Daily News Brief TRT World

Netanyahu torpedoes Biden's truce deal, vows to continue war on Gaza

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/netanyahu-torpedoes-bidens-truce-deal-vows-to-continue-war-on-gaza-18176539

The US-backed proposal to end Israel's war on Gaza is in doubt after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would only be willing to agree to a "partial" ceasefire deal that would not end the war.


In an interview, Netanyahu stated he is open to a limited deal to free some of the hostages. However, he insisted the war would continue after a pause.

Netanyahu's comments sharply contrast with the deal outlined by US President Joe Biden last month.

*) Blinken tells Israel's Gallant to ease tensions with Hezbollah

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-blinken-tells-israels-gallant-to-ease-tensions-with-hezbollah-18176540

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to avoid escalation with Hezbollah amid Israel's ongoing war on Gaza.

Blinken stressed protecting humanitarian workers in Gaza and seeking a diplomatic resolution to prevent further conflict.

This comes as Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu threatened a military invasion of Lebanon.

*) Israel turns Greek Cypriots into its logistics base — Turkish FM

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/israel-turns-greek-cypriots-into-its-logistics-base-turkish-fm-18176532

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has raised alarms over escalating tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, focusing on threats from Greek Cypriots.

Fidan warned against using southern Cyprus as a base for operations against Gaza, stating it would not benefit the Greek Cypriot administration.

He urged regional actors to recognise the seriousness of the situation and to prevent further militarisation in the region.

*) Kenya troops leave Nairobi to start mission in gang-hit Haiti

https://www.trtworld.com/content/article/kenya-troops-leave-nairobi-to-start-mission-in-gang-hit-haiti-18176551

A Kenyan force has left Nairobi to lead a multinational mission addressing gang violence in Haiti, according to Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki.

About 400 police officers departed Nairobi on Monday night aboard Kenya Airways.

The group comprises elite officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit, General Service Unit, Administration Police, and Kenya Police.

And finally…

*) NASA scraps planned spacewalk after astronaut suit malfunction

A NASA spacewalk at the International Space Station (ISS) was abruptly ended when water began leaking from one of the astronauts' spacesuits inside the airlock.

NASA called off the spacewalk on Monday after astronaut Tracy Dyson reported water squirting from her spacesuit's cooling system. The leak occurred as Dyson switched her suit to battery power before floating outside the station.

Despite the incident, astronauts Mike Barratt and Tracy Dyson were reported safe and not in immediate danger, according to NASA.


https://www.trtworld.com/science-and-tech/nasa-scraps-planned-spacewalk-after-astronaut-suit-malfunction-18176553

*) Israel preparing for multi-front war — Netanyahu


https://trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israel-prepared-for-multi-front-war-netanyahu-18176229


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel is preparing to change the situation on its border with Lebanon.
Speaking to Israel’s Channel 14 about the possibility of a full-scale war with the Lebanese Hezbollah group, Netanyahu said if necessary, Israeli forces “can fight on several fronts.”
Regarding Israel’s war in Gaza, he said the phase of intense fighting is nearing an end, but that the war will not end until Hamas no longer controls the enclave.
*) Death toll rises in Russia's Dagestan region after militant attack

https://trtworld.com/europe/death-toll-rises-in-russias-dagestan-region-after-militant-attack-18176196

More than 15 policemen and several civilians, including an Orthodox priest, have been killed by armed militants in Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan.

The gunmen opened fire on two Orthodox churches, a synagogue and a police post in two cities, according to the authorities.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were declared days of mourning in the region.

*) Over 1,300 die in hottest Hajj, mostly unlisted pilgrims — Saudi Arabia


https://trtworld.com/middle-east/over-1300-die-in-hottest-hajj-mostly-unlisted-pilgrims-saudi-arabia-18176218


Saudi Arabia has said that more than 1,300 faithful died during the Hajj pilgrimage during intense heat, and most of the deceased did not have official permits.
The dead came from more than 10 countries stretching from the United States to Indonesia, and some governments are continuing to update their totals.
Diplomats say the cause of death in most cases was heat-related.
Temperatures in Mecca this year climbed as high as 51.8 degrees Celsius, according to Saudi Arabia's national meteorological centre.
*) Iran, Bahrain signal thaw in relations after years of strain


https://trtworld.com/middle-east/iran-bahrain-signal-thaw-in-relations-after-years-of-strain-18176228


Bahrain and Iran have agreed to start talks aimed at resuming diplomatic relations between the two countries.
This is according to Bahrain's state news agency.
During a meeting in Tehran, the foreign ministers reportedly agreed to establish mechanisms to mend ties after eight years of regional hiatus.
And finally…
*) UAE to partner with UN to aid Sudan, South Sudan


https://www.trtworld.com/africa/uae-to-partner-with-un-to-aid-sudan-south-sudan-18176226


The United Arab Emirates has signed an agreement with the UN World Food Programme to contribute $25 million in emergency food assistance.
The assistance will be provided to those directly affected by the crises in Sudan and South Sudan, including refugees and displaced people by the war.
Since mid-April 2023, the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been engaged in a war that has killed nearly 15,000 people and displaced around 8.5 million, according to the UN.

*) Israel kills 21 Palestinians in Gaza on 3rd day of Eid al Adha

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israel-kills-21-palestinians-in-gaza-on-3rd-day-of-eid-al-adha-18174695

As Muslims around the world mark the final day of Eid al Adha, Israeli air strikes on Gaza killed at least 21 Palestinians the day before.

According to medical sources, Israeli warplanes struck three homes in the central city of Deir al Balah, killing 13 people and injuring several others.

Meanwhile in central Gaza, an Israeli drone strike killed two civilians.

And several others were reported killed and wounded in an air strike on a house in the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood of Gaza City.


*) Over 3,500 children face hunger due to Israeli siege — Gaza officials

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/over-3500-children-face-hunger-due-to-israeli-siege-gaza-officials-18174549

Local authorities in Gaza have raised the alarm about over 3,500 children at risk of hunger due to Israel's tightened siege and the closure of aid crossings.

The Gaza Government Media Office warned that the enclave is "rapidly" heading towards famine, accusing Israel and the US of conspiring to block humanitarian aid.

The statement emphasised that 3,500 children face death from malnutrition due to the critical lack of nutritional supplements and vaccines now prohibited by Israel.

*) Pyongyang decked up as Putin makes first visit to North Korea in 24 years

https://www.trtworld.com/content/article/pyongyang-decked-up-as-putin-makes-first-visit-to-north-korea-in-24-years-18174689

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in North Korea, Russian news agencies reported.

This visit is Putin's first to the country in 24 years and aims to bolster cooperation amid US-led sanctions and escalating tensions with Washington.

Earlier on Wednesday, Putin was welcomed at Pyongyang's airport by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, highlighting the importance of their diplomatic engagement.

*) 'Nowhere to flee' for Rohingya in western Myanmar conflict — UN

https://www.trtworld.com/asia/nowhere-to-flee-for-rohingya-in-western-myanmar-conflict-un-18174529

Tens of thousands of Rohingya in Myanmar's Rakhine region are facing a dire situation, the UN human rights chief has reported.

The Arakan Army issued a warning to evacuate the town of Maungdaw, primarily inhabited by Rohingya, ahead of an impending offensive.

Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council, Volker Turk expressed deep concern over the plight of the Rohingya.

He emphasised that they have nowhere to flee amidst the intensifying conflict in western Myanmar.

And finally…

*) Türkiye open Euro 2024 with 3-1 victory over Georgia

https://www.trtworld.com/turkiye/turkiye-open-euro-2024-campaign-with-3-1-victory-over-georgia-18174621

In their Euro 2024 debut, Türkiye secured a 3-1 victory over Georgia in a closely contested match highlighted by two spectacular Turkish goals.

Mert Muldur gave Türkiye a first-half lead with a thunderous volley from the edge of the box before Georgia equalised in the 32nd minute.

But then, 19-year-old Arda Guler, coming into the tournament fresh from a run of goals for Real Madrid, scored after 65 minutes – an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

And Kerem Akturkoglu sealed the deal, passing into an empty net in added time to end the game at 3-1.

*) Israeli strike kills several Palestinians in Gaza's Nuseirat

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israeli-strike-kills-several-palestinians-in-gazas-nuseirat-18174272

An Israeli air strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza has killed several Palestinians, according to Palestinian news agency WAFA.

Both local media sources and witnesses say the Israeli military carried out a series of air strikes on various parts of Gaza during the Muslim festival Eid al Adha.

Israel's war on Gaza, now in its 256th day, has killed at least 37,347 Palestinians and wounded 85,372.


*) Israelis flood streets in rally, calling change of Netanyahu administration

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/israelis-flood-streets-in-rally-calling-change-of-netanyahu-regime-18174261

Protesters in Israel have converged in occupied West Jerusalem, calling for new elections in an effort to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Following the departures of former members of Netanyahu’s war cabinet, opposition groups declared a week of street protests that included blocking highways and mass demonstrations.

On Monday, thousands of Israelis gathered outside the Israeli parliament and planned to march to Netanyahu's private home in the city.

*) Record number of NATO nations meet defence spending target — Stoltenberg


https://www.trtworld.com/europe/record-number-of-nato-nations-meet-defence-spending-target-stoltenberg-18174271

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that a record 23 of NATO's 32 member nations are hitting defence spending targets this year.

Stoltenberg said “Europeans are doing more for their collective security than just a few years ago" in a speech at the Wilson Center research group.

The estimated figure is a nearly fourfold increase from 2021, when only six nations were meeting the goal.

*) US braces for massive heatwave, over 75 million remain under alert

https://www.trtworld.com/climate/us-braces-for-massive-heat-wave-over-75-million-remain-under-alert-18174277

Weather experts have warned the US is bracing for a massive week-long heat wave.

The Northeast and Midwest are preparing for sweltering temperatures as a "heat dome" settles over a large part of the country.

The National Weather Service said that over 75 million people were under some level of heat alert as of Monday morning.
And finally…

*) Pilgrims triumph over heat as Hajj 2024 nears conclusion

https://trtworld.com/middle-east/pilgrims-triumph-over-heat-as-hajj-2024-nears-conclusion-18174280

Muslim pilgrims will perform the third day of the symbolic stoning of the devil before the Farewell Tawaf, which means circling the Holy Kaaba in Mecca.

The stoning of the pillars represents the devil and takes place in Mina, just outside the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

The final days of the Hajj coincide with faithful around the world celebrating the Eid al Adha holiday.

*) China’s relationship with Australia ‘on right track’

China's relationship with Australia is "on the right track", Premier Li Qiang has said in Canberra as the two trading partners moved on from a bitter economic dispute.

The highest-ranking Chinese official to visit Australia since 2017, Li held high-level talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following a welcome ceremony at Parliament House.

Starting in 2020, a slew of Australia's most lucrative export commodities were effectively banned from China.

But as ties have gradually improved under a new government in Canberra, Beijing has wound back most of these costly trade barriers.



*) Russia to hold trial of US reporter Gershkovich behind closed doors, TASS reports


The Russian trial of detained US reporter Evan Gershkovich will start on June 26 and will be held behind closed doors, Russian state-run news agencies TASS and RIA reported, citing a Russian court.

Last week, prosecutors said the Gershkovich case would be heard by a court in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg, where the reporter was arrested in March 2023 on suspicion of espionage.
He denies the charges.

*) Indian passenger and goods trains collide in West Bengal

An express passenger train and a goods train have collided in India's West Bengal killing at least five people, officials said.

"Doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, medical assistance," Mamata Banerjee said on social media. "Action on war-footing initiated."
Banerjee said the crash took place in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district, when the Kanchenjunga Express train was hit by a goods train.
Images on Indian broadcasters showed tangled wreckage of carriages flipped on their side, and one thrust high into the air precariously balanced on another.

*) Hezbollah 'escalating' its attacks against Israel — Israeli army

The Lebanese Hezbollah group has been "escalating" its attacks against Israel’s northern front, "jeopardising the future of Lebanon", the Israeli army said.

“Hezbollah has launched more than 5,000 rockets, anti-tank missiles and explosive UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) since the events of October 7,” army spokesperson Daniel Hagari said at a press conference broadcast by Israel’s Channel 12.

Hezbollah has not issued a comment on the Israeli army spokesperson's remarks.


And finally…

*) ‘Inside Out 2’ scores massive $155 million opening


Hollywood’s summer movie anxieties gave way to joy this weekend with the massive debut of Disney and Pixar’s “ Inside Out 2.” The animated sequel earned $155 million in ticket sales from 4,440 theaters in the US and Canada, according to studio estimates.

Not only is it the second-highest opening weekend in Pixar’s 29 years of making films and the second-biggest animated opening ever; It’s also the biggest of 2024, and since “Barbie.”

With an estimated $140 million from international showings, “Inside Out 2” had a staggering, and record-breaking, $295 million global start.

Yemen’s Houthis attack more ships in solidarity with Gaza

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-yemens-houthis-attack-more-ships-in-solidarity-with-gaza-18173076

Yemen’s Houthis said they carried out attacks on three ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden over the past 24 hours.

The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office confirmed receiving reports of attacks on two of the ships mentioned by the Houthis.

Yahya Saree, the Houthis’ military spokesperson, said in a televised briefing that the group’s naval and missile forces and the air force carried out the three military operations

No information on the owners or operators of the ships was provided.

*) Poll shows surge in Palestinian backing for armed resistance against Israel

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/poll-shows-surge-in-palestinian-backing-for-armed-resistance-against-israel-18173078

According to an opinion poll, support for armed resistance as the best means to end Israeli occupation and achieve independence has surged among Palestinians in the last three months.

The poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR) showed that support for armed struggle in the occupied West Bank and besieged Gaza climbed by 8 percentage points to 54 percent.

Support for Hamas rose by 6 percentage points to 40 percent. Fatah, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, had 20 percent backing.

*) Biden, Zelenskyy ink 10-year ‘historic’ US-Ukraine security deal
https://www.trtworld.com/europe/biden-zelenskyy-ink-10-year-historic-us-ukraine-security-deal-18173095
US President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy have signed a landmark 10-year security deal between Washington and Kiev.
The Ukrainian leader called it a “historic day” in the fight against Russia.
The deal will see the United States provide Ukraine with a range of military aid and training over the next decade, while Zelenskyy said it would act as a bridge to his country finally winning membership of the NATO alliance.
*) Trudeau ally accuses unnamed lawmakers of being ‘traitors’ to Canada
https://www.trtworld.com/us-and-canada/trudeau-ally-accuses-unnamed-lawmakers-of-being-traitors-to-canada-18173102
The head of a Canadian political party has said that an intelligence report about some members of parliament acting as agents for other nations was concerning and that offending lawmakers must be removed.
Jagmeet Singh of the opposition left-leaning New Democrats said he was alarmed after reading an unredacted version of the report.
Singh, who as the leader of a major party exercised his right to request increased security clearance to read the documents, said the report showed that Canada is vulnerable to foreign interference, which could weaken the confidence of its citizens.
And finally…

*) Israeli seizure of Rafah crossing prevents 2,500 Palestinians from Hajj

https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/israeli-seizure-of-rafah-crossing-prevents-2500-palestinians-from-hajj-18173117
Israel’s seizure of the Rafah crossing, which connects Gaza to Egypt, has prevented 2,500 Palestinians from performing the Muslim Hajj pilgrimage this year, according to the Ministry of Endowments in the blockaded enclave.

This is a “clear violation of religious freedom,” ministry spokesperson Ikrami Al-Mudallal, told Anadolu news agency.

The war has prevented the ministry from completing the usual Hajj preparations, including signing transportation contracts within Egypt and Saudi Arabia and booking accommodations in Mecca and Medina, he added.