Iran executed 975 people in ‘horrifying’ 2024 escalation: rights groups

UN Chief Calls for Investigation into Gaza KillingsUN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged an independent investigation into the deaths of at least 31 Palestinians, reportedly killed by Israeli gunfire near a US-backed aid center in Rafah, Gaza. Eyewitnesses described attacks from drones and tanks, while the Israeli military denied firing at civilians and suggested Hamas was spreading false information. Amid ongoing humanitarian concerns and failed ceasefire negotiations, the conflict has resulted in significant casualties on...

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SummaryFormer Australian foreign ministers Gareth Evans and Bob Carr have joined calls for Australia to impose sanctions on Israel for blocking food and aid to civilians in Gaza, amid a worsening humanitarian crisis due to Israel's military offensive. Labor Party lawmaker Ed Husic also urged the government to consider supporting Palestinian statehood at an upcoming UN conference, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has focused on peace rather than sanctions. Activist Reem Borrows emphasized the need...

Over a million Muslim pilgrims have arrived in Mecca for the annual hajj, with Saudi authorities implementing enhanced safety measures against extreme heat following last year's tragedy that resulted in 1,301 deaths. This year, temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius, prompting the mobilization of 250,000 officials and the expansion of shaded areas and medical staff. Additionally, a crackdown on unregistered pilgrims is underway, with strict penalties for violators, as the Saudi government aims...

A Palestinian doctor, Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, died from injuries sustained in an Israeli airstrike on May 23 that killed nine of his children and severely injured his 11-year-old son, Adam. The attack occurred in Khan Younis after Hamdi had just dropped off his wife at Nasser Hospital, where both worked. Amid Israel's military campaign in Gaza, the Italian government has offered to treat Adam, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis resulting in over 54,418 deaths in...

Chile's President Gabriel Boric announced plans to increase pressure on Israel regarding its actions in Gaza during his final annual address to Congress, which lasted three hours and covered various topics including crime and infrastructure. He proposed a law banning imports from "illegally occupied territories" and expressed support for Spain's efforts to impose an arms embargo on Israel, eliciting significant reactions from Congress. Boric, a known critic of Israel, recently recalled military personnel from the...