Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a “national emergency” as wildfires near Jerusalem threaten the city. Thick smoke and fires have injured several people, prompting military assistance. Magen David Adom reported treating 23 individuals, including pregnant women and infants, mostly for smoke inhalation and burns. The alert level is at its highest. Netanyahu emphasized the need for more fire engines and firebreaks to protect Jerusalem. Highways have been closed, and thousands evacuated as fires continue to spread. Noah Prescott 01/05/2025 5:30 am
After Pope Francis’ funeral, Cardinal Pietro Parolin led a Mass for 200,000 young people, emphasizing the late pope’s legacy of mercy. Despite being a top contender to succeed Francis, Parolin’s lack of charisma and connection with the crowd was noted. While some Vatican officials support Parolin as a “quieter” successor, others question his candidacy due to his growing distance from Francis. In Francis’ final months, he limited Parolin’s influence, not assigning him significant roles during Holy Week. Penelope Kingsley 01/05/2025 5:30 am
Over half of EU countries plan to invoke an emergency clause to exceed budgetary limits for defense investments. Belgium, Germany, and others seek flexibility to boost defense spending up to 1.5% of GDP annually for four years. Germany is the only major economy using the clause, while countries like Italy and France are not. Denmark joined to signal EU unity. The EU executive set a non-binding deadline of April 30 for decisions, with activation by July. Italy aims to meet NATO’s 2% defense spending target by adjusting its accounting. Ava Sinclair 01/05/2025 2:00 am
Pakistan claims it has “credible intelligence” of an imminent Indian attack, escalating tensions after a deadly incident in Indian-controlled Kashmir. India has ordered most Pakistani nationals to leave, prompting many to head for the border. The UN and the U.S. urge de-escalation. Pakistani citizens, including those with valid visas, are being deported, causing distress among families. Ava Sinclair 30/04/2025 10:30 pm
Israel conducted a strike in Syria targeting an extremist group attacking the Druze community, fulfilling its promise to protect the minority amid sectarian violence near Damascus. Syria rejected foreign intervention, emphasizing its commitment to all groups, including the Druze. This marks Israel’s first military support for Syrian Druze since Assad’s ousting, reflecting distrust of Sunni Islamists. Israeli drone strikes reportedly killed a Syrian security member in Sahnaya. Sectarian violence began with Druze-Sunni clashes in Jaramana, escalating to Sahnaya, resulting in multiple deaths. A ceasefire was reached in Jaramana, but violence continued in Sahnaya. Noah Prescott 30/04/2025 10:30 pm
Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna’s body was returned from Russian captivity showing signs of torture, including abrasions, a broken rib, and possible electric shock marks. Roshchyna, who went missing during a reporting trip in August 2023, was confirmed dead through DNA analysis despite being labeled as “an unidentified male.” Her body was missing organs, possibly to obscure the cause of death. Ukrainian prosecutors and international experts are investigating. Roshchyna was committed to reporting on life under Russian occupation, despite the risks. Noah Prescott 30/04/2025 10:30 pm
German prosecutors have accused Jian G., a former aide to AfD politician Maximilian Krah, of spying for China’s secret service. Employed from 2019 to 2024, Jian G. allegedly obtained over 500 documents, including sensitive ones, and spied on AfD politicians and Chinese dissidents in Germany. Krah denied knowledge of Jian G.’s activities, claiming he was deceived. Investigators found documents in Jian G.’s office detailing AfD leaders’ roles. An alleged accomplice, Yaqi X., was also charged. Jian G. reportedly worked for Chinese intelligence since 2002. Penelope Kingsley 30/04/2025 10:30 pm
The U.S. informed the International Court of Justice that Israel must aid Gaza but isn’t required to collaborate with the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. The court is reviewing Israel’s obligations for humanitarian aid in Gaza and the West Bank. The U.S. cited Israel’s security concerns with UNRWA, suggesting other organizations could provide aid. Israel banned UNRWA, alleging some staff participated in a Hamas attack, sparking conflict. Noah Prescott 30/04/2025 10:30 pm
Spanish Cardinal Antonio Cañizares and Kenyan Cardinal John Njue will not attend the upcoming papal conclave due to health reasons. The Archdiocese of Valencia and the Archdiocese of Nairobi confirmed their absences. Matteo Bruni of the Holy See Press Office had previously announced that two cardinals would miss the conclave but did not disclose their names. Cañizares, ordained in 1970, has held various positions, including prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship. Njue, ordained in 1973, was the second Kenyan cardinal and served as president of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops. Penelope Kingsley 30/04/2025 7:00 pm
A US state department lawyer, Joshua Simmons, argued at the ICJ that Israel’s security needs take precedence over its obligations to aid Palestinians in Gaza. He stated Israel isn’t required under the Geneva Convention to cooperate with Unrwa due to concerns about its alleged Hamas links. Despite international pressure, including from Donald Trump, Israel maintains its aid ban until hostages are released. The UN seeks an advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations, but Simmons warned against expansive legal interpretations, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and secure aid distribution. Ava Sinclair 30/04/2025 7:00 pm
