International

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a controversial address on Monday, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich openly acknowledged that the limited humanitarian aid allowed into the Gaza Strip is intended not to alleviate civilian suffering but to shield Israel from international war crimes accusations.

Smotrich declared that Israel is “annihilating everything that remains in the Strip,” describing Gaza as “one big city of terror.” He said the provision of minimal aid — such as “a few bakeries distributing pitas” and “a daily portion of cooked food” — serves a strategic purpose: maintaining global political cover. “It allows the world to continue providing us with international protection,” he asserted.

Smotrich defended Israel’s ongoing campaign of widespread devastation, describing it as a shift from targeted raids to full-scale occupation. “No more raids with ins and outs… we are conquering, clearing, and staying until Hamas is destroyed,” he said.

The minister praised the military’s intensified focus on Gaza’s civil infrastructure, noting that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is now targeting the administrative apparatus of Hamas, including ministers, civil servants, and the economic networks.

Boasting of the level of destruction inflicted on the enclave, Smotrich said, “We are dismantling Gaza, leaving it in ruins with unprecedented destruction, and the world still hasn’t stopped us.” He went further, expressing support for a complete blockade of essential services: “Until the last of the hostages returns, we should also not let water into the Gaza Strip.”

Perhaps most alarmingly, Smotrich appeared to endorse forced displacement, stating: “The population will reach the south of the Strip, and from there, God willing, to third countries, as part of President Trump’s plan.”

His remarks have sparked renewed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and raised serious questions about the legality and morality of Israel’s ongoing military strategy.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, secured third place at the AFCON U20 tournament after a tense victory in a penalty shootout against host nation Egypt.

The third-place playoff ended in a deadlock after regulation time, with both teams creating but failing to convert keychances. 

In the ensuing shootout, Nigeria maintained their composure and emerged victorious, silencing the home crowd and concluding their campaign on a high note.

Head coach Aliyu Zubairu praised his players for their determination and mental toughness throughout the match. “Beating the hosts in front of their fans, and doing so under the pressure of a shootout, speaks volumes about the character of this team,” he said.

South Africa went on to win the tournament, claiming the championship after an impressive performance in the finalagainst Morocco.

The AFCONU20 tournament showcased elite youth teams from across the continent, providing a platform for emerging talent and fierce competition.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has temporarily stepped down from his duties as an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against him gets underway.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, a junior staff member has accused Mr Khan of forcing himself on her—an allegation he strongly denies. The ICC has not released further details but confirmed that Mr Khan would take a leave of absence to allow for an impartial probe.

Mr Khan has recently been at the centre of international legal proceedings, having sought arrest warrants for leaders of both Israel and Hamas over alleged war crimes committed during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

In his absence, the ICC announced that Khan’s two deputies will assume his responsibilities to ensure continuity in the Court’s operations.

The investigation is ongoing.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a touching display of determination and love for education, an elderly grandmother brought six live chickens to Adiedo Mixed Secondary School in Migori, Kenya, on Tuesday, May 14, 2025, to settle her granddaughter’s unpaid school fees after the child was sent home for non-payment.

The elderly woman’s unconventional payment moved teachers and onlookers, mainly when one of the hens laid an egg on the spot—a moment seen as a divine blessing. 

The incident highlighted the family’s profound dedication to education, despite facing financial hardship.  

School officials accepted the poultry, recognising the grandmother’s sacrifice of her valuable laying hens to keep her granddaughter in class. The story has since touched many, highlighting the lengths families go to secure their children’s futures.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old beauty influencer from Zapopan, Jalisco (Mexico), was tragically shot and killed during a TikTok livestream on May 13, 2025. Known for her makeup tutorials and lifestyle content, Marquez had nearly 200,000 followers across social media platforms.

The incident occurred at Blossom The Beauty Lounge, where Marquez worked. A man posing as a delivery person entered the salon and fatally shot her while she was streaming live. She was struck in the chest and head, collapsing on camera in a moment that quickly went viral and shocked viewers.

Authorities are investigating the killing as a femicide, a gender-based crime. Reports indicate that Marquez had previously expressed fears about threats from an ex-partner, whom she believed was behind earlier harassment.

Her death has sparked outrage and renewed calls for stronger protections against gender-based violence in Mexico, a country grappling with high rates of femicide.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

In his first Sunday message as Pope, Leo XIV made a powerful plea for peace, urging an immediate end to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. 

Addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff called for “an authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine, emphasising the devastating human cost of the ongoing war. 

He further implored for a ceasefire in Gaza, demanding the release of all Israeli hostages held captive.

“The world yearns for peace,” Pope Leo XIV stated, his voice resonating across the square. “We must strive for dialogue and understanding, putting an end to the violence that inflicts immeasurable suffering. In Ukraine, let the weapons fall silent, and in Gaza, let the hostages be released.”

His message underscored the Vatican’s continued commitment to promoting peace and reconciliation in conflict-plagued regions. 

The Pope’s appeal resonated with many, who hope his words may inspire concrete action toward achieving a lasting resolution.

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a historic development, the Catholic Church has elected Robert Francis Prevost as the new pope, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy. The decision was announced from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica following the traditional white smoke signal from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday.

Pope Robert I, as he will now be known, hails from Chicago, Illinois, and previously served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. Known for his pastoral sensitivity and administrative skill, the 69-year-old cleric has long been regarded as a bridge between tradition and reform within the Church.

Thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square to witness the historic moment, many expressing surprise and hope over the unprecedented choice.

The new pontiff addressed the faithful in multiple languages, asking for prayers and unity in a world “deeply in need of peace, compassion, and truth.”

Analysts see his election as a signal of the Church’s growing global inclusivity and a recognition of the American Church’s rising influence.

More details about his vision and forthcoming priorities are expected in the coming days as he officially begins his pontificate.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Nigeria has officially cleared its outstanding debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), marking a significant milestone in the country’s economic recovery efforts. This development follows a series of substantial repayments totalling $1.22 billion between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the second quarter of 2024, reducing Nigeria’s IMF debt from $3.26 billion in June 2023 to $1.16 billion by June 2024.

The IMF has acknowledged Nigeria’s commitment to meeting its financial obligations, noting that the country has no overdue payments as of April 30, 2024. This achievement reflects the government’s dedication to fiscal responsibility and economic reform.

In a statement, IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath commended Nigeria’s efforts, stating that the country’s debt level is “moderate and not high risk,” provided that sound economic policies are maintained. She emphasised the importance of continued domestic revenue mobilisation and targeted social interventions to sustain this progress.

Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Wale Edun, highlighted the government’s initiatives to enhance social investment programmes and strengthen domestic resource mobilisation through tax reforms and digitalisation. He also noted increased crude oil production, significantly boosting national revenue.

This financial turnaround positions Nigeria to engage more robustly with international financial institutions and investors, potentially attracting increased foreign investment and fostering economic growth.

The successful clearance of IMF debt underscores Nigeria’s commitment to economic stability and sets a positive precedent for other nations facing similar challenges.

By Muhammad Abubakar

India has launched missile strikes on nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targeting what it described as “terrorist infrastructure.” The strikes come amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last month that claimed 26 lives.

Pakistan reported that at least eight people were killed and 35 injured in the strikes. Authorities in Islamabad condemned the assault as an “unprovoked, blatant act of war,” accusing India of deliberately targeting civilian areas.

In response, Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets, though Indian officials have yet to confirm any such losses.

The incident marks a dangerous escalation in a region with a long and volatile history, raising fresh concerns about stability and the risk of broader conflict.

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a controversial move, the Trump administration has announced a new policy offering $1,000 to undocumented migrants who voluntarily leave the United States. The initiative, branded as a “self-deportation incentive,” is part of broader efforts by the administration to reduce the number of migrants residing illegally in the country.

According to Department of Homeland Security officials, the program aims to ease pressure on immigration detention centres and reduce deportation costs. Eligible migrants must meet certain criteria, including passing background checks and agreeing to leave the country within a set timeframe.

Critics have called the policy coercive and dehumanising, arguing that it targets vulnerable populations who may feel forced to leave under economic pressure. Supporters, however, defend the measure as a cost-effective and voluntary alternative to formal deportation proceedings.

The offer has sparked fresh debate on immigration policy as the administration continues to advocate for tighter border controls and enforcement.

It remains unclear how many migrants will take up the offer or how the program will be monitored in practice.