Daily News Brief TRT World

*) 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."