Israel

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has announced the death of Palestinian goalkeeper Saleem Al-Ashqar following an incident involving Israeli forces in Gaza earlier this week.

In a statement, the association said Al-Ashqar died after “fire opened by occupation forces.”

The PFA described the late footballer as one of many Palestinian sports figures who have lost their lives since the war in Gaza began in October 2023.

According to the association, more than 1,000 Palestinian athletes have been killed during the conflict.

Reports said Al-Ashqar got married five months ago, while his wife is currently expecting their first child.

His death has drawn reactions from relatives, teammates and members of the international sporting community, many of whom expressed sadness over the development.

Chilean football club Deportivo Palestino also reacted to the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday.

“We deeply mourn the tragic death of 32-year-old Palestinian goalkeeper Salim Al-Ashqar. He was killed by the Israeli army. We are deeply saddened by the continuation of such events. We call for justice and peace,” the club said.

By Maryam Ahmad

A United Nations commission of inquiry has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, alleging that Israeli forces deliberately targeted Palestinian children and inflicted conditions aimed at destroying the future of the Palestinian population.

In a report released on Monday, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry said children accounted for nearly 30 per cent of the more than 67,000 Palestinians reported killed during the conflict. The commission argued that the use of heavy weapons in densely populated areas, attacks on essential services, and severe humanitarian conditions demonstrated genocidal intent.

The inquiry also documented widespread psychological trauma, attacks on healthcare facilities, and worsening conditions for children in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Israel strongly rejected the findings, describing them as false and politically motivated. Israeli officials said the military takes measures to minimise civilian casualties and blamed Hamas for operating within civilian areas and diverting humanitarian resources.

The report is likely to intensify international debate over the conduct of the war, which began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and has since resulted in heavy casualties and widespread destruction across Gaza.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Israel and Hezbollah have accepted a ceasefire agreement expected to take effect on Friday after months of fighting along the Israel-Lebanon border.

A senior United States official confirmed the development on condition of anonymity. The official said the agreement followed fresh exchanges of fire between both sides earlier in the day.

“Hezbollah and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire,” the official said, noting that negotiators from the United States and Qatar helped broker the arrangement with support from Iran.

“We understand that after the exchange of fire earlier today, Israel and Hezbollah are now in a ceasefire,” the official added.

The agreement comes amid fears that the conflict could expand across the Middle East due to the involvement of Israel, Hezbollah, Iran and allied armed groups in the region.

The ceasefire also followed recent remarks by United States President Donald Trump, who urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show caution in Lebanon.

Trump warned that continued Israeli military actions in Lebanon could affect wider diplomatic efforts linked to regional peace talks and negotiations involving Iran.

Although Trump stressed that he still maintained a good relationship with Netanyahu, he advised the Israeli leader to exercise restraint.

“I’ve had a great relationship with Bibi, but now Bibi has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon.”

Trump also spoke about Lebanon’s past status as a major centre for education and professional excellence in the Middle East.

“Lebanon used to be a great country. It was a country where you had professors, doctors, lawyers. The great intellect was in Lebanon. Now it’s just terrible.”

Reports indicated that Trump was unhappy after Israeli forces allegedly carried out strikes on Beirut shortly before a planned understanding between Washington and Tehran.

Despite the ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, Netanyahu defended Israel’s military operations against Iran and its allies. He insisted that the campaign had weakened Iran’s military capabilities and blocked what he described as a looming nuclear threat.

Speaking during a press conference on Monday night, Netanyahu said stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons had remained his long-term objective.

“Dear citizens of Israel, for decades, I have been fighting against Iran’s efforts to arm itself with nuclear weapons. I can define it as my life’s mission,” Netanyahu said.

He also vowed that Israel would continue taking action against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“With an agreement, without an agreement – Iran will not have nuclear weapons. Not today, and not tomorrow. As long as I am the Prime Minister of Israel – this will not happen.”

Netanyahu dismissed criticism about Israel’s recent military operations and argued that the country had recorded major successes.

“I hear people asking: What have we achieved? And my response to them is: ‘What have we achieved?!’ We have fended off an immediate threat of annihilation,” he stated.

According to him, Israel and the United States carried out what he described as “the largest offensive air operation in Israel’s history.”

“We neutralised nuclear scientists, decapitated the leaders of the terror regime, pulverised nuclear facilities, destroyed missiles and the vast majority of the factories that produce them,” he said.

Regional and international observers are expected to monitor the ceasefire closely as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran on Sunday night fired missiles toward Israel in a move that has heightened tensions in the Middle East and raised concerns about the future of ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region.

According to the Israeli military, about 10 ballistic missiles were launched toward northern Israel. Authorities said the missiles were either intercepted by air defence systems or landed in open areas. There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.

The attack marked Iran’s first direct strike against Israel since a ceasefire between Iran, Israel and the United States took effect in early April.

Iran said the missile launch was a response to Israeli air strikes on Beirut earlier in the day. Tehran accused Israel of violating the ceasefire in Lebanon and warned of further action if such attacks continue.

In a statement reported by Iran’s Tasnim news agency, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) described the operation as a warning.

“Tonight’s operation was a warning declaration, and in the event of repeated aggressions, the responses will be more extensive and will encompass all American-Zionist targets in the region,” the IRGC said.

Iran’s military leadership also cautioned Israel against further military action in Lebanon, warning that the country could face “more devastating and regretful blows”.

Israel responded by promising a strong reaction to the missile barrage. Military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said Iran was attempting to create a new security equation through direct attacks on Israeli territory.

“The (Iranian) regime is attempting to establish a new equation through direct attacks on Israeli territory in response to IDF operations in Dahiyeh,” Defrin said.

“We struck in Dahiyeh in response to Hezbollah’s relentless attacks on the communities of northern Israel. The IDF will continue to operate throughout Lebanon and will intensify its actions against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation.”

He added: “The Iranian terrorist regime has made a grave mistake by once again choosing the path of terror.”

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump urged restraint and called on both sides to avoid further escalation.

Speaking to Israel’s Channel 12, Trump said: “The Iranian strikes didn’t hurt anybody. Hopefully Israel is not going to retaliate. If Bibi [Netanyahu] strikes them back, it’s just gonna keep going like the last 47 years, or the last 3000 years.”

He also expressed optimism about ongoing diplomatic contacts with Tehran.

“We are very close to a final deal with Iran. It is going to be a good deal. I don’t want it to blow up because of what is happening now,” Trump said.

“I am going to call Bibi right now and tell him not to retaliate,” Mr Trump added. “Each of them had their fun. Israel had its strike and Iran had its strike. We don’t need another one.”

“I don’t want to see an additional attack tonight,” he added.

Trump also criticized Israel’s earlier strikes on Beirut, telling Fox News that Washington had not been informed in advance.

“I’m not happy about it,” he said.

Regarding Iran’s response, Trump stated: “It’s certainly not going to help negotiations.”

Elsewhere, Iraq temporarily closed its airspace and suspended air navigation following the missile launches, citing safety concerns. Iraqi aviation authorities said the restriction would remain in place for 72 hours.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also held discussions with officials from Britain, Turkey and Pakistani mediators on Sunday evening. According to Iran’s foreign ministry, the talks focused on the latest regional developments and Israel’s “repeated violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon”.

In Israel, Clalit, the country’s largest healthcare network, began relocating operations at its hospitals to underground facilities as a precaution following the attack.

Pro-government supporters in Tehran later gathered in the streets to celebrate the missile strike, waving Iranian and Hezbollah flags.

The latest exchange has increased fears of a broader regional conflict despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a new escalation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States President Donald Trump has said Israel would not exist today if he had not taken action against Iran, while rejecting claims that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu persuaded him to confront Tehran.

Trump made the remarks during an appearance on the Pod Force One podcast, where he responded to suggestions that Netanyahu had influenced his decision to take a hard line against Iran.

“He tricked me? No. I’m the one that started it,” Trump said.

The US president stated that his actions were motivated by concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme.

“I started it because we can’t let them have a nuclear weapon. If there wasn’t me, there would be no Israel right now,” he said.

His comments came amid reports of strained relations between Trump and Netanyahu following a recent telephone conversation about Israel’s military operations in the region.

Trump also confirmed that he had a tense exchange with the Israeli leader over the continuing conflict involving Lebanon.

In an interview published by the New York Post, Trump was asked about reports that he used strong language during a phone call with Netanyahu.

“You said, ‘Are you f-ing crazy? What are you f-ing doing? I helped you stay out of jail.’ Is that true? Did you speak to him in those terms?” the interviewer asked.

“I did,” Trump responded. “I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon.”

Trump said he urged Netanyahu to halt the hostilities.

“I said, ‘Bibi, we gotta stop this.’”

The comments highlight reported disagreements between the two leaders over Israel’s military actions, despite their long-standing political relationship. They also come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, where conflicts involving Israel, Iran and regional armed groups continue to draw international attention.

By Muhammad Abubakar

U.S. Representative Thomas Massie has called for a temporary suspension of American aid to Israel, arguing that such a move would quickly reduce tensions in the Middle East and lower energy prices.

Massie’s remarks came in response to reports that President Donald Trump angrily confronted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon. According to Axios, Trump warned Netanyahu that Israel’s operations were undermining U.S. diplomatic efforts in the region and risked escalating the conflict.

Reacting to the report on social media, Massie wrote that Washington should “just withhold foreign aid to Israel for a month,” claiming the move would prompt Israel to halt military operations against its neighbours, help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and reduce U.S. gasoline prices. He also described Israel as “the biggest welfare recipient from American taxpayers.”

Massie’s comments add to ongoing debates in Washington over U.S. military and financial support for Israel amid heightened regional tensions and concerns about the broader economic impact of instability in the Middle East.

By Muhammad Abubakar

U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly launched into a profanity-laden tirade against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their latest phone conversation, according to a report by Axios.

Citing unnamed sources familiar with the exchange, Axios reported that Trump told Netanyahu: “You’re fucking crazy. You’d be in prison if it weren’t for me. I’m saving your ass. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.”

The reported remarks reflect growing tensions over Israel’s handling of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and increasing international criticism of the Israeli government. Neither Trump nor Netanyahu had publicly commented on the report at the time of publication.

If confirmed, the exchange would mark one of the sharpest known criticisms of Netanyahu by Trump, despite the close relationship the two leaders maintained during Trump’s presidency.

By Inusa Rabiu Isah

As tensions continue to rise around the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices are climbing again, shipping risks are increasing, and analysts are warning that any prolonged disruption in the Gulf region could trigger another major energy shock. For many Nigerians, the immediate reaction is predictable: “Nigeria will benefit because we are an oil-producing country.” Yet every major oil shock continues to expose the same uncomfortable reality: despite its enormous crude oil reserves, Nigeria remains dangerously vulnerable to global energy instability.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most strategic energy transit routes. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), about 20 million barrels per day of crude oil and petroleum products passed through the Strait in 2025, representing roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption and nearly 25% of global seaborne oil trade. In addition, the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that around 20% of global LNG trade moves through the same corridor.

This explains why instability around Hormuz immediately affects global energy markets. The concern extends beyond crude supply to tanker movements, shipping insurance, freight costs, refinery feedstock availability, refined product pricing, and market speculation.

Similarly, past disruptions such as the 1973 oil embargo, the Gulf Wars, and the 2022 Russia–Ukraine conflict demonstrated how geopolitical instability can rapidly trigger inflation across import-dependent economies through higher fuel, transport, and food costs.

Nigeria is no exception.

Although Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest crude oil producers, the country still operates an economy heavily dependent on imported energy-linked systems. Millions of households and businesses rely on petrol and diesel generators due to an unstable electricity supply, while transport and logistics remain overwhelmingly road-dependent. Consequently, rising diesel and petrol prices quickly spread across the economy.

The first major mistake in many public discussions is the assumption that higher crude prices automatically benefit Nigeria. Oil revenue depends not only on price, but also on production volume.

According to Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) data released in April 2026, Nigeria’s combined crude oil and condensate production rose to about 1.546 million barrels per day in March 2026. However, crude oil production excluding condensates stood around 1.382 million barrels per day, still below Nigeria’s OPEC quota of approximately 1.5 million barrels per day.

Therefore, higher crude prices alone cannot guarantee stronger economic benefits unless production remains stable, oil theft is reduced, and export infrastructure functions efficiently.

The second mistake is confusing crude oil price with petrol price. Nigerians do not buy crude oil at filling stations; they buy refined petroleum products. Petrol and diesel prices are influenced not only by crude benchmarks but also by refining margins, freight charges, foreign exchange rates, logistics, taxes, insurance, and marketer margins.

This is where Nigeria’s foreign exchange challenge becomes critical. A weaker naira significantly increases the cost of refined products and energy-related imports. Since the removal of fuel subsidies, domestic fuel prices now respond more directly to global market volatility. Consequently, international oil shocks now transmit faster into local petrol and diesel prices.

Although the Dangote Refinery represents a major improvement in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, local refining alone cannot completely shield the country from global oil-price volatility. Crude feedstock pricing remains internationally linked, and refined product prices still respond to international market conditions. Nonetheless, the refinery remains a critical step toward improving Nigeria’s long-term energy security and reducing import dependence.

Recent domestic fuel data already show how exposed Nigeria’s economy remains. National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data indicated that the average retail petrol price rose to about ₦1,288.54 per litre in March 2026, while diesel prices recorded an estimated 16.05% month-on-month increase during the same period.

These are not just economic statistics. They affect transport fares, food prices, manufacturers, small businesses powering generators, and millions of Nigerians already struggling with inflation.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s deeper challenge remains structural energy vulnerability. Electricity supply is weak, gas infrastructure is underdeveloped, rail freight systems are limited, and strategic fuel reserves are inadequate. Under these conditions, every major disruption in global energy markets quickly evolves into domestic inflation and economic hardship.

The policy lesson is therefore clear: Nigeria must stop celebrating rising oil prices without asking whether the country is structurally prepared to benefit from them. Nigeria must raise and sustain crude oil production, strengthen domestic refining, expand gas infrastructure, develop strategic fuel reserves, and treat energy security as an economic-security issue rather than merely a petroleum-sector issue.

Conclusively, the Strait of Hormuz may be geographically distant from Nigeria, but its economic consequences can reach Nigerian households within days. That is the reality of today’s interconnected global oil market. Until Nigeria builds real energy resilience, global oil shocks will continue producing the same painful irony: a country rich in crude oil, yet perpetually vulnerable to energy insecurity and affordability.

Engr. Inusa Rabiu Isah, GMNSE, MIAENG, is a petroleum engineer and energy analyst with interests in petroleum economics, energy security, and sustainable industrial development. He writes from Abuja and can be reached via inusarabiuisah@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abubakar 

Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), has expanded its monitoring of pro-Palestinian activism by adding the watermelon symbol to its official list of extremist and antisemitic indicators under specific conditions.

According to an agency report titled “Hidden Messages – Antisemitic Codes and Ciphers,” the watermelon motif is now flagged when used by activists to outline the geographic map of Palestine.

Authorities state that using the fruit’s shape to replace the borders of Israel acts as a “bridge narrative” that effectively denies Israel’s right to exist. 

The update was published alongside a re-classification of the slogan “From the river to the sea,” which German security officials view as a call for the elimination of the Jewish state.

The watermelon has historically served as an international symbol of Palestinian solidarity, utilising its red, green, black, and white colours to mirror the Palestinian flag. 

Pro-Palestinian networks have criticised the intelligence dossier, arguing that the security agency is conflating peaceful political expression with hate speech to suppress solidarity movements. 

Regional authorities, beginning with Bavaria, are expected to use the updated BfV guidelines to increase surveillance and tighten restrictions on public demonstrations.

The Israeli military has opened an investigation after a photograph circulated online allegedly showing one of its soldiers desecrating a statue of the Virgin Mary in southern Lebanon.

According to reports published on Wednesday, the image showed the soldier placing a cigarette in the mouth of the statue while also smoking.

The military described the matter as serious and vowed to take action against the soldier. The Times of Israel reported that the army viewed the “incident gravely”.

Preliminary findings indicated that the photograph was taken several weeks ago in Debel, a Christian-majority village in southern Lebanon. However, the image only surfaced online on Wednesday.

The development has added to growing accusations of misconduct by Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. Last month, another Israeli soldier was reportedly photographed damaging a statue of Jesus in the same community.

Lebanese media outlets also alleged that Israeli troops destroyed solar panels used to power the town’s water supply system. Reports further claimed that homes, roads and olive trees in the area were damaged.

The latest controversy comes amid intensified Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Israeli forces have carried out repeated attacks in Beirut and other parts of the country. Israel said the operations target Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure.

Israeli troops still maintain a presence in parts of southern Lebanon. Residents and officials in the area have expressed concern over widespread destruction in communities affected by the conflict.

Meanwhile, concerns have continued to mount over reported attacks against Christians in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Religious organisations have documented incidents involving harassment and violence against Christian pilgrims, clergy members and Palestinian Christians. Some of the reported attacks allegedly involved ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students.

One incident involved a French nun near Jerusalem’s Old City last month. Video footage reportedly showed a man pushing the nun to the ground, causing a head injury, before returning to kick her while she was on the ground.

Israeli police later announced the arrest of a 36-year-old suspect after the video drew international attention.

Following criticism over the destruction of the Jesus statue in Debel, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the act. The two soldiers involved were removed from combat duties and sentenced to 30 days in prison.

In another incident in March, Netanyahu’s office apologised after Israeli police prevented Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa from accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to lead Palm Sunday mass.

Observers say disciplinary measures against Israeli soldiers remain uncommon despite repeated allegations involving military conduct.

The report also referenced the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was shot dead during an Israeli military operation in the occupied West Bank in 2022.

In Gaza, several religious sites have suffered destruction during the war. These include the historic Great Omari Mosque and Saint Porphyrius Church, one of the oldest churches in the world.