• U.S. and Israel Discuss Resumption of Bomb Shipment: The United States is in talks with Israel to potentially release a shipment of 500-pound bombs, according to a U.S. official. The shipment was halted in May due to concerns about military operations in Rafah. The discussions took place this week during a visit to Washington by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. 

• Heavy Rainfall Causes Roof Collapse at New Delhi Airport, One Killed: A section of the roof at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport collapsed due to heavy rain, resulting in one death and eight injuries. Rescuers discovered that two support pillars had collapsed onto a car, causing the fatality and injuries. Delhi is experiencing severe water-logging due to record-breaking rainfall in just 24 hours, surpassing the city's average for June. 

• 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Southern Peru: A 7.2 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast of southern Peru Friday night, centered about 5 miles west of Atiquipa, according to the USGS. Although a tsunami warning was issued for the surrounding areas, Peru’s Directorate of Hydrography did not report any tsunamis.  

• Iran Holds Snap Election to Replace Late President Raisi: Iran held a snap election following President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash last month, with results anticipated to be announced on Saturday. The incoming president is unlikely to bring significant policy changes as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei retains ultimate authority over all Iranian matters. 

• Kenya Authorizes Military Intervention Due to Protests: The Kenyan High Court has authorized military intervention to restore order after anti-tax protests overwhelmed the police, and protests are continuing nationwide. Armored vehicles patrolled Nairobi, and police used tear gas to disperse protesters threatening to storm the presidential palace. Demonstrators in cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu demanded President Ruto's resignation. 

• Biden and Trump to Meet in First Debate: U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will debate tonight in the first presidential debate of 2024. It’s the first between a sitting president and a former president and will occur much earlier than normal, before the party conventions. 

• Bolivian President Arce Responds to Coup Attempt: Bolivian police arrested General Juan José Zúñiga, the leader of an attempted coup, after soldiers stormed the presidential palace in La Paz. President Luis Arce condemned the coup attempt, urging the public to mobilize to support democracy, and announced the appointment of new military commanders. Pro-democracy demonstrators took to the streets to support Arce's government amidst the turmoil. 

• North Korea Claims Successful Multiwarhead Missile Test: North Korea announced it successfully tested a multiwarhead missile, claiming it demonstrated the capability to overwhelm U.S. missile defenses. This statement contradicted South Korea’s assessment of a failed launch of a different weapon.  

• Kenyan President Withdraws Tax Hikes Amid Violent Protests: Kenyan President William Ruto withdrew proposed tax hikes from the 2024/2025 finance bill following extensive violent protests, posing a significant challenge to his presidency. Despite the concession, calls for Ruto's resignation persist among some protesters after clashes with police resulted in at least 23 deaths nationwide. 

• Karachi Heat Wave Claims Hundreds of Lives: A severe heat wave in Karachi, Pakistan, has resulted in the deaths of at least 450 people over the past four days, according to the Edhi Foundation. The NGO reported receiving 427 bodies, while the Sindh government reported 23 deaths in three hospitals. Karachi has experienced extreme temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) for three consecutive days.  

• Train Derailment in Russia Kills Two, Injures 50: A 14-carriage passenger train carrying 232 passengers derailed in Russia’s northern republic of Komi on Wednesday evening, killing two people, injuring at least 50, and leaving one person missing. Russian Railways officials attribute the derailment to heavy rainfall that washed out parts of the track. 

• Israel Plans to Move Troops to Lebanese Border When Gaza Fighting Subsides: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that while the intense fighting against Hamas in Gaza is nearing an end, the war will continue until Hamas no longer controls the enclave. Once the fighting subsides, Israel plans to shift more forces to the northern border with Lebanon, where clashes with Hezbollah have intensified. 

• 19 Killed in Terror Attack in Russia’s Dagestan: Gunmen launched simultaneous attacks in Russia’s Dagestan region resulting in at least 19 deaths, including police officers and a priest. In Derbent, attackers opened fire on a synagogue and nearby churches, setting the synagogue, a UNESCO heritage site, on fire. In Makhachkala, the region's capital, gunmen attacked a police post, killing an officer and injuring six others. Six gunmen were killed during this incident, which Russia’s investigative committee has classified as a terrorist attack. 

• 1,300 Die During Hajj Pilgrimage: At least 1300 people died during the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca amid extreme heat in Saudi Arabia; 658 of the deceased were Egyptian citizens. This year, 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the hajj, with 1.6 million coming from abroad.    

• Fresh Demonstrations in New Caledonia: Violent demonstrations erupted in New Caledonia on Monday following the extradition of pro-independence leader Christian Tein to France. Demonstrators set police vehicles on fire, blocked roads, and attacked the town hall in Koumac. The unrest follows a recent spell of violent clashes and demonstrations in May after France approved reforms allowing more long-term French residents to vote.  Indigenous Kanaks fear these reforms will undermine their influence in future independence referendums.  

• EU to Begin Accession Talks with Ukraine: The European Union will begin accession talks with Ukraine on Tuesday, rejecting Russia's attempts to block the move. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to speak at the launch ceremony. Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna emphasized that Ukraine will not seek special treatment during negotiations. 

• North Korean Military Leader Warns of Escalating War: A North Korean military official has warned the US about the risk of a "new world war" due to its increasing military aid to Ukraine. The US and South Korea have expressed concern over growing military ties between Russia and North Korea, including alleged arms trades. President Vladimir Putin and Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un recently signed a pact for mutual military assistance in case of armed aggression. 

• California Braces for Dangerous Fire Season: A wildfire in Southern California burned over 14,000 acres northwest of Los Angeles, signaling a potentially dangerous and prolonged fire season due to accumulated vegetation from a rainy winter. The Post Fire, which started near Interstate 5, forced evacuations and closed recreational areas. In New Mexico, the entire town of Ruidoso was evacuated when the South Forks Fire merged with the Salt Fire. Over 5,000 acres have been burned. 

• Heat Emergency Declared in Boston and Washington D.C.: Heat emergency plans have been activated in Washington D.C., New York City, and Boston ahead of near-record temperatures that are expected to continue through Friday. Hundreds of cooling centers have been set up throughout the Northeast US. Afternoon heat index values will range between 100-105 °F well into Maine. Record heat will also extend north of the border, with Montreal prepping for heat indices near 40 °C.  

• Tropical Storm Alerts Over Southern Texas and Mexico: Tropical storm warnings are in effect in South Texas from Port O'Connor to the mouth of the Rio Grande as Potential Tropical Cyclone One threatens to become the first named storm of the year. ‘Alberto’ is the first name on the 2024 list. Localized rain totals over 12-15 inches may cause numerous flooding and transport disruptions throughout Southern Texas and Northeast Mexico between Wednesday and Friday. 

• U.S. Representatives Approve Israeli Arms Sale: After months of delay and pressure from the Biden administration, two key Democrats, Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Ben Cardin, have agreed to support an $18 billion U.S. arms sale to Israel, including 50 F-15 fighter jets. Concerns over the sale were addressed through consultations with the administration. 

• Vladamir Putin to Visit North Korea: Russian President Vladimir Putin praised North Korea for supporting Russia's actions in Ukraine as he prepares for his first visit to Pyongyang in 24 years. Putin will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday, aiming to bolster trade and security ties outside Western influence. Putin is expected to sign a partnership agreement and participate in several events during the visit. The visit comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, following recent North Korean border incursions and increased military activities. 

• Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage: Thailand will become the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage after the Senate approved a marriage equality bill, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights. The bill, which now awaits the king's formal endorsement, grants same-sex couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples. 

• Heatwave Targets Eastern U.S.: Exceptional heatwave conditions will develop over Central and Eastern United States and Canada this weekend, expanding in coverage over the next ten days. While hot summer conditions are typical in mid to late June, forecast models are indicating potentially high pressure and high temperatures, especially over the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast US. Expect actual temperatures to surge into the upper 90s, with localized observations approaching 100, between Monday and Thursday. 
• Putin Offers Ceasefire if Kyiv Withdraws: Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed negotiations and an immediate ceasefire if Kyiv pulled troops from annexed regions and renounced NATO membership. Ukraine did not respond immediately to this offer, but it’s unlikely they will accept. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly advocated for NATO membership and said they would not concede any territory to Russia. 
• Millions Gather in Mecca for Hajj Despite Extreme Heat: Over 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims gathered in Mecca for the Hajj during extreme heat conditions, with numbers expected to exceed 2 million as more join from Saudi Arabia. Large crowds began the pilgrimage by circling the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, in the Grand Mosque. 
• U.N. Demands Lift of Siege of El Fasher: The U.N. Security Council has called for Sudanese paramilitary forces to lift their eight-week siege of El Fasher. This is the final major city under the control of Sudan's army as it continues its civil war with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The year-long conflict has caused thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people. 
• Fatal Flooding and Landslides Hit India and Nepal Himalayas: At least 10 people have died in flooding and landslides across India and Nepal's Himalayan regions due to heavy rainfall, with 2,400 tourists stranded in Sikkim. The severe weather has caused significant damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure, with officials recovering additional bodies and warning of ongoing risks.  
• North Korea Sends Artillery to Russia: North Korea sent approximately 10,000 shipping containers to Russia, potentially containing up to 4.8 million artillery shells, according to South Korea's defense minister. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to request additional military supplies during his visit to Pyongyang in the coming weeks. 
• G7 Summit Focuses on Migration: On the second day of the G7 summit in Italy, global leaders are prioritizing migration, targeting trafficking, and enhancing investment in migrants' home countries. Migration is especially significant to Italy as it is a major entry point into the European Union for those fleeing war and poverty in Africa, Middle East, and Asia. 

• Florida Declares State of Emergency Due to Severe Flooding: Southern Florida experienced severe flooding on Wednesday, prompting Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency for several counties, including Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota. The National Weather Service reported "life-threatening flooding" in parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Scattered flash flooding is expected to threaten the area again later Thursday. 

• Russian Warships Arrive in Cuban Waters: A fleet of Russian warships, including a frigate, a nuclear-powered submarine, an oil tanker, and a rescue tug, arrived in Cuban waters on Wednesday, signaling a display of strength amid growing tensions over Western support for Ukraine. The ships entered Havana Bay after completing drills in the Atlantic Ocean. The fleet is expected to stay in the Caribbean through the summer, with possible visits to Venezuela. 

• Argentina's Senate Votes Amid Violent Protests: In Buenos Aires, five deputies required hospitalization after police used gas to disperse them during a large protest outside the Argentine Congress. Senators were discussing a crucial bill affecting President Javier Milei's administration at the time. The incident became violent, and dozens of people needed medical treatment for skin irritation. 

• G7 Summit Focuses on Ukraine Aid and Global Challenges: The Group of Seven (G7) nations have agreed on a loan to deliver approximately $50 billion in fresh aid to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets. In Italy, the G7 Summit will also address issues such as the Gaza conflict, migration, economic security, and artificial intelligence.  

• 49 Foreign Workers Killed in Kuwait Fire: A fire in a building housing foreign workers in Kuwait killed at least 49 people, with the deputy prime minister blaming property owner violations for the tragedy. Several Indian nationals were killed in the fire and dozens were hospitalized, according to Indian officials. 

• Right-Wing Alliance to Form in France Ahead of Snap Elections: The leader of France's center-right Republicans (LR) party, Eric Ciotti, has called for an alliance with Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN). Ciotti's comments have sparked backlash from fellow party members, who are calling for his resignation. The upcoming elections pose a significant challenge for President Macron, whose party lacks a parliamentary majority and faces strong opposition from both the far-right and a newly unified left-wing coalition. 

• Hamas Responds to Ceasefire Proposal: Israel calls Hamas' response to the latest ceasefire proposal a rejection after Hamas proposed amendments, including a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The U.S., along with Qatari and Egyptian mediators, continues to seek an agreement. President Biden’s plan, endorsed by the U.N. Security Council, outlines a six-week ceasefire with mutual prisoner releases, aiming for a permanent truce. Internal divisions in Israel complicate the situation, with some officials pushing for continued conflict while others advocate for a ceasefire to secure hostage releases. 

• Modi Retains Cabinet Positions: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has retained key cabinet ministers from his previous term following his party's recent re-election. This move signals that Modi is still in charge, even though he will have to depend on coalition allies for a majority in parliament.  

• U.S. Lifts Ban on Arming Controversial Ukrainian Unit: The U.S. has ended its ban on supplying weapons and training to Ukraine's Azov brigade, despite controversy over alleged far-right ties. The move follows a vetting process that found no evidence of human rights violations. The Azov Brigade, now part of Ukraine's National Guard, welcomed the decision, while Russia condemned it, accusing the U.S. of supporting neo-Nazis.  

• Nationwide Demonstrations in India: India's Hindu nationalist group Bajrang Dal have organized demonstrations across India that may lead to disruptions in urban areas on Wednesday. The demonstrations aim to condemn a recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Bajrang Dal plans to burn effigies symbolizing 'Islamic terrorism' and submit a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu through district collectors, urging action against the attackers. 

• Democracy Day Demonstrations Throughout Nigeria: Civil society groups in Nigeria are expected to hold nationwide demonstrations against rising food prices on Wednesday to coincide with Democracy Day, a national public holiday. Disruptions and clashes with police are likely in urban areas, based on similar demonstrations in the past. 

• Wyoming's Teton Pass Collapses: A large section of the Teton Pass in Wyoming collapsed, severing a key commuter link between Eastern Idaho and Jackson, Wyoming. The collapse followed damage observed on Thursday's roadway, temporarily patched before the road failed completely on Friday. Governor Mark Gordon has declared an emergency to access federal resources for repairs. 

• Israeli War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz Resigns: Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz has resigned from the emergency government, citing deepening divisions over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans for Gaza and accusing Netanyahu of preventing a true victory. Gantz, seen as a potential challenger for power, called for elections. Opposition leader Yair Lapid supported his decision, and far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir demanded a place in the war cabinet following the announcement. 

• U.S. Secretary of State Returns to the Middle East: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will return to the Middle East this week amid uncertainty over a proposed Israel-Hamas ceasefire following the rescue of four Israeli hostages from Gaza. Blinken will meet with leaders in Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Qatar. The rescue operation, while praised by U.S. officials, resulted in at least 274 Palestinian deaths. according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which may complicate negotiations.  

• Macron Calls Snap National Election: French President Emmanuel Macron called a snap national election after exit polls showed a defeat by the far-right National Rally in European parliamentary elections. Polls show the National Rally won more than 31% of the vote, doubling the share of Macron's centrist Renaissance party. Voting is set to take place on June 30 and July 7. Overall, far-right parties gained ground across the board while center-right parties tightened their grip on the EU Parliament with significant victories across several countries, including Germany, Greece, Poland, and Spain.  

• Demonstrators Call for Transitional Government in Armenia: Large crowds gatheredDemonstrators Call for Transitional Government in Armenia: Large crowds gathered in Yerevan, Armenia, on Sunday, calling for the removal of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Demonstrators were led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, who announced four days of rallies after weeks of waning protests. Galstanyan attempts to escalate the situation by demanding a change of power by appointing a transitional government within days. 

• Southwest Monsoon Causes Disruption in Mumbai: A southwest monsoon in Mumbai, India caused heavy rains and disruption in several areas, including Byculla, Sion, Dadar, Mazgaon, Kurla, Vikhroli, and Andheri. Traffic and rail services were disrupted. Enhanced monsoonal conditions will likely bring well-above-average rainfall to portions of Southwest India, increasing the risk of flooding, waterlogging, and landslides. 

• South Korea Resumes Loudspeaker Broadcasts: South Korea has resumed loudspeaker broadcasts directed at North Korea following North Korea's launch of hundreds of trash balloons over the border. On Sunday, North Korea launched a new wave of trash balloons, and Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, warned of a new response if South Korea continues the broadcasts and scattering leaflets amid rising tensions.   

• U.S. Bomber Drill Escalates Tensions with North Korea: The recent deployment of a U.S. B-1B Lancer bomber to the Korean peninsula, which involved dropping JDAMs in a bombing drill, appears to be a show of force against North Korea. Analysts suggest that Pyongyang might use this drill as an excuse to enhance its nuclear arsenal. This is the first U.S. bomber drill over the peninsula since 2017. 

• Russia Deploys to the Caribbean for Military Exercises: Russian aircraft and naval vessels will arrive in the Caribbean next week for military exercises, marking their first operation in the Western Hemisphere in five years.  Four Russian ships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, will arrive in Havana next week. The exercise is part of a broader Russian response to the U.S. support for Ukraine. 

• Netanyahu to Address U.S. Congress as Gaza Conflict Escalates: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address the U.S. Congress on July 24, focusing on the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The visit is scheduled amid rising tensions between Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden, who has recently criticized Israel's tactics in Gaza. 

• U.K. Issues Urgent Health Alert Due to E. Coli: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an urgent health alert after an E. coli outbreak, with 113 cases reported across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The agency has linked the outbreak to an unknown food item or items distributed nationally. 

• Ramaphosa Proposes National Unity Government After ANC Loses Majority: South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa announced plans that the African National Congress (ANC) will invite other political parties to form the national unity government after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in the democratic era during the May 29 vote.  

• Houthi Rebels Detain Multiple U.N. Staffers: At least nine Yemeni employees of U.N. agencies have been detained by Houthi rebels under unclear circumstances, authorities reported on Friday. This as the rebels experience increasing financial pressure as well as airstrikes from the U.S.-led coalition. Reports indicate that additional aid workers have likely been detained.  

• Israel Targets U.N. School in Gaza: An Israeli air strike on a U.N. school in the Nuseirat refugee camp reportedly killed at least 35 people. The Israeli military reports it targeted a Hamas compound located inside the school. Despite ongoing ceasefire talks, Israel states they will not stop military operations. 
• Extensive Damage from Midwest U.S. Tornadoes: Wednesday evening, a tornado struck between Poolesville and Germantown, Maryland, resulting in extensive damage. Several trapped individuals in Gaithersburg were sent to hospitals for treatment. Elsewhere, significant damage occurred following a tornado in Livonia, a Detroit suburb. One fatality and two injuries have been confirmed. 
• South Korean Activists Send Propaganda Balloons to North Korea: South Korean activists launched 10 balloons carrying propaganda leaflets across the border after North Korea launched trash-filled balloons last week. In response, North Korea has threatened to resume sending balloons filled with manure and trash, causing South Korea to suspend a tension-easing deal and prepare for renewed military activities. 
• European Parliament Elections Begin in the Netherlands: The European Parliament elections began on Thursday in the Netherlands, with the other 26 member states following over the next three days. This cross-border democratic event will conclude on Sunday night, revealing the new parliamentary composition. The elections come at a critical time as the war in Ukraine persists, prompting EU governments to urgently seek additional funds to enhance their defense capabilities. 
• More than 150 Killed in Sudan Attacks: Over 150 people have been killed in a massacre in Central Sudan, with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group suspected of being responsible. Activists in Gezira state have reported that soldiers encircled the village of Wad al-Nourah on Wednesday and then carried out two attacks. 
• Tornadoes Devastate South African Town: At least 11 people died and over 50 were injured after multiple tornadoes hit the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa causing significant damage in the town of Tongaat. Video footage shows widespread destruction of homes with debris scattered everywhere. Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube warned that casualty numbers may increase. 

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• Georgia's Parliament Enacts Controversial Law: Georgia's Parliament Speaker signed the controversial "foreign agents" bill into law on Monday, amid ongoing protests in Tbilisi. Critics argue the law stifles opposition and hinders EU integration, while the ruling party insists it’s necessary to combat foreign influence. Both the EU and US have called for its repeal, with the US imposing sanctions on responsible officials. 

• Farmers to Demonstrate in Brussels: Members of the Farmers Defence Force organized a demonstration against the European Union in central Brussels on Tuesday. Up to 3,000 participants are expected to disrupt traffic throughout the city. The demonstration precedes the European Parliament elections scheduled for June 6-9. 

• US Looks for Support on Ceasefire Deal: The US is seeking UN Security Council support for a resolution endorsing President Biden's proposed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The draft resolution urges Hamas to accept and implement the ceasefire terms without delay and stresses the need for all parties to adhere to the agreement for a lasting cessation of hostilities.  

• Rail Service Strike in Argentina: Rail services across Argentina will be disrupted on Tuesday, June 4, due to a 24-hour nationwide strike by the "La Fraternidad" union. Railway workers are demanding salary increases and improved working conditions. Cargo and passenger services will both be affected. 

• Ethiopian Troops to Leave Somalia: Somalia says all  Ethiopian troops must leave the country by the end of 2024, as the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS) mandate expires in December. The decision is in response to a controversial agreement between Ethiopia and the self-declared Republic of Somaliland. Regional officials have expressed concerns that the withdrawal could benefit Al-Shabab militants.  

• Vote Counting Underway in India: Vote counting is underway in India, with early tallies suggesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised for a third term; however, the prospect of the ruling BJP party maintaining an outright majority is uncertain as counting continues into the afternoon. The election has been marked by extreme heat and allegations of government stifling opposition campaigns. 

• Philippine Volcano Eruption Causes Flight Disruptions and Evacuations: Hundreds of residents near Mount Kanlaon in the Philippines were evacuated following a volcanic eruption that caused a three-mile-high ash column. The eruption caused a strong earthquake, which led to the cancellation of over 60 flights, impacting more than 5,000 passengers.  

Hot off the press...

https://islandintelligencer.substack.com/p/spycraft-and-the-theater-of-espionage

• North Korea Fires 10 Missiles Towards Japan: North Korea fired at least ten short-range ballistic missiles from the Sunan area near its capital of Pyongyang. The missiles landed in the Sea of Japan just outside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone. 

• Israel Takes Control of Gaza Land Border: Israeli forces report that they have taken control of the buffer zone along the border between Gaza and Egypt, known as the Philadelphi Corridor, which gives Israel control of Gaza’s entire land border. At least 20 tunnels were found within the zone that Hamas used to smuggle weapons into Gaza.  

• Hong Kong Democracy Supporters Charged with Conspiracy: 14 Hong Kong pro-democracy activists were found guilty of conspiracy to commit subversion under China’s national security law. They were among 47 democracy supporters prosecuted for their involvement in the 2021 unofficial primary election. 

• Europe Heightens Alert Amid Suspected Russian Attacks: European countries are on high alert following suspected acts of arson and sabotage linked to Russia. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed that authorities have apprehended nine individuals in relation to acts of sabotage allegedly carried out under the directives of Russian services. Reports from various countries suggest that recent mysterious fires and attacks could be part of a concerted effort to undermine western stability in the region.   

• First Results from South Africa Election: The initial results are in from South Africa's highly contested elections, marking a significant challenge to the ruling African National Congress (ANC) after 30 years in power. With approximately 14% of voting districts tallied thus far, the ANC holds a lead with 43% of the votes, trailed by the opposition party of the Democratic Alliance (DA) at 26%. 

• Israel Faces International Condemnation Following Rafah Strike: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the airstrike and resulting fire that killed civilians in a tented Rafah camp for displaced people a “tragic mishap.” At least 45 people are believed to have died in the strike, which has drawn international condemnation. EU leaders have raised the prospect of sanctions, calling for an Association Council meeting with Israel on Monday. 

• Regional Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Denuclearized Korean Peninsula: For the first time in four years, leaders from South Korea, China, and Japan held a summit, during which they reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a denuclearized Korean Peninsula.  

• Tornadoes Leave 23 Dead Across Multiple US States: Severe weather swept through multiple U.S. states over the weekend, with several tornado touchdowns claiming at least 23 lives across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Alabama.

• Georgian Parliament to Vote on Veto of Controversial Law: On Monday, Georgia's parliament rejected the president's veto of the controversial "foreign influence" bill. Lawmakers will vote on overriding the veto on Tuesday. 

• France Lifts State of Emergency in New Caledonia: France lifted its state of emergency for New Caledonia on Monday, following weeks of violent protests that resulted in the death of 7 people.  

• Hundreds Detained Amid Nationwide Demonstrations in Armenia: Police across Armenia detained hundreds of demonstrators amid nationwide demonstrations calling for the resignation of the prime minister, following last month's decision to return territory to Azerbaijan.  

• China Punishes Taiwan with Military Drills: China renewed military drills around Taiwan following the inauguration of the new Taiwanese president, Lai Ching-te. A spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army stated that the drills are “strong punishment for separatist acts of Taiwan.” Taiwan has deployed naval, air, and ground forces around the Taipei-controlled islands.  

• US Tornadoes Leave Five Dead in Iowa: The Iowa Department of Public Safety reported that five people were killed on Tuesday after multiple tornadoes made landfall in the state. Significant damage and four deaths occurred near the city of Greenfield. The US has confirmed 859 tornadoes this year, 27% more than the US average.  

• High Winds Kill Nine at Mexico Campaign: Severe winds caused a stage to collapse at a campaign rally in the northern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, killing at least nine and injuring 63. The collapse occurred during an event attended by presidential candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez. 

• UK Elections Set for July 4: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that national elections will occur in the United Kingdom on July 4th. Sunak’s Conservative Party has governed since 2010 and is expected to lose to the opposition Labour Party.  

• Aid from New Pier Reaches Palestinians: The first humanitarian aid has reached Palestinians in Gaza from the temporary pier built by the US after initial aid trucks were intercepted. The UN suspended aid operations on Saturday after convoys were overrun by angry crowds. United States officials expected the pier to bring an equivalent of 150 truckloads of aid to Gaza each day but continue to face logical challenges.  

• Russian Airstrikes Kill Six in Kharkiv: Russian airstrikes struck the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv Thursday morning, killing six civilians. At least 16 others were injured when multiple S-300 missiles caused approximately 15 explosions throughout the city.  

• France and Belgium Back ICC Warrants for Israel & Hamas Leaders: Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has criticized the International Criminal Court's decision to seek arrest warrants for him and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling it an "attempt to deny the state of Israel the right to defend itself." France and Belgium have announced their support for the ICC's decision to seek warrants for both Israeli and Hamas leaders. A panel of three judges will decide whether to issue these arrest warrants and allow the case to proceed.  

• Former South African President Barred from Running in Upcoming Elections: Former South African President Jacob Zuma has been banned by the Constitutional Court from running in the general election on May 29. The court ruled that his imprisonment in 2021 disqualifies him from running. 

• Macron to Travel to New Caledonia as Evacuation Flights Begin: Following a week of violent clashes, government planes from Australia and New Zealand are expected to evacuate citizens from New Caledonia on Tuesday. The international airport has been closed due to nationwide demonstrations, leaving at least 3,000 people stranded. A French government spokesperson announced that French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to New Caledonia later today. 

• Funeral Processions Begin in Iran Ahead of Elections: Iran will observe five days of mourning following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on Sunday. Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will step in as acting president ahead of elections to determine a successor. 

• Iranian President Dies in Helicopter Crash: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the country's foreign minister were among several killed in a helicopter crash near the Iranian-Azerbaijani border. The helicopter went down in low-visibility conditions in the mountainous region on Sunday. Rescue teams reached the site and confirmed on Monday that there were no survivors. 

• Russia Expected to Intensify Summer Offensive: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia could intensify its offensive in Northeastern Ukraine. Russian troops have advanced 10 km since launching their summer offensive in the region.  

• Benny Gantz Puts Pressure on Netanyahu: Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz has called for the release of Israeli hostages to be prioritized and has threatened to withdraw from the coalition war cabinet. He is pushing a strategy involving an international administration to manage Gaza's civilian affairs. Gantz's ultimatum increases pressure on Netanyahu, who has resisted these demands so far. 

• Slovakian Prime Minister in Stable Condition: Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico is in stable condition following an attempted assassination on Wednesday. On Sunday, Slovakia's interior minister indicated that the attacker may not have acted alone and that an investigation is ongoing. 

• Georgian President Vetos Controversial Bill: Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili announced on Saturday that she has vetoed the controversial foreign influence bill, although the ruling party is expected to overrule the veto. The bill has sparked widespread protests across the country. 

• Taiwan Inaugurates New President: Lai Ching-te was sworn in as Taiwan's president on Monday. In his inauguration speech, he called on China to cease threats to Tawain's sovereignty and acknowledge Taiwan's democracy.  China dismissed Lai's stance, asserting that Taiwan’s independence is a “dead end.” 

• Thousands of Tourists Stranded in New Caledonia: French police have been deployed to New Caledonia to restore peace in the French-ruled territory as violent demonstrations continue into a second week. Security forces are attempting to regain control of the highway that leads to the international airport. The airport remains closed as thousands of tourists await evacuation flights