April 29, 2024

*) Palestinians mark 'Nakba' anniversary amid ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/palestinians-mark-nakba-anniversary-amid-ongoing-israeli-attacks-on-gaza-18162719 Tens of thousands of civilians have fled the southern Gaza city of Rafah in anticipation of a threatened Israeli ground offensive. This mass displacement coincides with Palestinians marking the anniversary of the "Nakba" or "catastrophe" of 1948. On the eve of the "Nakba" commemoration, thousands participated in an annual march through the ruins of villages from which Palestinians were expelled during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. During this conflict, approximately 760,000 Palestinians fled or were forcibly removed from their homes. *) Biden moving ahead on $1B arms package for Israel — reports https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-biden-moving-ahead-on-dollar1b-arms-package-for-israel-reports-18162659 The Biden administration has informed key lawmakers that it is preparing to send a new package of more than $1 billion in arms and ammunition to Israel. This is according to two congressional aides who spoke on condition of anonymity. But there is no immediate indication of when the arms will be sent. The Wall Street Journal reports that the weapons package includes $700 million in tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and $60 million in mortar rounds. *) Israel's Rafah invasion pushed truce talks with Hamas 'backward': Qatari PM https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/israels-rafah-invasion-pushed-truce-talks-with-hamas-backward-qatari-pm-18155632 Israel's recent invasion in Rafah has significantly hindered truce negotiations with Hamas, according to mediator Qatar. Talks have reached "almost a stalemate," said Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani at the Qatar Economic Forum. He further pointed out that Israeli politicians' statements suggest a commitment to continuing the war, with no clear vision for Gaza's future. *) US vows security for Ukraine as Russian forces make advances https://www.trtworld.com/europe/us-vows-security-for-ukraine-as-russian-forces-make-advances-18159494 The United States will continue to support Ukraine until its security is "guaranteed," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced during a visit to Kiev. His statement came just hours after Russian forces reported further advances in the northeastern Kharkiv region. Blinken's trip follows the recent approval of a $61-billion financial aid package for Ukraine by the US Congress, providing arms and support for Ukraine's military. And finally … *) OpenAI's latest update GPT-4o mimics human cadences, detects moods https://www.trtworld.com/science-and-tech/openais-latest-update-gpt-4o-mimics-human-cadences-detects-moods-18154900 OpenAI has released an update to its artificial intelligence model, GPT-4o, which now mimics human cadences in verbal responses and can detect people's moods. Despite its advanced capabilities, OpenAI clarifies that the new model's primary allure lies in its enhanced performance. GPT-4o operates faster than previous versions and can reason across text, audio, and video in real-time.

*) Israel kills more than a dozen in strike on Gaza home The Israeli occupation army has struck a home in Gaza's Nuseirat camp, killing more than a dozen people, according to the official Palestinian news agency. Citing medical sources, it said that at least 14 people were killed and dozens of Palestinians, including children were wounded in the strike. Palestinian Civil Defense estimated around 100 people were inside the home that was targeted by Israeli warplanes. *) Palestinians to mark 76th year of Nakba on Wednesday On May 15 Palestinians will mark the 76th year of their mass expulsion from land that is now administered by Israel. Palestinians refer to it as the “Nakba,” Arabic for “catastrophe.” Some 700,000 Palestinians — a majority of the prewar population — fled or were forcibly driven from their homes before and during the 1948 war following Israel's establishment. *) Blinken in Ukraine to tout US support amid Russian advances US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Kiev. This is a senior US official's first visit to Ukraine since Congress passed a long-delayed $61 billion military aid package last month. The unannounced trip aims to show US solidarity with Ukraine as it struggles to fend off heavy Russian bombardment on its northeastern border. *) Wildfires sweep western Canada One of the year's first major wildfires in Canada has closed in on the British Columbia town of Fort Nelson. About 4,700 people were ordered to evacuate from the remote town, as a fire advanced to within 2.5 kilometres of Fort Nelson. *) Columbia University student tears up her diploma A student at Columbia University has ripped up her diploma during a graduation ceremony to protest the institute’s complicity in Israel's genocidal attacks on Palestinians in Gaza. During the commencement ceremony in New York, Tarsis Salome, a Columbia social work graduate tore her diploma to shreds while on stage. The move came after the university cancelled its main graduation ceremony after pro-Palestinian students erected a tent encampment there

*) Israel killed 500+ Gaza medics since Oct 7 — health authorities https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israel-killed-500-gaza-medics-since-oct-7-health-authorities-18138481 Since October 7 last year, over 500 medical workers in Gaza have been killed by Israel, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in the enclave. This grim statistic was highlighted on International Nurses Day, with 138 nurses among those killed. Health Ministry spokesperson Khalil al-Daqran emphasised the challenges faced by these healthcare professionals, including injuries and detentions in Israeli prisons. *) Egypt to join genocide case against Israel at top UN court https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/egypt-to-join-genocide-case-against-israel-at-top-un-court-18131402 Egypt has announced its decision to support a genocide lawsuit against Israel, filed by South Africa at the International Court of Justice. This move by Egypt is a response to what it calls the "escalating severity and scope" of Israel's offensive in Gaza, including the targeting of civilians and infrastructure. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry's statement condemned these actions as violations of international law, humanitarian law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention. *) Fight between Sudan's army, paramilitaries leave dozens dead in Darfur — UN https://www.trtworld.com/africa/fight-between-sudans-army-paramilitaries-leave-dozens-dead-in-darfur-un-18135457 Clashes between Sudan’s army and rival paramilitaries have resulted in at least 27 deaths in the city of El-Fasher in one day, according to the United Nations. Eyewitnesses have described the city being battered by air strikes, artillery fire, and machine gun clashes since Friday, leading to around 850 people being displaced. The UN's ability to verify information is hindered by a communications blackout, leaving medics and human rights defenders struggling to relay news. *) Kashmiris prepare to voice discontent in India's election against Modi https://www.trtworld.com/asia/kashmiris-prepare-to-voice-discontent-in-indias-election-against-modi-18138784 India's national election has resumed, including in New Delhi-administered Kashmir, where voters are expected to express their discontent with significant changes in the disputed region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government remains popular in many parts of India and his Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is anticipated to win the election. However, Modi's decision in 2019 to bring Kashmir under direct and strict rule by New Delhi sparked resentment among Kashmiris. This election marks their first opportunity to vote since these changes were implemented. And finally... *) Turkish archer Mete Gazoz becomes European champion https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/turkish-archer-mete-gazoz-becomes-european-champion-18131725 Turkish archer Mete Gazoz has won a gold medal in the men’s recurve category at the Essen 2024 European Outdoor Championships. Gazoz defeated Slovenian Den Habjan Malavasic 6-0 in the final to become the European champion on Sunday.

*) Hamas says 'ball is completely' in Israel's hands in truce talks https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-no-aid-entering-gaza-despite-israeli-claims-authority-18099759 Palestinian resistance group Hamas announced that its delegation attending Gaza ceasefire negotiations in Cairo had left the city for Qatar, adding that the "ball is now completely" in Israel's hands. The group said in a statement, “In practice, the occupation rejected the proposal submitted by the mediators and raised objections to it on several central issues." *) UN General Assembly set to back Palestinian bid for membership https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/un-general-assembly-set-to-back-palestinian-bid-for-membership-18102557 The United Nations General Assembly is set to back a Palestinian bid to become a full UN member by recognising it as qualified to join and sending the application back to the UN Security Council to "reconsider the matter favorably". The Palestinians are reviving their bid to become a full UN member - a move that would effectively recognise a Palestinian state - after the United States vetoed it in the 15-member UN Security Council last month. The vote by the 193-member General Assembly on Friday will act as a global survey of support for the Palestinians. Diplomats said the draft text is likely to get the support needed to be adopted. *) Chad declares Deby Itno winner of presidential election https://www.trtworld.com/africa/chad-declares-deby-itno-winner-of-presidential-election-18099307 Chad's Transitional President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno has been declared the winner of this week's presidential election, according to provisional results. The national agency that manages Chad's election released results weeks earlier than planned. The figures showed Deby Itno won with just over 61 percent of the vote, with the runner-up Succes Masra falling far behind with over 18.5 percent of the vote. *) Europe must 'deliver' on promised military aid to Ukraine: EU official https://www.trtworld.com/europe/europe-must-deliver-on-promised-military-aid-to-ukraine-eu-official-18093247 President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola has urged Europe to follow through with the aid it has promised Ukraine and increase support to the war-torn country. She was in Kiev on Europe Day to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who praised the European efforts but said Russia had used delays to gain momentum on the battlefield. Metsola said that Europeans need to take responsibility intensify our support for Ukraine. And finally... *) OpenAI set to launch AI-powered search product to rival Google https://www.trtworld.com/science-and-tech/openai-set-to-launch-ai-powered-search-product-to-rival-google-18101841 OpenAI plans to announce its artificial intelligence-powered search product next week, according to two sources familiar with the matter, raising the stakes in its competition with search king Google. Bloomberg and the Information have reported that Microsoft-backed OpenAI is working on a search product to potentially compete with Alphabet's Google and with Perplexity, a well-funded AI search startup. OpenAI declined to comment.

*) US won't supply weapons to Israel if it invades Gaza's Rafah city — Biden https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/us-wont-supply-weapons-to-israel-if-it-invades-gazas-rafah-city-biden-18086860 US President Joe Biden has said America will not supply weapons or artillery shells to ally Israel if Tel Aviv invades southern Gaza's Rafah city. Biden admitted in an interview with CNN that “bombs the US has supplied to Israel and now paused have been used to kill civilians.” He said he “made it clear that if [Israeli troops] go into Rafah…” the US will not supply the weapons that have been used historically there. However, he also said the US was still committed to Israel's so-called “defence” and would supply Iron Dome rocket interceptors and other arms. *) Israel pounds overcrowded Gaza's Rafah as truce talks resume in Cairo https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/israel-pounds-overcrowded-gazas-rafah-as-truce-talks-resume-in-cairo-18078947 Meanwhile in Gaza, Israel has bombarded Rafah, where it has launched a ground invasion, as talks resume in Cairo aimed at agreeing the terms of a ceasefire. This week Israel sent tanks into Rafah and seized the nearby crossing into Egypt that is the main conduit for aid into the Palestinian territory. Then overnight heavy Israeli strikes and shelling hit across Gaza as Palestinians scrambled in the dark to pull survivors out from under the rubble of buildings. *) Medics uncover 49 bodies from new mass grave at Gaza's al-Shifa hospital https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/medics-uncover-49-bodies-from-new-mass-grave-at-gazas-al-shifa-hospital-18080518 Gaza health workers have uncovered at least 49 bodies at al Shifa hospital, the latest such discovery at the facility previously raided by Israeli forces. Motassem Salah, head of the emergency department at al Shifa, told journalists that "a third mass grave was found inside this hospital”. So far 520 bodies have been recovered from "seven mass graves" found at three different hospitals across Gaza in recent weeks. *) Russia's Putin set to mark Victory Day as Ukraine feels the pinch https://www.trtworld.com/europe/ukraine-thwarts-alleged-russian-plot-to-murder-zelenskyy-two-arrested-18068292 Russian President Vladimir Putin is all set to address the annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, an event he hopes will rally patriotism as his forces advance in Ukraine. The May 9 parade marks the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II and has become one of Russia's most important public holidays under President Putin. The Russian leader has repeatedly framed the current fight against Ukraine as an existential battle against "Nazism" *) Eric Saade wears Palestinian keffiyeh during Eurovision performance https://www.trtworld.com/europe/eric-saade-wears-palestinian-keffiyeh-during-eurovision-performance-18085450 Swedish singer Eric Saade has performed at the semifinal of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh around his wrist. A keffiyeh is a Palestinian scarf that symbolises support of Palestine and protests against Israel’s war on Gaza. He was one of three contestants who opened this year’s Eurovision contest in Malmo city in southern Sweden, which has faced calls for Israel to be excluded.

*) Israel kills 7 members of same family in strike on Gaza home https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israel-kills-7-members-of-same-family-in-strike-on-gaza-home-18075856 An Israeli air strike targeted a home in Gaza, killing at least seven members of the same family and wounding several others. Al-Ahli Hospital in the besieged enclave reported these casualties, adding to the toll of violence in the region. Eyewitnesses have also noted strikes in other parts of Gaza, notably around Rafah. *) UN running out of fuel in Gaza as border crossings remain shut https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israel-kills-7-members-of-same-family-in-strike-on-gaza-home-18075856 A critical situation is unfolding in Gaza as essential diesel fuel for pumping drinking water, maintaining communications, and delivering aid is running out. This alarming development follows Israel's closure of two key crossing points into the territory. According to Andrea De Domenico, head of the UN's humanitarian office in the Palestinian territories, Israel's military offensive and evacuation order in Rafah have led to the forced displacement of tens of thousands of people. The area designated by Israel lacks basic necessities like latrines, water points, shelter, and health facilities, as it mainly consists of sand dunes. *) Clashes, arrests as pro-Palestine student protests spread across Europe https://www.trtworld.com/europe/clashes-arrests-as-pro-palestine-student-protests-spread-across-europe-18070183 Student protests demanding universities sever ties with Israel due to Israel's brutal war on Gaza have gained momentum across Europe. Demonstrations in the Netherlands, Germany, and France saw police intervention as students voiced their opposition to ongoing partnerships with Israeli institutions. Inspired by similar actions in the US, where campuses have seen sustained protests, European students have taken to occupying university spaces, demanding an immediate end to these ties in light of Israel's aggressive actions in Gaza. *) Ukraine thwarts alleged Russian plot to murder Zelenskyy, two arrested https://www.trtworld.com/europe/ukraine-thwarts-alleged-russian-plot-to-murder-zelenskyy-two-arrested-18068292 Ukraine's state security service has disclosed the thwarting of an assassination plot against President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other top officials. Two individuals, identified as colonels in Ukraine's state guard service, were apprehended for their involvement in the scheme orchestrated by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). These agents, who leaked classified information to Moscow, were tasked with kidnapping someone close to the presidential guard to later execute Zelenskyy, according to the Security Service of Ukraine. And finally ….. *) Eurovision kicking off with pop, protests as war on Gaza casts shadow https://www.trtworld.com/arts-and-culture/eurovision-kicking-off-with-pop-protests-as-war-on-gaza-casts-shadow-18069788 Competition in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest kicks off in Sweden, with the war in Gaza casting a shadow over the sequin-spangled pop extravaganza. Performers representing countries across Europe and beyond took the stage on Tuesday in the first of two semifinals in the Swedish city of Malmo. It and a second semifinal on Thursday will winnow a field of 37 nations to 26 who will compete in Saturday’s final against a backdrop of both parties and protests. However, the presence of Israel as a participant has sparked controversy, leading to planned demonstrations on Thursday and Saturday denouncing its war on Gaza, where nearly 35,000 Palestinians have been killed.

*) Israel claims control of Rafah crossing, Hamas agreed to permanent ceasefire in Gaza https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israel-claims-control-of-gazas-rafah-crossing-ahead-of-invasion-18059566 The Israeli army has said it took control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt and that its troops were "scanning the area." Earlier, Hamas said it agreed to a proposal to end the war in Gaza, including a three-stage truce with the goal of a lasting ceasefire. Each phase would last 42 days and include plans for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, return of displaced Palestinians and an exchange of hostages and prisoners. *) Israeli tanks enter southern Gaza city of Rafah https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israeli-tanks-enter-southern-gaza-city-of-rafah-report-18059566 Israeli tanks have entered the southern besieged Gaza city of Rafah, reaching as close as 200 metres from its crossing with neighbouring Egypt. The Egyptian official said the "operation" appeared to be limited in scope. Israeli officials informed the Egyptians that their troops would withdraw after completing the "operation." *) Putin orders nuclear drills to counter 'Western threats' https://www.trtworld.com/europe/putin-orders-nuclear-drills-to-counter-western-threats-18052049 Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered new nuclear weapons drills in the face of Western "threats." Russia's defence ministry has said that the exercises would be held in the "near future" and involve the air force, navy and troops stationed near Ukraine. Putin has upped his nuclear rhetoric, warning in an address to the nation in February that there was a "real" risk of nuclear war. *) UNGA to vote on recognising Palestine as full UN member https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/unga-to-vote-on-recognising-palestine-as-full-un-member-18063245 The United Nations General Assembly could vote on Friday on a draft resolution that would recognise Palestine as qualified to become a full UN member. It would effectively act as a global survey of how much support Palestine has for their bid, which was vetoed in the UN Security Council last month by the United States. Diplomats say the 193-member General Assembly is likely to back the Palestinian bid. And finally… *) Columbia cancels graduation ceremony amid pro-Palestine campus protests https://www.trtworld.com/us-and-canada/columbia-cancels-graduation-ceremony-amid-pro-palestine-campus-protests-18061403 Columbia University has cancelled its main graduation ceremony, as colleges seek to contain the demonstrations that have rocked campuses for weeks. The Ivy League school in New York, where at least 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested last week, cited security concerns as it cancelled the ceremony scheduled for May 15. Some students angry at the decision signed an online petition to overturn the decision and had already collected more than 1,400 signatures.

*) Israeli army tells Palestinians to evacuate eastern Rafah https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israeli-army-tells-palestinians-to-evacuate-eastern-rafah-18049490 The Israeli army has initiated evacuations in certain neighbourhoods near the border in the East of Rafah. An Israeli army spokesperson urged Palestinian residents and displaced persons in several areas east of Rafah to evacuate immediately towards the al Mawasi area, according to state television KAN. Despite growing international opposition, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed Israel will invade Rafah, home to more than 1.4 million displaced Palestinians. *) Israeli police raid Al Jazeera office after decision to close broadcaster https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/israeli-police-raid-al-jazeera-office-after-decision-to-close-broadcaster-18039282 Israeli police have conducted a raid on the office of Qatar-owned Al Jazeera television in occupied East Jerusalem. The police seized Al Jazeera’s equipment shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his government had decided to close its operations in Israel. Global human rights organisations and press bodies have criticised the decision, accusing the government of silencing dissent amid Israel's Gaza war. *) US police arrest nearly 2,500 students at pro-Palestine rallies https://www.trtworld.com/us-and-canada/us-police-arrest-nearly-2500-students-at-pro-palestine-rallies-18049713 Nearly 2,500 people have been arrested at pro-Palestinian rallies held at college and university campuses across the United States. According to CNN's latest report, the number of arrests since April 18 has exceeded 2,200, while Fox News's report says over 2,400 arrests have been made in total. As demonstrations are expected to continue in the coming weeks, particularly during graduation ceremonies, campus officials are adding extra police security. *) Russian strikes on Kharkiv kill one, injures dozens — Ukrainian officials https://www.trtworld.com/europe/russian-strikes-on-kharkiv-kill-one-injures-dozens-ukrainian-officials-18049179 On Orthodox Easter Sunday, Russian drone and aerial bombs attacks resulted in casualties and injuries in Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv and its surrounding region. Regional officials reported that a woman lost her life after being buried under rubble, and 24 individuals were injured in the assaults. And finally… *) Hundreds protest Israel's participation in Eurovision Song Contest https://www.trtworld.com/arts-and-culture/hundreds-protest-israels-participation-in-eurovision-song-contest-18031454 Protests against Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest on May 11 have emerged in the Swedish capital of Stockholm. Hundreds of demonstrators assembled in front of the Swedish Foreign Ministry, calling for a boycott of Israel's involvement in the Eurovision event scheduled to take place in Malmo, Sweden. Two more demonstrations are planned to be held in Malmo, in which thousands of activists supporting Palestine from various European cities are expected to join.

*) Türkiye halts trade with Israel until uninterrupted aid to Gaza Türkiye has stopped all exports and imports to and from Israel, as a punitive measure against Tel Aviv's brutal war on Gaza that has killed around 34,600 Palestinians in just over six months. The Turkish trade ministry said until the Israeli government allows uninterrupted humanitarian aid flow to Gaza, Türkiye will decisively and resolutely implement the new measures in question. The ministry added that the second phase of state-level measures has been implemented, and all export and import transactions with Israel have been halted. *) Israel tortures to death al-Shifa hospital orthopaedic surgeon Israeli forces have killed Adnan al Bursh who was the head of the orthopaedic department at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. According to the Palestinian Prisoner Society, Al Bursh was arrested by the Israeli army last December as he was treating patients at al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza. He was killed at the Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank and his body is still withheld by the Israeli forces. The NGO said one more detainee identified as Ismail Khader has also died at Israeli prisons. *) Ukraine intel official 'doesn't see way' for Kiev to win war against Moscow A senior Ukrainian intelligence official has said that Ukraine will, at some point, have to enter into talks with Russia to bring an end to their more than two-year-old war. Major-General Vadym Skibitsky, deputy chief of Ukraine's HUR military intelligence directorate, told the Economist magazine that talks would eventually be needed, as would be the case with any war. The magazine wrote, "General Skibitsky says he does not see a way for Ukraine to win the war on the battlefield alone. Even if it were able to push Russian forces back to the borders, it wouldn't end the war." *) 2,100+ seized, ribs broken, students threatened: Latest on US campus demos The pro-Palestinian protests on the US campuses, the biggest and most prolonged since the Vietnam demonstrations in the 1960s and 70s, continue despite pro-Zionism rioters attacking students and police cracking down on anti-war students and staff. Tent encampments of protesters are calling on universities and colleges to stop doing business with Israel or firms they say support the brutal war in Gaza. More than 2,100 protesters have been arrested over the last two weeks at universities across the US, including the University of Texas at Austin, the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. *) Palestinian journalists win World Press Freedom Prize for Gaza war coverage UNESCO — the UN body that promotes world peace and security — has awarded its World Press Freedom Prize to all Palestinian journalists covering the war in Gaza, where Israel has turned the tiny Palestinian enclave into the "deadliest" place for journalists. Audrey Azoulay, director general at UNESCO, said the prize paid "tribute to the courage of journalists facing difficult and dangerous circumstances."

*) 57 Democrats urge Biden to prevent Israeli invasion of Rafah US President Joe Biden's administration has faced renewed pressure from his fellow Democrats to influence ally Israel not to launch a full-scale invasion of Rafah. Fifty-seven of the 212 Democrats in the House of Representatives signed a letter calling on the administration to take every possible measure to dissuade hawkish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government from an all-out assault on the city. "We urge you to invoke existing law and policy to immediately withhold military aid to the Israeli government to preempt a full-scale assault on Rafah," said the letter. *) Australia tiptoes around Indian spy scandal revelations A string of senior Australian ministers have refused to confirm reports that Indian spies had been uncovered in the country and expelled. Australia's prime minister as well as other ministers dodged questions about allegations that Indian spooks tried to steal defence secrets and monitor expatriate communities in 2020. However, Intelligence bosses have revealed that in 2021 they had rumbled what they call a "nest of Indian spies" sent to Australia to steal defence secrets and monitor their country's expats. *) Colombia cuts diplomatic ties with Israel over Gaza war President Gustavo Petro has said that Colombia will cut all diplomatic ties with Israel. "Diplomatic relations with the state of Israel will be severed, for having a genocidal president," Petro told a May Day rally in Bogota. Petro has been a harsh critic of Tel Aviv's war on Gaza. *) US accuses Russia of using chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops The United States has accused Russia of having used "the chemical weapon chloropicrin against Ukrainian forces" in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. In addition, Russia has used "riot control agents as a method of warfare in Ukraine, also in violation of the CWC," a statement from the State Department said. *) Female ex-employees sue BBC for discrimination Four female journalists have initiated a gender and age discrimination case against the BBC, claiming they lost their jobs following a "rigged" recruitment exercise. The female journalists who presented on the BBC's television channels were present at a preliminary hearing in London for the employment tribunal. The four women claim that they were paid less than men in equivalent roles and that they unfairly lost their jobs at the BBC News Channel.