In a dramatic display of dissent, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the residence of US Ambassador Mike Hakeem in Jerusalem, demanding an end to US support for Israel in the Gaza conflict. The protesters carried placards and banners, urging US President Donald Trump to distance himself from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. One banner read, “Don’t be fooled again,” while another accused Trump of being “fooled” by Netanyahu on issues related to Gaza and Iran. The US Ambassador later tweeted, “The real fun has begun! Being a diplomat is truly a life of luxury and adventure.”
Israeli officials are divided over the conflict, with some calling for a ceasefire and others backing the military action. Former Israeli National Security Council deputy director, Arnon Eisenberg, told a media talk show that Trump is “betting on the wrong horse.” A 11-year-old boy, Yaron, said, “Netanyahu doesn’t care about our future; he only cares about himself. He just wants to stay in power.” In a related development, a professor and a student were detained for questioning in connection with the protests.
The unrest has taken a toll on the region, with at least 10 Israeli soldiers killed since the start of the year, including six in April alone. Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, is expected to visit Pakistan after completing his tour of Oman. Indian Minister for Minority Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision is gaining traction in India.
The shooting incident in Washington has resulted in a delay of the scheduled visit of British King Charles III to the US. Israel has appointed its first ambassador to the breakaway state of Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia. Thousands of pilgrims are arriving in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj, with over 20,000 having reached Medina so far. The UAE has approved a $1 billion package to boost its industrial sector. In a related development, a Malian national was killed in a rocket attack in the city of Hama, Syria.
The United Nations has issued a warning about the potential for human devastation due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. In a lighthearted comment, White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said, “We’ll have a few shells flying around today.” Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, is expected to visit Pakistan after completing his tour of Oman. The Indian government has condemned the shooting incident in Washington, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sajid Dar, calling for an end to violence. A professor and a student were detained for questioning in connection with the protests.
The Pakistani government has issued a notification for the transit trade order, 2026, which will come into effect immediately. A miner, Abdul Wahab, has shared his harrowing experience of being trapped in a marble quarry in Mingora for 17 days. The shooting incident in Washington has resulted in a delay of the scheduled visit of British King Charles III to the US.
