Palestinian resistance fighters have killed seven Israeli occupation soldiers in Gaza. Israel has confirmed the deaths saying an Israeli officer and six soldiers were killed during fighting in the southern Gaza. Meanwhile medics in Gaza have said that at least 50 Palestinians , most of whom were trying to reach food aid, were killed by Israeli gunfire on Tuesday. " Fighting with Iran leaves Israel facing deep financial impact "Israel is facing a staggering economic toll after its 12-day conflict with Iran, with war-related expenses soaring past $5 billion in the first week alone. The Wall Street Journal reported that the daily cost of anti-missile air systems ranged from $10 million to $200 million for Israel. Daily military costs hit $725 million, mostly for offensive operations. Experts estimate the total damage could reach $20 billion when factoring in economic disruptions. Over 10,000 Israelis fled their homes, and over 36,000 sought compensation. With deficits widening, the government is considering spending cuts, tax hikes, or borrowing, potentially threatening a sharp rise in public debt." US to give $30 million to controversial Gaza aid group "The US is giving $30 million to a controversial humanitarian group delivering aid in war-torn Gaza despite grave concerns among several US officials about the month-old operation and the killing of Palestinians near food distribution sites. Washington has backed the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation diplomatically, but this is the first known US government financial contribution to the organisation, which uses private US military and logistics firms to transport aid into Gaza for distribution at so-called ""secure sites.""" Don't expect further American offensive: Trump tells Netanyahu "After US strikes on Iran, US President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to expect further American offensive military action. A senior White House official said Trump phoned Netanyahu after the American bombing on Sunday and told him not to expect additional US military attacks and that he should seek a diplomatic solution with Iran, " Zohran Mamdani wins New York Democratic Mayoral primary " Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, is leading New York's Democratic primary, and if elected, he would become the city's first Muslim mayor. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded defeat in the New York City Democratic primary, well-positioning front-runner Zohran Mamdani to become the city's first Muslim mayor. Mamdani has gained support from voters by focusing on bread-and-butter issues, particularly housing affordability and the rising cost of living in America's most populous city. "

Trump announces Israel-Iran ceasefire "US President Donald Trump declared that Israel and Iran had agreed to a phased ceasefire starting Tuesday at 0400 GMT, aiming to end nearly two weeks of fierce hostilities. Trump hailed the deal as the end of “The 12 Day War.” However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied a formal truce, insisting Tehran would halt retaliation only if Israel ceased attacks. Trump's ceasefire announcement came after Iran had threatened and launched missile attacks on the largest US military base in Qatar. According to Iranian media, the latest barrage of missiles was launched just before the ceasefire came into effect." Iran can no longer build a nuclear weapon: US "US Vice President JD Vance declared that Iran is now “incapable” of producing a nuclear weapon, after US strikes destroyed key nuclear infrastructure. “We are now in a place we weren’t a week ago,” Vance told Fox News. His remarks followed President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire with Iran—ending the fierce 12-Day War. Washington now frames this as both a crippling blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and a fresh opening for Middle East diplomacy." NGOs demand GHF aid group stop deadly Gaza operations "More than a dozen human rights groups have sounded alarm over the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, urging it to halt operations amid chaotic and deadly aid distribution strategy. In a scathing open letter, 15 organisations condemned the US-backed and Israel-controlled group’s approach as a dangerous departure from traditional humanitarian efforts, accusing it of fueling displacement and risking war crimes. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes near Beit Lahia and Gaza City have killed at least eight Palestinian aid seekers and wounded several others. " Spain urges EU to suspend trade, embargo arms to Israel "Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has urged the European Union to take swift, bold action by suspending the EU-Israel trade agreement and imposing an arms embargo on Israel over its genocidal war on the Palestinian enclave of Gaza. Speaking ahead of a Brussels meeting, Albares called for sanctions against those undermining the two-state solution, stressing that upholding Europe’s core values is non-negotiable. " Türkiye's comms chief warns of rising info warfare, foreign meddling "At a high-profile panel in Amsterdam ahead of the NATO Summit, Turkish Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun spotlighted Türkiye’s crucial role in global and regional security. Calling Türkiye “a key to peace and justice,” Altun emphasised the country’s deep involvement in NATO missions and its diplomatic efforts. He also warned about evolving threats, highlighting the rise of information warfare and foreign interference as urgent challenges for the alliance’s future security and stability."

Uranium stockpile untouched after US strikes on nuclear sites: Iran "A senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has said that the country's enriched uranium stockpile remains intact despite recent US air strikes on nuclear sites. Ali Shamkhani, a key figure in Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the attacks failed to damage Iran’s nuclear capabilities. “Even if nuclear sites are destroyed, the game isn’t over. Enriched materials, indigenous knowledge, and political will remain,” he wrote on X." Trump seeks 'peace' deal with Tehran after Iran strikes: report "US President Donald Trump reportedly has no plans to continue military strikes against Iran and is instead pursuing a peace agreement, Axios reported, citing an unnamed American official. Trump informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the outcome following strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and expressed his preference for diplomacy. An Israeli official confirmed Washington's stance, saying, “the Americans made it clear to us they want to close this round,” according to the report." Israel continues to kill Palestinions in Gaza "Israeli forces have killed at least 31 more Palestinians and wounded dozens in Gaza, according to local medics. While global attention is focused on the Israel-Iran conflict, Tel Aviv continues its deadly war in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel is also quietly intensifying its occupation of the West Bank." Türkiye, UN condemn deadly church attack in Damascus, call for unity against terrorism "Türkiye and the UN have condemned a deadly suicide bombing at Mar Elias Church in Damascus that killed at least 20 and wounded 52, calling for unity against terrorism. UN envoy Geir Pedersen urged a full investigation into the Daesh-claimed attack, which targeted worshippers during mass. Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry denounced the assault as an attempt to destabilise Syria and disrupt social cohesion." Oil prices surge after Tehran mulls shutting Strait of Hormuz "Oil prices surge after US air strikes on Iranian nuclear sites raised fears of broader conflict and energy disruption. Brent crude and US West Texas Intermediate jumped over 4%, as tensions mount over the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil corridor. Iran’s parliament has approved closing the strait in response to US and Israeli attacks on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan."

* Trump claims US strikes hit Iran nuclear sites * Iran slams US strike as illegal act of aggression * World leaders divided over US strikes on Iran * Defiant Khalil vows to keep speaking for Palestine * Erdogan warns against ‘new Sykes-Picot’ amid regional turmoil

* Iran, Israel trade strikes; Trump dismisses nuke intel * Arab leaders urge global action to stop Israeli attacks * Israeli bombs kill dozens of Palestinians in fresh Gaza strikes * Trump hails major DRC-Rwanda peace agreement * Türkiye pursues diplomacy to stabilise Caucasus, region: Erdogan