Israel

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Israel’s military has confirmed it carried out strikes on nuclear sites in Iran, targeting the country’s nuclear program.

The operation, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” reportedly killed several senior Iranian military figures and nuclear scientists, including Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri, overall commander of the Iranian army and the IRGC.

According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the strikes were aimed at thwarting Iran’s nuclear program, which Israel believes poses an existential threat.

“If not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The attack has sparked a significant escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran. Iran’s foreign ministry has condemned the attack, calling on countries worldwide to denounce Israel’s actions.

“The attack exposes global security to unprecedented threat,” the ministry said, adding that the US will be held responsible for the consequences.

The US has strongly denied any involvement in the attack. US President Donald Trump said he was aware of Israel’s plans beforehand but emphasized that the US played no part.

“Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb,” Trump said, expressing hope for renewed negotiations.

Global oil prices have surged over 10% following the news, amid concerns that the conflict could disrupt energy supplies. The UN chief has condemned the strikes, calling for maximum restraint to avoid deeper conflict.

Individuals confirmed dead include Hossein Salami, Commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; Gholamali Rashid, Commander of Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters; Fereydoon Abbasi, Nuclear scientist and former head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization; Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, Nuclear scientist involved in Iran’s nuclear weapons program; Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s armed forces.

Israel has declared a state of emergency, anticipating counter-attacks from Iran. The situation remains volatile, with uncertainty surrounding potential retaliatory actions.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Pep Guardiola, the renowned Manchester City manager, delivered a moving and heartfelt speech on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester this week.

In an emotional address, Guardiola veered from the usual ceremonial tone to speak about the suffering in Gaza, calling for compassion and courage in the face of ongoing violence. 

“It is so painful what we see in Gaza, it hurts all my body,” he said, his voice weighted with emotion. “It is not about ideology but the love of life. It is about refusing to be silent or still when it matters the most.”

Guardiola, known as much for his principled stances as for his tactical brilliance on the pitch, received a standing ovation from many in the audience, including faculty, students, and dignitaries.

The University of Manchester awarded Guardiola the honorary degree in recognition of his contributions to sport and his influence as a global figure. Yet, it was his candid acknowledgement of human suffering and his call for empathy that left a lasting impression.

Social media erupted in praise following the speech, with many highlighting Guardiola’s words as a rare and courageous gesture from a figure in elite sport.

As tensions and humanitarian concerns continue to mount in Gaza, Guardiola’s remarks have added a prominent voice to the growing international calls for peace and justice.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Matthew Miller, former spokesperson for the U.S. State Department under President Joe Biden, has said Israel has “without doubt” committed war crimes in Gaza.

In a recent interview, Miller pointed to the targeting of civilian infrastructure, the high civilian death toll, and the ongoing blockade as clear violations of international law. His remarks mark a significant departure from the official U.S. position, which has largely avoided directly accusing Israel of war crimes.

Miller’s comments come as independent investigations into alleged violations by Israeli forces continue. He also criticized the Biden administration’s support for Israel, warning it risks enabling serious breaches of humanitarian law.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Spain has called for international sanctions against Israel following its ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has led to heavy civilian casualties and a worsening humanitarian situation.

At a high-level summit in Madrid, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares proposed suspending the EU’s cooperation agreement with Israel, imposing an arms embargo, and targeting top Israeli officials with sanctions. 

Mr Albares also called on world powers to recognise the State of Palestine as a step toward peace.

Spain has joined South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide, further escalating diplomatic pressure. 

Meanwhile, public protests across major Spanish cities have amplified demands for an end to arms sales and more decisive action against Israel.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada issued a joint statement today strongly condemning the Israeli government’s continued military operations in Gaza and its denial of humanitarian aid to the besieged population.

In the statement, the three nations called the humanitarian situation in Gaza “intolerable” and labelled Israel’s limited allowance of food into the territory as grossly inadequate. They urged the Israeli government to halt its military offensive immediately and allow unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, in cooperation with the United Nations.

The leaders also called on Hamas to release the remaining hostages held since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, while affirming Israel’s right to self-defence. However, they described the ongoing Israeli response as “wholly disproportionate.”

The statement strongly criticised the Israeli government’s use of inflammatory rhetoric and warned that permanent forced displacement of Gaza’s population would constitute a breach of international humanitarian law.

The three countries also voiced strong opposition to the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, stating such actions undermine prospects for a viable Palestinian state and threaten regional security. They pledged to take further actions, including potential targeted sanctions, if the situation does not improve.

The joint statement expressed support for current ceasefire efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, and emphasised the need for a long-term political solution. The leaders stressed their commitment to a two-state solution. They highlighted the upcoming June 18 international conference in New York, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, as a key moment for advancing peace.

“We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution,” the statement concluded, reaffirming their readiness to work with international partners to bring stability to the region.

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

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 Hadiza Abdulkadir

Rumeysa Öztürk, a 30-year-old Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on March 25 near her home in Somerville, Massachusetts. The arrest, captured on security footage, showed masked agents taking her into an unmarked vehicle without identifying themselves, leaving her screaming for help.

Öztürk, a Fulbright scholar pursuing a Ph.D. in Child Study and Human Development, had co-authored a 2024 op-ed in The Tufts Daily criticizing the university’s response to the Gaza conflict and calling for divestment from companies linked to Israel. Following the publication, her name and photo appeared on Canary Mission, a controversial website that profiles individuals accused of anti-Israel activism.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused Öztürk of supporting Hamas, though no public evidence has been provided. Her student visa was revoked, and she was transferred to a detention center in Louisiana, despite a court order requiring 48 hours’ notice before moving her out of Massachusetts.

Öztürk’s detention has sparked widespread protests and condemnation. More than 2,000 students rallied at Tufts University, and demonstrations have taken place in Boston and Washington, D.C. A coalition of 27 Jewish organizations filed a legal brief in her support, arguing that her arrest threatens free speech and academic freedom.

Tufts University President Sunil Kumar stated that the university has no information supporting the allegations against Öztürk and emphasized the importance of due process. Öztürk’s legal team, including the ACLU, is seeking her immediate release, citing violations of her constitutional rights.

A federal court hearing is scheduled to determine the jurisdiction of her case. Öztürk remains in ICE custody, facing possible deportation to Turkey.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Momodou Taal, a British Gambian pro-Palestine activist and former Cornell PhD student, has left the United States due to deportation threats. Following his lawsuit against the Trump administration over executive orders targeting pro-Palestinian activism, Taal faced mounting pressure, including visits from ICE agents and visa revocation.

In a statement on social media, Taal expressed gratitude to his supporters but voiced his loss of faith in the U.S. legal system, stating, “I have lost faith I could walk the streets without being abducted.” He criticized both the government’s actions and the silence surrounding the situation in Palestine.

Taal remains committed to the cause, declaring, “As sad as I feel right now, I do not despair. History will absolve us.” He is confident that the fight for justice will lead to the liberation of Palestine.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed at least 35 people, including women and children, as Palestinians observed Eid al-Fitr.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) also confirmed the recovery of 14 health workers’ bodies in Rafah, missing since March 23 after coming under Israeli fire.

Among them were eight PRCS paramedics and six civil defense workers.

The PRCS condemned the attack as a war crime.

Hamas denounced the killings, and stated the victims were found handcuffed in a single grave.

The International Federation of Red Cross and the UN called for the protection of medical personnel, describing that attacks on humanitarian workers are unacceptable.

Since Israel resumed military operations on March 18, over 800 Palestinians have been killed, and severe shortages of food and medical supplies persist.

The UN warns Gaza’s bakeries may shut down within a week due to the blockade.

The crisis continues, drawing global condemnation and calls for urgent intervention.