Gaza's health system nears collapse as UNRWA issues urgent alarm

Gaza’s healthcare is on the brink, warns the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

The agency says one-third of vital medical supplies are gone, with another third vanishing fast—blaming Israel’s siege and relentless bombardment.

Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini grimly cautions that the blockade risks silently killing more women and children beyond the bombs.

Israel's military invasion in Gaza has killed over fifty-two thousand four hundred Palestinians since October 2023, while Tel Aviv faces genocide charges at the International Court of Justice.

Yemeni Houthis target Tel Aviv airport with hypersonic missile strike

Yemeni Houthis said they have launched a hypersonic ballistic missile targeting Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, warning international airlines of the airport’s unsafe conditions.

Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree confirmed the missile hit the target, and another struck Ashkelon.

Israeli authorities suspended flights at the airport after a missile landed near Terminal 3, injuring six people.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation against the Houthis and their Iranian backers.

In response, US warplanes conducted airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.

Romania's presidential election heads to a second round

Romania will proceed to a second round of presidential elections on May 18, following the failure of any candidate to secure the required 50+1 percent majority in the first round.

Far-right George Simion led with over 40.2 percent of the vote, based on results from over 98 percent of ballots.

He was followed by Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan, who garnered 20.8 percent, and Crin Antonescu of the Social Democratic Party, who earned nearly 20.5 percent.

The first-round victory of pro-Russian candidate Calin Gorgescu was annulled in November 2024 following allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, which Moscow has denied.

Simion emerged to replace Gorgescu after his ban from the new race.

Fighting in eastern DRC escalates as rebels take key town

M23 rebels and allies seized Lunyasenge, a strategic fishing town on Lake Edward’s west coast in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, after deadly clashes with the army that left 17 dead, including seven soldiers.

The Congolese military condemned the assault as a blatant ceasefire violation.

As rebels advance in North Kivu, Kinshasa warns of retaliation.

Rwanda faces renewed accusations of backing M23, amid ongoing peace talks in Doha and Washington.

Kigali denies any involvement.

Trump imposes full tariff on non-US movies

President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 100 percent tariff on foreign-made films, claiming Hollywood of being ""devastated"" as US filmmakers turn to other countries for production incentives.

The decision, shared via Truth Social media platform, follows criticism of his aggressive trade policies.

While the full impact on the movie industry remains unclear, Trump insists it’s a matter of national security.

Meanwhile, talks with China and other nations on trade deals continue, with potential agreements on the horizon.

Israeli army calls up tens of thousands of reservists to expand offensive in Gaza; and, Erdogan announces Türkiye among world's top three in UAV technology at TEKNOFEST.

Israel bombs three Syrian cities after presidential palace strike, and Thousands of Turkish Cypriots turn out for TEKNOFEST in Lefkosa... listen for more

UN calls on Israel to lift 'brutal blockade' of humanitarian aid to Gaza

The UN has called on Israel to lift its blockade of humanitarian aid delivery into Gaza, saying blocking the desperately needed aid inflicts a "cruel collective punishment".

Tom Fletcher, the UN relief chief, said that: "International law is unequivocal: As the occupying power, Israel must allow humanitarian support in. Aid, and the civilian lives it saves, should never be a bargaining chip."

Fletcher also said: "The humanitarian movement is independent, impartial and neutral. We believe that all civilians are equally worthy of protection," underlining that they remain ready to save as many lives as they can, despite the risks."

US urges India to avoid broader conflict after Kashmir attack

US Vice President JD Vance has said that Washington hopes that India's response to the recent attack in India-administered Kashmir does not lead to a broader regional conflict.

Vance said that Washington hoped Pakistan would cooperate with India to hunt down those responsible for the attack.

He said that: "Pakistan, to the extent that they're responsible, cooperates with India to make sure that the terrorists sometimes operating in their territory are hunted down and dealt with. That's how we hope this unfolds. We're obviously in close contact. We'll see what happens."

Deadly drone attack in Kherson, Moscow blames Kiev

A Ukrainian drone strike on a market area in the Russian-controlled part of Ukraine’s Kherson region killed at least seven people and wounded over 20 others, the Moscow-installed governor said.

Vladimir Saldo, the region's Russian-backed governor, accused Ukrainian forces of carrying out the strike in a crowded market district in the city of Oleshky.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling the incident a “terrorist” act and accused Ukraine of escalating the war while sabotaging diplomatic efforts.

Pakistan ups diplomacy amid tensions with India

Pakistani leaders doubled diplomatic efforts amid tensions with India following a deadly attack in India-administered Kashmir, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office in Islamabad.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani that Pakistan condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations, reiterating his offer for a credible, transparent and neutral international investigation into the Pahalgam attack.

Sharif also met with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong in Islamabad, where the two discussed the situation in the region, thanking to China for its strong and steadfast support to Pakistan in the prevailing situation in South Asia.

High technology, AI key to new world, says TEKNOFEST head

The head of Türkiye's premier technology event, TEKNOFEST, highlighted that high technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are the keys to the new world, stressing that AI, when combined with the right purpose and ethical values, can provide humanity with a much better future.

Selcuk Bayraktar, speaking at the opening ceremony of TEKNOFEST, emphasised that AI can enable groundbreaking innovations in health, equal educational opportunity, and countless opportunities that will make life easier.

He also underscored that the country should be a global centre of attraction for technology and science in the heart of the Mediterranean.

UK calls Israel's blockade of aid delivery into Gaza 'horrendous'

The British Foreign Secretary is once again raising alarms about Israel's ongoing blockade of aid into Gaza, describing the humanitarian crisis as devastating.

David Lammy, speaking during a session of the International Relations and Defence Committee, called the blockade ""horrendous"" and emphasised just how dire the situation has become — from the sheer level of suffering to the massive need on the ground and the staggering loss of life.

Lammy said he had spoken directly with Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar a few weeks ago, making it clear that Israel has responsibilities when it comes to humanitarian access.

Israeli bombardment kills several Palestinians, wounds others in Gaza

Israeli air strikes on northern Gaza have killed several Palestinians and left many others injured, according to local medical sources cited by WAFA news agency. The attacks targeted the town of Beit Hanoon.

This latest escalation follows Israel's decision back on March 18 to unilaterally end the ceasefire in Gaza. Since then, the renewed bombardment has killed hundreds, including over 100 children.

Health officials in Gaza report at least 2,308 people have died and nearly 6,000 more have been wounded in the weeks since the assault resumed.

Rubio tells India to 'work with' Pakistan to de-escalate Kashmir tensions

After a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir pushed tensions to the brink, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is urging India and Pakistan to take a step back and ease hostilities.

Rubio spoke with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing support for India's fight against extremism. But he also called on both sides to work together to investigate the attack that left more than two dozen people dead.

In his call with Jaishankar, Rubio conveyed US solidarity but also urged caution. India has blamed Pakistan for backing the attack in Pahalgam, though it hasn't presented evidence so far. Pakistan, for its part, denies the allegations and is pushing for an international investigation.

US, Ukraine sign 'historic' minerals deal

The United States and Ukraine have signed what both are calling a ""historic"" economic partnership, giving Washington access to Ukraine's rare mineral resources after weeks of tough negotiations.

Kiev says it has secured control over its own resources as part of the deal.

The agreement comes amid pressure from US President Donald Trump, who's been calling on Ukraine to ""pay back"" the support Washington has provided in helping repel Russian aggression.

India's next census will include caste status, marking a 'historic' shift

India has announced it will include caste identification in its next official census — the first time since independence that the government will formally record such data.

It's a landmark move in a country where caste remains deeply tied to social and economic status. While higher castes continue to benefit from cultural privilege, lower castes often face systemic discrimination.

This change could reshape India's political and social landscape. Estimates suggest that more than two-thirds of India's 1.4 billion people fall into historically disadvantaged castes, making this new census a potentially transformative moment in the country's long struggle with inequality.

Global outcry at ICJ as Israel faces accusations of starving Palestinians

At the International Court of Justice, South Africa accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon in Gaza, calling it a breach of international law.

Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Spain echoed concerns, citing Israel’s disregard for humanitarian obligations and UN rulings.

Representatives warned of a collapsing aid system and worsening famine, urging global action and reaffirming support for Palestinian self-determination amid what was described as an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe.

Israel, in its genocidal war, has killed more than fifty-two thousand three hundred Palestinians since October 2023 and wounded hundreds of thousands of others.

UN chief urges two-state solution in Israeli war on Palestine

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has pushed countries to "take irreversible action towards implementing a two-state solution" between Israel and the Palestinians ahead of an international conference in June.

"I encourage Member States to go beyond affirmations, and to think creatively about the concrete steps they will take to support a viable two-state solution before it is too late," Guterres told a Security Council meeting on Tuesday.

France and Saudi Arabia will co-host the conference at the United Nations in June.

Daesh-linked militants attack mourners in Nigerian village, killing 15

A wave of terror engulfed Kwaple village in Nigeria’s Borno State when Daesh-linked militants stormed in on motorcycles, unleashing a hail of bullets on mourners and killing at least 15 people.

"The ISWAP militants opened fire on the mourners and pursued them on motorcycles into the bush as they tried to flee," Ayuba Alamson, a community leader in Chibok, said.

Local leaders are gripped with dread, warning that the true death toll may be far higher, with scores still missing in the chaos.

Trump marks 100 days, promises defence investments

US President Donald Trump kicked off a pair of events in Michigan, celebrating his first 100 days in office.

Speaking to a packed rally in Macomb, Trump touted the country’s economic growth, declaring, "Companies are coming back to Michigan."

Highlighting a $1 trillion defence investment, he praised Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer for securing the Selfridge Air National Guard Base. While his approval rating dropped to 42 percent, according to a Reuters-Ipsos poll, Trump continues to promote his administration’s successes, claiming the best start in US presidential history.

BRICS unites in opposition to Trump's tariff policy

BRICS foreign ministers, including those from China and Russia, criticised the growing "trade protectionism" during talks in Rio de Janeiro, a direct response to US President Dondald Trump’s tariffs.

Brazil's foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, emphasised the group's ""strong rejection"" of such policies, without naming Trump.

Amid escalating tariffs, China has imposed 125 percent duties on US goods, while the US has slapped 10 percent tariffs on numerous countries.

The ministers agreed on a unified stance against trade conflicts just ahead of the leaders’ summit in three months.

Amnesty International accuses Israel of 'live-streamed genocide' in Gaza

Amnesty International, in a report, accuses Israel of perpetrating a “live-streamed genocide” in Gaza, underlining systematic mass slaughter, starvation and ruthless displacement of Palestinians.

"States watched on as if powerless, as Israel killed thousands upon thousands of Palestinians, wiping out entire multigenerational families, destroying homes, livelihoods, hospitals, and schools,""Amnesty's Secretary General Agnes Callamard said.

With 1.9 million Palestinians driven from their homes, Amnesty described Israel's invasion as an “engineered humanitarian apocalypse.”

Amnesty also highlights escalating violence and apartheid in the occupied West Bank.

UNHCR slams UN Security Council for 'chronic failure' to stop wars

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees chief Filippo Grandi criticised the UN Security Council for its chronic failure to prevent global violence, accusing the body of neglecting its responsibility to uphold peace.

"This is a season of war. This is a time of crisis. From Sudan to Ukraine, from the Sahel to Myanmar, from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Haiti, violence has become the defining currency of our age," Grandi said, pointing to escalating crises across the world.

He warned that cuts to humanitarian aid are already costing lives and jeopardising millions.

Grandi demanded urgent action, urging the Council to stop hiding behind diplomatic failures and take real risks to end conflict and protect civilians.

Pakistan warns of imminent Indian incursion after Kashmir attack

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warns of an imminent military incursion by New Delhi following last week's deadly attack on tourists in India-administered Kashmir.

Tensions between the two neighbours have escalated, with Asif citing India's growing aggressive rhetoric.

The attack, which killed 26 people, triggered calls for action against Pakistan, despite a lack of proof of involvement, while Islamabad called for a neutral investigation.

While Pakistan remains on high alert, Asif stressed that nuclear weapons would only be used in self-defence.

International calls for de-escalation continue, including from Türkiye and China.

Liberal Party secures victory in Canada’s election: projections

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party has won Canada’s election, according to projections from CBC and CTV News.

While it remains unclear whether the party will secure a majority, Carney’s team is expected to form the next government.

The election saw US President Donald Trump’s comments, including a suggestion of Canada joining the US, influence the race.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticised Trump’s interference, reaffirming Canada’s sovereignty.

Carney, who recently replaced Justin Trudeau, has emphasised the need for stability and calm leadership.

Iberian Peninsula in chaos as power outage hits Spain, Portugal

A colossal power outage plunged Spain, Portugal, and Andorra into chaos on Monday, disrupting daily life across the Iberian Peninsula.

By Tuesday, Spain had managed to restore power to half the country, with a full recovery imminent.

Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro hinted that the catastrophe likely stemmed from Spain, though the cause remains shrouded in mystery.

European Council President Antonio Costa dismissed any cyberattack claims, but the hunt for answers continues.

The unprecedented blackout also sent shockwaves through parts of France, leaving authorities scrambling for answers.

April 26, 2025 by TRT World

Hamas ready to release all hostages for five-year Gaza truce

Kashmir simmers as Indian forces blow up several homes

Russia announces complete 'liberation' of Kursk region

Attacker still at large after deadly stabbing in French mosque

Trump wants US ships to travel free in Panama, Suez canals

* Israel's aid blockade deepens hunger in Gaza: UN

Fifty-four days into Israel’s aid blockade, the UN says hunger in Gaza is reaching crisis levels.

UNRWA has nearly 3,000 trucks of lifesaving aid stuck at the border, blocked by Israeli authorities.

“People in Gaza are starving,” the agency warned, accusing Israel of using aid as a “weapon of war.” It called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and full access for humanitarian supplies.

* India, Pakistan trade fire along Kashmir border

Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged gunfire for a second straight night along the Line of Control.

India’s army accused Pakistan of unprovoked small arms fire from “multiple posts” across the tense Kashmir frontier. No injuries or casualties have been reported.

Earlier, India unilaterally suspended the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan warned that any attempt to divert or block its water share would be seen as an "act of war," stressing that the agreement, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, cannot be suspended unilaterally.

* Francis's funeral to be grand farewell to 'pope of the poor'

World leaders and thousands of mourners are gathering in Vatican City today for the funeral of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church.

Over 250,000 people have already paid respects to the late pope, who died Monday at 88.

A massive security operation is underway, with snipers on rooftops and fighter jets on alert. The funeral mass, led in St Peter’s Square, begins at 10:00 am local time.

* FBI arrests judge in immigration showdown

A federal judge has been arrested for allegedly obstructing a Trump's immigration operation, according to FBI Director Kash Patel.

He claimed Judge Hannah Dugan misled agents in her Milwaukee courtroom, helping an undocumented immigrant escape.

The now-deleted post caused a stir, but law enforcement confirmed Dugan’s arrest.

* Istanbul’s Tulip Festival is back showcasing largest floral carpet

Spring in Istanbul is a full-blown floral spectacle, crowned by the world’s largest tulip carpet in Sultanahmet Square.

The city’s annual Tulip Festival showcases over 500,000 flowers in designs inspired by Turkish tradition.

For locals and tourists alike, it’s a season of heritage, beauty, and pride in full bloom.