At least 31 Palestinians were killed and over 200 injured after Israeli forces allegedly opened fire near an aid distribution center in southern Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The chaotic scene unfolded at a site run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in Rafah. Witnesses described random gunfire, trampling, and panic as crowds scrambled for aid. The Israel Defense Forces said they were unaware of any such casualties caused by their troops and are reviewing the incident. Humanitarian organizations and UN agencies have criticized the GHF’s approach, citing security risks and the absence of structured distribution protocols.
SEVERE STORMS BATTER WESTERN GERMANY
Germany is experiencing severe weather disruptions, particularly in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the southern state of Baden-Württemberg. Heavy rains, hail the size of ping-pong balls, and gusty winds have flooded streets, uprooted trees, and forced the cancellation of outdoor events. Meanwhile, a tragic fire at a Hamburg hospital claimed three lives and injured over 50 people. In Stuttgart, a woman was charged with manslaughter in the death of a police officer escorting PM Viktor Orban last year. Elsewhere, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko received a German human rights award for his leadership during Ukraine’s conflict with Russia.
UK, CHINESE NATIONALS CHARGED IN PLOT
A federal indictment has been issued against Cui Guanghai of China and John Miller, a UK national and U.S. resident, for allegedly conspiring to smuggle sensitive U.S. military technology to China and to intimidate a U.S. dissident. The men reportedly targeted a critic of China’s President Xi Jinping, engaging in stalking, surveillance, and sabotage, including plans to destroy politically charged artworks. They also attempted to illegally acquire and export defense equipment, including cryptographic devices and missile tech, by disguising shipments. Both were unknowingly interacting with FBI informants. The U.S. is working with Serbian authorities on their extradition for prosecution.
UKRAINE STRIKES RUSSIAN AIRBASES
Ukraine has launched a massive drone assault on Russian military infrastructure, reportedly hitting over 40 bombers and targeting the Olenya and Belaya airbases using FPV drones. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) claims this operation was aimed at neutralising strategic bombers used in nightly strikes on Ukrainian cities. Notably, the Irkutsk region governor confirmed the first-ever drone strike in Siberia, targeting a military unit in Sridni. The attack caused fires and reportedly struck aircraft like the A-50, Tu-95, and Tu-22 M3. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky announced peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, emphasising a ceasefire and return of prisoners.
SHEIKH HASINA FACES WAR CRIMES
Bangladesh’s ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is being tried in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for alleged crimes against humanity following a student-led uprising that ousted her last year. Prosecutors claim Hasina directed a brutal crackdown, including the killing of protester Abu Sayeed. Now residing in India and refusing extradition, Hasina dismisses the charges as politically motivated. The Awami League, her party, is banned pending trial. The ICT, which Hasina originally established in 2009, is now prosecuting her and former officials. Human rights observers express concerns over the trial’s impartiality and the political undertones surrounding the charges.
