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Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the army near Ukrainian city of Kharkiv have been creating a “buffer zone” for their own security.

The Israeli Defence Defense Forces (IDF) said that they have recovered the bodies of three hostages in a tunnel in the Gaza Strip.

In other news,&nbsp;Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico underwent another surgery following the shooting on Wednesday (May 15).

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-no-plans-of-capturing-ukraines-kharkiv-forces-creating-buffer-zone-putin-722547">Russia has no plans of capturing Ukraine's Kharkiv, forces creating 'buffer zone': Putin</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/17/432084-untitled-design-2024-05-17t174533913.png?imwidth=400" />

Russia's President&nbsp;Vladimir Putin&nbsp;on Friday (May 17) said that their current plan does not include capturing the Ukrainian city of&nbsp;Kharkiv. He added that the Russian forces, which have been operating close to Kharkhiv, have been creating a “buffer zone” for their&nbsp;own&nbsp;security and to protect Russian border regions.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-army-says-bodies-of-three-hostages-recovered-in-gaza-722617">Israel army says bodies of three hostages recovered in Gaza</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/17/432133-succession-2024-05-17t212055088.jpg?imwidth=400" />

The Israeli Defence Defense Forces (IDF) said that they have recovered the bodies of three hostages in a tunnel in the Gaza Strip, said IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari during a press briefing on Friday (May 17).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slovak-prime-minister-robert-fico-undergoes-second-surgery-condition-remains-serious-722535">Slovak PM Robert Fico undergoes second surgery after assassination bid, condition remains serious</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/17/432078-the-battle-for-kyiv23.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico remained in "very serious" condition on Friday (May 17), two days after being shot, according to his deputy and close ally. Robert Kalinak stated that Fico underwent a second surgery. "His state is still very serious. I think it would take a couple of days to see the course of the development of his state," Kalinak told reporters outside the hospital.

<a href="https://wionews.com/world/at-icj-south-africa-alleges-israel-stepping-up-genocide-in-gaza-tel-aviv-slams-biased-and-false-claims-722456">At ICJ, South Africa alleges Israel 'stepping up' genocide in Gaza; Tel Aviv slams 'biased and false claims'</a>

<img src="http://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/17/432029-new-wion-2024-05-17t142845260.jpg" />

Israel on Thursday (May 16) slammed South Africa for its International Court of Justice (ICJ) case, alleging that the 'genocide' case was "presenting biased and false claims" that "rely on unreliable Hamas sources".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-plane-bound-for-bengaluru-returns-to-new-delhi-after-suspected-fire-in-air-conditioning-unit-722596">Air India plane bound for Bengaluru returns to New Delhi after suspected fire in air conditioning unit</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/17/432116-succession-2024-05-17t195647103.jpg?imwidth=400" />

An Air India flight bound for Bengaluru on Friday (May 17) evening returned to the New Delhi airport due to a suspected fire in the aircraft's air conditioning unit, said news agency PTI reports citing sources.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-plane-bound-for-bengaluru-returns-to-new-delhi-after-suspected-fire-in-air-conditioning-unit-722596">AAP accuses BJP of conspiracy in Swati Maliwal assault controversy</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/17/432102-the-battle-for-kyiv24.jpg?imwidth=400" />

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) countered Swati Maliwal's allegations that she was "slapped seven times (and) kicked in the stomach" by an aide of Arvind Kejriwal inside the Chief Minister's residence on Friday (May 17), by accusing her of collaborating with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to tarnish the party's reputation during the current general election.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-multiple-ballistic-missiles-after-kims-sister-denies-supplying-arms-to-russia-722514">North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles after Kim's sister denies supplying arms to Russia</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/17/432066-succession-2024-05-17t164839934.jpg?imwidth=400" />

North Korea on Friday (May 17) launched multiple suspected short-range ballistic projectiles off its east coast, said South Korea.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rishi-sunak-and-akshata-murty-climb-sunday-times-rich-list-with-infosys-shares-722622">Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty climb 'Sunday Times Rich List' with Infosys shares</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/06/416678-wion-images-2024-03-06t224508382.png?imwidth=400" />

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and wife Akshata Murty, who made their debut in the annual 'Sunday Times Rich List' two years ago, have moved up the ranks in the 2024 edition released on Friday thanks to the Akshata Murty's lucrative Infosys shareholding.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-approaches-gautam-gambhir-for-indias-head-coach-position-reports-722579">BCCI approaches Gautam Gambhir for India’s head coach position - Reports</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/17/432105-bcci-approaches-gautam-gambhir-for-indias-head-coach-position-reports.jpg?imwidth=400" />

The Indian Cricket Board has approached two-time World Cup winner and former opener Gautam Gambhir to become Team&nbsp;India’s&nbsp;head coach following Rahul&nbsp;Dravid’s&nbsp;tenure, which ends with the conclusion of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. The BCCI is keen on having Gambhir on the board as the next head coach, whose tenure would run for three and a half years, starting July 1, 2024.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-approaches-gautam-gambhir-for-indias-head-coach-position-reports-722579">Kartik Aaryan's uncle and aunt die in Mumbai hoarding tragedy; actor attends funeral</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/17/432076-untitled-design-2024-05-17t172821258.jpg?imwidth=400" />

In a shocking turn of events, Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan's uncle and aunt passed away in the horrific and unfortunate Ghatkopar hoarding collapse in Mumbai. The actor's relative, identified as retired Air Traffic Control (ATC) officer Manoj Chansoria and his wife Anita Chansoria, were among the 16 deceased in the hoarding collapse incident.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the army near Ukrainian city of Kharkiv have been creating a “buffer zone” for their own security. The Israeli Defence Defense Forces (IDF) said that they have recovered the bodies of three hostages in a tunnel in the Gaza Strip.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the army near Ukrainian city of Kharkiv have been creating a “buffer zone” for their own security. The Israeli Defence Defense Forces (IDF) said that they have recovered the bodies of three hostages in a tunnel in the Gaza Strip. In other news, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico underwent another surgery following the shooting on Wednesday (May 15). Click on the headlines to read more. Russia has no plans of capturing Ukraine's Kharkiv, forces creating 'buffer zone': Putin Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Friday (May 17) said that their current plan does not include capturing the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. He added that the Russian forces, which have been operating close to Kharkhiv, have been creating a “buffer zone” for their own security and to protect Russian border regions. Israel army says bodies of three hostages recovered in Gaza The Israeli Defence Defense Forces (IDF) said that they have recovered the bodies of three hostages in a tunnel in the Gaza Strip, said IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari during a press briefing on Friday (May 17). Slovak PM Robert Fico undergoes second surgery after assassination bid, condition remains serious Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico remained in "very serious" condition on Friday (May 17), two days after being shot, according to his deputy and close ally. Robert Kalinak stated that Fico underwent a second surgery. "His state is still very serious. I think it would take a couple of days to see the course of the development of his state," Kalinak told reporters outside the hospital. At ICJ, South Africa alleges Israel 'stepping up' genocide in Gaza; Tel Aviv slams 'biased and false claims' Israel on Thursday (May 16) slammed South Africa for its International Court of Justice (ICJ) case, alleging that the 'genocide' case was "presenting biased and false claims" that "rely on unreliable Hamas sources". Air India plane bound for Bengaluru returns to New Delhi after suspected fire in air conditioning unit An Air India flight bound for Bengaluru on Friday (May 17) evening returned to the New Delhi airport due to a suspected fire in the aircraft's air conditioning unit, said news agency PTI reports citing sources. AAP accuses BJP of conspiracy in Swati Maliwal assault controversy The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) countered Swati Maliwal's allegations that she was "slapped seven times (and) kicked in the stomach" by an aide of Arvind Kejriwal inside the Chief Minister's residence on Friday (May 17), by accusing her of collaborating with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to tarnish the party's reputation during the current general election. North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles after Kim's sister denies supplying arms to Russia North Korea on Friday (May 17) launched multiple suspected short-range ballistic projectiles off its east coast, said South Korea. Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty climb 'Sunday Times Rich List' with Infosys shares British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and wife Akshata Murty, who made their debut in the annual 'Sunday Times Rich List' two years ago, have moved up the ranks in the 2024 edition released on Friday thanks to the Akshata Murty's lucrative Infosys shareholding. BCCI approaches Gautam Gambhir for India’s head coach position - Reports The Indian Cricket Board has approached two-time World Cup winner and former opener Gautam Gambhir to become Team India’s head coach following Rahul Dravid’s tenure, which ends with the conclusion of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. The BCCI is keen on having Gambhir on the board as the next head coach, whose tenure would run for three and a half years, starting July 1, 2024. Kartik Aaryan's uncle and aunt die in Mumbai hoarding tragedy; actor attends funeral In a shocking turn of events, Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan's uncle and aunt passed away in the horrific and unfortunate Ghatkopar hoarding collapse in Mumbai. The actor's relative, identified as retired Air Traffic Control (ATC) officer Manoj Chansoria and his wife Anita Chansoria, were among the 16 deceased in the hoarding collapse incident.

Top 10 world news: Russia has no plans of capturing Kharkiv; Bodies of 3 hostages recovered in Gaza, more

Scientists may have uncovered the mystery behind how the ancient Egyptians transported the gigantic stone blocks that were required for the construction of famous pyramids after they unearthed a long-buried branch of the Nile river that in the past flowed alongside over 30 of these well-known structures.

The river branch, approximately 64 kilometres long, ran by the famous Giza pyramid complex among other wonders.

It was concealed under desert and farmland for millennia, said the study that unveiled the discovery on Thursday (May 16).

The presence of the river would unveil the mystery behind how the 31 pyramids were constructed in line alongside a now barren desert strip in the Nile Valley between 4,700 and 3,700 years ago.

The strip in the vicinity of the Egyptian capital of Memphis comprises the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is the only structure remaining out of the seven wonders of the ancient world, along with the Khafre, Cheops and Mykerinos pyramids.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/caught-in-action-new-found-fossil-shows-155-million-old-brittle-star-mid-regeneration-722190">Caught in action: Newly found fossil shows 155 million old brittle star mid-regeneration</a>

The researchers had earlier thought that the ancient Egyptians would have made use of a waterway close by to transport the enormous materials that were used to construct the pyramids.

"But nobody was certain of the location, the shape, the size or proximity of this mega waterway to the actual pyramids site," news agency AFP quoted lead study author Eman Ghoneim of the University of North Carolina Wilmington in the United States as saying.

The international team of researchers dubbed the river branch Ahramat, called "pyramids" in Arabic, and&nbsp;made use of radar satellite imagery in order to map it.

Radar gave them the "unique ability to penetrate the sand surface and produce images of hidden features including buried rivers and ancient structures," Ghoneim said.

A study conducted on the field and cores of sediment obtained from the site confirmed the presence of the river, as per the study in the journal Communications Earth &amp; Environment.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists may have uncovered the mystery behind how the ancient Egyptians transported the gigantic stone blocks that were required for the construction of famous pyramids after they unearthed a long-buried branch of the Nile river that in the past flowed alongside over 30 of these well-known structures.

Scientists may have uncovered the mystery behind how the ancient Egyptians transported the gigantic stone blocks that were required for the construction of famous pyramids after they unearthed a long-buried branch of the Nile river that in the past flowed alongside over 30 of these well-known structures. The river branch, approximately 64 kilometres long, ran by the famous Giza pyramid complex among other wonders. It was concealed under desert and farmland for millennia, said the study that unveiled the discovery on Thursday (May 16). The presence of the river would unveil the mystery behind how the 31 pyramids were constructed in line alongside a now barren desert strip in the Nile Valley between 4,700 and 3,700 years ago. The strip in the vicinity of the Egyptian capital of Memphis comprises the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is the only structure remaining out of the seven wonders of the ancient world, along with the Khafre, Cheops and Mykerinos pyramids. Also read: Caught in action: Newly found fossil shows 155 million old brittle star mid-regeneration The researchers had earlier thought that the ancient Egyptians would have made use of a waterway close by to transport the enormous materials that were used to construct the pyramids. "But nobody was certain of the location, the shape, the size or proximity of this mega waterway to the actual pyramids site," news agency AFP quoted lead study author Eman Ghoneim of the University of North Carolina Wilmington in the United States as saying. The international team of researchers dubbed the river branch Ahramat, called "pyramids" in Arabic, and made use of radar satellite imagery in order to map it. Radar gave them the "unique ability to penetrate the sand surface and produce images of hidden features including buried rivers and ancient structures," Ghoneim said. A study conducted on the field and cores of sediment obtained from the site confirmed the presence of the river, as per the study in the journal Communications Earth & Environment. (With inputs from agencies)

Long-lost Nile river branch extremely crucial in construction of Egyptian Pyramids, reveals study

Two brothers studying at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) were arrested on Wednesday (May 15) and charged with stealing $25 million worth of cryptocurrency.

Two brothers studying at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) were arrested on Wednesday (May 15) and charged with stealing $25 million worth of cryptocurrency. Authorities said that the brothers- Anton Peraire-Bueno, 24, and James Peraire-Bueno, 28,- carried out a cutting-edge scheme to exploit the Ethereum blockchain's integrity and steal millions of dollars of cryptocurrency, the news agency Reuters reported. Federal prosecutors in Manhattan called the scheme perpetrated by the Bueno brothers "novel" and said the case marked the first time that such a fraud had ever been the subject of US criminal charges. Millions stolen in just 12 seconds The brothers executed their elaborate heist in April last year, stealing $25 million from traders in just 12 seconds by fraudulently gaining access to pending transactions and altering the movement of cryptocurrency, authorities said. Also read | North Korea launders $147.5 million in stolen cryptocurrency, UN experts reveal "As we allege, the defendants' scheme calls the very integrity of the blockchain into question," US Attorney Damian Williams said. Anton was arrested in Boston, while James was arrested in New York. The indictment At MIT, the brothers studied computer science and mathematics and developed the skills and education they relied upon to carry out their fraud, prosecutors said on Wednesday. An indictment charged them with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The indictment alleged that for months, the brothers plotted to manipulate and tamper with the protocols used to validate transactions for inclusion on the Ethereum blockchain. Also watch | US charges two brothers for stealing $25 million worth of cryptocurrency × They did so by exploiting a vulnerability in the code of software called MEV-boost that is used by most Ethereum network "validators," who are responsible for checking that new transactions are valid before they are added to the blockchain, prosecutors said. After the brothers carried out the heist, they rejected requests to return the funds and instead took steps to launder and hide the stolen cryptocurrency. (With inputs from agencies)

Two brothers studying at MIT charged with stealing $25 million worth of cryptocurrency

Watch top headlines of the hour: - UN: Famine looming in Sudan - Aid arrives in Gaza via US pier - Houthis: Reaper drone destroyed - Seized 12 villages in Kharkiv: Russia

UN: Famine looming in Sudan | Aid arrives in Gaza via US pier

The last piece of privately owned land in the strategic Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic is up for grabs for 300 million euros ($326 million), spurring China-Norway tensions.

But why China?&nbsp; 
 
China's 2018 white paper on the region is seen as a sign of Beijing’s Arctic ambitions. Since then, the country has defined itself as a "near-Arctic state" and envisages to play a growing role in the strategically valuable geography of the region.&nbsp; 
 
The archipelago is located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, in an Arctic region that has taken on greater geopolitical and economic importance over the years.&nbsp;

As the sea ice melts, new shipping routes open, increasing its strategic value, while relations grow ever frostier between Russia and the West.

Spanning 60 square kilometres (23 square miles), the Sore Fagerfjord property in southwestern Svalbard is home to mountains, plains, a glacier and nearly five kilometres of coastline, but no infrastructure.

"It's the last private land in Svalbard, and, to our knowledge, the last private land in the world's High Arctic," said lawyer Per Kyllingstad, who represents the sellers.

"The Chinese are naturally potential buyers since they've been showing a real interest in the Arctic and Svalbard for a long time," he said, adding that he had received "concrete signs of interest" from the country.

<h2>The 1920 Svalbard Treaty</h2>

Svalbard is governed by a 1920 international treaty that recognises Norway's sovereignty over it. However, citizens of all signatories, including China, are equally entitled to exploit the region's natural resources.&nbsp;

Russia, for example, has maintained a coal mining community on Svalbard, via the state-run company Trust Arktikugol, for decades. 
 
But times have changed.&nbsp;

<h2>Norway keen on protecting its sovereignty</h2>

Any mention of possible Chinese interest in Svalbard property raises "a red flag to force the Norwegian authorities to do something." 
 
Norway’s intelligence services say that the Sore Fagerfjord property falling into Chinese hands poses the biggest security risk to the Scandinavian country after Russia.

Norway's Attorney General has therefore ordered the owners-- a company controlled by a Russian-born Norwegian, according to local media -- to call off the planned sale.

The Norwegian state owns 99.5 per cent of Svalbard and has declared most of the land, including the Sore Fagerfjord property, protected areas where construction and motorised transport, among other things, are prohibited.

Nevertheless, the sellers cite the 1920 treaty. “They are obliged to treat all the parties to the treaty equally,” said Kyllingstad.

"The land can't be sold without the Norwegian authorities' approval," said Cecilie Myrseth, Trade and Industry Minister of Norway.&nbsp;

"Nor is it possible to hold negotiations about the property," she added.

That argument is based on clauses of an old loan granted by the state in 1919. However, Kyllingstad insists the clauses' statute of limitations has expired.&nbsp;

In 2016, the government paid 33.5 million euros to acquire the second-last piece of private land on Svalbard, near Longyearbyen, which was also reportedly being eyed by Chinese investors. Critics subsequently accused the government of being misled over unsubstantiated arguments.

In 2018-2019, the state had already engaged in negotiations to buy Sore Fagerfjord but the talks collapsed over the price.

Trade and Industry Minister Myrseth said the option was still open if the terms were "realistic".

While the sellers thought it fair to offer the land to the Norwegian government, they will ultimately sell to the highest bidder on the open market, said Kyllingstad.

(With inputs from agencies)

The last piece of privately owned land in the strategic Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic is up for grabs for 300 million euros ($326 million), spurring China-Norway tensions.

The last piece of privately owned land in the strategic Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic is up for grabs for 300 million euros ($326 million), spurring China-Norway tensions. But why China? China's 2018 white paper on the region is seen as a sign of Beijing’s Arctic ambitions. Since then, the country has defined itself as a "near-Arctic state" and envisages to play a growing role in the strategically valuable geography of the region. The archipelago is located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, in an Arctic region that has taken on greater geopolitical and economic importance over the years. As the sea ice melts, new shipping routes open, increasing its strategic value, while relations grow ever frostier between Russia and the West. Spanning 60 square kilometres (23 square miles), the Sore Fagerfjord property in southwestern Svalbard is home to mountains, plains, a glacier and nearly five kilometres of coastline, but no infrastructure. "It's the last private land in Svalbard, and, to our knowledge, the last private land in the world's High Arctic," said lawyer Per Kyllingstad, who represents the sellers. "The Chinese are naturally potential buyers since they've been showing a real interest in the Arctic and Svalbard for a long time," he said, adding that he had received "concrete signs of interest" from the country. The 1920 Svalbard Treaty Svalbard is governed by a 1920 international treaty that recognises Norway's sovereignty over it. However, citizens of all signatories, including China, are equally entitled to exploit the region's natural resources. Russia, for example, has maintained a coal mining community on Svalbard, via the state-run company Trust Arktikugol, for decades. But times have changed. Norway keen on protecting its sovereignty Any mention of possible Chinese interest in Svalbard property raises "a red flag to force the Norwegian authorities to do something." Norway’s intelligence services say that the Sore Fagerfjord property falling into Chinese hands poses the biggest security risk to the Scandinavian country after Russia. Norway's Attorney General has therefore ordered the owners-- a company controlled by a Russian-born Norwegian, according to local media -- to call off the planned sale. The Norwegian state owns 99.5 per cent of Svalbard and has declared most of the land, including the Sore Fagerfjord property, protected areas where construction and motorised transport, among other things, are prohibited. Nevertheless, the sellers cite the 1920 treaty. “They are obliged to treat all the parties to the treaty equally,” said Kyllingstad. "The land can't be sold without the Norwegian authorities' approval," said Cecilie Myrseth, Trade and Industry Minister of Norway. "Nor is it possible to hold negotiations about the property," she added. That argument is based on clauses of an old loan granted by the state in 1919. However, Kyllingstad insists the clauses' statute of limitations has expired. In 2016, the government paid 33.5 million euros to acquire the second-last piece of private land on Svalbard, near Longyearbyen, which was also reportedly being eyed by Chinese investors. Critics subsequently accused the government of being misled over unsubstantiated arguments. In 2018-2019, the state had already engaged in negotiations to buy Sore Fagerfjord but the talks collapsed over the price. Trade and Industry Minister Myrseth said the option was still open if the terms were "realistic". While the sellers thought it fair to offer the land to the Norwegian government, they will ultimately sell to the highest bidder on the open market, said Kyllingstad. (With inputs from agencies)

Strategic land in Arctic archipelago up for sale, stirs up China-Norway tensions

The French Pacific territory of New Caledonia saw relative calm on Friday (May 17) following days of violence over voting reform that have left five dead and hundreds injured, the news agency AFP reported citing authorities.

The French Pacific territory of New Caledonia saw relative calm on Friday (May 17) following days of violence over voting reform that have left five dead and hundreds injured, the news agency AFP reported citing authorities. French high commissioner Louis Le Franc, the highest-ranking state official in New Caledonia, said that reinforcements would control areas that got out of hand in recent days. Le Franc said that the more military and armed police arriving in New Caledonia's capital Noumea would allow authorities to "reconquer all the places in the city that we have lost". More French troops arrive in New Caledonia Rioting in New Caledonia began earlier this week after people, angry with an electoral reform burnt businesses, torched cars, looted shops and set up road barricades. France earlier declared a state of emergency. Four people including a police official died and hundreds were arrested. The electoral reform, adopted by lawmakers on Tuesday, would let French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years the right to vote in provincial elections. Some local leaders fear the move will dilute the indigenous Kanak vote. On Thursday, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said that about 1,000 extra security forces were being sent to New Caledonia -- adding to the 1,700 already present. The troops arrived at La Tontouta International Airport and could be seen moving through Noumea. New Caledonia has stocks of food for only two months In a statement, New Caledonia's government said that the island had stocks of food for only two months and the problem was distribution. The violence has led to a scarcity of food and medicines. Watch | New Caledonia protest: France sends troops to diffuse unrest × Le Franc also said on Friday that operations to supply food and medicine to the public would begin with teams, including specialists in mine clearing, removing road barricades that have been booby-trapped by rioters. (With inputs from agencies)

New Caledonia sees relative calm following days of violence

The US military has confirmed on Friday (May 17) that the first aid shipment has reached Gaza via the temporary pier. According to a post on X by US Central Command, aid trucks began moving ashore around 0900 local time.

"This is an ongoing, multinational effort to deliver additional aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza via a maritime corridor that is entirely humanitarian in nature," the post stated, stressing that no US troops went ashore.

The US started constructing the floating base weeks ago to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza amidst Israel's military campaign against Hamas.

<h2>What's the process of dispatching aid?</h2>

This announcement follows reports that hundreds of tonnes of aid had arrived in Cyprus on Wednesday (May 15),&nbsp; where it undergoes screening before being loaded on to commercial ships for delivery to the pier.

Once at the pier, smaller US military vessels, capable of carrying five to 15 lorries of aid, will transport it to a floating pier several hundred metres long, fixed to Gaza's beach.

The lorries will travel along the pier and drop off the aid at a marshalling yard on the beach.

Also watch | Israel-Hamas War: US military completes installation of Gaza floating pier for aid delivery

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-us-military-completes-installation-of-gaza-floating-pier-for-aid-delivery-722479/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The UN, primarily the World Food Programme, will be responsible for the onward distribution of the aid.

The announcement signifies the opening of a new route for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.

Approximately 2.2 million Palestinians are in need of food, shelter, and other assistance.

Aid deliveries to the area have slowed since Israeli forces took control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing last week.

Earlier this month, Israel temporarily closed the key Kerem Shalom crossing overnight, citing the death of four soldiers in a Hamas rocket attack near the crossing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-icj-south-africa-alleges-israel-stepping-up-genocide-in-gaza-tel-aviv-slams-biased-and-false-claims-722456">Also read | At ICJ, South Africa alleges Israel 'stepping up' genocide in Gaza; Tel Aviv slams 'biased and false claims'</a>

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<h2>Gaza crisis deepens; bleak conditions grip region</h2>
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Aid agencies said that they are almost out of food in southern Gaza and running low on fuel.

This shortage will cause hospitals to stop critical operations and prevent aid trucks from delivering supplies.

The United Nations and other agencies have warned for weeks that an Israeli attack on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israels-rafah-offensive-will-provoke-anarchy-without-eliminating-hamas-says-blinken-720701">Rafah</a>, near the main aid entry points on the Egypt border, would severely disrupt humanitarian efforts and lead to many civilian deaths.

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)
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The US military has confirmed on Friday (May 17) that the first aid shipment has reached Gaza via the temporary pier. According to a post on X by US Central Command, aid trucks began moving ashore around 0900 local time.

The US military has confirmed on Friday (May 17) that the first aid shipment has reached Gaza via the temporary pier. According to a post on X by US Central Command, aid trucks began moving ashore around 0900 local time. "This is an ongoing, multinational effort to deliver additional aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza via a maritime corridor that is entirely humanitarian in nature," the post stated, stressing that no US troops went ashore. The US started constructing the floating base weeks ago to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza amidst Israel's military campaign against Hamas. What's the process of dispatching aid? This announcement follows reports that hundreds of tonnes of aid had arrived in Cyprus on Wednesday (May 15), where it undergoes screening before being loaded on to commercial ships for delivery to the pier. Once at the pier, smaller US military vessels, capable of carrying five to 15 lorries of aid, will transport it to a floating pier several hundred metres long, fixed to Gaza's beach. The lorries will travel along the pier and drop off the aid at a marshalling yard on the beach. Also watch | Israel-Hamas War: US military completes installation of Gaza floating pier for aid delivery The UN, primarily the World Food Programme, will be responsible for the onward distribution of the aid. The announcement signifies the opening of a new route for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. Approximately 2.2 million Palestinians are in need of food, shelter, and other assistance. Aid deliveries to the area have slowed since Israeli forces took control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing last week. Earlier this month, Israel temporarily closed the key Kerem Shalom crossing overnight, citing the death of four soldiers in a Hamas rocket attack near the crossing. Also read | At ICJ, South Africa alleges Israel 'stepping up' genocide in Gaza; Tel Aviv slams 'biased and false claims' Gaza crisis deepens; bleak conditions grip region Aid agencies said that they are almost out of food in southern Gaza and running low on fuel. This shortage will cause hospitals to stop critical operations and prevent aid trucks from delivering supplies. The United Nations and other agencies have warned for weeks that an Israeli attack on Rafah, near the main aid entry points on the Egypt border, would severely disrupt humanitarian efforts and lead to many civilian deaths. 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)

US confirms arrival of first aid trucks via Gaza pier

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was openly questioned regarding post-war plans for the Gaza Strip by his own defense chief, who vowed to resist Israel's long-term military rule over the wrecked Palestinian enclave. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas War | Israeli tank fire mistakenly kills 5 troops in Gaza Strip

The US military completed the installation of a temporary pier to facilitate the transportation of humanitarian aid into Gaza from the Mediterranean Sea. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: US installs Gaza floating pier; aid deliveries to begin within days

Israel-Hamas War | Gaza crisis: Yoav Gallant openly attacks Benjamin Netanyahu

Alarms have been raised over Alice Leal Guo, the mayor of a small town in the Philippines, due to suspicions about her citizenship, with some suggesting she might be an undercover agent of China. Watch in for more details!

Philippines suspect Mayor Alice Leal Guo of being a Chinese asset

The White House on Thursday (May 16) prevented the release of audio of President Joe Biden’s interview to a special counsel regarding his handling of classified documents. They argued that Congressional Republicans sought the recordings primarily to manipulate and exploit them for political gain.

The House Judiciary Committee voted to continue to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress for not turning over the records.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-blasts-china-after-putin-xi-meet-says-you-cant-have-it-both-ways-722280">US blasts China after Putin-Xi meet, says 'you can't have it both ways'</a>

“The department has a legal responsibility to turn over the requested materials pursuant to the subpoena,” Rep. Jim Jordan, the GOP chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said during the hearing.

“Attorney General Garland’s willful refusal to comply with our subpoena constitutes contempt of Congress,” he added.

The series of events on Thursday escalated tensions between House Republicans and the Justice Department, making the way for another round of intense conflict between the two branches of government that is likely to end up in court.

If House Republicans’ efforts against Garland are successful, he will become the third attorney general to be held in contempt of Congress.&nbsp;

The White House condemned Republicans in a letter, dismissing their efforts to obtain the audio as purely political.

White House counsel Ed Siskel wrote a letter to House Republicans saying, “The absence of a lawful need for the audio recordings lays bare your likely goal — to chop them up, distort them, and use them for partisan political purposes."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-historic-move-us-moves-to-reclassify-marijuana-as-drug-with-less-risk-722281">In historic move, US moves to reclassify Marijuana as drug with less risk</a>

“Demanding such sensitive and constitutionally-protected law enforcement materials from the Executive Branch because you want to manipulate them for potential political gain is inappropriate,” Siskel added.

In a letter made public on Thursday, Garland informed Biden that the audio is covered by executive privilege. It safeguards a president’s ability to receive candid advice from advisers without the risk of immediate public disclosure and protects confidential communications related to official duties.

The attorney general told reporters that the Justice Department has gone to extraordinary lengths to provide information to the committees about special counsel Robert Hur's investigation, including a transcript of Biden's interview with Hur.&nbsp;

But, Garland said, releasing the audio could risk future sensitive and high-profile investigations. Officials have suggested handing over the tape could make future witnesses concerned about cooperating with investigators.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson criticised the White House’s move, accusing Biden of suppressing the tape because he's afraid to have voters hear it during an election year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/house-republicans-pass-bill-mandating-weapons-shipment-to-israel-722289">House Republicans pass bill mandating weapons shipment to Israel</a>

“The Americans will not be able to hear why prosecutors felt the US President was, in Special Counsel Robert Hur’s own words, an ‘elderly man with a poor memory,’ and thus shouldn’t be charged,” Johnson said&nbsp;during a press conference on the House steps.

Hur, a former senior official in the Trump administration Justice Department, was appointed as a special counsel in January 2023 following the discovery of classified documents in multiple locations tied to Biden.

Hur’s report said many of the documents recovered at the Penn Biden Center in Washington, in parts of Biden’s Delaware home, and in his Senate papers at the University of Delaware were retained by mistake.

(With inputs from agencies)

The White House on Thursday (May 16) prevented the release of audio of President Joe Biden’s interview to a special counsel regarding his handling of classified documents.

The White House on Thursday (May 16) prevented the release of audio of President Joe Biden’s interview to a special counsel regarding his handling of classified documents. They argued that Congressional Republicans sought the recordings primarily to manipulate and exploit them for political gain. The House Judiciary Committee voted to continue to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress for not turning over the records. Also read: US blasts China after Putin-Xi meet, says 'you can't have it both ways' “The department has a legal responsibility to turn over the requested materials pursuant to the subpoena,” Rep. Jim Jordan, the GOP chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said during the hearing. “Attorney General Garland’s willful refusal to comply with our subpoena constitutes contempt of Congress,” he added. The series of events on Thursday escalated tensions between House Republicans and the Justice Department, making the way for another round of intense conflict between the two branches of government that is likely to end up in court. If House Republicans’ efforts against Garland are successful, he will become the third attorney general to be held in contempt of Congress. The White House condemned Republicans in a letter, dismissing their efforts to obtain the audio as purely political. White House counsel Ed Siskel wrote a letter to House Republicans saying, “The absence of a lawful need for the audio recordings lays bare your likely goal — to chop them up, distort them, and use them for partisan political purposes." Also read: In historic move, US moves to reclassify Marijuana as drug with less risk “Demanding such sensitive and constitutionally-protected law enforcement materials from the Executive Branch because you want to manipulate them for potential political gain is inappropriate,” Siskel added. In a letter made public on Thursday, Garland informed Biden that the audio is covered by executive privilege. It safeguards a president’s ability to receive candid advice from advisers without the risk of immediate public disclosure and protects confidential communications related to official duties. The attorney general told reporters that the Justice Department has gone to extraordinary lengths to provide information to the committees about special counsel Robert Hur's investigation, including a transcript of Biden's interview with Hur. But, Garland said, releasing the audio could risk future sensitive and high-profile investigations. Officials have suggested handing over the tape could make future witnesses concerned about cooperating with investigators. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson criticised the White House’s move, accusing Biden of suppressing the tape because he's afraid to have voters hear it during an election year. Also read: House Republicans pass bill mandating weapons shipment to Israel “The Americans will not be able to hear why prosecutors felt the US President was, in Special Counsel Robert Hur’s own words, an ‘elderly man with a poor memory,’ and thus shouldn’t be charged,” Johnson said during a press conference on the House steps. Hur, a former senior official in the Trump administration Justice Department, was appointed as a special counsel in January 2023 following the discovery of classified documents in multiple locations tied to Biden. Hur’s report said many of the documents recovered at the Penn Biden Center in Washington, in parts of Biden’s Delaware home, and in his Senate papers at the University of Delaware were retained by mistake. (With inputs from agencies)

White House blocks Biden audio release amid Republican push for Garland contempt charge

US House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday (May 16) to mandate the country to send weapons to Israel. The move by Republicans was meant to spotlight Democratic divisions over the Israel-Hamas war.

Notably, the Biden administration recently paused a shipment of 3,500 bombs, including some weighing up to 2,000 pounds, to discourage Israel's offensive on Rafah. However, Republicans have criticised President Joe Biden for delaying bomb shipments and abandoning US ally Israel.

The Israel Security Assistance Support Act was passed with 224 to 187 votes. Sixteen Democrats supported the measure while three Republicans opposed it. However, the bill is unlikely to become law.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-historic-move-us-moves-to-reclassify-marijuana-as-drug-with-less-risk-722281">In historic move, US moves to reclassify Marijuana as drug with less risk</a>

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned Biden's decision to pause shipments to Israel.

"This is a catastrophic decision with global implications. It is obviously being done as a political calculation, and we cannot let this stand," Johnson stated during a news conference on Wednesday (May 15).

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-thai-nationals-held-hostage-by-hamas-in-gaza-are-dead-722284">Two Thai nationals held hostage by Hamas in Gaza were killed on Oct 7</a>

Democrats, however, accused Republicans of politicising the issue.&nbsp;

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries reportedly told a news conference before the vote, "It is not a serious effort at legislation, which is why some of the most pro-Israel members of the House Democratic caucus will be voting no."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-caledonia-protest-france-sends-troop-to-diffuse-unrest-722266">New Caledonia protest: France sends troop to diffuse unrest</a>

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Despite the delayed shipment of bombs, Israel remains a major recipient of US military aid, with billions of dollars in weaponry still expected.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell expressed his frustration, saying, "I don’t think we should tell the Israelis how to conduct their military campaign, period.”

<h2>$1 billion weapons aid package</h2>

US State Department on Tuesday (May 14) advanced a $1 billion weapons aid package for Israel into the congressional review process.

Biden has put a hold on the bomb transfer due to concerns about potential mass casualties in Rafah.

The ongoing conflict has already resulted in significant loss of life. Over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed as Israel retaliates for the October 7 attack by Hamas militant group.

The United Nations humanitarian aid agency has warned that an attack on Rafah could endanger hundreds of thousands of people seeking refuge there.

(With inputs from agencies)

US House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday (May 16) to mandate the country to send weapons to Israel. The move by Republicans was meant to spotlight Democratic divisions over the Israel-Hamas war.

US House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday (May 16) to mandate the country to send weapons to Israel. The move by Republicans was meant to spotlight Democratic divisions over the Israel-Hamas war. Notably, the Biden administration recently paused a shipment of 3,500 bombs, including some weighing up to 2,000 pounds, to discourage Israel's offensive on Rafah. However, Republicans have criticised President Joe Biden for delaying bomb shipments and abandoning US ally Israel. The Israel Security Assistance Support Act was passed with 224 to 187 votes. Sixteen Democrats supported the measure while three Republicans opposed it. However, the bill is unlikely to become law. Also Read | In historic move, US moves to reclassify Marijuana as drug with less risk Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned Biden's decision to pause shipments to Israel. "This is a catastrophic decision with global implications. It is obviously being done as a political calculation, and we cannot let this stand," Johnson stated during a news conference on Wednesday (May 15). Also Read | Two Thai nationals held hostage by Hamas in Gaza were killed on Oct 7 Democrats, however, accused Republicans of politicising the issue. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries reportedly told a news conference before the vote, "It is not a serious effort at legislation, which is why some of the most pro-Israel members of the House Democratic caucus will be voting no." Watch | New Caledonia protest: France sends troop to diffuse unrest × Despite the delayed shipment of bombs, Israel remains a major recipient of US military aid, with billions of dollars in weaponry still expected. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell expressed his frustration, saying, "I don’t think we should tell the Israelis how to conduct their military campaign, period.” $1 billion weapons aid package US State Department on Tuesday (May 14) advanced a $1 billion weapons aid package for Israel into the congressional review process. Biden has put a hold on the bomb transfer due to concerns about potential mass casualties in Rafah. The ongoing conflict has already resulted in significant loss of life. Over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed as Israel retaliates for the October 7 attack by Hamas militant group. The United Nations humanitarian aid agency has warned that an attack on Rafah could endanger hundreds of thousands of people seeking refuge there. (With inputs from agencies)

House Republicans pass bill mandating weapons shipment to Israel

North Korea on Friday (May 17) launched multiple suspected short-range ballistic projectiles off its east coast, said South Korea.&nbsp;

This came hours after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister refuted the widespread accusations levelled against Pyongyang that it was shipping weapons to Russia.

This is the latest in a spate of similar incidents where Pyongyang has fired off cruise missiles, tactical rockets and hypersonic weapons in recent months which the country claims is their drive aimed at upgrading the defence system.

Earlier, South Korea and the United States alleged that Pyongyang was supplying arms to Russia, which they stated would be in violation of several UN sanctions that were imposed on both countries.

Seoul's army on Friday said that it had detected the launch of what it termed as "several flying objects presumed to be short-range ballistic missiles" into waters off North Korea's coast from the country's eastern Wonsan area.

The missiles reportedly travelled a distance of around 300 kilometres (186 miles), said the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

He added that the military had "strengthened vigilance and surveillance in preparation for additional launches".

The launches also come just hours after Kim Jong Un's influential sister Kim Yo Jong denounced the US and South Korea over their repeated accusations, claiming that the nuclear-armed Pyongyang was sending its weapons to Russia for use in its offensive against Ukraine.

She alleged that Seoul and Washington were "misleading the public opinion" with their claims.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-issues-alert-after-north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-towards-east-sea-713775">Also read: Japan issues alert after North Korea fires ballistic missile towards East Sea</a>

<h2>Kim inspects arms factories as Pyongyang denounces ‘monitoring activities’ by US</h2>

Earlier this week, Kim was seen visiting arms and ammunition factories after Pyongyang denounced what it termed as the "activities of monitoring sanctions against DPRK" by the United States and its allies.

Kim on Saturday (May 11) as well as Sunday (May 12) inspected weapons including sniper rifles and rocket launchers at the weapons manufacturing facilities and heaped praises on their quality.

He further directed the factories to implement production plans without fail, said the state media reports.

The North Korean leader on Friday (May 10) gained an understanding of the technically updated version of the 240 mm multiple rocket launcher system and oversaw the live test-fire of controllable shells for multiple rocket launchers manufactured at various national defence industrial enterprises.

"The updated multiple rocket launcher with high mobility and concentration of fire has an automatic fire combined control system and will be deployed to units of the Korean People's Army as replacement equipment from 2024 to 2026," KCNA said, adding such "a significant change" will soon be made in increasing the artillery combat ability of the North's army.

This came after North Korea's foreign ministry condemned what it described as an increased surveillance of North Korea by US allies under the pretence of monitoring the UN sanctions violations.&nbsp;

"The Democratic People's Republic Of Korea (DPRK) will take necessary measures to firmly defend the sovereignty and security of the state on the basis of a rigorous analysis of the negative influence being caused by the grave acts of some countries including UK, Canada, Germany, France, New Zealand and Australia taking part in the so-called 'activities of monitoring sanctions against DPRK,'" said North Korea's foreign ministry in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea on Friday (May 17) launched multiple suspected short-range ballistic projectiles off its east coast, said South Korea. This came hours after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister refuted the widespread accusations levelled against Pyongyang that it was shipping weapons to Russia.

North Korea on Friday (May 17) launched multiple suspected short-range ballistic projectiles off its east coast, said South Korea. This came hours after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister refuted the widespread accusations levelled against Pyongyang that it was shipping weapons to Russia. This is the latest in a spate of similar incidents where Pyongyang has fired off cruise missiles, tactical rockets and hypersonic weapons in recent months which the country claims is their drive aimed at upgrading the defence system. Earlier, South Korea and the United States alleged that Pyongyang was supplying arms to Russia, which they stated would be in violation of several UN sanctions that were imposed on both countries. Seoul's army on Friday said that it had detected the launch of what it termed as "several flying objects presumed to be short-range ballistic missiles" into waters off North Korea's coast from the country's eastern Wonsan area. The missiles reportedly travelled a distance of around 300 kilometres (186 miles), said the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He added that the military had "strengthened vigilance and surveillance in preparation for additional launches". The launches also come just hours after Kim Jong Un's influential sister Kim Yo Jong denounced the US and South Korea over their repeated accusations, claiming that the nuclear-armed Pyongyang was sending its weapons to Russia for use in its offensive against Ukraine. She alleged that Seoul and Washington were "misleading the public opinion" with their claims. Also read: Japan issues alert after North Korea fires ballistic missile towards East Sea Kim inspects arms factories as Pyongyang denounces ‘monitoring activities’ by US Earlier this week, Kim was seen visiting arms and ammunition factories after Pyongyang denounced what it termed as the "activities of monitoring sanctions against DPRK" by the United States and its allies. Kim on Saturday (May 11) as well as Sunday (May 12) inspected weapons including sniper rifles and rocket launchers at the weapons manufacturing facilities and heaped praises on their quality. He further directed the factories to implement production plans without fail, said the state media reports. The North Korean leader on Friday (May 10) gained an understanding of the technically updated version of the 240 mm multiple rocket launcher system and oversaw the live test-fire of controllable shells for multiple rocket launchers manufactured at various national defence industrial enterprises. "The updated multiple rocket launcher with high mobility and concentration of fire has an automatic fire combined control system and will be deployed to units of the Korean People's Army as replacement equipment from 2024 to 2026," KCNA said, adding such "a significant change" will soon be made in increasing the artillery combat ability of the North's army. This came after North Korea's foreign ministry condemned what it described as an increased surveillance of North Korea by US allies under the pretence of monitoring the UN sanctions violations. "The Democratic People's Republic Of Korea (DPRK) will take necessary measures to firmly defend the sovereignty and security of the state on the basis of a rigorous analysis of the negative influence being caused by the grave acts of some countries including UK, Canada, Germany, France, New Zealand and Australia taking part in the so-called 'activities of monitoring sanctions against DPRK,'" said North Korea's foreign ministry in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles after Kim's sister denies supplying arms to Russia

Two of the eight Thai hostages who were held captive by Hamas were confirmed to have been killed in the October 7 assault and their bodies are being held by the militant group, the Israel army said in a statement on Thursday (May 16).&nbsp;

"We informed the families of two kidnapped Thai citizens, who worked in agriculture in the plantations near Kibbutz Beeri, that they were murdered in the terrorist attack on October 7 and their bodies are being held by Hamas," said Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari, according to AFP news agency.

The same was confirmed by the Thailand government, which in a statement, said that the news was communicated to the country's foreign ministry by the&nbsp;Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv. The Thai nationals were identified as Sonthaya Oakkharasri and Sudthisak Rinthalak.

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Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs was informed about the unfortunate development "upon consideration of the available evidence." This comes as the "Committee for Assessing the Conditions of the Hostages of the Israeli Government has concluded that two Thai nationals listed as hostages in Gaza" are deceased, since October 2023," as per the the Thailand government.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-blasts-china-after-putin-xi-meet-says-you-cant-have-it-both-ways-722280">US blasts China after Putin-Xi meet, says 'you can't have it both ways'</a>

Hagari in a press briefing said, “On October 7, Hamas terrorists brutally murdered 39 Thai nationals, and kidnapped 31 Thai nationals to Gaza.”

“Like them, other foreign nationals were abducted, including from Tanzania, Nepal, Mexico, the US, and France," he continued, adding, “The terrible cruelty of Hamas was used against anyone that stood in its way, without distinction of their origin."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-caledonia-protest-france-sends-troop-to-diffuse-unrest-722266">New Caledonia protest: France sends troop to diffuse unrest</a>

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Notably, on the fateful day of October 7 last year, nearly 1,200 people were killed while about 252 were held hostages by the militant group.

<h2>30,000 Thai nationals were working in Israel on Hamas assault eve&nbsp;</h2>

Media reports suggest that around 30,000 Thai nationals were working in Israel on the eve of the Hamas attack. Among these Thai nationals, the majority were fieldhands in agricultural regions near the Gaza border.&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.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Two of the eight Thai hostages who were held captive by Hamas were confirmed to have been killed in the October 7 assault and their bodies are being held by the militant group, the Israel army said in a statement on Thursday (May 16).

Two of the eight Thai hostages who were held captive by Hamas were confirmed to have been killed in the October 7 assault and their bodies are being held by the militant group, the Israel army said in a statement on Thursday (May 16). "We informed the families of two kidnapped Thai citizens, who worked in agriculture in the plantations near Kibbutz Beeri, that they were murdered in the terrorist attack on October 7 and their bodies are being held by Hamas," said Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari, according to AFP news agency. The same was confirmed by the Thailand government, which in a statement, said that the news was communicated to the country's foreign ministry by the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv. The Thai nationals were identified as Sonthaya Oakkharasri and Sudthisak Rinthalak. Also Read | In historic move, US moves to reclassify Marijuana as drug with less risk Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs was informed about the unfortunate development "upon consideration of the available evidence." This comes as the "Committee for Assessing the Conditions of the Hostages of the Israeli Government has concluded that two Thai nationals listed as hostages in Gaza" are deceased, since October 2023," as per the the Thailand government. Also Read | US blasts China after Putin-Xi meet, says 'you can't have it both ways' Hagari in a press briefing said, “On October 7, Hamas terrorists brutally murdered 39 Thai nationals, and kidnapped 31 Thai nationals to Gaza.” “Like them, other foreign nationals were abducted, including from Tanzania, Nepal, Mexico, the US, and France," he continued, adding, “The terrible cruelty of Hamas was used against anyone that stood in its way, without distinction of their origin." Watch | New Caledonia protest: France sends troop to diffuse unrest × Notably, on the fateful day of October 7 last year, nearly 1,200 people were killed while about 252 were held hostages by the militant group. 30,000 Thai nationals were working in Israel on Hamas assault eve Media reports suggest that around 30,000 Thai nationals were working in Israel on the eve of the Hamas attack. Among these Thai nationals, the majority were fieldhands in agricultural regions near the Gaza border. 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)

Two Thai nationals held hostage by Hamas in Gaza were killed on Oct 7

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- Bizarre incident at the Kozhikode Medical College in Kerala a doctor performed surgery on a child's tongue instead of her finger. Following the controversy that sparked was sparked by mistake the doctor was suspended.

Kerala doctor operates on child's tongue instead of her finger

Fast-moving thunderstorms are pummeling Southeastern Texas, for the second time this month, at least four have lost their lives. Officials are urging residents to keep off roads, as many remain impassable and traffic lights are expected to be out.

Houston storm: Power knocked out in nearly 900,000 homes & businesses

In a historic move on Thursday (May 16), the United States' Department of Justice moved to reclassify&nbsp;marijuana&nbsp;from a Schedule I to Schedule III drug, which will rank cannabis as less dangerous.&nbsp;

However, the reclassification involves starting a process "where the Drug Enforcement Administration will gather and consider information and views submitted by the public, in order to make a determination about the appropriate schedule. During that process, and until a final rule is published, marijuana remains a schedule I controlled substance."

Notably, in US, substances are categorised into schedules under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), based on their potential for abuse and safety. Schedule I substances are considered the most dangerous, while Schedule V substances are the least dangerous.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-blasts-china-after-putin-xi-meet-says-you-cant-have-it-both-ways-722280">US blasts China after Putin-Xi meet, says 'you can't have it both ways'</a>

The move comes as the Attorney General submitted notice to the Federal Register of proposed rulemaking.&nbsp;

It is pertinent to note that ever since the CSA was enacted by Congress in 1970, Cannabis remained classified as a Schedule I drug. However, on October 6, 2022, President Joe Biden directed the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a scientific review of marijuana's federal scheduling.&nbsp;

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Following HHS's recommendations and medical and scientific findings in August, 2023,&nbsp;the Attorney General consulted the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) for legal guidance on the matter. Now, in the latest, the Attorney General used his authority to begin the process of reclassifying marijuana to Schedule III.

<h2>Cannabis legal in 38 states for medical use</h2>

In the United States, cannabis is legal for medical use in 38 out of 50 states and for recreational use in 24 states.

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This shows a shift in public policy and attitudes toward cannabis over recent years. The legalisation trends also reflect a growing recognition of the potential medical benefits of cannabis, as well as a broader acceptance of its recreational use. This continues to evolve as more states consider legalisation measures and as federal reviews of cannabis laws are undertaken.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a historic move on Thursday (May 16), the United States' Department of Justice moved to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to Schedule III drug, which will rank cannabis as less dangerous.

In a historic move on Thursday (May 16), the United States' Department of Justice moved to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to Schedule III drug, which will rank cannabis as less dangerous. However, the reclassification involves starting a process "where the Drug Enforcement Administration will gather and consider information and views submitted by the public, in order to make a determination about the appropriate schedule. During that process, and until a final rule is published, marijuana remains a schedule I controlled substance." Notably, in US, substances are categorised into schedules under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), based on their potential for abuse and safety. Schedule I substances are considered the most dangerous, while Schedule V substances are the least dangerous. Also Read | US blasts China after Putin-Xi meet, says 'you can't have it both ways' The move comes as the Attorney General submitted notice to the Federal Register of proposed rulemaking. It is pertinent to note that ever since the CSA was enacted by Congress in 1970, Cannabis remained classified as a Schedule I drug. However, on October 6, 2022, President Joe Biden directed the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a scientific review of marijuana's federal scheduling. Also Read | Indonesia: Boeing plane bound for Medina makes emergency landing after engine catches fire Following HHS's recommendations and medical and scientific findings in August, 2023, the Attorney General consulted the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) for legal guidance on the matter. Now, in the latest, the Attorney General used his authority to begin the process of reclassifying marijuana to Schedule III. Cannabis legal in 38 states for medical use In the United States, cannabis is legal for medical use in 38 out of 50 states and for recreational use in 24 states. Watch | New Caledonia protest: France sends troop to diffuse unrest × This shows a shift in public policy and attitudes toward cannabis over recent years. The legalisation trends also reflect a growing recognition of the potential medical benefits of cannabis, as well as a broader acceptance of its recreational use. This continues to evolve as more states consider legalisation measures and as federal reviews of cannabis laws are undertaken. (With inputs from agencies)

In historic move, US unveils proposal to reclassify Marijuana as 'low-risk drug'

President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that Israeli soldiers have not yet launched their anticipated ground invasion of Rafah, a red line step that he earlier stated would halt the US supply of arms to Israel. However, as of Thursday, media reports and humanitarians indicate that a ground assault on Rafah has already commenced. Watch to know more.

Israel War: Gazans pushback on US aid route

After the&nbsp;meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the United States blasted&nbsp;Beijing saying that the country cannot have it "both ways".&nbsp;

Russia is actively seeking China's support amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and increasing Western sanctions. China has maintained a diplomatic stance that supports Russia, advocating against sanctions at international forums like the United Nations and encouraging a resolution to the conflict.

However, this support is balanced with China's desire to maintain economic ties with the West.

The remarks by the United States came in a press briefing held by State Department&nbsp;Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel on Thursday (May 16). He responded&nbsp;to a question on how the US sees comments by China where Xi Jinping agreed to a 'political solution' to Ukraine war and termed Russia-China ties as 'stabilising' for the world.&nbsp;

China "can't want to have good, further, stronger, deepened relationships with Europe and other countries while simultaneously continuing to fuel the biggest threat to European security in a long time," Patel said in his response adding, it "cannot have its cake and eat it too."&nbsp;

He said that the US position on this has been&nbsp;shared by G7, NATO partners, and partners in the EU.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-boeing-plane-bound-for-medina-makes-emergency-landing-after-engine-catches-fire-722212">Indonesia: Boeing plane bound for Medina makes emergency landing after engine catches fire</a>

Speaking on China's alleged supply of weapons to Russia in its war against&nbsp;Ukraine despite warnings from the US, Patel said, "Fueling Russia’s defence industrial base, as the People’s Republic of China has, not only threatens Ukrainian security, it threatens European security, and Beijing can’t achieve better relations with Europe while also continuing to support something like that."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-son-in-law-jared-kushner-signs-lease-deal-with-serbia-to-overhaul-army-hq-bombed-by-nato-722209">Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner signs lease deal with Serbia to overhaul army HQ bombed by NATO</a>

"From our point of view, the solution is simple: The Russian Federation can just leave Ukraine. It can leave the territories that it’s in in Ukraine, it can leave Crimea, and we’ll have our peaceful solution. But time and time and time again, President Putin and the Russian Federation have indicated that they are not interested in doing that,"&nbsp;Patel further said.

<h2>'We don’t see anything new here'</h2>

While White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in her comments on Xi Jinping's meeting with Vladimir Putin&nbsp;in Beijing where both the leaders pledged to deepen their strategic partnership in a joint declaration, said, "Look, we don’t see anything new here."

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-admits-situation-extremely-difficult-722267">Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky admits situation 'extremely difficult'</a>

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"We find it unacceptable that Chinese companies are helping Putin wage this war against Ukraine. &nbsp;We’ve been very clear about that. And if China purports to support peace in Europe, it cannot continue to fuel the biggest threat of the European security," she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

After the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the United States blasted Beijing saying that the country cannot have it "both ways".

After the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the United States blasted Beijing saying that the country cannot have it "both ways". Russia is actively seeking China's support amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and increasing Western sanctions. China has maintained a diplomatic stance that supports Russia, advocating against sanctions at international forums like the United Nations and encouraging a resolution to the conflict. However, this support is balanced with China's desire to maintain economic ties with the West. The remarks by the United States came in a press briefing held by State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel on Thursday (May 16). He responded to a question on how the US sees comments by China where Xi Jinping agreed to a 'political solution' to Ukraine war and termed Russia-China ties as 'stabilising' for the world. China "can't want to have good, further, stronger, deepened relationships with Europe and other countries while simultaneously continuing to fuel the biggest threat to European security in a long time," Patel said in his response adding, it "cannot have its cake and eat it too." He said that the US position on this has been shared by G7, NATO partners, and partners in the EU. Also Read | Indonesia: Boeing plane bound for Medina makes emergency landing after engine catches fire Speaking on China's alleged supply of weapons to Russia in its war against Ukraine despite warnings from the US, Patel said, "Fueling Russia’s defence industrial base, as the People’s Republic of China has, not only threatens Ukrainian security, it threatens European security, and Beijing can’t achieve better relations with Europe while also continuing to support something like that." Also Read | Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner signs lease deal with Serbia to overhaul army HQ bombed by NATO "From our point of view, the solution is simple: The Russian Federation can just leave Ukraine. It can leave the territories that it’s in in Ukraine, it can leave Crimea, and we’ll have our peaceful solution. But time and time and time again, President Putin and the Russian Federation have indicated that they are not interested in doing that," Patel further said. 'We don’t see anything new here' While White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in her comments on Xi Jinping's meeting with Vladimir Putin in Beijing where both the leaders pledged to deepen their strategic partnership in a joint declaration, said, "Look, we don’t see anything new here." Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky admits situation 'extremely difficult' × "We find it unacceptable that Chinese companies are helping Putin wage this war against Ukraine. We’ve been very clear about that. And if China purports to support peace in Europe, it cannot continue to fuel the biggest threat of the European security," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

US blasts China after Putin-Xi meet, says 'you can't have it both ways'

The China Coast Guard issued warnings to Philippines vessels that illegally entered waters under China's jurisdiction in the South China Sea despite repeated admonitions from the Chinese side. Watch in for more details!

China coast guard warns Philippine vessels of trespass

Black holes are on of the most facinating objects in our cosmic neighbourhood and very little is known about them, since Albert Einstein first predicted them. Watch the story to know more.

Unlocking Black Hole's secrets: Black hole image reveals details of turmoil around abyss

Former US President Donald Trump's defence team accused star prosecution witness Michael Cohen of lying on the stand regarding a phone call Cohen says he had with Trump about Stormy Daniels.

Donald Trump Hush Money Trial: Star witness Michael Cohen accused of lying on the stand

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Putin, Xi seal 'new era' in strategic relations - Ready to hold peace talks: Putin - Air strike continues over Gaza - Israeli official heckled at World Court - First aid enters Gaza via US Pier - Swati Maliwal row: Cops at Delhi CM's house

Ready to hold peace talks: Putin | Air strike continues over Gaza

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico remained in "very serious" condition on Friday (May 17), two days after being shot, according to his deputy and close ally. Robert Kalinak stated that Fico underwent a second surgery. "His state is still very serious. I think it would take a couple of days to see the course of the development of his state," Kalinak told reporters outside the hospital.

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Fico, aged 59, sustained multiple gunshot wounds while greeting supporters after a government meeting in Handlova, a former coal mining town. A suspected attacker has been arrested.

Miriam Lapunikova, director of the University F.D. Roosevelt Hospital in Banska Bystrica, where Fico was airlifted after the shooting, reported that he underwent a CT scan. Lapunikova described his condition as "very serious," noting that surgery was performed to remove necrotic tissue from his body.

Also watch | Polish PM Tusk says he received threats after attack on Slovakia's PM

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<h2>Political controversy surrounds the PM</h2>

Robert Fico has long been a polarising figure in Slovakia and beyond. His return to power last year on a platform that leans towards Russia and criticises the United States raised concerns among European Union and NATO members about potential shifts away from Slovakia's pro-Western stance, particularly regarding Ukraine.

Earlier on Friday, the man accused of attempting to assassinate Fico was escorted by police to his residence. Local media reported this as part of a search for evidence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-juraj-cintula-the-71-year-old-poet-who-opened-fire-on-slovak-pm-robert-fico-721884">Also read | Who is Juraj Cintula, the 71-year-old poet who opened fire on Slovak PM Robert Fico?</a>

Slovak television station Markiza aired footage showing the suspect being taken to his home in Levice on Friday morning. According to reports, police confiscated a computer and documents, although they did not provide comments.

Prosecutors have instructed police not to disclose the suspect's identity or other details related to the case.

(With inputs from agencies)
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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico remained in "very serious" condition on Friday (May 17), two days after being shot, according to his deputy and close ally. Robert Kalinak stated that Fico underwent a second surgery.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico remained in "very serious" condition on Friday (May 17), two days after being shot, according to his deputy and close ally. Robert Kalinak stated that Fico underwent a second surgery. "His state is still very serious. I think it would take a couple of days to see the course of the development of his state," Kalinak told reporters outside the hospital. Fico, aged 59, sustained multiple gunshot wounds while greeting supporters after a government meeting in Handlova, a former coal mining town. A suspected attacker has been arrested. Miriam Lapunikova, director of the University F.D. Roosevelt Hospital in Banska Bystrica, where Fico was airlifted after the shooting, reported that he underwent a CT scan. Lapunikova described his condition as "very serious," noting that surgery was performed to remove necrotic tissue from his body. Also watch | Polish PM Tusk says he received threats after attack on Slovakia's PM Political controversy surrounds the PM Robert Fico has long been a polarising figure in Slovakia and beyond. His return to power last year on a platform that leans towards Russia and criticises the United States raised concerns among European Union and NATO members about potential shifts away from Slovakia's pro-Western stance, particularly regarding Ukraine. Earlier on Friday, the man accused of attempting to assassinate Fico was escorted by police to his residence. Local media reported this as part of a search for evidence. Also read | Who is Juraj Cintula, the 71-year-old poet who opened fire on Slovak PM Robert Fico? Slovak television station Markiza aired footage showing the suspect being taken to his home in Levice on Friday morning. According to reports, police confiscated a computer and documents, although they did not provide comments. Prosecutors have instructed police not to disclose the suspect's identity or other details related to the case. (With inputs from agencies)

Slovak PM Robert Fico undergoes second surgery after assassination bid, condition remains serious

Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Friday (May 17) said that their current plan does not include capturing the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. He added that the Russian forces, which have been operating close to Kharkhiv, have been creating a “buffer zone” for their own security and to protect Russian border regions.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Friday (May 17) said that their current plan does not include capturing the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. He added that the Russian forces, which have been operating close to Kharkhiv, have been creating a “buffer zone” for their own security and to protect Russian border regions. While speaking at a press conference in China, Putin said that all of the military operations were going ahead as per plan. Russia attacked Kharkiv to stop cross-border shelling: Putin Putin said that a ground assault was launched by Russia into Ukraine's northeast to stop cross-border shelling. On May 10, thousands of Russian troops launched artillery fire on various Ukrainian towns and villages and captured more than 200 square kilometres of land, which was the biggest advance made by the Russian Army in 18 months. Also Read: New front opens in Russia-Ukraine war as Moscow launches surprise offensive "As for what is happening on the Kharkiv front, this is their fault, because they have shelled and continue to shell residential neighbourhoods in border areas including Belgorod," said Putin, while speaking to the reporters in the Chinese city of Harbin. "And I said publicly that if this continues, we will be forced to create a security zone," he said. Speaking about Russia's plan to capture the city of Kharkiv, Putin said: "As for Kharkiv, there are no such plans as of today." He added that he spoke about the Ukraine conflict with Chinese President Xi Jinping in an informal meeting, and appreciated the efforts of Beijing to end the conflict. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: Will Ukraine strike deeper into Russia? "We have repeatedly said, we believe that China is sincerely seeking to resolve this problem, offers various options, and behaves very flexibly," said the Russian president. Russian forces further advance in Kharkiv The area of active combat was expanded by the Russian forces by almost 70 km as they launched their offensive in the Kharkiv region, confirmed Ukraine’s army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on Friday (May 17). Syrskyi said that Russia launched the offensive to force Ukraine to push additional reserve brigades into fighting. He said that he expects fighting to intensify since Kyiv troops have also made preparations for defending the northern region of Sumy. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

Russia has no plans of capturing Ukraine's Kharkiv, forces creating 'buffer zone': Putin

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