Putin-Trump summit
The Russian and US presidents have celebrated their meeting in Alaska, which mainly focused on the Ukraine war, as constructive and productive. Russia’s Vladimir Putin said Moscow considers this a step toward dialogue. He said Moscow is interested in putting an end to the war in Ukraine. But he said any agreement must take into account Russia’s security concerns. Donald Trump also hailed the talks as extremely productive. He said some great progress has been made on Ukraine and there’s a good chance of reaching a result. But he said one significant issue remains unresolved and there would be no deal unless every single issue is settled. Trump added that he will also shortly consult with NATO leaders and the Ukrainian president, who was not invited to the Alaska summit. Putin’s trip to Alaska was the first by a Russian president to the US since 2015. Russia has been fighting the war in Ukraine since February 2022. The war was triggered over what Moscow calls NATO’s presence at its doorstep.
Targeting Gaza aid seekers
Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza continue to take a heavy toll on the civilians there. Among the latest victims is a toddler killed by the regime’s airstrikes on displaced Palestinians' tents. Over 40 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israeli attacks since dawn. At least 16 of them were aid seekers targeted in aid distribution centers in central and southern parts of the Strip. The UN human rights office has put at 1,760 the total number of Palestinian aid seekers who have been killed in Israeli attacks. The focal point of Israeli strikes has been Gaza City, where two Palestinians lost their lives after a neighborhood was targeted there. A Palestinian was also killed in an Israeli bombing of the al-Mawsi area, southwest of Khan Yunis. The death toll from the US-Israeli genocide since October 2023 has risen to nearly 61,800, with more than 154,900 others injured.
Yemen's support for Gaza
In Sana’a, hundreds of thousands gathered for the weekly pro-Palestine rally, accusing Arab countries of betraying the Palestinian cause. Protesters vowed to stand against tyranny and urged the people of Egypt and Jordan to confront the Zionist enemy.