An Israeli military video purporting to show Hamas tunnels under a Gaza hospital was revealed to depict different buildings, a school located 150-200 meters away. Despite claiming to target a Hamas command center beneath the European Hospital, resulting in at least 16 deaths and the hospital’s closure, the IDF’s evidence remains insufficient. The IDF’s statement acknowledges the targeted infrastructure was adjacent to, not under, the hospital. This attack leaves Gaza’s only remaining cancer care facility inoperable.
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NYU withheld Logan Rozos’s diploma after he delivered an anti-war commencement speech condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, characterizing them as genocide supported by the U.S. The university stated Rozos violated his agreement by delivering a speech differing from his promised content and used his platform to express personal political views. This action follows previous incidents where NYU has faced criticism for suppressing anti-war speech and allegedly yielding to pressure from pro-Israel groups. Rozos’s student profile was subsequently removed from the NYU website.
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India’s request for additional S-400 missile systems from Russia follows conflicting reports on their effectiveness during recent air battles with Pakistan. While India seeks to expand its S-400 arsenal, delays in the existing contract and the simultaneous launch of Project Kusha, an indigenous long-range SAM system, raise questions about India’s long-term strategic goals. Project Kusha’s timeline suggests potential reverse-engineering of S-400 technology, though this could be a cover for continued Russian imports. The situation highlights India’s complex balancing act between domestic development and reliance on Russian military technology.
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India revoked Celebi Aviation’s security clearance, citing national security concerns stemming from Turkey’s support of Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. The decision impacts Celebi’s ground handling services at nine major Indian airports, necessitating immediate interim arrangements and future retendering. Celebi, while refuting allegations of Turkish government ties and political connections, had its security clearance granted in November 2022. The move follows public anger in India over Turkey’s actions and increased calls for boycotts of Turkish goods and tourism.
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Despite ongoing peace talks, Russia is escalating its offensive in Ukraine’s Kharkiv Oblast, intensifying assaults near Lyptsi and amassing troops for a potential new offensive, according to Ukrainian and US officials. A spokesperson for the Operational Tactical Group “Kharkiv” stated that Russia’s actions indicate a summer offensive has commenced, dismissing hopes for a near-future ceasefire. This contradicts Russia’s purported commitment to negotiations, with the Ukrainian military observing a clear buildup of Russian forces. The increased attacks have already resulted in significant civilian losses, including devastating impacts on livestock populations.
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General Oleg Salyukov has been relieved of his duties as commander-in-chief of the Russian Ground Forces after eight years in the position. He has been appointed to a deputy role within the Security Council. No replacement has yet been named. The dismissal follows revelations that Salyukov’s family profited from military-related events organized by his daughter-in-law’s firm.
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Effective Thursday, Switzerland implemented a ban on unwrought Russian aluminum imports, mirroring similar restrictions on Belarusian aluminum. This action aligns with the EU’s 16th sanctions package against Russia, aiming to prevent sanctions circumvention. The ban also includes stricter export controls on certain goods, such as chromium ores and oil and gas exploration software. These measures are intended to harmonize Swiss sanctions with those of the European Union.
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During a Vatican ceremony, Pope Leo XIV received a list of Ukrainian prisoners of war from representatives of POW families. The Pope expressed his compassion for the Ukrainian people and called for a just and lasting peace, including the release of all prisoners. This action follows numerous prisoner exchanges since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The event included the presence of Ukrainian religious leaders, and reflects Pope Leo XIV’s consistent condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, a stance he held even prior to his papacy.
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Over a dozen relatives of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán have entered the United States, reportedly as part of negotiations surrounding the drug trafficking charges against his son, Ovidio Guzmán López. Mexican officials, including the security secretary, confirmed the family’s entry, stating they are not wanted in Mexico. These developments follow Ovidio’s extradition to the US and upcoming court appearance where a potential plea deal is anticipated. The US Department of Justice has yet to comment publicly on the matter.
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On May 12, 2025, newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, held his inaugural press conference at the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall. Addressing thousands of journalists, he urged the release of imprisoned journalists persecuted for reporting the truth, while also imploring reporters to avoid using their platform to incite hatred. The Pope stressed the importance of responsible communication, emphasizing the need for peace-building dialogue and the rejection of a “war of words and images.” He concluded by calling on journalists to prioritize communication that fosters peace and amplifies the voices of the marginalized.
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John Q. Hosedrinker