The United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has ruled that Russia bears responsibility for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine, which killed all 298 people on board. Responding to a 2022 complaint by Australia and the Netherlands, the council stated that Russia failed its obligations under international air law. A Russian-made BUK missile in separatist-held territory struck the plane. Russia rejected the ruling as “biased” and denied any role. While the ICAO lacks enforcement powers, the decision marks a historic first and a significant step toward justice, say affected nations and victims’ families.
PAKISTANI OFFICIAL EXPELLED BY INDIA
India has declared a Pakistani diplomatic official persona non grata and ordered the individual to leave the country within 24 hours, escalating ongoing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The move was in response to activities “incompatible with diplomatic norms,” according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. This latest expulsion reflects growing unease over security concerns and cross-border issues, particularly related to espionage allegations. The incident comes amid a broader diplomatic chill and follows several similar episodes in past years. Pakistan is expected to respond in kind, potentially leading to further deterioration of already-strained bilateral relations.
ISRAEL STRIKES GAZA HOSPITAL AGAIN
On Tuesday, Israel struck Gaza’s Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, killing two patients and wounding medical staff, according to Medical Aid for Palestinians. The surgical ward was rendered inoperable. The target was allegedly Hassan Eslaiah, a Gaza photojournalist accused by the IDF of Hamas affiliation, though no evidence was provided. The strike followed the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander and resumed bombardment across Gaza. The hospital strike has drawn international condemnation, with critics calling it a violation of international humanitarian law. Nasser Hospital is now struggling to function amid a fuel shortage caused by Israel’s 10-week blockade.
JUDGE ARRESTED AMID IMMIGRATION DISPUTE
Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan has been arrested by U.S. officials under the Trump administration, accused of helping a migrant evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at a courthouse. The incident highlights renewed tensions over courthouse arrests, with critics calling it a deliberate attempt to intimidate the judiciary. Dugan allegedly escorted the migrant into a restricted area to shield him from arrest. Since Trump’s return to office, ICE courthouse arrests have more than doubled. Legal experts warn the move risks undermining public trust in the legal system and deepening federal-state conflicts over immigration enforcement practices.
US CUTS CHINA PARCEL TARIFFS
The U.S. has reduced the “de minimis” tariff on low-value Chinese shipments from 120% to 54%, effective May 14, 2025, as part of a broader trade truce with China following Geneva talks. This change affects major Chinese e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu, which relied on duty-free shipping under the previous exemption for goods under $800. The move pauses a proposed $200 flat fee and gives online retailers temporary relief. Critics have long argued that the rule enabled cheap imports and smuggling. Industry experts see this as the end of China’s small parcel “golden age” in the U.S. market.
