Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey rank in top 20 global military spenders: What to know

SummaryIran's Foreign Ministry responded to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's threats to attack Iranian nuclear facilities, asserting that any aggression would provoke a strong response. Spokesman Esmaeil Baghai claimed Israel's remarks aim to distract from its actions against Palestinians and disrupt diplomatic efforts, while Netanyahu insisted on the complete elimination of Iran's nuclear program. Additionally, Baghai announced the arrival of an International Atomic Energy Agency delegation in Tehran to discuss technical aspects related to Iran's nuclear...

SummaryClashes in Jaramana, a predominantly Druze town near Damascus, resulted in over a dozen deaths, triggered by a recording of a Druze man insulting the Prophet Mohammad, inciting anger among Sunni gunmen. The violence reflects escalating sectarian tensions in Syria, especially after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, with Druze leaders calling for calm and unity. Local authorities are investigating the recording's origin, while community leaders criticize the government for failing to maintain security and warn...

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has announced it has depleted all food stocks in Gaza due to a seven-week blockade by Israel, which has cut off humanitarian aid since March 2. As a result, community kitchens providing hot meals are expected to run out of food imminently, exacerbating malnutrition among vulnerable populations. The WFP warns that without urgent action to reopen borders for aid, the critical assistance may cease, while Israel claims it has...

In a televised speech, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem urged the Lebanese government to intensify efforts for a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and the release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israel, asserting that Lebanon's strength is respected even by the United States. He criticized Israel's recent attacks, particularly in Dahiyeh, and called for the Lebanese government to pressure international bodies like the US and UN to address these violations, emphasizing Lebanon's commitment to the ceasefire...

Ami Ayalon, a former commander of the Israeli navy and head of the Shin Bet, alongside 17 colleagues, expressed grave concerns about the future of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. They published a full-page advert in major Israeli newspapers, highlighting that the government is prioritizing personal power over the welfare of hostages and the public, with 70% of Israelis supporting an end to the war and a new election. Ayalon urges allies, including...

The United States has intensified air strikes against Yemen's Houthis in response to their attacks on Red Sea shipping, which began in November 2023 amid the Gaza conflict. Under President Trump, the campaign escalated following Houthi threats to target Israeli vessels, with significant strikes resulting in civilian casualties, including over 74 deaths in an April attack on a fuel terminal. The US aims to maintain open shipping routes, vital for global trade, while rights activists...