INTERNATIONAL

Israel’s security cabinet has greenlit a controversial plan to expand its military operations in Gaza, aiming to capture and maintain control over parts of the territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the move as a “forceful operation” targeting Hamas and aimed at rescuing hostages. As part of the plan, Israel intends to relocate Gaza’s entire population—approximately 2.1 million people—purportedly for their safety. However, Netanyahu did not provide details on where or how this mass relocation would occur. In a separate move, the cabinet also approved a strategy to bypass the United Nations in aid delivery, opting instead to channel assistance through private companies. This decision comes after a two-month-long blockade that has severely impacted humanitarian ac...

The United States has cleared a proposal to supply critical military hardware and logistic support assets worth USD 131 million to India, in line with the strategic ties between the two countries. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) that operates under the Pentagon has delivered the required certification for the military supplies and notified the US Congress of the possible sale, according to an American readout. The approval for the supplies came amid the Donald Trump administration pushing New Delhi to increase its military procurement from the US. The proposed supplies through the “foreign military sale” route are linked to the India-US cooperation under the framework of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness programme. The DSCA’s mission is to advance US nat...

At least 24 people have been injured due to smoke inhalation as large-scale forest fires swept through parts of Israel, forcing evacuations and road closures amid scorching temperatures. According to Israeli media, the fires prompted authorities to evacuate residents from Neveh Shalom, Beko'a, Ta'oz, and Mesilat Tzion. Over 100 firefighters and 11 aircraft have been deployed to combat the blaze, which has now surpassed the scale of the catastrophic Carmel forest fires of 2010, Channel 12 reported. The blaze, which erupted in the Estahol Forest between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, led to the closure of major highways and the suspension of train services between Ashdod and Ashkelon. Jerusalem’s Assaf Harofeh Hospital confirmed treating at least 10 patients, while the total number of i...

Pakistani troops engaged in unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in multiple sectors across four border districts of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting Indian forces to 'respond effectively', officials said on Wednesday. The firing, which began with small arms, was reported from the Pargwal sector along the IB in Jammu district, and the Sunderbani and Naushera sectors in Rajouri district. This marked the sixth consecutive night of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC, amidst heightened tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. "On the night of April 29-30, Pakistan Army posts initiated unprovoked small-arms fire across the Line of Control opposite the Naushera, Sunderbani, a...

A U.S. airstrike reportedly struck a detention facility in Yemen’s northern Saada province on Monday, killing at least 68 people and injuring 47 others, according to local media reports. The site was said to be holding African migrants, many of whom were attempting to transit through Yemen en route to Saudi Arabia for work. The U.S. military has not confirmed the strike. In a statement issued prior to the reports, U.S. Central Command reiterated its policy of operational secrecy, stating, “We are very deliberate in our operational approach but will not reveal specifics about what we’ve done or what we will do.” Footage broadcast by local outlets showed bodies and wounded individuals at the site of the explosion, as medics worked amid debris and damage to the building’s structure. ...

In a significant escalation, Pakistani Minister Hanif Abbasi issued a direct threat to India, mentioning the potential use of nuclear weapons. He stated that Pakistan's military arsenal, including Ghori, Shaheen, and Ghaznavi missiles, along with 130 nuclear warheads, is specifically intended for use against India. Abbasi warned that if India were to disrupt Pakistan's water supply by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan would respond with "full-scale war." He emphasised that Pakistan's nuclear weapons are not for show, are strategically hidden throughout the country, and are ready to be deployed in response to any provocation. "If they stop the water supply to us, then they should be ready for a war. The military equipment we have, the missiles we have, they're not for di...

A powerful explosion rocked the area near Shahid Rajaei Port in southern Iran on Saturday, Press TV reported. Reports indicate that the blast was so intense it was heard in the nearby cities of Bandar Abbas and Qeshm. Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the explosion. (This story is developing.)

The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) signifies a significant escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan. On April 23, 2025, India announced the suspension of its participation in the treaty following a deadly militant attack in Kashmir that killed 26 civilians, including 25 Indian and one Nepalese national. India attributed the attack to cross-border terrorism allegedly supported by Pakistan, although no specific evidence was provided publicly. What is the Indus Waters Treaty? The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed in 1960, is a landmark water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan that governs the use of the six major rivers flowing through the Indus River Basin. Under the treaty, the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—we...

Global pop sensation Jennifer Lopez lit up the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah this weekend, headlining a post-race concert that drew thousands in attendance. The place where she performed is barely 70 kilometres away from the grand mosque in Mecca. Lopez, who attended as a VIP guest of Ferrari, toured the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, posed with star driver Charles Leclerc, and met Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. Clad in a daring pink latex catsuit with silver accents, she quickly became the centerpiece of the international event. Her social media post — “Spreading a little sparkle at Formula 1” — added to the buzz, amplified by international media and fashion outlets. She shared the stage with global artists including Usher, Major Lazer, Peggy Gou, and a lineup of Arab perfor...