Israel will remain in buffer zones in Gaza even after war ends – Defence Minister Israel Katz

Israeli troops will remain in the buffer zones in Gaza even after the possible end of the war, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has said. He stressed that the Israeli Defence Forces will not evacuate the cleared areas, creating a buffer between the enemy and the communities. Since early March, Israel has controlled about 30% of Gaza’s territory, which has caused concern in the UN. The international humanitarian organisation MSF said that Gaza has “turned into a mass grave”. Can the international community make a difference? Read on to find out more about this crisis.

Maldives officially bans Israeli passport holders from entering, accusing Israel of ‘genocide’ in Gaza

The Maldives has made an unprecedented decision to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country, accusing Israel of “genocide” in Gaza. This move, which caused an international outcry, was a response to Israel’s actions, which the government of the island nation called “genocidal crimes against the Palestinians”. The ban could have a significant impact on the Maldives’ tourism sector, which is heavily dependent on tourism. Will this decision mark the beginning of a new era for the country famous for its luxury resorts? Read on to find out more about the implications of this move.

UAE denies reports of preparations for a US-backed ground offensive in Yemen

The United Arab Emirates has denied rumours of a possible US-backed ground offensive in Yemen, calling them “wild, unconfirmed stories”. This comes amid news reports claiming that Yemeni groups are planning to take advantage of US air strikes to launch a new offensive. The war in Yemen has been going on since 2015, and the situation remains complicated due to disagreements among the allies. Are the UAE and the US really negotiating military support? Find out more about the latest developments and their historical context.

Russia uses Shahed drones with poisonous substances for strikes in Ukraine – CPJ

Russian troops have started using Shahed drones equipped with poisonous substances to attack Ukraine. According to the Disinformation Counteraction Centre, a capsule with the chemical irritant CS, which causes tearing and irritation, was found in one of the destroyed drones. This violates international law, as the use of such substances in armed conflicts is prohibited. Experts believe that the aggressor’s goal is not only physical but also psychological exhaustion of the enemy. Read on to learn more about this dangerous tactic and its consequences.