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Israeli soldiers kill 3, wound dozens at Gaza aid distribution center

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IFP Media Wire
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The office accused the Israeli army of committing a massacre against civilians suffering from hunger, saying the victims had gathered in areas known as “buffer zones” where Israel had set up aid centers. Seven people remain missing, the office said in a statement.

Earlier, the office reported that several Palestinians were wounded when the Israeli army fired into crowds of starving Gazans as they stormed a US-backed aid distribution facility in Rafah.

“The Israeli occupation’s plan for aid distribution in the so-called buffer zone has failed disastrously,” it announced in a statement.

Israel has kept Gaza crossings closed to food, medical and humanitarian aid since March 2, deepening an already severe humanitarian crisis in the enclave, according to government, human rights and international reports.

The Israeli army, rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, has pursued a brutal offensive against Gaza since October 2023, killing over 54,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war crimes against civilians in the enclave.

Putin ‘playing with fire’: Trump

By
IFP Media Wire
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Putin Trump

Trump claimed that Russia would already be facing serious consequences if not for his actions, following one of the most intense Russian aerial assaults on Ukraine.

“What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean really bad. He’s playing with fire,” he wrote on Truth Social.

Trump’s comments mark a rare public rebuke of Putin amid growing pressure on the U.S. administration to respond to escalating Russian attacks.

On May 26, Russia launched its third large-scale aerial and drone assault against Ukraine in three nights, killing at least six people and injuring 24 across multiple oblasts.

The attack marked the most extensive drone strike against Ukraine during the full-scale war, topping the previous record of 298 drones overnight on May 25.

Trump recently held a two-hour phone call with Putin during which Russia reiterated its refusal to a full ceasefire in its war against Ukraine. Despite this, Trump has refused to impose new sanctions on Moscow, citing ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire.

“Because I think there’s a chance of getting something done, and if you do that, you could also make it much worse,” Trump stated during a May 19 Oval Office briefing.

Trump has attempted to present himself as the only leader capable of ending the war quickly, though the lack of tangible pressure on Moscow has left Kyiv and its allies skeptical.

President Volodymyr Zelensky, responding to the May 25 overnight bombardment, called for urgent new sanctions and warned that “America’s silence, and the silence of others around the world, only encourages Putin.”

The European Union and U.S. lawmakers have also called for tougher action.

A bipartisan sanctions bill is already awaiting approval in Congress, with provisions for sweeping financial penalties and tariffs on nations buying Russian oil or uranium.

Israel, Syria holding direct meetings: Reuters

By
IFP Media Wire
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While the direct talks are currently focused on joint security, such as reducing Israeli incursions into Syrian border villages, regional and Western sources said they may help pave the way for broader political understandings.

“For now, they are about peace, as in the absence of war, rather than normalization,” the person familiar with backchannel talks was quoted as saying.

Earlier this month, Jolani, also known as Ahmed al-Sharaa, confirmed indirect talks with Israel that he said were aimed at calming tensions.

More recently, Syria’s new leadership has approved the handover of a trove of long-dead Israeli master spy Eli Cohen’s belongings.

Jolani, once affiliated with al-Qaeda and Daesh, led the HTS militants in overthrowing the government of President Bashar al-Assad last year.

The HTS militant group seized control of Damascus on December 8, culminating a swift offensive that had begun in the northwestern province of Aleppo just two weeks earlier and ultimately brought an end to Assad’s 24-year rule.

The HTS administration has since been involved in flagrant violations of human rights in Syria, particularly against minorities, namely Syria’s Alawite minority, drawing widespread condemnations from the international community.

A series of violent clashes between HTS gunmen and members of a Druze community in Syria earlier this month left dozens of people dead and raised fears of deadly sectarian violence.

The Druze minority had a history of supporting the Assad government and standing against Israeli occupation and expansionist policies, including in the occupied Golan Heights.

After the takeover, though, the HTS and its chief Jolani began efforts, which observers have defined as its bid to deflect attention from its past, including by trying to formally communicate with Western states such as France.

The latest developments come as the US encourages the new HTS rulers in Damascus to establish relations with Israel.

US President Donald Trump indicated after meeting Jplani during the tour of some Arab states of the Persian Gulf region that the Syrian leader was willing to eventually normalize ties with Israel.

Trump announced that he would lift the entirety of Washington’s sanctions against Syria after the new administration in the Arab country reportedly proposed making “peace” with the Israeli regime, the US’s closest regional ally.

Trump made the announcement in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, during his visit to the kingdom.

The US president also signaled to the Israeli regime that it should work to reach an understanding with the HTS leaders.

Israel, at the same time, has also been lobbying Washington to keep the country weak and decentralized.

Amid the violence, Israel launched a series of airstrikes, including one just outside the presidential palace overlooking Damascus. The aerial bombardment has destroyed much of the Arab country’s military infrastructure.

Latest reports indicate that various senior Palestinian resistance officials have now reportedly left Syria and their groups disarmed after mounting pressure from the new authorities in the Arab country.

Iran, Oman sign 18 cooperation documents

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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As President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Oman on Tuesday, high-ranking authorities from the two countries signed the 18 documents in the presence of the Iranian president and Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said.

The agreements are aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and strengthening relations in various fields, including legal, economic, political, cultural, educational, health, defense, media, technology, energy, and mining sectors.

During the ceremony, a joint commemorative stamp was unveiled, symbolizing the cultural and historical ties between Iran and Oman, the Iranian president’s website reported.

NATO chief fears Trump-Zelensky conflict could derail Hague summit: NYT

By
IFP Media Wire
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Citing European officials and diplomats, the outlet has said that Rutte has sought to keep the meeting “short and sweet” to avoid renewed public rifts over Ukraine’s bid to join the military bloc.

The NATO summit, set for June 24–25 in The Hague, is expected to focus on accelerating militarization and Ukraine’s possible membership. According to the New York Times, Rutte and most European members support Kiev’s participation in the meeting.

Russia has repeatedly called Ukraine’s NATO bid a red line and the main cause of the conflict.

Trump’s reluctance to continue US support for Ukraine and his refusal to back its NATO bid have reportedly cast uncertainty over the meeting’s agenda. The US leader has repeatedly argued that Kiev should never have been considered for membership, admitting that it was one of the key triggers of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Trump engaged in a heated exchange with Zelensky during a meeting at the White House in February, where he accused the Ukrainian leader of “gambling with World War III” by refusing to seek peace with Moscow.

According to the NYT, Rutte now seeks to avoid “open disunity over Ukraine” by shortening the summit and minimizing discussion of controversial topics. While Zelensky is expected to attend, officials cited by the NYT have stated he might not be invited to the main opening dinner.

US Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, has also stated that while Zelensky is expected to be at The Hague during the summit, his capacity is something the US is still “discussing.”

The Italian agency ANSA has also reported that Washington is opposed inviting Vladimir Zelensky to the summit.

This year’s event will not include a NATO-Ukraine Council session, NATO officials also told the NYT. Instead, leaders are only expected to meet briefly on the second day of the summit to ratify updated military spending targets.

Concerns over Trump’s potential to derail the upcoming NATO summit come as the US president has reversed policies adopted by former US administrations and sought to rebuild contacts with Moscow.

Last week, he held his third phone call in recent months with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which both leaders described the conversation as positive.

Iranian president thanks Oman for mediation efforts in U.S. talks

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Pezeshkian praised Oman’s “active and constructive” role in facilitating indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States, expressing full confidence in Muscat’s mediation efforts.
“We appreciate Oman’s good-faith efforts in the negotiations and hope this process yields positive results. The Islamic Republic of Iran places complete trust in Oman,” the president said.

He further welcomed deeper cooperation across financial, scientific, technological, and especially medical sectors, and emphasized the need to bolster long-term economic foundations beyond oil and gas.

Pezeshkian also voiced gratitude for Oman’s principled stance in support of the Palestinian people and Gaza.

Sultan Haitham, in response, said Oman considers Iran’s success in negotiations as “a success for the entire region,” adding that Muscat has “no personal or political interest” in its mediation role and pursues it purely with goodwill.

He highlighted the importance of expanded trade, port connectivity, and rail linkages through Iran, and reiterated Oman’s readiness to enhance security and energy cooperation.

Iranian MP urges legal action against cleric Ghasemian over remarks in Saudi Arabia

By
IFP Media Wire
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Gholamreza Ghasemian

“In today’s sensitive climate, when our conduct must be measured, certain individuals repeatedly impose heavy costs on the nation and the state,” Shahriari said.

“The public prosecutor must act in defense of national interests by filing criminal charges and indictments against such persons.”

He added that there may even be foreign elements influencing such behavior, noting, “These are the same people who attacked the Saudi embassy a few years ago, and then, eight years later—when ties were finally restored under the 13th administration—they celebrated the reopening of relations as if they had achieved a monumental breakthrough with Riyadh. Some groups act as though they are entitled to immunity in all matters.”

Shahriari’s remarks come as Iranian officials intensify calls for unity and restraint during the Hajj season, following Ghasemian’s arrest and his inflammatory statement accusing Saudi Arabia of turning Mecca and Medina into “centers of immorality.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s Ambassador to Riyadh, Alireza Enayati, issued a veiled response in a post on X, emphasizing mutual respect and appropriate behavior during pilgrimage.

Gaza death toll tops 54,000 as Israel’s war approaches 600 days

By
IFP Media Wire
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Gaza War

A ministry statement said that 79 bodies were brought to hospitals in the last 24 hours, while 163 people were injured, taking the number of injuries to 123,129 in the Israeli onslaught, which enters its 600th day on Wednesday.

“Many victims are still trapped under the rubble and on the roads as rescuers are unable to reach them,” it added.

The Israeli army resumed its attacks on the Gaza Strip on March 18 and has since killed 3,901 people and injured over 11,000 others, shattering a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement that took hold in January.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

Iran envoy to Riyadh issues veiled response to cleric arrest in Saudi Arabia

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Alireza Enayati

In a statement posted on X, Enayati wrote: “Pilgrims from across the world have come to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina to seek divine forgiveness and grace. The host country, in honoring the pilgrims of the House of God—especially the Iranian pilgrims—has mobilized all its resources to serve them.”

He added: “The pilgrims, fully mindful of the sanctity and reverence of the Two Holy Mosques, show respect for the prevailing laws and regulations, and no one tolerates offensive words or conduct.”

The ambassador’s remarks coincided with a statement by Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization, which called on Iranian pilgrims to avoid behavior that could sow discord. Speaking at a gathering of volunteer aides, the organization’s head, Alireza Bayat, emphasized the need for unity among Muslims and urged full compliance with Saudi regulations.

“We must all refrain from actions that may give rise to division and discord,” Bayat said, while also thanking Saudi authorities for their cooperation in facilitating this year’s pilgrimage.

According to official figures, more than 68,000 Iranian pilgrims have already arrived in the Kingdom with minimal disruption.

The statements followed controversy sparked by Ghasemian’s inflammatory remarks, in which he accused Saudi Arabia of turning the holy cities into “centers of immorality.”
While Iranian officials have not issued a formal response to his arrest, their emphasis on respect for the host nation and religious solidarity appears aimed at containing the fallout.

Over 800 lawyers, judges call for UK sanctions on Israel over Gaza war

By
IFP Media Wire
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Gaza War

The open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday called on the British government to take concrete action to halt the “serious violations of international law” being committed by Israel.

“Genocide is being perpetrated in Gaza or, at a minimum, there is a serious risk of genocide occurring,” the letter stated, adding that war crimes, crimes against humanity, and serious violations of international humanitarian law were also taking place.

It urged Starmer to respond swiftly as “urgent and decisive action is required to avert the destruction of the Palestinian people of Gaza”.

The letter quoted recent comments by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who expressed Israel’s intention to “take control of all the territory of the [Gaza] Strip” and “conquer, cleanse and stay – until Hamas is destroyed”.

The letter, signed by senior legal figures including former supreme court and court of appeal judges, noted a recent statement by the leaders of the UK, France and Canada that the suffering in Gaza was “intolerable”, welcoming the indication that the governments were prepared to take action.

The letter called on the British government to adhere to its fundamental international legal obligations and “use all available means to secure an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and to ensure the urgent, unconditional and unimpeded resumption of aid” to Palestinians.

To achieve this, it called on the government to impose sanctions on Israeli government ministers and other civil and military figures “reasonably suspected of involvement in unlawful conduct”, and to review existing trade ties with Israel, impose trade sanctions, and suspend a roadmap for a closer UK-Israel partnership.

The UK suspended negotiations of a new trade deal with Israel last week.

The letter also urged the UK to confirm it would adhere to its obligation to execute arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relation to Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, while the regime also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for war crimes against civilians.

“We, in the UK, cannot expect peace unless we fulfil our obligations under international law,” Sir Alan Moses, a former appeals court judge who signed the letter, said in a statement.

“It is an exercise in futility for a government to say it upholds the rule of law, if it then does nothing to demonstrate it,” he added.

Another signatory stated that Israel’s “unrelenting breaches of international law” posed a threat to “the very future of international law itself”.

“Imagine a world without rules: anarchy loosed upon the world,” Conor Gearty, a professor of human rights law at the London School of Economics, said in a statement, adding, “These lawyers know what that would look like – and because they do, they are desperate to avoid it.”

A previous open letter from UK lawyers last year said the UK was breaking international law by arming Israel.

Israel’s war on Gaza has killed nearly 54,000 Palestinians and wounded almost 123,000, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. The Government Media Office has updated its death toll to more than 61,700, saying thousands missing beneath the rubble are presumed dead.

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