WORLD NEWS

World News

Latest news from and about the homeland

The Israeli cabinet has approved plans to expand the war on Gaza and remain in the enclave for an unspecified amount of time. Benjamin Netanyahu said the new offensive will be an intensive military operation aimed at defeating Hamas.  Netanyahu stated in a video message on X that Gaza’s Palestinian population “will be moved, for its own protection”. The Israeli Prime Minister also added…

UK in talks with France and Saudi Arabia on recognition of Palestine

 

(Photograph: Ben Dance / FCDO)

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy revealed on Wednesday that the UK is in discussions with France and Saudi Arabia over the recognition of a Palestinian state, ahead of a UN conference in June.

Rwandan arrested in US over genocide charges

DOJ

Faustin Nsabumukunzi, 65, was charged with covering up from US authorities his role as a local leader in Rwanda when the genocide began in 1994. An estimated 800,000 Tutsis were killed during the three-month-long genocide.

At an initial court appearance, Nsabumukunzi pleaded not guilty to visa fraud and attempted naturalization fraud and was released on $250,000 bail. The bail package requires home detention and GPS monitoring, but he will be allowed to continue working as a gardener.

DRC seeks to remove former president's immunity over alleged war crimes

Kabila standing at podium in front of flags

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are seeking to lift the immunity of former President Joseph Kabila so that he can face trial on charges of supporting a rebel uprising in eastern DRC. 

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday evening, Minister of Justice Constant Mutamba stated that authorities have amassed clear evidence implicating Kabila in “war crimes, crimes against humanity, and massacres of peaceful civilians and military personnel”. 

Houthi fighters down $200m worth of US drones

parked reaper drone

In recent weeks Yemen’s Houthi armed group has shot down seven US Reaper drones worth over $200m.

The drones destroyed between 31 March and 22 April mark Washington's most significant material loss. 

Three of the drones were destroyed in the past week, suggesting an improvement in the Houthis’ ability to strike high-altitude US aircraft. 

The drones were conducting surveillance or attack missions when they crashed. 

Tensions escalate between India and Pakistan following Pahalgam attack

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April, which left at least 26 people dead.

'Together, we must uphold multilateralism,' says China's Ambassador to India

China’s ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, signalled a renewal of China-India ties, in the aftermath of US-imposed tariffs on countries around the world.

Ex-South African Foreign minister urges global reform to enforce ICJ Gaza ruling

Naledi Pandor smiling

Speaking to the Anadolu Agency on Monday, Former South African foreign minister Naledi Pandor renewed urgent calls to reform the United Nations. 

Pandor was the foreign minister when South Africa filed a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023.

The ICJ ordered Israel to take all measures to prevent acts of genocide in the Palestinian enclave. It also directed Israel to ensure the provision of humanitarian aid and essential services to Gaza. 

Tunisian court hands prison sentences to opposition figures

President Kaid Saeid in front of books

On Saturday, a Tunisian court sentenced dozens of opposition figures on national security charges. 

Forty people were being prosecuted in the trial, which started in March. Over 20 have fled abroad since being charged and have been sentenced in absentia. 

The prison sentences range from 13 to 66 years. Among those sentenced are a number of Tunisia’s most senior opposition politicians. 

Israel sacks deputy commander over killing of 15 emergency workers in Gaza, denies cover-up

The Israeli military on Sunday announced the dismissal of a deputy commander following an internal investigation into the killing of 15 emergency workers in Gaza on March 23 2025. The investigation found “several professional failures” but denied any attempt to conceal the incident.

Al-Shabab fighters attack strategic Somalia town

Somali Armed Forces standing

Al-Shabab fighters are claiming to have seized control of Adan Yabaal, a town in central Somalia, on Wednesday. 

Adan Yabaal is situated about 220 kilometres north of Mogadishu and serves as the logistical hub for government forces.

Raids were launched by al-Shabab fighters before dawn on Wednesday, forcing the army to retreat after fierce battles, according to a security officer quoted by the Anadolu news agency.