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American Airlines has been accused of forcing three Black men to deboard a flight following a complaint that an unidentified passenger had body odour, according to a lawsuit.&nbsp;

The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday (May 29) by Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph and Xavier Veal in the US district court for the eastern district of New York against the airline.&nbsp;

The alleged incident pertains to a flight the three men took on January 5 from Phoenix, Arizona, to New York, New York.

<h2>Racism by American Airlines?&nbsp;</h2>

The three Black men were not seated together and had never met each other prior to boarding the flight, according to the lawsuit. But before the takeoff, an American representative approached them individually and asked them to leave the plane without explanation.

According to a press statement, five other Black male passengers were also asked to leave the plane.

"As the plaintiffs began to comply with the directive to deplane, they noticed that the only passengers who were being ordered off the plane were Black men, and it appeared that every Black man on the flight was being removed."

Also watch |&nbsp;U.S. is among the worst countries for racial equality

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The men, upon their removal from the flight, were allegedly told by an American representative that they would not be allowed to fly on the flight and would have to rebook their trip.&nbsp;

Asked for an explanation, the men were told that they were removed because a white male flight attendant had complained about an unidentified passenger’s body odor, according to the lawsuit.

“Notably, at no time did anyone accuse any of the plaintiffs of having offensive body odor,” the press statement said.

<h2>American Airlines racial discrimination charge: How serious is it?</h2>

As the three men were made to deboard the flight, they flagged that they were being racially targeted. At least one airline representative allegedly said that she did "not disagree".&nbsp;

As the men complained, the pilot announced to the rest of the passengers in the flight that the men were removed as somebody reported a body odour complaint.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/lawsuit-challenges-southwest-airlines-hispanic-student-ticket-program-as-discriminatory-723748">Lawsuit challenges Southwest Airlines` Hispanic student ticket program as discriminatory</a>

“What happened to us was wrong. Imagine a flight attendant ordering every white person off a plane because of a complaint about one white person. That would never happen. But that is what happened to us,” the three men said in a statement,&nbsp;The Guardian&nbsp;reported.

"There is no explanation other than the colour of our skin. American Airlines singled us out for being Black, embarrassed us, and humiliated us. Clearly, this was discrimination," they added. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

American Airlines has been accused of forcing three Black men to deboard a flight following a complaint that an unidentified passenger had body odour, according to a lawsuit.

American Airlines has been accused of forcing three Black men to deboard a flight following a complaint that an unidentified passenger had body odour, according to a lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday (May 29) by Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph and Xavier Veal in the US district court for the eastern district of New York against the airline. The alleged incident pertains to a flight the three men took on January 5 from Phoenix, Arizona, to New York, New York. Racism by American Airlines? The three Black men were not seated together and had never met each other prior to boarding the flight, according to the lawsuit. But before the takeoff, an American representative approached them individually and asked them to leave the plane without explanation. According to a press statement, five other Black male passengers were also asked to leave the plane. "As the plaintiffs began to comply with the directive to deplane, they noticed that the only passengers who were being ordered off the plane were Black men, and it appeared that every Black man on the flight was being removed." Also watch | U.S. is among the worst countries for racial equality × The men, upon their removal from the flight, were allegedly told by an American representative that they would not be allowed to fly on the flight and would have to rebook their trip. Asked for an explanation, the men were told that they were removed because a white male flight attendant had complained about an unidentified passenger’s body odor, according to the lawsuit. “Notably, at no time did anyone accuse any of the plaintiffs of having offensive body odor,” the press statement said. American Airlines racial discrimination charge: How serious is it? As the three men were made to deboard the flight, they flagged that they were being racially targeted. At least one airline representative allegedly said that she did "not disagree". As the men complained, the pilot announced to the rest of the passengers in the flight that the men were removed as somebody reported a body odour complaint. Also read | Lawsuit challenges Southwest Airlines` Hispanic student ticket program as discriminatory “What happened to us was wrong. Imagine a flight attendant ordering every white person off a plane because of a complaint about one white person. That would never happen. But that is what happened to us,” the three men said in a statement, The Guardian reported. "There is no explanation other than the colour of our skin. American Airlines singled us out for being Black, embarrassed us, and humiliated us. Clearly, this was discrimination," they added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Every Black man...': American Airlines sued for forcing Black passengers to deboard over body odour complaint

Earlier this week, Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognised Palestinian statehood after a coordinated effort by the three Western European nations in what they said was an attempt to bring the focus back to finding a political solution amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

<h2>145 countries now recognise a Palestinian state</h2>

The three European countries joined 142 others out of the 193 members of the United Nations which have recognised a Palestinian state.

The group of now 145 countries includes a number of nations in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. However, the list does not include any major countries like the United States, Canada, most of western Europe, Australia, Japan and South Korea.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Spain, Norway &amp; Ireland formally recognise Palestinian state

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However, Spain, Ireland and Norway are hoping to change that. The three countries believe that by acting together other European countries will follow suit for a diplomatic push to help secure a ceasefire in Gaza as well as bring back the hostages.&nbsp;

The Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel led to the killing of 1,200 people, and around 250 others were taken back to the Palestinian enclave as hostages, according to Israeli officials.&nbsp;

<h2>EU countries and Palestine</h2>

Before European Union countries, Ireland and Spain, joined the list only seven members of the 27-nation bloc had officially recognised a Palestinian state. Out of which, six had announced recognition back in 1988 prior to the creation of the bloc. In 2014, Sweden became the first EU nation to do so.&nbsp;

It also seems like the efforts by the three countries&nbsp;have worked as EU member Slovenia is set to recognise Palestinian statehood in June after Prime Minister Robert Golob said his government will forward its decision to parliament for final approval, on Thursday (May 30).&nbsp;

However, despite many European countries criticising Israel for its military operation in Gaza, the 27-nation bloc remains divided.&nbsp;

Some countries in the EU have sought to recognise a Palestinian state in hopes of eventually bringing peace in the Middle East, while other countries like Germany, Hungary, and the Netherlands staunchly support <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-netanyahu-helped-grow-hamas-which-became-the-frankensteins-monster-for-him-651336">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>’s government.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb, according to the state media, has also said that they would also recognise Palestine “at some stage in the future”.&nbsp;

France has previously indicated that it will not join other countries in recognising a Palestinian state, with Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne accusing fellow EU members of making the move as part of “political positioning,” instead of seeking a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

<h2>Three countries&nbsp;recognise&nbsp;Palestinian state</h2>

Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez, on Tuesday (May 28) announcing the move said that “this is a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.”

He also said that the decision is not against Israel whom Sánchez called a “friendly people whom we respect, whom we appreciate and with whom we want to have the best possible relationship.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-norway-recognise-palestinian-statehood-ireland-to-follow-suit-726323">Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognise Palestinian statehood as Israel fumes</a>

Ireland and Norway soon joined Spain in formalising the decision which they had jointly announced a week prior and hoped their decision will accelerate efforts towards securing a ceasefire amid the way which is now in its eighth month.

The countries said that they recognised a Palestinian state based on borders established before the war in 1967, with Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine.

However, they acknowledged that those borders might change if any eventual talks take place for a two-state solution to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-core-israel-palestine-issues-whats-the-future-of-peace-attempts-646716">Israeli-Palestinian conflict</a>.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the Palestinian flag was raised in Dublin outside Leinster House, the seat of Ireland’s parliament.&nbsp;

“I hope (this) sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that – in this their darkest hour – Ireland stands with them,” Irish PM Simon Harris told lawmakers after his cabinet approved the decision.&nbsp;

Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, Ireland has time and time again voiced its support for Palestinians and condemned Israel for its military operation in the blockaded enclave which, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has killed more than 36,000 people.&nbsp;

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, in a statement, said Oslo has been one of the “strongest advocates for a Palestinian state” and called it a “milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine.”&nbsp;

Ireland said it would appoint an ambassador and create a full embassy in the West Bank’s Ramallah. Meanwhile, Norway will upgrade its diplomatic office in the West Bank to an embassy.&nbsp;

Spain, for now, said it will maintain its consulate in Jerusalem. However, Israel said that the consulate won’t be allowed to attend to Palestinians.

US President Joe Biden has opposed “unilateral recognition” of a Palestinian state, saying that it “should be realised through direct negotiations between the parties.”&nbsp;

<h2>Israel’s reaction</h2>

As expected, the decision taken by the three countries left Israel fuming. After the announcement by the Spanish PM, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz quickly lashed out at Madrid saying that Sánchez’s government was “being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.”

Also Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/its-reward-for-terror-netanyahu-blasts-ireland-norway-spain-for-recognising-palestinian-state-724448">‘It’s reward for terror’: Netanyahu blasts Ireland, Norway, Spain for recognising Palestinian state</a>

Israeli officials also summoned the countries’ ambassadors in Tel Aviv to the foreign ministry where they were filmed while being shown videos of Hamas’ attacks and abductions on October 7.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Netanyahu called it a “reward for terror” saying that a sovereign State of Palestine would be a “terror state” that would “try to repeatedly carry out the massacre of October 7th”.&nbsp;

<h2>Will recognition make a difference?</h2>

While the decision by the three nations is mostly symbolic, since they aren’t recognising an existing state, just the possibility of one, it does help enhance the Palestinians’ international standing.&nbsp;

Palestinians have long sought an independent state which would be made up of Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war.&nbsp;

To make it happen, the idea of a land corridor linking Gaza and the West Bank through Israel was discussed in previous rounds of peace talks, but nothing came of them and negotiations have not been held in more than 15 years.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-accused-of-failing-miserably-as-war-cabinet-members-press-for-israel-elections-726873">Netanyahu accused of 'failing miserably' as war cabinet members press for Israel elections</a>

The recognition, particularly by Spain, Ireland and Norway, also makes Israel look more isolated on the international stage amid a wave of criticism against Israeli military operations in Gaza and Netanyahu and heaps more pressure on Israel to open negotiations on ending the war.

<h2>Countries that recognise Palestinian state</h2>

India was among the first countries to officially recognise an independent Palestinian state on November 15, 1988, during the first Palestinian intifada (uprising) when Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat unilaterally proclaimed an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Algeria became the first country to do so, and within a few weeks India, Turkey, most of Africa and several central and eastern European countries followed suit.

The next wave of recognition was in late 2010 and early 2011 with South American countries including Argentina, Brazil and Chile joining the list in response to Israel ending its temporary ban on Jewish settlement building in the occupied West Bank.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognised Palestinian statehood after a coordinated effort by the three Western European nations in what they said was an attempt to bring the focus back to finding a political solution amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Earlier this week, Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognised Palestinian statehood after a coordinated effort by the three Western European nations in what they said was an attempt to bring the focus back to finding a political solution amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. 145 countries now recognise a Palestinian state The three European countries joined 142 others out of the 193 members of the United Nations which have recognised a Palestinian state. The group of now 145 countries includes a number of nations in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. However, the list does not include any major countries like the United States, Canada, most of western Europe, Australia, Japan and South Korea. WATCH | Spain, Norway & Ireland formally recognise Palestinian state However, Spain, Ireland and Norway are hoping to change that. The three countries believe that by acting together other European countries will follow suit for a diplomatic push to help secure a ceasefire in Gaza as well as bring back the hostages. The Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel led to the killing of 1,200 people, and around 250 others were taken back to the Palestinian enclave as hostages, according to Israeli officials. EU countries and Palestine Before European Union countries, Ireland and Spain, joined the list only seven members of the 27-nation bloc had officially recognised a Palestinian state. Out of which, six had announced recognition back in 1988 prior to the creation of the bloc. In 2014, Sweden became the first EU nation to do so. It also seems like the efforts by the three countries have worked as EU member Slovenia is set to recognise Palestinian statehood in June after Prime Minister Robert Golob said his government will forward its decision to parliament for final approval, on Thursday (May 30). However, despite many European countries criticising Israel for its military operation in Gaza, the 27-nation bloc remains divided. Some countries in the EU have sought to recognise a Palestinian state in hopes of eventually bringing peace in the Middle East, while other countries like Germany, Hungary, and the Netherlands staunchly support Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Finnish President Alexander Stubb, according to the state media, has also said that they would also recognise Palestine “at some stage in the future”. France has previously indicated that it will not join other countries in recognising a Palestinian state, with Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne accusing fellow EU members of making the move as part of “political positioning,” instead of seeking a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Three countries recognise Palestinian state Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez, on Tuesday (May 28) announcing the move said that “this is a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.” He also said that the decision is not against Israel whom Sánchez called a “friendly people whom we respect, whom we appreciate and with whom we want to have the best possible relationship.” Also Read | Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognise Palestinian statehood as Israel fumes Ireland and Norway soon joined Spain in formalising the decision which they had jointly announced a week prior and hoped their decision will accelerate efforts towards securing a ceasefire amid the way which is now in its eighth month. The countries said that they recognised a Palestinian state based on borders established before the war in 1967, with Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine. However, they acknowledged that those borders might change if any eventual talks take place for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On Tuesday, the Palestinian flag was raised in Dublin outside Leinster House, the seat of Ireland’s parliament. “I hope (this) sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that – in this their darkest hour – Ireland stands with them,” Irish PM Simon Harris told lawmakers after his cabinet approved the decision. Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, Ireland has time and time again voiced its support for Palestinians and condemned Israel for its military operation in the blockaded enclave which, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has killed more than 36,000 people. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, in a statement, said Oslo has been one of the “strongest advocates for a Palestinian state” and called it a “milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine.” Ireland said it would appoint an ambassador and create a full embassy in the West Bank’s Ramallah. Meanwhile, Norway will upgrade its diplomatic office in the West Bank to an embassy. Spain, for now, said it will maintain its consulate in Jerusalem. However, Israel said that the consulate won’t be allowed to attend to Palestinians. US President Joe Biden has opposed “unilateral recognition” of a Palestinian state, saying that it “should be realised through direct negotiations between the parties.” Israel’s reaction As expected, the decision taken by the three countries left Israel fuming. After the announcement by the Spanish PM, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz quickly lashed out at Madrid saying that Sánchez’s government was “being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.” Also Watch | ‘It’s reward for terror’: Netanyahu blasts Ireland, Norway, Spain for recognising Palestinian state Israeli officials also summoned the countries’ ambassadors in Tel Aviv to the foreign ministry where they were filmed while being shown videos of Hamas’ attacks and abductions on October 7. Meanwhile, Netanyahu called it a “reward for terror” saying that a sovereign State of Palestine would be a “terror state” that would “try to repeatedly carry out the massacre of October 7th”. Will recognition make a difference? While the decision by the three nations is mostly symbolic, since they aren’t recognising an existing state, just the possibility of one, it does help enhance the Palestinians’ international standing. Palestinians have long sought an independent state which would be made up of Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war. To make it happen, the idea of a land corridor linking Gaza and the West Bank through Israel was discussed in previous rounds of peace talks, but nothing came of them and negotiations have not been held in more than 15 years. Also Read | Netanyahu accused of 'failing miserably' as war cabinet members press for Israel elections The recognition, particularly by Spain, Ireland and Norway, also makes Israel look more isolated on the international stage amid a wave of criticism against Israeli military operations in Gaza and Netanyahu and heaps more pressure on Israel to open negotiations on ending the war. Countries that recognise Palestinian state India was among the first countries to officially recognise an independent Palestinian state on November 15, 1988, during the first Palestinian intifada (uprising) when Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat unilaterally proclaimed an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. Algeria became the first country to do so, and within a few weeks India, Turkey, most of Africa and several central and eastern European countries followed suit. The next wave of recognition was in late 2010 and early 2011 with South American countries including Argentina, Brazil and Chile joining the list in response to Israel ending its temporary ban on Jewish settlement building in the occupied West Bank. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Here’s why it matters

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's colleague in his cabinet has accused him of "failing miserably" as the country grapples with domestic, geo-economic and geopolitical consequences of war in Gaza amid relentless human rights violations in the blockaded Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

Knesset member Gadi Eisenkot, an observer in Israel's war cabinet and a former military chief, said Netanyahu has failed miserably on security and economy fronts and that there must be elections before the end of this year.&nbsp;

The latest note of dissidence comes as Israel took control of the crucial&nbsp;Egypt-Gaza corridor that may potentially choke the limited aid supply route to the strip. Besides, Israeli attack on a Rafah camp&nbsp;— that killed about 45 civilians&nbsp;— have already led to global outcry against Israeli wartime heavy-handedness with an unprecedented humanitarian toll in the region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israel-takes-operational-control-of-crucial-egypt-gaza-corridor-726869">Gaza war: Israel takes 'operational control' of crucial Egypt-Gaza corridor</a>

Eisenkot's youngest son was killed in combat in Gaza Strip last year in December. He added that Netanyahu was misleading citizens with slogans of "total victory" against Hamas and choosing not to be realistic about the complexity of the war in Gaza that began last year on October 7 when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and killed about 1200 people and took more than 250 people hostage.&nbsp;

"Anyone who says that we will disband a few battalions in Rafah and then return the hostages is sowing a false illusion," he said. "It will take three to five years to stabilise [Gaza] and then many more years to build an alternative to Hamas."

Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: US still considers Rafah operation as 'limited in scope'

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He said Netanyahu had failed to meet his top 2022 campaign promises, including stopping Iran's nuclear programme, formalising diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia and strengthening the economy.

Israel under Netanyahu's premiership has vowed to destroy Hamas but this stated goal has repeatedly come under doubt due to complexities of war posed by Hamas being embedded amongst a dense population of civilians in Gaza. &nbsp;

<h2>Netanyahu's Likud Party hits back at dissidents in war cabinet</h2>

After Eisenkot's comment, the Likud Party said that Prime Minister Netanyahu's war cabinet colleagues such as Eisenkot and Benny Gantz — PM Netanyahu's main challenger — were looking for excuses to quit the coalition at the height of the war.&nbsp;

"Instead of pursuing victory, they are engaging in petty politics," Likud said.

This is the latest spat in the coalition that continues to raise questions about how long Israel's wartime government could survive.

More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza, the blockaded enclave's health ministry said, with thousands more trapped under rubble.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's colleague in his cabinet has accused him of "failing miserably" as the country grapples with domestic, geo-economic and geopolitical consequences of war in Gaza amid relentless human rights violations in the blockaded Palestinian enclave.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's colleague in his cabinet has accused him of "failing miserably" as the country grapples with domestic, geo-economic and geopolitical consequences of war in Gaza amid relentless human rights violations in the blockaded Palestinian enclave. Knesset member Gadi Eisenkot, an observer in Israel's war cabinet and a former military chief, said Netanyahu has failed miserably on security and economy fronts and that there must be elections before the end of this year. The latest note of dissidence comes as Israel took control of the crucial Egypt-Gaza corridor that may potentially choke the limited aid supply route to the strip. Besides, Israeli attack on a Rafah camp — that killed about 45 civilians — have already led to global outcry against Israeli wartime heavy-handedness with an unprecedented humanitarian toll in the region. Also read | Gaza war: Israel takes 'operational control' of crucial Egypt-Gaza corridor Eisenkot's youngest son was killed in combat in Gaza Strip last year in December. He added that Netanyahu was misleading citizens with slogans of "total victory" against Hamas and choosing not to be realistic about the complexity of the war in Gaza that began last year on October 7 when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and killed about 1200 people and took more than 250 people hostage. "Anyone who says that we will disband a few battalions in Rafah and then return the hostages is sowing a false illusion," he said. "It will take three to five years to stabilise [Gaza] and then many more years to build an alternative to Hamas." Also watch | Israel-Hamas War: US still considers Rafah operation as 'limited in scope' × He said Netanyahu had failed to meet his top 2022 campaign promises, including stopping Iran's nuclear programme, formalising diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia and strengthening the economy. Israel under Netanyahu's premiership has vowed to destroy Hamas but this stated goal has repeatedly come under doubt due to complexities of war posed by Hamas being embedded amongst a dense population of civilians in Gaza. Netanyahu's Likud Party hits back at dissidents in war cabinet After Eisenkot's comment, the Likud Party said that Prime Minister Netanyahu's war cabinet colleagues such as Eisenkot and Benny Gantz — PM Netanyahu's main challenger — were looking for excuses to quit the coalition at the height of the war. "Instead of pursuing victory, they are engaging in petty politics," Likud said. This is the latest spat in the coalition that continues to raise questions about how long Israel's wartime government could survive. More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza, the blockaded enclave's health ministry said, with thousands more trapped under rubble. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu accused of 'failing miserably' as war cabinet members press for Israel elections

The United States&nbsp;Supreme Court gave a boost on Thursday to the National Rifle Association in its free speech dispute with a New York state official it accused of coercing banks and insurers to avoid doing business with the influential gun rights advocacy group.

The justices, in a 9-0 decision authored by liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor, threw out a lower court's ruling that dismissed the NRA's 2018 lawsuit against Maria Vullo, a former superintendent of New York's Department of Financial Services. The NRA has claimed that Vullo unlawfully retaliated against it following a mass shooting in which 17 people were killed at a high school in Parkland, Florida.

At issue in the dispute is whether Vullo had wielded her regulatory power to coerce New York financial institutions into cutting ties with the NRA in violation of protections under the US&nbsp;Constitution's First Amendment against government restrictions on free speech.

"Ultimately, the critical takeaway is that the First Amendment prohibits government officials from wielding their power selectively to punish or suppress speech, directly or, as alleged here, through private intermediaries," Sotomayor wrote.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/biden-claims-xenophobia-stalling-economic-growth-in-india-china-japan-717243">Biden claims 'xenophobia' stalling economic growth in India, China, Japan</a>

The case will now return to the lower courts for further analysis of the NRA's allegations under the standard articulated in the Supreme Court's ruling.

Vullo called upon banks and insurers to consider the "reputational risks" of doing business with gun rights groups following the February 2018 Parkland shootings. In the aftermath of the Parkland rampage by a 19-year-old former student armed with an AR-15 rifle, NRA officials lashed out at gun control advocates, arguing that Democratic elites were politicizing the shootings to erode gun rights.

Vullo later fined Lloyd's of London and two other insurers more than $13 million for offering an NRA-endorsed product called "Carry Guard" that Vullo's office found was in violation of New York insurance law. The product provided liability coverage for policyholders who caused injuries from gunfire, even in cases involving the wrongful use of a firearm.

The insurers agreed to stop selling NRA-endorsed products that New York considered illegal.

<h2>'Implicit&nbsp;censorship regime'</h2>

The NRA's lawsuit, seeking unspecified monetary damages, accused Vullo of unlawfully retaliating against the group for its constitutionally protected gun rights advocacy by targeting it with an "implicit censorship regime." Its suit alleged that New York's "blacklisting" campaign sought to deprive the NRA of basic financial services and threatened its advocacy work.

The case did not involve the Constitution's Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case in March.

The NRA is the largest and most powerful gun rights organization in the United States and has been instrumental in thwarting Democratic-backed gun restrictions in the U.S. Congress. The nonprofit group is organized under the laws of New York state, with its main offices in Virginia.

Watch:&nbsp;US set to lift 2021 ban on offensive weapons sales to Saudi Arabia

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A federal judge in 2021 dismissed all of the NRA's claims apart from two free speech counts against Vullo. The Manhattan-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2022 said those also should have been dismissed, prompting the NRA's Supreme Court appeal.

The NRA found an unlikely ally in the case in President Joe Biden's administration. Even though Biden has called gun violence a national embarrassment, his administration had urged the justices to let the NRA pursue its lawsuit.

The administration argued that a lower court should determine whether Vullo's actions crossed the line between permissible criticism of the NRA and coercion aimed at suppressing a disfavored viewpoint in violation of the First Amendment protections.

The case was the latest to come before the Supreme Court involving the NRA, a group closely aligned with Republicans that has opposed gun control measures and backed pivotal lawsuits that have widened U.S. gun rights.

Americans remain deeply divided over how to address firearms violence including frequent mass shootings even as the Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, has taken an expansive view of gun rights.

Vullo was sued in both her official and personal capacities. But the 2nd Circuit found that Vullo would be protected from suit under the legal defense of qualified immunity that shields officials from civil litigation in certain circumstances.

The Supreme Court by the end of June is expected to issue rulings in two gun rights cases. One involves a challenge to the legality of a federal ban on "bump stock" devices that enable semiautomatic weapons to fire rapidly like machine guns. The other involves a challenge to the legality of a federal law that makes it a crime for people under domestic violence restraining orders to have guns.

The United States Supreme Court gave a boost on Thursday to the National Rifle Association in its free speech dispute with a New York state official it accused of coercing banks and insurers to avoid doing business with the influential gun rights advocacy group.

The United States Supreme Court gave a boost on Thursday to the National Rifle Association in its free speech dispute with a New York state official it accused of coercing banks and insurers to avoid doing business with the influential gun rights advocacy group. The justices, in a 9-0 decision authored by liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor, threw out a lower court's ruling that dismissed the NRA's 2018 lawsuit against Maria Vullo, a former superintendent of New York's Department of Financial Services. The NRA has claimed that Vullo unlawfully retaliated against it following a mass shooting in which 17 people were killed at a high school in Parkland, Florida. At issue in the dispute is whether Vullo had wielded her regulatory power to coerce New York financial institutions into cutting ties with the NRA in violation of protections under the US Constitution's First Amendment against government restrictions on free speech. "Ultimately, the critical takeaway is that the First Amendment prohibits government officials from wielding their power selectively to punish or suppress speech, directly or, as alleged here, through private intermediaries," Sotomayor wrote. Also Read: Biden claims 'xenophobia' stalling economic growth in India, China, Japan The case will now return to the lower courts for further analysis of the NRA's allegations under the standard articulated in the Supreme Court's ruling. Vullo called upon banks and insurers to consider the "reputational risks" of doing business with gun rights groups following the February 2018 Parkland shootings. In the aftermath of the Parkland rampage by a 19-year-old former student armed with an AR-15 rifle, NRA officials lashed out at gun control advocates, arguing that Democratic elites were politicizing the shootings to erode gun rights. Vullo later fined Lloyd's of London and two other insurers more than $13 million for offering an NRA-endorsed product called "Carry Guard" that Vullo's office found was in violation of New York insurance law. The product provided liability coverage for policyholders who caused injuries from gunfire, even in cases involving the wrongful use of a firearm. The insurers agreed to stop selling NRA-endorsed products that New York considered illegal. 'Implicit censorship regime' The NRA's lawsuit, seeking unspecified monetary damages, accused Vullo of unlawfully retaliating against the group for its constitutionally protected gun rights advocacy by targeting it with an "implicit censorship regime." Its suit alleged that New York's "blacklisting" campaign sought to deprive the NRA of basic financial services and threatened its advocacy work. The case did not involve the Constitution's Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case in March. The NRA is the largest and most powerful gun rights organization in the United States and has been instrumental in thwarting Democratic-backed gun restrictions in the U.S. Congress. The nonprofit group is organized under the laws of New York state, with its main offices in Virginia. Watch: US set to lift 2021 ban on offensive weapons sales to Saudi Arabia A federal judge in 2021 dismissed all of the NRA's claims apart from two free speech counts against Vullo. The Manhattan-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2022 said those also should have been dismissed, prompting the NRA's Supreme Court appeal. The NRA found an unlikely ally in the case in President Joe Biden's administration. Even though Biden has called gun violence a national embarrassment, his administration had urged the justices to let the NRA pursue its lawsuit. The administration argued that a lower court should determine whether Vullo's actions crossed the line between permissible criticism of the NRA and coercion aimed at suppressing a disfavored viewpoint in violation of the First Amendment protections. The case was the latest to come before the Supreme Court involving the NRA, a group closely aligned with Republicans that has opposed gun control measures and backed pivotal lawsuits that have widened U.S. gun rights. Americans remain deeply divided over how to address firearms violence including frequent mass shootings even as the Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, has taken an expansive view of gun rights. Vullo was sued in both her official and personal capacities. But the 2nd Circuit found that Vullo would be protected from suit under the legal defense of qualified immunity that shields officials from civil litigation in certain circumstances. The Supreme Court by the end of June is expected to issue rulings in two gun rights cases. One involves a challenge to the legality of a federal ban on "bump stock" devices that enable semiautomatic weapons to fire rapidly like machine guns. The other involves a challenge to the legality of a federal law that makes it a crime for people under domestic violence restraining orders to have guns.

US Supreme Court boosts NRA in free speech fight with New York official

Norway, Ireland, and Spain have formally recognized the state of Palestine, joining over 140 of the 193 UN member countries. Norway’s Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, told our Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, “It is the right thing to do at the right time.” Eide highlighted that India had recognized Palestine in the 1980s, a move Norway emulated last week. This recognition marks a significant diplomatic shift and reinforces Palestine's status on the international stage at the time when Israel Gaza situation continues to deteriorate. Watch in for more details!

Norway FM Espen Barth Eide on WION: Where does Europe stand on Palestinian statehood?

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) said a Chinese national was arrested in an international operation on charges of creating and using malware that was used in cyber attacks, large-scale fraud and child exploitation.

Singapore's Straits Times newspaper reported on Thursday that the man, 35-year-old Wang Yunhe, was arrested in the city-state on May 24.

Wang's arrest follows last August's high-profile sweep of 10 Chinese citizens holding multiple nationalities charged with laundering more than $2 billion through the Asian financial hub.

The Department of Justice said in a statement dated May 29 that Wang and unnamed others allegedly "created and disseminated malware to compromise and amass a network of millions of residential Windows computers worldwide".

From 2018 until July 2022, Wang received $99 million from sales of the hijacked proxied IP addresses either in cryptocurrency or fiat currency, the DOJ said.

It said cybercriminals who bought access to the infected IP addresses then bypassed financial fraud detection systems and stole "billions of dollars from financial institutions, credit card issuers, and federal lending programmes".

This includes fraudulent loss exceeding $5.9 billion from 560,000 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims originating from compromised IP addresses, said the DOJ.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-to-lose-power-gantzs-centrist-party-submits-bill-to-dissolve-israeli-parliament-727177">Netanyahu to lose power? Gantz's centrist party submits bill to dissolve Israeli parliament</a>

"Wang used the illicitly gained proceeds to purchase real property in the United States, St. Kitts and Nevis, China, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates," the DOJ statement said.

It said Wang's assets and properties included sports cars, more than a dozen domestic and international bank accounts, over two dozen cryptocurrency wallets, luxury watches and 21 properties across several countries.

Matthew S. Axelrod, assistant secretary for export enforcement at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, said the case read like a screenplay.

"A scheme to sell access to millions of malware-infected computers worldwide, enabling criminals over the world to steal billions of dollars, transmit bomb threats, and exchange child exploitation materials—then using the scheme’s nearly $100 million in profits to buy luxury cars, watches, and real estate," said Axelrod. 
DOJ said the operation was a multiagency effort led by law enforcement in the U.S., Singapore, Thailand, and Germany.

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) said a Chinese national was arrested in an international operation on charges of creating and using malware that was used in cyber attacks, large-scale fraud and child exploitation.

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) said a Chinese national was arrested in an international operation on charges of creating and using malware that was used in cyber attacks, large-scale fraud and child exploitation. Singapore's Straits Times newspaper reported on Thursday that the man, 35-year-old Wang Yunhe, was arrested in the city-state on May 24. Wang's arrest follows last August's high-profile sweep of 10 Chinese citizens holding multiple nationalities charged with laundering more than $2 billion through the Asian financial hub. The Department of Justice said in a statement dated May 29 that Wang and unnamed others allegedly "created and disseminated malware to compromise and amass a network of millions of residential Windows computers worldwide". From 2018 until July 2022, Wang received $99 million from sales of the hijacked proxied IP addresses either in cryptocurrency or fiat currency, the DOJ said. It said cybercriminals who bought access to the infected IP addresses then bypassed financial fraud detection systems and stole "billions of dollars from financial institutions, credit card issuers, and federal lending programmes". This includes fraudulent loss exceeding $5.9 billion from 560,000 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims originating from compromised IP addresses, said the DOJ. Also read: Netanyahu to lose power? Gantz's centrist party submits bill to dissolve Israeli parliament "Wang used the illicitly gained proceeds to purchase real property in the United States, St. Kitts and Nevis, China, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates," the DOJ statement said. It said Wang's assets and properties included sports cars, more than a dozen domestic and international bank accounts, over two dozen cryptocurrency wallets, luxury watches and 21 properties across several countries. Matthew S. Axelrod, assistant secretary for export enforcement at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, said the case read like a screenplay. "A scheme to sell access to millions of malware-infected computers worldwide, enabling criminals over the world to steal billions of dollars, transmit bomb threats, and exchange child exploitation materials—then using the scheme’s nearly $100 million in profits to buy luxury cars, watches, and real estate," said Axelrod. DOJ said the operation was a multiagency effort led by law enforcement in the U.S., Singapore, Thailand, and Germany.

US DOJ says Chinese national arrested on malware charges in international operation

The Israeli army on Wednesday (May 29) claimed that it had gained "operational control" over the strategic Philadelphi corridor along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. The move coincided with a top Israeli security official statement that the war could go on until the year's end.&nbsp;

A military official told reporters on condition of anonymity that Israel has "established operational control" over the 14-kilometre (8.5-mile) corridor.&nbsp;

Israel has been continuing with its offensive assault on Gaza's far south as the humanitarian situation in the Strip deteriorates at an alarming rate.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-denies-attack-in-rafah-evacuation-area-that-killed-21-us-says-no-change-in-policy-726465">IDF claims hidden weapons cache likely triggered Rafah camp fire, denies attacking evacuation area</a>&nbsp;

The seizure came just a few weeks after Israeli forces took control of Egypt's Rafah border crossing on May 7. The corridor was previously operated as a buffer zone between Gaza and Egypt.&nbsp;

Notably, Israeli troops patrolled it until 2005, when they were removed as part of a larger withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. However, there were fears since then that the corridor was being used to channel weapons to armed groups in the Palestinian territory.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nikki-haley-writes-finish-them-on-israeli-shell-amid-outrage-over-rafah-assault-726648">Nikki Haley writes 'Finish Them' on Israeli shell amid outrage over Rafah assault</a>&nbsp;

<h2>'War will continue until early 2025'&nbsp;</h2>

A top Israeli security official said Wednesday the war against Hamas in Gaza could go on until the year's end to achieve the aim of destroying the Palestinian militant group.&nbsp;

"We may have another seven months of fighting to consolidate our success and achieve what we have defined as the destruction of Hamas's power and military capabilities," National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Did Israel spy on ICC prosecutor?&nbsp;

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"Victory for us means destroying Hamas's military capabilities, bringing back all the hostages and ensuring that at the end of the war there are no more threats from Gaza," he said.&nbsp;

"In other words no more Iranian-funded terrorist armies on our border," Hanegbi told public broadcaster Kan, speaking from Cyprus.&nbsp;

The official also said that discussions were underway over Gaza's post-war future. He said, "We are trying to plan what will happen after the war, so that the Palestinians will be responsible for their own lives. We will be responsible for Israel's security but we don't want to rule in Gaza."&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Israeli army on Wednesday (May 29) claimed that it had gained "operational control" over the strategic Philadelphi corridor along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.

The Israeli army on Wednesday (May 29) claimed that it had gained "operational control" over the strategic Philadelphi corridor along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. The move coincided with a top Israeli security official statement that the war could go on until the year's end. A military official told reporters on condition of anonymity that Israel has "established operational control" over the 14-kilometre (8.5-mile) corridor. Israel has been continuing with its offensive assault on Gaza's far south as the humanitarian situation in the Strip deteriorates at an alarming rate. Also read: IDF claims hidden weapons cache likely triggered Rafah camp fire, denies attacking evacuation area The seizure came just a few weeks after Israeli forces took control of Egypt's Rafah border crossing on May 7. The corridor was previously operated as a buffer zone between Gaza and Egypt. Notably, Israeli troops patrolled it until 2005, when they were removed as part of a larger withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. However, there were fears since then that the corridor was being used to channel weapons to armed groups in the Palestinian territory. Also read: Nikki Haley writes 'Finish Them' on Israeli shell amid outrage over Rafah assault 'War will continue until early 2025' A top Israeli security official said Wednesday the war against Hamas in Gaza could go on until the year's end to achieve the aim of destroying the Palestinian militant group. "We may have another seven months of fighting to consolidate our success and achieve what we have defined as the destruction of Hamas's power and military capabilities," National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said. Watch: Did Israel spy on ICC prosecutor? × "Victory for us means destroying Hamas's military capabilities, bringing back all the hostages and ensuring that at the end of the war there are no more threats from Gaza," he said. "In other words no more Iranian-funded terrorist armies on our border," Hanegbi told public broadcaster Kan, speaking from Cyprus. The official also said that discussions were underway over Gaza's post-war future. He said, "We are trying to plan what will happen after the war, so that the Palestinians will be responsible for their own lives. We will be responsible for Israel's security but we don't want to rule in Gaza." Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Israel takes 'operational control' of crucial Egypt-Gaza corridor

Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a militant group active in Gaza, released a hostage video of an Israeli Amazon employee on Tuesday (May 28) from Gaza.&nbsp;

The employee was kidnapped by the terrorists during the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel and has remained stuck in the war-torn enclave ever since.

Sasha Troufanov, a 28-year-old computer engineer, had worked with a Tel Aviv-based microelectronics firm Annapurna Labs, a subsidiary of Amazon.&nbsp;

In the video, the Amazon employee wore a black, white and red polo shirt as he addressed the people of Israel and “all of the protesters",&nbsp;reported The Jerusalem Post.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-denies-attack-in-rafah-evacuation-area-that-killed-21-us-says-no-change-in-policy-726465">IDF says hidden weapons cache likely triggered Rafah camp fire, denies attacking evacuation area</a>

The Islamic Jihad hostage said that “in the next few days, you will hear the truth of what happened to me, as well as the other prisoners in Gaza.”

He further appealed to people to “wait patiently,” reported the outlet.

“The proof of life from Alexander (Sasha) Trpfanov is additional evidence that the Israeli government must give a significant mandate to the negotiating team, which will be able to lead to a deal for the return of all the hostages – the living to rehabilitation and the murdered to burial,” said the Hostages &amp; Missing Families Forum, in a statement after the release of the video.

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It has been 8 months since 10/7. 
Today H×mas published another horrific video of a hostage - Alexander Trupanov. <a href="https://t.co/ph7Prk5beM">pic.twitter.com/ph7Prk5beM</a>
— Era Gigman (@idan_bg) <a href="https://twitter.com/idan_bg/status/1795520443677577551?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Troufanov was among the 250 people kidnapped by Hamas militants amid the murderous attacks&nbsp;in which nearly 1,200 Israelis were killed.

On Thursday (May 30), a new video of Alexander Trupanov by&nbsp;Palestinian Islamic Jihad on the electronic platform Telegram.

Alexander appeared healthy in the video. "The IDF tried to kill me a few times; thank you to the al-Quds brigade," he said.

He asked the protestors to pressurise the government and asked them, "I dont want to be the next statistic. I don't want to be the next in line, please help me come home."

<h2>Amazon employees call for release of Troufanov</h2>

In Israel, Amazon employees hung signs, created t-shirts and organised events in solidarity with Troufanov as they expressed their frustration over the management not issuing any public statement over his abduction.&nbsp;

Troufanov’s father, Vitali, was a Russian immigrant to Israel and was killed in the October 7 attacks. However, his mother, grandmother and girlfriend were freed by Hamas in the earlier truce.

Troufanov's close friend Neta Yessod Alon last November organised a protest action being held at the Amazon Web Services re:Invent conference organised in Las Vegas.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Israeli tanks advance to central Rafah for first time: Report

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"Various activities by employees expressing identification with Troufanov were given the cold shoulder by the global management," said Yessod Alon. "Amazon Israel provides help with what’s needed, but if it’s not communicated to the outside world, who is the message for?"

In response, Amazon stated, "We continue to focus all the time on all the efforts to bring Sasha back home safely and to ensure support for his family at this difficult time. Our thoughts are with them and with all those who continue to be affected by the war."

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a militant group active in Gaza, released a hostage video of an Israeli Amazon employee on Tuesday (May 28) from Gaza. The employee was kidnapped by the terrorists during the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel and has remained stuck in the war-torn enclave ever since.

Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a militant group active in Gaza, released a hostage video of an Israeli Amazon employee on Tuesday (May 28) from Gaza. The employee was kidnapped by the terrorists during the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel and has remained stuck in the war-torn enclave ever since. Sasha Troufanov, a 28-year-old computer engineer, had worked with a Tel Aviv-based microelectronics firm Annapurna Labs, a subsidiary of Amazon. In the video, the Amazon employee wore a black, white and red polo shirt as he addressed the people of Israel and “all of the protesters", reported The Jerusalem Post. Also Read: IDF says hidden weapons cache likely triggered Rafah camp fire, denies attacking evacuation area The Islamic Jihad hostage said that “in the next few days, you will hear the truth of what happened to me, as well as the other prisoners in Gaza.” He further appealed to people to “wait patiently,” reported the outlet. “The proof of life from Alexander (Sasha) Trpfanov is additional evidence that the Israeli government must give a significant mandate to the negotiating team, which will be able to lead to a deal for the return of all the hostages – the living to rehabilitation and the murdered to burial,” said the Hostages & Missing Families Forum, in a statement after the release of the video. It has been 8 months since 10/7. Today H×mas published another horrific video of a hostage - Alexander Trupanov. pic.twitter.com/ph7Prk5beM — Era Gigman (@idan_bg) May 28, 2024 × Troufanov was among the 250 people kidnapped by Hamas militants amid the murderous attacks in which nearly 1,200 Israelis were killed. On Thursday (May 30), a new video of Alexander Trupanov by Palestinian Islamic Jihad on the electronic platform Telegram. Alexander appeared healthy in the video. "The IDF tried to kill me a few times; thank you to the al-Quds brigade," he said. He asked the protestors to pressurise the government and asked them, "I dont want to be the next statistic. I don't want to be the next in line, please help me come home." Amazon employees call for release of Troufanov In Israel, Amazon employees hung signs, created t-shirts and organised events in solidarity with Troufanov as they expressed their frustration over the management not issuing any public statement over his abduction. Troufanov’s father, Vitali, was a Russian immigrant to Israel and was killed in the October 7 attacks. However, his mother, grandmother and girlfriend were freed by Hamas in the earlier truce. Troufanov's close friend Neta Yessod Alon last November organised a protest action being held at the Amazon Web Services re:Invent conference organised in Las Vegas. Watch: Israel-Hamas War: Israeli tanks advance to central Rafah for first time: Report "Various activities by employees expressing identification with Troufanov were given the cold shoulder by the global management," said Yessod Alon. "Amazon Israel provides help with what’s needed, but if it’s not communicated to the outside world, who is the message for?" In response, Amazon stated, "We continue to focus all the time on all the efforts to bring Sasha back home safely and to ensure support for his family at this difficult time. Our thoughts are with them and with all those who continue to be affected by the war." Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Palestine's militant group Islamic Jihad releases hostage video of Amazon worker in Gaza

North Korea has fired a barrage of missiles towards its Waters in eastern coast. According to Seoul, Pyongyang fired 10 short range ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan. Watch in for more details!

North Korea fires short-range ballistic missile towards sea of Japan: South Korea

Norway FM Espen Barth Eide speaks to WION: Why Norway Recognised Palestine statehood?

Two big NATO powers France and Germany have said that Ukraine should be allowed to hit military sites inside Russia but only those Russian sites from which missiles are being fired at Ukrainian territory not other targets. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Putin warns West not to let Ukraine use its missiles to hit Russia

The US has been concerned about Ukraine's strikes on Russian nuclear early-warning systems as it could "dangerously unsettle" Moscow at a time when the White House is considering lifting restrictions on the use of US-supplied weapons in cross-border attacks.

Russia-Ukraine War: US concerned about Ukrainian drone strike on Russia

Russia-Ukraine War: Washington weighs Ukraine's plea for cross-border attacks

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Israel to come up with a post-war plan for Gaza and warned that the absent of it could trigger lawlessness chaos and a comeback by Hamas in the Enclave. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Blinken urges Israel to come up with a post-war plan for Gaza

Amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing, only a few iconic black and white bears remain in the United States. Watch to know more.

Panda diplomacy is back: China to send two of its Panda diplomacy to US

The political party of Benny Gantz, a member of the Israeli war cabinet, said it wants to dissolve the parliament in a bid to force early elections and oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Watch in for more details!

BREAKING: Benny Gantz wants to dissolve the Israeli parliament

North Korea has fired a barrage of missiles towards its waters in eastern coast. According to Seoul, Pyongyang fired 10 short range ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan. Watch in for more details!

N Korea fires short-range ballistic missile | Launch after Pyongyang's failed spy satellite launch

Former US President Donald Trump's criminal trial over alleged falsified documents to cover up a "hush money" payment is coming to a close. Watch in for more details!

Donald Trump's Hush Money Trial: 12-member jury to decide Trump's fate

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms: - Spanish Taylor Swift fan showcases his sanctuary of gifts he received from singer - Israel hits back at 'all eyes at Rafah' campaign with 'October 7th' image - Chinese President Xi Jinping describes Gaza situation as 'deeply painful' - New research sheds light on baby sounds

Spanish Taylor Swift fan showcases his sanctuary of gifts he received from singer | Trending on WION

In this WION exclusive interview, we speak to Devashish Handa, Executive Vice President (Sales, Marketing, & After Sales) at Suzuki Motorcycle India. From discussing India’s triumphs & growth to his own personal experiences, the interaction aims to encapsulate industry expectations & trends.

‘Indian buyer is aspirational’ - WION exclusive sit-down with Executive VP, Suzuki Motorcycles

Iran&nbsp;on Thursday began the formal registration of presidential candidates ahead of a snap vote next month to replace the late Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash.

"Candidate registration for the 14th presidential elections began at 8 am (0430 GMT)... at the interior ministry," the official IRNA news agency said.

Presidential hopefuls will have five days to register, IRNA added.

The elections were originally slated for 2025 but were brought forward following Raisi's unexpected death on May 19.

Raisi and seven members of his entourage, including foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, were killed when their aircraft came down on a fog-shrouded mountainside in northern&nbsp;Iran.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/second-preliminary-report-into-iran-president-raisis-helicopter-crash-rules-out-sabotage-726931">Second preliminary report into Iran President Raisi's helicopter crash rules out 'sabotage'</a>

The Islamic republic's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has since assigned vice president Mohammad Mokhber, 68, as caretaker president in accordance with the constitution.

On Thursday, state TV reported that "around 30 people" came forward to submit applications for candidacy, but "none of them met the basic conditions for qualification".

An AFP correspondent later saw former reformist lawmaker Mostafa Kavakebian and incumbent conservative parliamentarian Mohammadreza Sabaghian submitting their applications at the ministry.

Candidates must be between the ages of 40 and 75 and have at least a master's degree, according to&nbsp;Iran's electoral law.

As in previous election cycles, the main candidates representing&nbsp;Iran's leading political camps are expected to submit their application closer to the end of the registration process.

Watch:&nbsp;Iran Elections: Who will replace Iran's Raisi?

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A final list of candidates will be announced on June 11 by the Guardian Council, a 12-member body of jurists whose members are either appointed or approved by the supreme leader.

The body disqualified multiple reformist and moderate figures ahead of the 2021 presidential elections which brought the ultraconservative Raisi to power.&nbsp;

The elections at the time saw a record low turnout for a presidential poll, at just 48.8 per cent.&nbsp;

The June vote will be held during a turbulent time, as the Gaza war rages between&nbsp;Iran's arch-foe Israel and Tehran-backed Palestinian militant group Hamas, and amid continued diplomatic tensions over&nbsp;Iran's nuclear programme.&nbsp;

Iran on Thursday began the formal registration of presidential candidates ahead of a snap vote next month to replace the late Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash.

Iran on Thursday began the formal registration of presidential candidates ahead of a snap vote next month to replace the late Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash. "Candidate registration for the 14th presidential elections began at 8 am (0430 GMT)... at the interior ministry," the official IRNA news agency said. Presidential hopefuls will have five days to register, IRNA added. The elections were originally slated for 2025 but were brought forward following Raisi's unexpected death on May 19. Raisi and seven members of his entourage, including foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, were killed when their aircraft came down on a fog-shrouded mountainside in northern Iran. Also Read: Second preliminary report into Iran President Raisi's helicopter crash rules out 'sabotage' The Islamic republic's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has since assigned vice president Mohammad Mokhber, 68, as caretaker president in accordance with the constitution. On Thursday, state TV reported that "around 30 people" came forward to submit applications for candidacy, but "none of them met the basic conditions for qualification". An AFP correspondent later saw former reformist lawmaker Mostafa Kavakebian and incumbent conservative parliamentarian Mohammadreza Sabaghian submitting their applications at the ministry. Candidates must be between the ages of 40 and 75 and have at least a master's degree, according to Iran's electoral law. As in previous election cycles, the main candidates representing Iran's leading political camps are expected to submit their application closer to the end of the registration process. Watch: Iran Elections: Who will replace Iran's Raisi? A final list of candidates will be announced on June 11 by the Guardian Council, a 12-member body of jurists whose members are either appointed or approved by the supreme leader. The body disqualified multiple reformist and moderate figures ahead of the 2021 presidential elections which brought the ultraconservative Raisi to power. The elections at the time saw a record low turnout for a presidential poll, at just 48.8 per cent. The June vote will be held during a turbulent time, as the Gaza war rages between Iran's arch-foe Israel and Tehran-backed Palestinian militant group Hamas, and amid continued diplomatic tensions over Iran's nuclear programme.

Iran opens registration for presidential candidates to replace Ebrahim Raisi

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After the pro-Palestine 'All Eyes on Rafah' AI-generated image went viral on social media, Israel has hit back by posting a similar image of its own. The counter-image features the text "Where were your eyes on October 7" and depicts a Hamas militant standing armed in front of an infant.

The infant in the image, as per Times of Israel, is presumed to be Kfir Bibas, a nine-month-old infant who, along with his brother and mother, was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7.

<h2>Where were your eyes?</h2>

Israel has shared the AI-generated counter image on social media platform X.

It comes after over 44 million accounts shared the "All Eyes on Rafah" image on Instagram alone.&nbsp;Furthermore, as per an AFP report citing online monitor Visibrain, the hashtag #alleyesonrafah on X attracted almost one million hits.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-accused-of-failing-miserably-as-war-cabinet-members-press-for-israel-elections-726873">Netanyahu accused of 'failing miserably' as war cabinet members press for Israel elections</a>

Sharing the image on X, Israel wrote, "We will NEVER stop talking about October 7th."&nbsp;

"We will NEVER stop fighting for the hostages," it added.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We will NEVER stop talking about October 7th. 
 
We will NEVER stop fighting for the hostages. <a href="https://t.co/XoFqAf1IjM">pic.twitter.com/XoFqAf1IjM</a>
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel/status/1795899775335727169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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On October 7 of last year, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing 1,189 people.

Furthermore, the militants took hostage 252 people, of which 121 remain in Gaza, seven months into the war sparked by the Hamas attack. Israel claims that of the 121 hostages, 37 are dead.

<h2>Instagram takes down 'Where were your eyes' image creator's account</h2>

As per the Times of Israel, the image was created by an Israeli Instagram user named Benjamin Jamon. Within hours of his posting, the AI-generated image was taken down, and his Instagram account was banned from the platform.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-recognises-palestine-right-thing-to-do-at-right-time-foreign-minister-eide-tells-wion-726877">Norway recognises Palestine: 'Right thing to do at right time', Foreign Minister Eide tells WION</a>

While there was no initial explanation from Instagram about why the image was taken down, its parent company, Meta, said that it was "working to understand a technical issue that led to some instances of the image being mistakenly removed."

"This image does not violate our policies," said the statement, adding that it was "working to understand what technical problem led to its accidental removal".

This comes as, on Wednesday (May 29) human rights groups as per the Guardian, coordinated an online protest calling on Meta to put an end to its alleged "systemic censorship of pro-Palestinian content" on its platforms and within the workforce. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Meta finds deceptive AI-generated content</h2>

Also, on Wednesday, Meta revealed that it had found "likely AI-generated" content used deceptively on its Facebook and Instagram platforms. As per Reuters, this includes comments by accounts praising Israel's handling of the war in Gaza, posted by accounts posing as Jewish students, African Americans and other concerned citizens. Meta has attributed the deceptive campaign to Tel Aviv-based political marketing firm STOIC.

(With inputs from agencies)

After the pro-Palestine 'All Eyes on Rafah' AI-generated image went viral on social media, Israel has hit back by posting a similar image of its own. The counter-image features the text "Where were your eyes on October 7" and depicts a Hamas militant standing armed in front of an infant.

After the pro-Palestine 'All Eyes on Rafah' AI-generated image went viral on social media, Israel has hit back by posting a similar image of its own. The counter-image features the text "Where were your eyes on October 7" and depicts a Hamas militant standing armed in front of an infant. The infant in the image, as per Times of Israel, is presumed to be Kfir Bibas, a nine-month-old infant who, along with his brother and mother, was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. Where were your eyes? Israel has shared the AI-generated counter image on social media platform X. It comes after over 44 million accounts shared the "All Eyes on Rafah" image on Instagram alone. Furthermore, as per an AFP report citing online monitor Visibrain, the hashtag #alleyesonrafah on X attracted almost one million hits. Also read | Netanyahu accused of 'failing miserably' as war cabinet members press for Israel elections Sharing the image on X, Israel wrote, "We will NEVER stop talking about October 7th." "We will NEVER stop fighting for the hostages," it added. We will NEVER stop talking about October 7th. We will NEVER stop fighting for the hostages. pic.twitter.com/XoFqAf1IjM — Israel ישראל (@Israel) May 29, 2024 × On October 7 of last year, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing 1,189 people. Furthermore, the militants took hostage 252 people, of which 121 remain in Gaza, seven months into the war sparked by the Hamas attack. Israel claims that of the 121 hostages, 37 are dead. Instagram takes down 'Where were your eyes' image creator's account As per the Times of Israel, the image was created by an Israeli Instagram user named Benjamin Jamon. Within hours of his posting, the AI-generated image was taken down, and his Instagram account was banned from the platform. Also read | Norway recognises Palestine: 'Right thing to do at right time', Foreign Minister Eide tells WION While there was no initial explanation from Instagram about why the image was taken down, its parent company, Meta, said that it was "working to understand a technical issue that led to some instances of the image being mistakenly removed." "This image does not violate our policies," said the statement, adding that it was "working to understand what technical problem led to its accidental removal". This comes as, on Wednesday (May 29) human rights groups as per the Guardian, coordinated an online protest calling on Meta to put an end to its alleged "systemic censorship of pro-Palestinian content" on its platforms and within the workforce. Meta finds deceptive AI-generated content Also, on Wednesday, Meta revealed that it had found "likely AI-generated" content used deceptively on its Facebook and Instagram platforms. As per Reuters, this includes comments by accounts praising Israel's handling of the war in Gaza, posted by accounts posing as Jewish students, African Americans and other concerned citizens. Meta has attributed the deceptive campaign to Tel Aviv-based political marketing firm STOIC. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel hits back at pro-Palestine 'All Eyes on Rafah' image with 'Where Were Your Eyes on October 7?'

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