As of May 19, 2025, the Israeli government reported that approximately 58 hostages remain in Gaza with approximately 20 to 23 believed alive. This latest revision follows Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier held captive since October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks that resulted in more than 250 individuals being taken hostage (AP News/The Washington Post/Wikipedia).Hostages believed...
Author: Barry
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Three More Journalists Killed in Gaza As Press Death Toll Surpasses 200
The New Humanitarian, May 18 2025 – Israeli military operations against Gaza have claimed three more Palestinian journalists’ lives since October 2023, bringing to over 200 the total number of media workers killed according to both the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS). IFJ reports:Recent Victims Whilst Hassan Samour of Al-Aqsa...
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Russia’s Strategy Aims to Undermine Ukraine’s Viability, Analysts Warn
May 17, 2025 – Istanbul – Recent developments in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine suggest a strategic shift by Moscow aimed at rendering Ukraine a non-viable state, according to analysts and Ukrainian officials. This approach appears to be designed to erode Ukraine’s sovereignty and capacity to function independently, rather than pursuing outright territorial...
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PM Shehbaz Confirms PAF Has Shot Down Six Indian Fighter Jets, Including Mirage 2000
Defence Security Asia On May 16, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down another Indian fighter jet during recent aerial engagements between both forces, including an IAF Mirage 2000 that has now come down. This followed earlier claims of downing five aircraft, increasing to six. Its Facebook +2The Express...
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Trump Threatens Maximum Pressure against Iran
President Donald Trump delivered an address at an investment summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 13 and branded Iran the “most destructive force” in the Middle East and reiterated the US position that they would never allow it to develop nuclear weapons. Asked for final warning to Iran while leaving an avenue open for...
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Israel Expects Half of Gaza’s Population to Flee Amid Full-Scale Assault
May 13, 2025 — Gaza StripOCHA Occupied Palestinian Territory+1UNRWA+1 Israel anticipates that up to 50% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents may flee their homes as it intensifies its military campaign against Hamas, according to statements from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli government has initiated measures to facilitate the departure of Palestinians from the enclave,...
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US Reduces Tariffs on Small Parcels From Chinese Firms Shein and Temu
Washington D.C. — The United States recently unveiled a significant reduction in tariffs on small imports from China, cutting them from 120% to 54% for packages valued under $800 and set to enter U.S. markets starting May 14, 2025 as part of efforts to ease trade tensions between nations. Business Insider, Reuters, The Economic Times...
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Do Israel’s Attacks Make a Difference to Yemen’s Houthis?
May 12, 2025 — Sanaa, Yemen As Israel intensifies its military campaign against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, questions arise about the effectiveness of these strikes in curbing the group’s capabilities and influence. Despite significant damage to infrastructure, the Houthis remain resolute, continuing their operations and maintaining their stance against Israel. In early May, Israel launched a...
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Trump Congratulates China on “Great Progress” After Opening Day of U.S.-China Trade Talks
President Donald Trump made an important statement that may help calm escalating trade tensions after the first day of high-level trade talks between the United States and China in Geneva, marking first face-to-face negotiations since both nations imposed tariffs earlier this year.AP News/Reuters/Investor’s Business DailyTrump posted on Truth Social his impressions of today’s meeting in...
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Pakistan Completely Reopens Airspace Following Ceasefire with India
Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Saturday that all forms of flights have resumed within its airspace following a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. Prothomalo +5 on Pakistan Today + 5 for Business Recorder.Pakistan Airspace Authority (PAA) announced on January 6 that all types of flights have resumed operations across all airports nationwide, and...