WEEKLY INTERNATIONAL NEWS REVIEW – May 23th – 29th 2026

SUDAN

COLOMBIAN CONTRACTORS RECRUITED FOR SUDANESE PARAMILITARIES

On May 26, 2026, Human Rights Watch published a report alleging that Global Security Services recruited Colombian private military contractors to fight for the Rapid Support Forces between 2024 and 2025. The report details how contractors travelled to Sudan through complex networks of private companies and transit points, involving the United Arab Emirates. Human Rights Watch calls for the United Nations Security Council and the African Union to pressure the State authorities to stop assisting the Rapid Support Forces. The UAE government denied the allegations.

DRONE STRIKE KILLS 14 CIVILIANS AT CHAD BORDER

On May 26, 2026, a drone strike attributed to the Rapid Support Forces killed 14 people in the Sudanese town of Al-Tina at the border with Chad. A local official and a survivor reported that the attack hit a group of women selling food and tea at the Al-Tina market. The town is located in Darfur and remains under the control of the Joint Forces fighting alongside the army. According to United Nations reports, the town faces famine.

ETHIOPIA

OPPOSITION DENOUNCES UNFAIR UPCOMING ELECTIONS

Several opposition parties described the legislative elections scheduled for June 1 as unfair and designed to ensure a victory for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Approximately 50 million voters will elect 547 members of the House of People’s Representatives. Secretary General of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party Mistresilasie Tamerat reported arbitrary arrests of candidates and physical harassment in Addis Abeba. NaMA candidate Yesuf Ebrahim stated that Fano community militias are threatening candidates and supporters in the Amhara region. Chairman of the Committee of Opposition Parties Merera Gudina called the process a ritual for the international community. Researcher Joseph Siegle admitted the ruling party has a significant advantage. Voting will not occur in the Tigré region due to tensions while conflicts persist in Oromia and Amhara. The ruling party currently holds 96% of parliamentary seats.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

MILITARY CLASHES AND EBOLA EPIDEMIC INTENSIFY

Intense clashes escalated between Kinshasa forces alongside local militias and the M23 group in Katoyi, North Kivu. In the Tshopo province, Vice-Governor Didier Lomoyo reported mortar fire targeting the strategic Kisangani airport, although a police source stated that 2 drones were intercepted. The Congolese military is currently deploying Turkish and Chinese attack drones to strike M23 positions. Fighting has also spread to several areas in South Kivu, particularly near Minembwe and Kabare. World Health Organization Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that ongoing fighting involving the M23, ADF and community militias is hindering the medical response and causing mass population displacements. Medical teams at the Rwampara hospital in Ituri lack sufficient resources while the epidemic spreads to the Kivu provinces. On May 27, 2026, Ugandan Ministry of Health official Dr Diana Atwine announced the immediate closure of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. This measure follows the declaration of a Bundibugyo Ebola variant in the Ituri province, for which no vaccine or treatment exists.

MALI

CIVILIANS KILLED AND TORTURED BY THE ARMY AND RUSSIAN PARAMILITARIES

Malian refugees in Mauritania reported mass violence and torture committed by the Malian army and Russian Africa Corps paramilitaries. Malian refugee described her son and 4 merchants being beheaded in August by a commando of Malian soldiers and Africa Corps members near the border. Touareg breeder stated he was tortured with electricity for 4 days at camp Bapho after his arrest 2 years ago. He witnessed a Russian commando slit the throat of a Peul man. He paid 310,000 francs CFA for his release. Another Touareg refugee fled her village near Tombouctou after airstrikes 3 years ago and reported torture against women. General Assimi Goïta leads the junta that works with the Russian Africa Corps, formerly Wagner. Mayoury Savant, a Doctor Without Border coordinator, confirmed seeing various traumas in Fassala.

LEBANON

US SANCTIONS LEBANESE OFFICERS

The United States announced unprecedented sanctions against 2 Lebanese officers for sharing intelligence with Hezbollah. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused Colonel Samir Hamadé of the Lebanese Army and General Khattar Nassereddine of General Security of providing critical information to the group during the conflict. Colonel Samir Hamadé serves as the intelligence chief in southern Beirut while General Khattar Nassereddine manages data analysis for border surveillance. The sanctions also targeted 9 other individuals linked to Hezbollah leadership. Although the Lebanese Army and General Security defended the loyalty of their personnel, US officials warned of further sanctions against those infiltrating the government.

ISRAELI STRIKES HIT LEBANESE ARMY AND DAMAGE TYRE HOSPITAL

On May 23, 2026, an Israeli strike targeted a military barracks in Nabatiyé and wounded a Lebanese soldier. The Israeli army stated it targeted a suspicious vehicle near a terrorist infrastructure and claimed it only operates against Hezbollah. Another raid in Tyre caused significant damage to Hiram Hospital where Director Dr Salman Aydibi reported that 40 patients including 7 in intensive care were moved to safety. Around 30 staff members suffered injuries during the incident. Israeli forces also issued urgent evacuation orders for villages north of the Litani River including those near Marjayoun. Additional raids in southern Lebanon wounded several Syrian agricultural workers.

ISRAELI STRIKES DESTROY RESCUE CENTER IN NABATIYÉ AND KILL 2 PEOPLE

On May 24, 2026, an Israeli strike completely destroyed a Civil Defense rescue center in Nabatiyé. The General Directorate of Civil Defense condemned the attack which caused structural collapse and damaged numerous vehicles but reported no injuries as personnel had been relocated. Separate Israeli strikes in Arab Salim killed 2 people including a rescuer from the Islamic Health Committee and wounded 4 members of the Risala association. Lebanese Ministry of Health officials denounced continuous attacks on the healthcare sector noting that 123 rescuers have died since March 2. Hezbollah leader Naïm Qassem expressed hope for a cessation of hostilities involving Iran and the US but rejected calls for disarmament from the Lebanese government. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Hezbollah of holding the country hostage while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed support from US President Donald Trump for Israel’s self-defense.

ISRAELI MINISTERS DEMAND ESCALATION AS STRIKES KILL 34 IN LEBANON

On May 25, 2026, Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon killed 34 people in a single day. In Doueir, Israeli attacks killed 2 sisters and left another woman buried under rubble as rescuers could not intervene. Strikes in Tyre and surrounding areas including the Rachidiye Palestinian camp followed evacuation orders. Israeli Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich declared that 10 buildings in Beirut should fall for every explosive drone launched from Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun defended the decision to negotiate with Israel but insisted on a total withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Naïm Qassem repeated his opposition to direct negotiations and disarmament.

THE ISRAELI ARMY PUSHES BEYOND “SECURITY ZONE”

On May 26, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an intensification of strikes as ground forces began operating beyond the 10 km deep yellow line established in April. Israeli Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich reiterated calls for retaliatory strikes on Beirut. In Srifa, a strike killed a rescuer from the Amal movement. UN spokesperson Farhan Haq reported 91 violations of Lebanese airspace in a single day. Hezbollah fighters claimed to have repelled an Israeli force advancing toward Zaoutar using shells and attack drones. Since the conflict started on March, 3,213 people have been killed in Lebanon while 24 deaths have occurred on the Israeli side.

ISRAEL DECLARES ENTIRE REGION SOUTH OF ZAHRANI RIVER A COMBAT ZONE

On May 27, 2026, the Israeli army warned that all territory south of the Zahrani River is now considered a combat zone. Israeli Army Arabic-speaking spokesperson Colonel Avichay Adraee ordered residents to evacuate to the northern bank of the river. Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir stated that operations are intensifying on all fronts to inflict high costs on Hezbollah. The Lebanese National News Agency reported strikes in the Bekaa Valley and southern regions where a Lebanese soldier was killed. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that 14 victims died in Burj al-Shamali near Tyre while 11 perished in Machghara. In Zawtar el-Charqiyé, Hezbollah fighters engaged in direct combat with Israeli troops attempting to infiltrate beyond the yellow line. Machghara Mayor Iskandar Barakeh expressed fear that his now-deserted town would become a permanent front. A military delegation led by General Georges Rizkallah plans to meet Israeli officials at the Pentagon to discuss extending state authority and restricting Hezbollah weapons. Israeli officials claim 800 Hezbollah members have been killed since the April 17 ceasefire.

17 KILLED INCLUDING A MOTHER AND CHILD IN ISRAELI STRIKES

On May 28, 2026, Israeli strikes killed at least 17 people including a woman and 2 children. An attack on an apartment in Choueifat near Beirut killed a woman, her daughter, and a Syrian child while wounding 15 others. In Saïda, a strike on a residential building killed 5 people and wounded 21. A drone strike on a highway killed 6 family members including 2 children. The Lebanese army reported the death of a soldier in Nabatiyé. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the army to ignore the October ceasefire agreement and to take control of 70% of Gaza while expanding the Lebanese offensive. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the destruction of historical monuments in Tyre and Nabatiyé. UNIFIL reported the firing of 670 projectiles in one day.

15 CHILDREN KILLED IN ONE WEEK AS ISRAELI ARMY CROSSES LITANI RIVER

On May 29, 2026, UNICEF reported that 15 children were killed and 62 wounded by Israeli strikes in Lebanon in only one week. UNICEF spokesperson Ricardo Pires noted that 55 children have died since the April 17 ceasefire began. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed his troops have crossed the Litani River and are advancing toward Debbine. Strikes in the Tyre region killed 11 people including a Syrian national and a rescuer. Lebanese Minister of Culture Ghassan Salamé alerted that archeological sites such as the Beaufort Castle and the ruins of Tyre, protected by the UNESCO, are in serious danger after direct hits. In Marjayoun, residents were ordered to remain indoors as Israeli tanks were seen on the road. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that a truce is the only way forward for negotiations. A military delegation led by General Georges Rizkallah met Israeli Brigadier General Amichaï Levin at the Pentagon to demand an end to the strikes.

SYRIA

UNDECLARED CHEMICAL WEAPONS DISCOVERED

On May 26, 2026, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) reported the discovery of dozens of undeclared chemical munitions at several sites in Syria. The organization deployed a team earlier this month to verify the accuracy of the Syrian declaration regarding its chemical stockpile at high-priority and non-declared locations in central Syria and northern coastal regions. Findings include aerial bombs, rockets and thousands of pages of documents along with chemicals and related equipment currently under analysis. Although Syria joined the OPCW in 2013 and agreed to destroy its toxic agents under pressure from Russia and the United States, inspectors believe the initial declarations were incomplete. Former Syrian President Bachar al-Assad faced repeated accusations of using chemical weapons during the war. The current Syrian Foreign Minister pledged last year to dismantle all remnants of the Assad chemical program while the OPCW continues its mission in coordination with the UN Department of Safety and Security.

PALESTINE

5 POLICE OFFICERS AND 1 TEENAGER KILLED IN GAZA

On May 23, 2026, an Israeli airstrike targeted a police site in the al-Tuam sector of northern Gaza killing 5 police officers and 1 teenager. The Civil Defense and Shifa Hospital confirmed the 6 fatalities. An Israeli military source stated the strike targeted Hamas terrorists. Later that day, the Civil Defense reported 1 additional person killed by the Israeli army near the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza. The Hamas Ministry of Interior noted that 42 police officers have been killed since the October ceasefire began.

1 YEAR OLD INFANT AND PARENTS KILLED IN NUSSEIRAT CAMP

On May 24, 2026, an Israeli airstrike on the Nusseirat camp in central Gaza killed 3 family members including 1-year-old Oussama Mohammed Abou Malouh. The infant’s parents, Mohammed Ibrahim Abou Malouh and Alaa Majdi Zaqlan, were also killed while they slept. The Martyrs of Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir el-Balah received the bodies and treated 10 injured people. The Israeli army claimed it dismantled 3 Hamas weapon depots in central Gaza during the last 24 hours. Another strike occurred at dawn in Deir el-Balah.

FORMER ISRAELI MILITARY PROSECUTOR REVOKED AFTER PRISONER ABUSE VIDEO LEAK

On May 26, 2026, the Israeli army announced the revocation of General Yifat Tomer-Yeroushalmi who previously served as the Military Prosecutor General. She resigned in October following an investigation into the leak of a video showing soldiers mistreating a Palestinian prisoner at the Sde Teiman military prison in 2024. 5 soldiers were arrested and indicted for these acts. Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz supported the resignation stating that those who calumny soldiers have no place in the army. The Sde Teiman center is used to incarcerate Palestinians arrested in Gaza since October 7, 2023 and human rights organizations frequently accuse the administration of prisoner mistreatment.

ISRAELI AUTHORITIES ACCUSE FRENCH-PALESTINIAN LAWYER OF TERRORISM

On May 26, 2026, the Shin Bet and Israeli police accused French-Palestinian lawyer Salah Hamouri of leading a “terrorist cell” from Europe. Authorities arrested 5 residents of East Jerusalem and members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) between November and December 2025. The Shin Bet claims Hamouri met these individuals in Europe during 2024 and 2025 to establish infrastructure for attacks and provided encrypted communication devices. Hamouri, who denies these accusations and PFLP membership, was expelled to France in late 2022 after his residency permit was revoked. He previously spent 7 years in prison for a project to assassinate former Rabbi Ovadia Yossef and was released in 2011 in the Gilad Shalit exchange.

RELIGIOUS SITE EXPROPRIATED BY ISRAEL, PALESTINIAN CIVILIAN KILLED BY ISRAELI SOLDIERS IN JENIN

On May 26, 2026, the Israeli NGO Peace Now reported that the civil administration issued an expropriation order for part of the Nabi Samuel religious site in the West Bank. The order covers over 10 hectares including a mosque, agricultural lands and access roads, but excludes a synagogue. Authorities stated the decision aims to preserve the archaeological site of Prophet Samuel’s tomb and cited security issues in the complex. The Palestinian Ministry condemned the confiscation as an attempt to Judaize the site. This follows a similar 2025 order for the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron. On the same day, Israeli soldiers killed Nasser al-Saadi in the Jenin refugee camp, located in the northern West Bank. The Palestinian Ministry of Health and hospital director Wissam Baker confirmed the death, stating the victim arrived with a fatal wound. The Israeli army claimed the individual was a “terrorist” who was throwing stones at soldiers. Since January 2025, Israel has conducted large-scale operations in northern refugee camps like Jenin and Tulkarem, displacing nearly 40,000 Palestinians according to UNRWA.

7 PALESTINIANS KILLED IN ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES IN GAZA, NEW HAMAS MILITARY CHIEF DEAD

On May 26, 2026, Israeli strikes killed 7 people in the Gaza Strip according to medical sources. A drone strike targeted a group of civilians east of Al-Maghazi killing 5 people as confirmed by the Civil Defense and Martyrs of Al-Aqsa Hospital. The Israeli army claimed it neutralized armed terrorists threatening soldiers while a witness reported the group had entered a house before being targeted. In a separate incident in Khan Younès, an Israeli strike on a white vehicle near the al-Bouraq roundabout killed 2 people. An Israeli military spokesperson stated the strike targeted a Hamas terrorist. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Israël Katz announced a strike targeting Mohammed Odeh, the new leader of Hamas’ armed wing. Odeh had replaced Ezzedine al-Haddad who was killed on May 15. A security source in Gaza confirmed intense bombardment in western Gaza-City though the fate of the target remains unclear. The Civil Defense reported 1 woman killed and at least 10 injured in the al-Rimal neighborhood. The Ezzedine Al-Qassam brigades led the October 7, 2023 attacks. Since October 10, 2025, at least 906 Palestinians and 5 Israeli soldiers have died during the ceasefire.

TRUMP’S GAZA PEACE COUNCIL LACKS FUNDING AND TRANSPARENCY

On May 27, 2026, the Financial Times reported that the “Peace Council” created by Donald Trump for Gaza’s reconstruction has received no official funding despite billion-dollar promises. The council uses a JPMorgan account rather than the UN-approved World Bank fund and lacks independent transparency. Participation requires a 1 billion dollar entry fee. While the United Arab Emirates committed 100 million dollars for a new police force, those funds are currently frozen. UN and EU estimates evaluate Gaza’s reconstruction needs at 71.4 billion dollars over 10 years. High Representative Nikolaï Mladenov warned against the current status quo becoming permanent while NGOs highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian situation.

NETANYAHU ADVISOR INDICTED FOR BREACH OF STATE SECURITY

On May 28, 2026, Israeli prosecutors indicted Yonatan Urich, a close advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for acting against State’s security. The charges involve the leak of a classified document attributed to former Hamas leader Yahya Sinouar to the German media Bild in 2024. The document allegedly supported the government’s military pressure strategy by suggesting Hamas was uninterested in a ceasefire. Other former advisors Eli Feldstein and Ari Rosenfeld were also indicted in this case while former Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman faces fraud charges. Urich is additionally under investigation for the “Qatar gate” scandal involving alleged payments from Doha to promote Qatari interests in Israel through his consulting agency.

EU CONFIRMS SANCTIONS AGAINST EXTREMIST ISRAELI SETTLERS

On May 28, 2026, the European Union confirmed sanctions against 3 individuals and 4 entities for systematic abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank. The Nachala organization and its director Daniella Weiss were targeted for facilitating forced displacements. Regavim and its director Meir Deutsch faced sanctions for pushing for the demolition of Palestinian properties. Other targets include Hashomer Yosh, its director Avichai Suissa and the Amana association. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the move as a “moral bankruptcy”. The measures include asset freezes and travel bans, which were previously blocked by Hungary.

UN BLACKLISTS ISRAELI AND RUSSIAN FORCES FOR CONFLICT RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE, ISRAEL SUSPENDS RELATIONS WITH UN SECRETARY GENERAL

On May 28, 2026, an annual UN report added Israeli and Russian security forces to its blacklist for sexual violence during conflicts. UN inspectors reported a persistent refusal of access by both countries. In 2025, the UN verified cases of sexual violence against 14 men, 7 women, 9 boys and 1 girl in Gaza and the West Bank. These violations committed by the Israeli army, security forces and prison services included rape with objects, collective rape and forced nudity. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon announced the suspension of relations with Secretary General Antonio Guterres until the end of his mandate on December 31, 2026. Danon described the move as scandalous and accused the Secretary General of equating Israel with Hamas. Guterres was already declared “persona non grata” in Israel in 2024.

NETANYAHU ORDERS ISRAELI ARMY TO CONTROL 70% OF GAZA

On May 28, 2026, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a video that he ordered the military to ignore ceasefire terms and seize 70% of Gaza. During a conference in a West Bank settlement, he claimed the army already controls 60% of the territory, compared to 50% at the start of the October 10, 2025 truce. While the first phase of the ceasefire involved hostage exchanges, the second phase regarding Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal remains blocked. Israeli forces were originally supposed to remain behind a demarcation “yellow line”, under the ceasefire agreement. Currently over 2 million Palestinians are crowded into remaining areas where 3 international NGOs describe the humanitarian situation as catastrophic due to unmet aid obligations.

PRESS FREEDOM PRIZE HONORS GAZA WAR REPORTERS

On May 29, 2026, the World Association of News Publishers announced that its “Golden Pen” of press freedom would be awarded to all photographers and video journalists operating in Gaza. The prize will be presented in Marseille to representatives from Agence France-Presse, Associated Press and Reuters. Honorees include Mohammed Abed who worked in Gaza for AFP until April 2024. Reporters Without Borders reports that over 220 journalists have been killed by the Israeli army in Gaza since October 2023, including at least 70 during the exercise of their functions.

IRAN-GULF-ISRAEL-US

MORE WAR RELATED EXECUTIONS

On May 24, 2026, Iranian authorities hanged Mojtaba Kian for allegedly transmitting defense industry intelligence to the United States and Israel. The prosecution occurred in the Alborz province and the Supreme Court of Iran confirmed the sentence. Authorities claim that one of the sites targeted during the conflict was struck based on the intelligence he provided. According to the NGOs like Iran Human Rights, at least 1,639 people were executed in 2025 which represents a record since 1989.

PROTEST LEADER ABBAS AKBARI EXECUTED IN ISPAHAN

On May 25, 2026, Iran executed Abbas Akbari for his role in attacks during the anti-government demonstrations in January. Ha was designated as a leader of the protests in the Ispahan province, who opened fire on security forces and attacked official buildings in Nain. He was convicted of crimes against national security. Mahmoud Amiri Moghaddam of the NGO Iran Human Rights and the group Hengaw condemned the hanging as a State murder intended to intimidate the public. Amnesty International reports that 78 other dissidents remain on death row.

ALLEGED MOSSAD OPERATIONAL CHIEF IN IRAN HANGED, IRANIAN NEGOTIATORS DEMAND UNFREEZING OF 24 BILLION DOLLARS

On May 26, 2026, the Iranian judiciary carried out the execution of Gholamreza Khani Shakarab for spying on behalf of the Israeli Mossad. His conviction was confirmed by the Supreme Court. This execution occurs amid a significant rise in hangings since the war with the United States and Israel began. Meanwhile, Iranian negotiators in Doha sought the release of 24 billion dollars in frozen assets as a condition for a peace agreement with the United States. The Tasnim news agency reported that the delegation including chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati proposed unfreezing half the amount upon the announcement of a memorandum of understanding to end the war. These funds are currently held in foreign banks due to American sanctions.

IRANIAN JUDICIARY BLOCKS ORDER TO RESTORE INTERNET

On May 26, 2026, the Iranian judiciary suspended the administrative body that had ordered the restoration of international internet access across the country. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated the body had begun restoring international connections which were cut on February 28 during American and Israeli strikes. NGO NetBlocks noted that this 88 day outage is the longest in modern history for an entire country. Since the start of the war, the population has been limited to a local intranet or a high-fee conditional system.

IRAN ACCUSES UNITED STATES OF CEASEFIRE VIOLATIONS IN HORMOZGAN

On May 26, 2026, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the United States of a ceasefire violation following overnight strikes in the Hormozgan region. The Republic warned of a response while American Central Command (Centcom) confirmed hitting missile launch sites in southern Iran. Despite the escalation, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned ongoing negotiations. Tehran demands that any agreement include the Lebanese front. Additionally, the Revolutionary Guards claimed to have downed an American drone and the British agency UKMTO reported a tanker was struck off the coast of Oman.

IRANIANS FACE ERRATIC WEB ACCESS AFTER BLACKOUT

On May 27, 2026, Iranian citizens reported that internet connectivity remained erratic and heavily filtered despite the government’s decision to end the blackout. NetBlocks confirmed that access is limited by new restrictions on messaging services. Users described a reliance on expensive VPN software to bypass government. The Swiss firm Proton saw a 6,000% increase in VPN signups since the reconnection began on May 26.

KUWAITI FORCES INTERCEPT IRANIAN MISSILE

On May 28, 2026, the United States Central Command (Centcom) condemned a ballistic missile strike attributed to Iran against Kuwait. Kuwaiti forces intercepted the missile. Centcom described the attack as a ceasefire violation occurring hours after the interception of 5 Iranian drones that threatened the Strait of Hormuz and its surroundings.

IRANIAN FORCES KILL 2 KURDISH BROTHERS IN KERMANSHAH

On May 29, 2026, the Revolutionary Guards killed 2 Kurdish militants who had been hiding since the anti-government protests in January. Human rights organizations Hengaw and the Kurdistan Human Rights Network reported that Meisam Visi and Mojtaba Visi were killed when security forces opened fire on their hideout in Kermanshah without warning. The Tasnim news agency identified them as terrorists and instigators of the January riots.

EASTERN EUROPE

2 INJURED AS UKRAINIAN DRONES IGNITE RUSSIAN OIL DEPOT

On May 23, 2026, a Ukrainian drone attack sparked a fire at an oil depot and export terminal in Novorossiysk. Mayor of Novorossiysk Andreï Kravtchenko reported that falling debris set fire to buildings. The strike resulted in 2 injuries and required specialized emergency services to intervene at the site.

18 KILLED IN UKRAINIAN DRONE STRIKE ON STAROBILSK VOCATIONAL SCHOOL

On May 23, 2026, Russian emergency services updated the death toll from the previous attack on the school in Starobilsk. Authorities reported that 18 people died and 3 remained missing following a Ukrainian drone strike on the dormitory and education building. Russian President Vladimir Poutine labeled the attack a terrorist act and promised a military response. The victims were mostly young women, as young as 16 years old. Ukrainian military officials denied targeting civilians and claimed they hit a Russian drone unit. The United Nations condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure but could not verify details in the Russian-controlled region.

4 DEAD AS RUSSIA LAUNCHES HYPERSONIC ORECHNIK MISSILE AT KIEV

On May 24, 2026, Russian forces conducted a massive strike using 90 missiles and 600 drones which killed 4 people and injured over 100 in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Russia deployed the hypersonic Orechnik missile against Bila Tserkva. Mayor of Kiev Vitali Klitschko and city military administration head Tymour Tkatchenko reported that the capital was the primary target where 62 people including 2 children were also injured. Resident Sofia Melnychenko witnessed panic in a metro shelter as the ceiling crumbled during explosions. Foreign Minister Andriï Sybiga reported damage to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chernobyl Museum. Russian bombardments in central Kiev partially destroyed the studio of the German public broadcaster ARD. Studio head Vassili Golod stated that the facility suffered severe damage from a shockwave that shattered windows and collapsed walls.

6 CIVILIANS INCLUDING 2 CHILDREN KILLED BY UKRAINIAN STRIKES

On May 25, 2026, Ukrainian attacks in Russian border regions and occupied Donetsk resulted in 6 fatalities. Regional Governor of Briansk Iegor Kovaltchouk confirmed 1 death in Belaïa Beriozka while a drone strike killed a civilian in Graïvoron. In Horlivka, local administration head Ivan Prikhodko reported that 4 civilians including 2 children born in 2012 and 2013 were killed.

4 DEAD IN RUSSIAN BOMBARDMENTS ACROSS KHARKIV AND KRAMATORSK

On May 25, 2026, Russian strikes in eastern and northeastern Ukraine killed 4 people and injured approximately 22 others. Kharkiv Regional Governor Oleg Synegoubov reported that an attack killed 2 men aged 68 and 25 and injured 19 people while damaging a civilian enterprise. In Kramatorsk, Mayor Oleksandre Gontcharenko stated that 2 people died and 3 were injured after Russian forces dropped 4 bombs on residential and industrial zones.

RUSSIA ORDERS KIEV EVACUATION

On May 26, 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Sergueï Lavrov warned foreign diplomats and citizens to evacuate Kiev ahead of strikes on decision-making centers.  Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriï Sybiga urged allies to ignore Russian threats and increase military aid while French officials refused to evacuate their personnel. A separate Russian strike in Odessa killed a 45-year-old man.

UN BLACKLISTS ISRAEL AND RUSSIA FOR CONFLICT SEXUAL VIOLENCE

On May 28, 2026, a United Nations report added the security forces of Israel and Russia to a blacklist for sexual violence during conflicts. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres documented cases of rape, genital mutilation and forced nudity against detainees in Gaza and prisoners of war in Ukraine.

1 KILLED IN UKRAINIAN DRONE STRIKE IN VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIAN DRONE EXPLOSION IN ROMANIA

On May 29, 2026, a Ukrainian drone attack on a synthetic fiber factory in Voljski killed a 60-year-old man. Regional Governor Andreï Botcharov reported that a 55-year-old woman was also seriously injured and fires broke out at energy infrastructure sites. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have neutralized 208 drones across multiple regions during the night. Meanwhile, the explosion of a Russian drone in Galati, Romania, led Ukrainian officials to warn of a threat to all of Europe. Foreign Minister Andriï Sybiga stated that the incursion proves the danger to the Black Sea region and called for strong European Union sanctions.

VENEZUELA

INTERIM PRESIDENT INCREASES POLITICAL PRISONER AMNESTY TO 500

On May 23, 2026, Interim President of Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez announced that the number of newly amnestied political prisoners has increased to 500. This measure expands a previous announcement by the President of the National Assembly on May 19 regarding 300 releases. The amnesty law was originally enacted on February 19 under pressure from the United States following the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro by the American military. The NGO Foro Penal estimates that over 450 people remain imprisoned for political reasons. Thousands of individuals have been arrested across the country for alleged conspiracy and terrorism during anti-government protests.

INMATES SEIZE VENEZUELAN PRISON TO PROTEST TORTURE

On May 25, 2026, hundreds of detainees seized control of the Injuba judicial center in Barinas to protest against torture. The prisoners set fire to mattresses and blankets while demanding the removal of the prison director. A mother reported that her son has been missing since May 8 and stated that guards subject inmates to beatings, electric shocks, fire and cold water. The NGO Observatorio Venezolano de Prisiones reported that 1,200 men and 100 women have declared a strike due to mistreatment involving gunfire and tear gas from the Ministry of Prison Services. This mutiny follows an April incident at the Yare III high security prison that killed 5 people.

INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE AND RELATIONS

ISRAELI BROKER EXPOSES SECRET US INTELLIGENCE DEALS

A lawsuit in Virginia revealed classified intelligence cooperation between the United States and Israel. Independent broker Ariel Gabriel and his company Gabriel Holdings are suing the American group Spire for 2 million dollars in unpaid commissions. Ariel Gabriel, a former member of the Israeli Air Force (IAF), claimed to have facilitated meetings between Spire and the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the Israeli Space Agency and the cabinet of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These deals involved geospatial intelligence and a constellation of interception satellites including projects with the National Reconnaissance Office. The collaboration reportedly ended abruptly when Spire cited a negative internal anti-corruption review. Ariel Gabriel further alleged that he worked for other US defense giants such as Sierra Nevada Corp and Textron which have partnerships with Israel Aerospace Industries for drone and helicopter technology.

UKRAINE PREPARES WAR CRIMES PROSECUTIONS AGAINST RUSSIAN PROPAGANDISTS

General Prosecutor of Ukraine Ruslan Kravchenko announced a long-term effort to prosecute Russian propaganda architects before international courts. Supported by the SBU and director of LingvaLexa Anna Vyshniakova, the investigation aims to prove a link between state propaganda and war crimes committed by soldiers. A study of 1060 prisoners of war, co-authored by psychology professor Jais Adam-Troian and Ukrainian prosecutor Olena Metelkina, provides a legal basis for these cases, by referencing the 1994 Rwandan genocide. LingvaLexa utilizes an artificial intelligence tool called Verbalex to scrape hate speech from Russian television and web.

FRANCE BANS ISRAELI MINISTER BEN GVIR OVER TREATMENT OF ACTIVISTS

On May 23, 2026, French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot announced an entry ban against Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir. The decision follows Ben Gvir’s publication of a video showing 430 detained activists from the Gaza Flotilla, including 37 French citizens, kneeling and bound. Barrot condemned the acts as unqualifiable and requested European Union sanctions against the minister. Lawyer for Global Sumud France Hanna Bouchareb called the sanction insufficient. 4 French citizens remain hospitalized in Turkey with injuries from the detention.

19 ISIS-LINKED WOMEN AND CHILDREN RETURN TO AUSTRALIA FROM SYRIA

On May 26, 2026, 7 women and 12 children associated with the Islamic State returned to Australia after years in the Roj camp in Syria. Minister of Home Affairs Tony Burke stated that the group would receive no government assistance and warned that any member who committed crimes would face the law. Australian police searched the returnees’ belongings and electronic devices for investigative purposes but no immediate charges were filed. The Australian Human Rights Commission had previously urged the government to assist in these repatriations.

TAIWAN TARGETS 100,000 MONTHLY DRONE PRODUCTION FOR 2030

On May 26, 2026, journalists Allison Jackson and Joy Chiang reported on Taiwan’s goal to become a regional drone hub following the invasion of Ukraine. Taiwan exported 181,159 drones in the first 4 months of 2026, mainly to the Czech Republic and Poland for use in Ukraine. General Director of the Industrial Development Administration stated that most drones are free of Chinese components.

INDIA ORDERS DEMOLITION OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES NEAR PAKISTANI BORDER

On May 27, 2026, Indian Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah ordered the destruction of unauthorized constructions within a 15 km zone of the border with Pakistan. Shah emphasized a zero-tolerance policy to combat infiltration, drug trafficking and terrorism across the 3,300 kilometer border. This measure follows a 2025 military escalation that killed 70 people after an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir left 26 dead. While India accuses Pakistan of aiding militants, Islamabad denies these claims. The demolition order aims to enhance security surveillance in disputed regions like Kashmir where tensions remain high.

HUNGARY REVERSES PLAN TO WITHDRAW FROM INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT

On May 27, 2026, the Hungarian Parliament voted 133 to 37 to abandon a project to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. Prime Minister Peter Magyar fast-tracked the bill to cancel the withdrawal process initiated by former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Orban had previously labeled the court a political tribunal while hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is targeted by an ICC warrant for crimes in Gaza. Magyar confirmed Hungary would execute ICC warrants, including the one for Netanyahu.

UNITED STATES REINSTATES SANCTIONS AGAINST UN EXPERT FRANCESCA ALBANESE

On May 28, 2026, the United States Department of the Treasury relisted UN expert Francesca Albanese on an international blacklist. The reinstatement follows an appeals court order stating sanctions can continue pending a legal ruling on their validity. Albanese, an Italian citizen and UN rapporteur for Palestinian territories, is barred from using credit cards or conducting banking operations. Her husband Massimiliano Cali filed a lawsuit against the measures on behalf of their American child. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously criticized Albanese for recommending that the ICC issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

BURMESE PRESIDENT MIN AUNG HLAING TO CONDUCT 5 DAY VISIT TO INDIA

On May 28, 2026, the Burmese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that President Min Aung Hlaing will travel to India for his first foreign trip since assuming the presidency. The 5 day visit is scheduled to begin on May 30. Burmese President Min Aung Hlaing will hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian President Droupadi Murmu along with various economic representatives.

FRANCE FILES JUDICIAL COMPLAINT OVER VIOLENCE AGAINST GAZA ACTIVISTS

On May 29, 2026, French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot referred cases of abuse against French citizens to the public prosecutor. Barrot cited a report from the consul general in Turkey documenting sexual violence, beatings and humiliations of activists detained by Israel. These individuals were part of a flotilla that departed Turkey on May 14 to challenge the blockade of Gaza. While Barrot seeks prosecution, lawyers for the victims announced their own plans to file complaints for torture and rape against Israel and Netanyahu.

ECHR QUESTIONS ITALY OVER RELEASE OF WAR CRIMES SUSPECT

On May 29, 2026, the European Court of Human Rights requested explanations from Italy regarding the release of a high-ranking Libyan official wanted for war crimes. Osama Almasri Najim, the former head of judicial police in Tripoli, was arrested in Turin in January 2025 but released 2 days later due to a “procedural error”. Italy immediately expelled Najim to Libya where he was eventually detained in November 2025. Two migrants from Sudan and Ivory Coast filed the ECHR complaint alleging torture at centers Najim managed since February 2015.