Middle East & Israel-Palestine
Outrage over Ben-Gvir flotilla abuse video A video released by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s office shows him taunting zip-tied activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla. Foreign ministers from multiple countries have denounced the treatment as “monstrous,” while Israeli PM Netanyahu said the actions were “not in line with Israel’s values.” Sources: Al Jazeera · France 24 · France 24 Press Review
Gideon Levy: Ben-Gvir sees “all of Gaza as Hamas” Veteran Israeli journalist and Haaretz columnist Gideon Levy offered a scathing analysis of Israeli politics, arguing that “everything — war and peace, domestic politics, legislation — is now covered by the shadow of the upcoming elections.” Source: France 24
Canada using borders to police Palestine solidarity Critics of Israel’s war on Gaza are increasingly facing interrogations, visa revocations, and denials of entry at Canadian borders, according to an Al Jazeera opinion piece. Source: Al Jazeera
Student sues University of Michigan over surveillance tied to Gaza protests A University of Michigan student is suing the school, accusing it of waging a vast undercover surveillance operation against him in response to his protest of Israel’s war in Gaza. The lawsuit claims the university and private investigators conspired to intimidate and retaliate against the student. Source: Guardian
Iran War & Energy Crisis
Oil market could enter “red zone” by July as stockpiles dwindle IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said the single most important solution to the Iran war energy shock is the unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Physical oil supplies through the strait are 95% below regular levels. Sources: CNBC · MarketWatch
EasyJet summer bookings down amid Iran war uncertainty EasyJet said summer holiday bookings lag behind last year’s as the Middle East conflict weighs on consumer confidence. The airline took an unexpected extra £25m hit on jet fuel in March after the start of the US-Israel war on Iran. Source: Guardian
S&P 500 futures fall as traders watch Middle East S&P 500 Index futures fell 0.3% in early New York trading as traders continue to follow the situation in the Middle East. Source: Bloomberg
Global Health
Air France flight diverted to Montreal over Ebola fears An Air France plane bound for the US was diverted to Montreal because a passenger from the Democratic Republic of Congo was on board. The US has closed its borders to recent visitors to the DRC. Source: NYT
DR Congo cancels World Cup training camp over Ebola outbreak The outbreak, caused by a rare Ebola species, is thought to have caused 139 deaths so far. Source: BBC
Gonorrhoea and syphilis hit record levels in Europe STIs have surged thanks to record cases and gaps in testing and prevention, according to a European health agency report. Source: BBC
US Politics & Security
Republicans could abandon $1bn proposal for Trump’s ballroom Republican senators have queried the timing and lack of detail in a Secret Service bid to add money to the Department for Homeland Security bill for a presidential ballroom. Source: Guardian
Trump says he will talk to Taiwan’s leader, risking China’s anger Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te said he would be happy to speak with President Trump, a move that would defy US diplomatic protocol and infuriate China. Source: NYT
US charges Raul Castro with murder in escalation against Cuba The United States announced murder charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, a major escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against Cuba’s communist government. China responded that the US should stop “threats” against Cuba. Sources: France 24 · BBC
Video shows ICE violently arresting Oregon farm workers using facial recognition Newly released body-camera footage shows US immigration officers stopping a van of farm workers in Oregon, smashing windows, and using facial recognition software. A judge has called the arrests “unlawful.” Source: Guardian
Europe & NATO
NATO chief: Many countries not spending enough to support Ukraine NATO chief Mark Rutte delivered a speech in Sweden as Latvia confirmed another drone incursion into its space. Meanwhile, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Zakharova claimed Ukraine was pursuing escalation. Source: Guardian
Chinese, Iranian companies profit in Russia-occupied Ukrainian regions More than a dozen Chinese companies operate in Donetsk and Luhansk, according to a Ukrainian monitor. Source: Al Jazeera
London mayor blocks £50m Met Police deal with Palantir Sadiq Khan blocked a Met Police deal with Palantir, citing a “clear and serious breach” of procurement rules. Scotland Yard had been in talks to use Palantir’s AI technology to automate intelligence analysis. Source: Guardian
Markets & Business
Nvidia’s record results fail to impress investors Nvidia reported stellar quarterly results but shares fell after-hours as investors question whether it can maintain its growth pace amid greater competition. Sources: BBC · Quartz
Intuit slashing 17% of workforce for AI pivot The maker of TurboTax and QuickBooks will cut about 3,100 jobs and close two offices, triggering up to $340 million in charges. Source: Quartz
Eli Lilly’s next-gen weight loss drug clears crucial obesity trial The results bring Lilly closer to filing for approval of retatrutide, which works differently from existing weight loss injections and pills. Source: CNBC
Quantum stocks soar on reports of $2bn US government awards Quantum computing shares popped in premarket trading after reports that the US government will award grants to nine firms and take equity stakes. Source: CNBC
Walmart posts steady sales but warns on fuel costs Walmart beat revenue expectations but issued a second-quarter profit outlook that fell short of Wall Street forecasts, citing higher fuel costs. Source: Quartz
Stellantis unveils $70 billion turnaround plan CEO Antonio Filosa unveiled a five-year strategic plan worth €60 billion ($69.7 billion), targeting positive cash flow by 2028. Source: CNBC
Bitcoin stalls below $78,000 as ETF outflows deepen Bitcoin trades near $77,500 as ETF outflows extend to four days and analysts flag $80,000 as the next key test. Source: The Block
Asia-Pacific & World
Record 274 climbers summit Everest in single day Climbers took advantage of clear weather on Wednesday after a spring season that started late because of the threat of ice fall on the normal tourist route. Source: Guardian
Fire destroys sacred Buddhist hall in Japan that housed “Eternal Flame” The flame, which spiritual leaders say has been continuously lit for more than 1,200 years, was salvaged after the blaze and moved to a different site. Source: NYT
Thailand revives bill to clear the air of toxic smog Long-delayed legislation aims to stop seasonal air pollution before it starts, but enforcement could present a problem. Source: DW
Africa & Latin America
Dozens of vehicles burnt as Mali jihadists enforce blockade Mali, a landlocked country, depends heavily on fuel transported from neighbouring countries, making the blockade especially damaging. Source: BBC
Colombia’s climate crossroads: Trumpism casts shadow over presidential battle Colombia is a global leader in climate activism, but US influence could drag the country toward a future of mining and fracking ahead of its presidential election. Source: Guardian
Verdict Watch
Rio-Paris plane crash appeals verdict due A Paris appeals court will issue a verdict on the 2009 crash of Air France Flight 447 after a 17-year legal battle involving relatives of the 228 passengers and crew who died. Source: France 24