May 20, 2024

*) Blinken calls Israeli officials to discuss Gaza ceasefire deal https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-blinken-calls-israeli-officials-to-discuss-gaza-ceasefire-deal-18169087 The US State Department said the Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called top Israeli officials to discuss a proposed deal for a truce in Gaza. According to statements, Blinken spoke with the Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz and the Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant. In both calls, he "commended" Israel for the proposal and said the onus was on Hamas to agree. *) Exit polls indicate Sheinbaum wins historic Mexican presidential race https://www.trtworld.com/latin-america/exit-polls-indicate-sheinbaum-wins-historic-mexican-presidential-race-18169100 According to exit polls in Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum is set to be elected the country’s first woman president. A polling firm said the ruling party candidate won around 58 percent of the votes, against 29 percent for her main opposition rival. Sheinbaum’s win is seen as a milestone in Mexico after a history of gender-based violence. *) South Africa's Ramaphosa urges parties to unite after ANC loses majority https://www.trtworld.com/africa/south-africas-ramaphosa-urges-parties-to-unite-after-anc-loses-majority-18169070 South Africans voted for national and provincial lawmakers in an election in which the governing party fell short of a majority for the first time. South Africa’s president urged political parties to find common ground, overcome their differences, and work together for the country's good. President Cyril Ramaphosa said: "Our people expect all parties to work together within the framework of our Constitution and address whatever challenges we encounter peacefully." *) Clashes renew between Sudan's army and RSF paramilitaries https://www.trtworld.com/africa/clashes-renew-between-sudans-army-and-rsf-paramilitaries-18169090 Violent clashes broke out between the Sudanese army and members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum, Al Jazirah and White Nile states and in the city of El Fasher. Eyewitnesses said the army conducted air strikes on RSF gathering centres near a petroleum refinery north of Khartoum, resulting in thick columns of smoke rising. And finally… *) Turkish amputee team protest Gaza massacres after 6-0 win over Israel https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/turkish-amputee-team-protest-gaza-massacres-after-6-0-win-over-israel-18169067 The Turkish National Amputee Football Team defeated the Israeli team 6-0 in the 2024 European championship match in France. The Turkish team who refused to shake hands with their Israeli opponents, protested Israel’s brutal war on Gaza and dedicated the win to the Palestinian people.

Jury convicts Donald Trump on all 34 charges in hush money trial https://www.trtworld.com/us-and-canada/jury-convicts-donald-trump-on-all-34-charges-in-hush-money-trial-18168112 Donald Trump has become the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes. A New York jury found Trump guilty of falsifying business records in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through hush money payments to an adult movie actress. The verdict from the 12-person jury convicted Trump on all 34 counts after deliberating for 9.5 hours. *) Recognising Palestine generates positive momentum — Norway’s ambassador https://www.trtworld.com/europe/recognising-palestine-generates-positive-momentum-norways-ambassador-18167646 The recognition of an independent Palestinian state strengthens the idea of the two-state solution to the longstanding issue of Israeli occupation of Palestinian land, Norway’s ambassador to Türkiye told TRT World. Andreas Gaarder said “the intention is to contribute to creating a momentum and also to signal to the world community that this is an important issue that needs to be solved and it needs to be solved now.” Gaarder said Oslo has been involved in “hectic diplomatic activity” in Brussels in the past few days, while strongly advocating for the end of Israel’s brutal war on Gaza and for long-lasting peace in the region. *) NY hospital fires nurse for Gaza ‘genocide’ reference during award speech https://www.trtworld.com/discrimination/ny-hospital-fires-nurse-for-gaza-genocide-reference-during-award-speech-18167836 A nurse at New York University Langone Medical Center has been fired for referring to the “genocide” in Gaza during a speech accepting an award earlier this month. Hesen Jabr, a Palestinian American labour and delivery nurse, drew a link between her work and the suffering of mothers in Gaza. Jabr said after the speech, she was “dragged” to an office and was handed her termination letter for putting “others at risk” and “offending people.” *) NATO discusses allowing Ukraine to use Western arms to strike inside Russia https://www.trtworld.com/europe/nato-discusses-allowing-ukraine-to-use-western-arms-to-strike-inside-russia-18168072 NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg pushed at the start of a meeting of the alliance’s foreign ministers to let Ukraine use Western weapons to strike inside Russia. Ukraine has been pressing its supporters, led by the United States, to allow it to use the longer-range weaponry it supplies to hit targets on Russian soil. Some countries including Britain and the Netherlands say Kiev has the right to use their weapons to strike military targets in Russia. And finally… *) Efes-2024 exercise based on peacekeeping, no country targeted: Erdogan https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/efes-2024-exercise-based-on-peacekeeping-no-country-targeted-erdogan-18167900 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that the Turkish military’s ongoing Efes-2024 drill is based on peacekeeping. In an address to the military during the exercise in Izmir province, the Turkish president said that “no country is targeted within the scope of the Efes-2024 drill.” Erdogan said Türkiye has the opportunity to use the new domestic systems that have entered the inventory during the ongoing drill.

*) China’s Xi Jinping calls for Israel-Palestine peace summit https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-chinas-xi-jinping-calls-for-israel-palestine-peace-summit-18167728 The Chinese president has called for a peace conference on Israel’s war on besieged Gaza as he addressed Arab leaders and diplomats at a forum in Beijing. This week, China is hosting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el Sisi and several other Arab leaders for a forum at which discussions on the war in Gaza are expected. Addressing the delegations, the president said China supported a “broad-based” peace conference to resolve the conflict. *) No country is safe unless Israel is made to abide by int’l law: Erdogan https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/no-country-is-safe-unless-israel-is-made-to-abide-by-intl-law-erdogan-18167436 No country is safe unless Israel abides by international law, according to the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The Turkish president was referring to Israel’s actions in Palestine’s Gaza which have been ongoing for more than seven months despite rulings and resolutions against it. Erdogan said: “A bare-knuckled Israel is a threat not only to Palestine or Gaza but also to global peace and humanity as a whole.” *) ‘Finish Them!’: Haley inscribes genocidal message on Biden’s bomb to Israel https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/finish-them-haley-inscribes-genocidal-message-on-bidens-bomb-to-israel-18167719 Nikki Haley, the former Republican presidential contender, has sparked global outrage after writing “Finish Them!” for the Palestinians of Gaza on an Israeli artillery shell during a visit to Israel. An image of Haley crouched in front of pallets of America-supplied shells, writing with a marker on one, was shared on social media by an Israeli politician and former ambassador to the United Nations. Haley finished her inscription with a note that “America loves Israel always” with a heart emoji, and was quickly slammed for the message. *) Women lead Mexico’s presidential race to historic final https://www.trtworld.com/americas/women-lead-mexicos-presidential-race-to-historic-final-18167740 Campaigning to be Mexico’s next president has reached a climax with two women leading the race for the first time in the Latin American nation. A woman appears almost certain to be elected leader of the world’s most populous Spanish-speaking country when millions of Mexicans vote on Sunday. Both the women have dominated the presidential race, in a dramatic change for a country with long-standing gender inequality. *) India’s New Delhi records highest-ever temperature of 49.9°C https://www.trtworld.com/climate/indias-new-delhi-records-highest-ever-temperature-of-499degreec-18167344 Temperatures in India’s capital have soared to a record-high 49.9 degrees Celsius as authorities warn of water shortages in the sprawling mega-city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), which reported “severe heat-wave conditions,” recorded the temperatures on Tuesday at two New Delhi suburbs stations, Narela and Mungeshpur. The weather bureau said the temperatures were nine degrees higher than expected.

Algeria proposes UNSC resolution calling for truce in Gaza https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-algeria-proposes-unsc-resolution-calling-for-truce-in-gaza-18167320 Algeria has circulated a proposed UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and ordering Israel to halt its military invasion in the southern city of Rafah immediately. The draft resolution also demands that the ceasefire be respected by all parties and calls for the immediate release of all hostages. Additionally, the draft demands compliance with previous council resolutions that call for the opening of all border crossings and humanitarian access to Gaza's 2.4 million people who desperately need food and other aid. *) Prosecutor seeks guilty verdict in Trump trial, citing powerful evidence https://www.trtworld.com/us-and-canada/prosecutor-seeks-guilty-verdict-in-trump-trial-citing-powerful-evidence-18167314 In the closing arguments at the first-ever criminal trial of a former US president, prosecutors stated that Donald Trump engaged in a "conspiracy and a cover-up" to conceal hush money payments to an adult movie star. Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass delivered the prosecution's summation, urging the jury to disregard distractions and focus on the evidence. Steinglass argued that the prosecution had presented compelling evidence of Trump's guilt. *) Turkish universities to welcome academics from West who oppose Israel’s war https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/turkish-universities-to-welcome-academics-from-west-who-oppose-israels-war-18167339 The president of Türkiye’s Council of Higher Education has announced that the doors of Turkish universities are open to academics and students from Western educational institutions who lost their jobs for opposing Israel’s massacres in Gaza. The announcement was made at the opening of a conference titled “Gaza Genocide Attempt: Tellings of an Eyewitness” at the Social Sciences University of Ankara. The conference was presented by Ghassan Abu Sitta, the Palestinian rector of Glasgow University, who volunteered as a doctor during Israel's siege of Gaza and was prevented from talking about his experiences in some European countries. *) Kenya begins holding public hearings into alleged abuses by UK troops https://www.trtworld.com/africa/gunmen-kill-multiple-civilians-abduct-dozens-in-central-nigeria-official-18166913 Kenya has launched public hearings to investigate allegations of human rights violations and abuses of power by British troops stationed in the former colony. The sessions will examine accusations of mistreatment, torture, unlawful detention, and killings, according to a circular issued by the lower house of parliament. British soldiers stationed in the country have faced accusations of serious offences, including murder. And finally… *) Colombia moves to become latest South American country to ban bullfighting https://www.trtworld.com/latin-america/colombia-moves-to-become-latest-south-american-country-to-ban-bullfighting-18167325 Colombia's congress has passed a bill banning bullfighting, a popular yet controversial pastime in the South American country with hundreds of events drawing thousands of spectators every year. If approved by President Gustavo Petro, who has in the past supported restrictions on bullfighting, the ban will come into effect in 2027. The lower house gave the bill the green light with a 93 to 2 vote.

*) Israel bombs Palestinian shelters in Rafah, leaving dozens dead Israeli forces have targeted tents of displaced Palestinians near the UNRWA headquarters in northwestern Rafah, resulting in numerous casualties, according to the Palestine Red Crescent. The attacks have claimed the lives of at least 30 people and left dozens more injured. Gaza's civil defence agency corroborated these reports, highlighting the severe impact on an area sheltering approximately 100,000 displaced Palestinians. *) Israel's actions in Gaza are collective punishment: ICC chief prosecutor International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan said that Israel is imposing collective punishment on Gaza, emphasising that no one has immunity to commit war crimes or crimes against humanity. In an interview with the British newspaper The Sunday Times, Khan discussed the reactions following his move to seek arrest warrants for members of the Palestinian group Hamas and senior Israeli officials. *) Death toll from Russian strike on hypermarket in Ukraine's Kharkiv rises The death toll from a Russian air strike on a hypermarket in Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv rose to 16, local authorities have said. Earlier in the day, the authorities said 12 people were killed in the attack, which targeted a local hypermarket and damaged a furniture store and a shopping centre. They claimed that the strike was carried out using two guided bombs. *) France ends New Caledonia state of emergency, more forces arrive Seven more mobile force units will soon arrive as reinforcements in New Caledonia, the Elysee said in a statement, also indicating a state of emergency would end as planned, in the French Pacific territory on Tuesday morning. Seven people have been killed, hundreds arrested and large numbers of buildings and cars destroyed in a fortnight of upheaval, triggered by a contested electoral reform and fueled by sharp economic disparities between the indigenous Kanak population and people of European background. *) Seven young elephants drown in Sri Lanka Wildlife authorities in Sri Lanka found seven carcasses of young elephants believed to have drowned in the biggest single loss of the animals in five years. Sri Lanka's wild elephant population has dwindled to just over 7,000 down from an estimated 12,000 at the beginning of the last century.

*) Iran preliminary report indicates no foul play in Raisi's helicopter crash https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/iran-preliminary-report-indicates-no-foul-play-in-raisis-helicopter-crash-18165759 Iranian Armed Forces have released a preliminary report on the investigation into the president’s helicopter crash. Preliminary evaluation indicates that the helicopter continued on its predetermined route without altering its flight path. According to the report, the helicopter caught fire after the crash, and no traces of gunfire or similar damage were found. *) More than 100 people killed by a landslide in Papua New Guinea https://www.trtworld.com/climate/more-than-100-people-killed-by-a-landslide-in-papua-new-guinea-18165763 A massive landslide has struck Papua New Guinea's highlands, with many feared dead, according to local officials in the region. The disaster hit a village, in Papua New Guinea's remote Enga province, at around 3:00 am local time. The provincial governor said the landslide had caused "loss of life and property". *) Growing recognition of Palestine isolating Israel and allies: Turkish FM https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/growing-recognition-of-palestine-isolating-israel-and-allies-turkish-fm-18165720 Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said, "The increasing number of countries recognising Palestine is isolating Israel and its supporters more and more." Speaking at a joint press conference with the Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Fidan said, "It is time for the international community to set aside its silence and take steps to stop the genocide perpetrated by Israel's racist and fundamentalist regime.” *) China says drills around Taiwan test 'seizure of power' capability https://www.trtworld.com/asia/china-says-drills-around-taiwan-test-seizure-of-power-capability-18165753 After days into Taiwan's new leader being sworn in, the Eastern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army stated that China's military has commenced its second day of war games around Taiwan. The group's spokesman noted that the two-day exercises are testing the 'capability of joint seizure of power, joint strikes, and control of key territories'. And finally… *) Directors at Cannes: Palestinian films 'more important than ever' https://www.trtworld.com/arts-and-culture/directors-at-cannes-palestinian-films-more-important-than-ever-18165426 Veteran Palestinian film director Rashid Masharawi presented his project, "They are the story," at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Managing 20 teams in Gaza from abroad, he directed a collection of short films called "Ground Zero", recounting the Israeli bombardment of Gaza and the ensuing humanitarian disaster from the perspective of civilians on the ground. Norway-based Palestinian director Mohamed Jabaly also said, "Our narrative and storytelling is more important than ever," Palestinian cinema does not have its own tent at the event, but Algeria has made space for its filmmakers at the other end of the international market at Cannes.

*) Israel kills 25 Palestinians, including 10+ minors, in Gaza https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israel-kills-25-palestinians-including-10-minors-in-gaza-18165361 Israeli strikes have killed 17 Palestinians, including over 10 children, and injured dozens in Gaza City and Rafah. In Gaza City's Al-Daraj neighbourhood, 16 Palestinians died in an Israeli air strike on a house. One Palestinian was killed in Rafah when Israeli forces targeted a house belonging to the Al-Sha'er family. Earlier, Israeli forces hit a house in Al-Nuseirat camp, killing eight Palestinians. *) ‘New war crime’: Israel bars scores in Gaza from Hajj amid Rafah invasion https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/new-war-crime-israel-bars-scores-in-gaza-from-hajj-amid-rafah-invasion-18165328 Thousands of Palestinians have been barred from performing the Hajj pilgrimage due to Israel’s occupation of the Rafah crossing, the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs said. In a statement, the ministry said that “preventing thousands in Gaza from performing the Hajj is a clear violation of freedom of worship and international humanitarian law.” Hajj, the pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest site Kaaba in Mecca, is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims are required to perform it at least once in life if they have the means to do so. *) UN set to vote on commemorating the 1995 Srebrenica genocide annually https://www.trtworld.com/europe/un-set-to-vote-on-commemorating-the-1995-srebrenica-genocide-annually-18165406 The UN will vote on creating an annual day to commemorate the 1995 genocide of over 8,000 Bosniaks by Bosnian Serbs. This proposal has faced strong opposition from Serbs, who fear it will label them all as supporters of the genocide. The resolution, sponsored by Germany and Rwanda, doesn’t blame Serbia directly. Despite this, Bosnian Serb President Milorad Dodik and Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic have campaigned against it. The 193-member General Assembly is set to vote on designating July 11 as the “International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica,” to be observed annually starting in two months. *) Türkiye applauds Spain, Ireland, Norway’s recognition of Palestinian state https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/turkiye-applauds-spain-ireland-norways-recognition-of-palestinian-state-18165045 The Turkish foreign ministry said Türkiye is pleased by announcements from Spain, Ireland, and Norway that they will recognise the state of Palestine. The Ministry said in a statement that the “recognition of Palestine is a requirement of international law, justice, and conscience.” *) Macron faces crucial showdown as he lands in restive New Caledonia https://www.trtworld.com/australia/macron-faces-crucial-showdown-as-he-lands-in-restive-new-caledonia-18165370 French President Emmanuel Macron has landed in the Pacific island of New Caledonia for a series of talks during which he will aim to turn the page on riots triggered by a contested electoral reform. Any attempt to convince the rioters to get off the streets will be a challenge, as will trying to persuade the French-ruled territory’s pro-independence parties who blame Macron and his government for the riots.

*) Norway, Ireland and Spain recognise Palestine as a state Norway, Ireland and Spain have recognised the Palestinian state. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris called it “a historic and important day” and said the move to recognise the State of Palestine was coordinated with Spain and Norway. Several European Union countries have in the past weeks indicated that they plan to make the recognition official, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region. The efforts come as a mounting death toll from Israel’s war on Gaza prompts calls globally for a ceasefire and Palestinian recognition. *) Tens of thousands gather for Raisi's funeral in Tehran Tens of thousands of Iranians have flocked to the streets of Tehran to join the funeral processions of president Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage, who died in a helicopter crash. In the centre of the city, people holding portraits of Raisi gathered in and around the University of Tehran, where Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, is due to lead prayers for Raisi and his companions, including foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian. *) Blinken unsure Israel will make compromises for Saudi normalisation deal US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was unsure whether Israel was ready to make compromises to reach a deal to normalise relations with Saudi Arabia, notably on a pathway to an independent state of Palestine. His frank assessment came after Jake Sullivan, US President Joe Biden’s national security advisor, visited both countries and briefed the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the “potential” of a possible deal. But Blinken acknowledged doubts about whether Netanyahu and his hard-right government would meet Saudi demands if the normalisation issue became more than “hypothetical.” *) Schools shut in India, Pakistan as temperatures soar to 47.4C Authorities in several parts of India and Pakistan have announced the closure of schools amid intense heat waves. The decision comes as temperatures soar to alarming levels, posing significant risks to the health and safety of students and educators alike. The India Meteorological Department said the Najafgarh area in the capital New Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 47.4 degrees celsius. Pakistan, on the other hand, is currently sizzling with temperatures between 38 and 43 degrees celsius, which are likely to soar to 46 degrees celsius in the coming week. *) TRT World bags Telly Award for video series on Zionist movement TRT World has bagged a coveted Silver Telly Award in the News & Information category for its compelling video series on the history of the Zionist movement. This three-episode series delves into the early 19th-century considerations by various Zionist groups to establish a Jewish state in regions such as the United States, Argentina, and Uganda. The Telly Awards, a prestigious US-based competition, received over 13,000 entries this year. TRT World’s series was chosen from among nominations from six continents and all 50 US states.

*) ICC prosecutor seeks Gaza ‘genocide’ arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/icc-prosecutor-seeks-gaza-genocide-arrest-warrants-for-netanyahu-gallant-18164417 The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has said he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in connection with their actions during Israel’s seven-month war on Gaza. Karim Khan said he believes Netanyahu and his Defence Minister Yoav Gallant are responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The prosecutor must request the warrants from a pre-trial panel of three judges, who take on average two months to consider the evidence and determine if the proceedings can move forward. *) Palestinians in Gaza outraged over ICC request to arrest Hamas leaders https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/palestinians-in-gaza-outraged-over-icc-request-to-arrest-hamas-leaders-18164527 Palestinians in besieged Gaza have expressed frustration and anger about the International Criminal Court's request seeking arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders. Yasser al Satari, a Palestinian in Rafah, said the ICC has "equated the victim with executioner," making the "victim and executioner equal." Another displaced Palestinian Mohammad Abdel of Nuseirat camp said those who are defending their land cannot be considered war criminals. *) Israel’s onslaught in Gaza ‘not genocide’: Biden https://www.trtworld.com/content/article/live-blog-israels-onslaught-in-gaza-not-genocide-biden-18164529 US President Joe Biden has defended Israel’s ongoing carnage in besieged Gaza, saying that what it is happening in the blockaded enclave is “not genocide.” Biden also rejected the decision by International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan to seek arrest warrants for a pair of senior Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Since October last year, Israel has killed more than 35,000 people — majority of them babies, children and women — and wounded over 79,000, while some 10,000-plus Palestinians are estimated to be buried under debris of bombed homes. *) Trump’s ‘hush money’ trial enters critical phase as prosecution rests case https://www.trtworld.com/us-and-canada/trumps-hush-money-trial-enters-critical-phase-as-prosecution-rests-case-18164525 Approximately five weeks, 19 witnesses, reams of documents and a dash of salacious testimony later, the prosecution up against Donald Trump has rested its case, handing over to the defence before closing arguments set for next week. The defence called its first witness, the paralegal of Trump lawyer Todd Blanche, to kick off their case that sees the former president accused of covering up hush money payments to an adult movie actress over an alleged encounter that could have derailed his 2016 White House bid. Monday saw extended quibbling among the legal teams that, along with the upcoming holiday weekend, means closing arguments that the judge had hoped could start on Tuesday are now set for next week. And finally… *) Türkiye declares a day of national mourning for Iran’s Raisi https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/turkiye-declares-a-day-of-national-mourning-for-irans-raisi-18164508 Türkiye will observe a day of national mourning over the death of Iran’s Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said after his late counterpart perished in a helicopter crash. The crash also resulted in the deaths of Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, as well as that of Malik Rahmeti, the governor of East Azerbaijan province, and Imam Ali Hashim of Tabriz province.

*) Iran’s President Raisi, FM found dead at helicopter crash site Iranian state media has reported that President Ebrahim Raisi alongside the country’s foreign minister, and other officials have been found dead at the helicopter crash site. Rescue teams had been scouring the area since Sunday afternoon after the helicopter went missing. Early Monday, relief workers located the helicopter, with state TV confirming the president’s death. *) Ireland aims to recognise Palestinian statehood this month Ireland’s prime minister announces that the country will recognise a Palestinian state by the end of this month while emphasising that this decision does not imply a severance of ties with Israel. Sources close to Israeli President Isaac Herzog have said that Herzog cautioned Harris that unilateral recognition of Palestine might jeopardise any chance of Hamas releasing hostages it holds in Gaza and could incite further attacks on Israel. *) Fresh floods kill 66 in Faryab, northern Afghanistan Fresh floods in Faryab province, northern Afghanistan, have killed 66 people, according to a provincial official. This latest incident adds to a series of deadly floods this month that have devastated the country. The flooding has damaged over 1,500 houses, submerged more than 1,000 acres of agricultural land, and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of livestock. *) Taiwan’s new president Lai Ching-te takes office Taiwan has inaugurated Lai Ching-te as its new president. Lai, a relative moderate, will continue the self-governing island’s policy of de facto independence while aiming to strengthen its defences against China. Lai succeeds Tsai Ing-wen, who guided Taiwan through eight years of economic and social progress despite the Covid-19 pandemic and increasing military threats from China. *) Israelis march for Netanyahu’s resignation, immediate hostage negotiations Thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets in multiple cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa. The demonstrators demanded a hostage exchange with Palestinian resistance groups, the ousting of Netanyahu’s government, and the scheduling of early elections.