The Israel Defence Force (IDF) has announced the death of senior Hamas commander Muhammad Sinwar. His body was reportedly identified on June 8th among five others found in a tunnel complex near the European Hospital in Khan Younis.
According to the IDF, the location was damaged in Israeli airstrikes on May 13th and accessed by troops nearly four weeks later.
The death of Sinwar, a military leader and the brother of Hamas's political leader Yahya Sinwar, has led to what some analysts describe as a shift in the group's internal leadership dynamics. Hamas has a history of replacing commanders who have been killed. With this event, more influence may pass to Hamas leaders located outside of Gaza.
Following the discovery, the IDF facilitated a controlled visit for international journalists to the tunnel's entrance, the first such media access to Gaza in five months. An IDF objective for the tour was to show that the adjacent hospital building was not damaged, while also asserting that the tunnel network was used by Hamas. The tour took place in a city where there is widespread damage and whose residents have been largely evacuated to a designated humanitarian area.
A second stated purpose of the media access, according to an Israeli military official, was to signal to Hamas leadership that their operational security is compromised. The official suggested this development could influence the group's position in ceasefire negotiations.
Ceasefire talks, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, have been ongoing. A proposal includes an initial 60-day truce, the release of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and a repositioning of Israeli forces. A primary point of disagreement has been Hamas's demand for guarantees of a permanent ceasefire, which Israel has not given.
Reports indicate that Hamas has recently shown more willingness to discuss new terms. This development comes amid the ongoing Israeli military operations, challenges in aid distribution, and the changes to Hamas's leadership structure.
The new de facto commander in Gaza is reported to be Izz al-Din al-Haddad. An Israeli intelligence analyst commented that al-Haddad will have to decide between continuing the conflict and seeking a ceasefire.
With the deaths of Gaza-based leaders, the external leadership of Hamas is now more prominent. It is composed of four individuals: Khaled Mashal, a former head of the group; Zaher Jabarin, who is in charge of finances; Muhammad Darwish, a Lebanese-born Palestinian; and Khalil al-Hayya, a former deputy to Yahya Sinwar and the only Gazan in the quartet, who is now in Qatar. Reports suggest the external leaders may be more open to a deal that alters Hamas's governing role in Gaza while preserving its position in the wider region.
In Israel, the government is navigating various factors that influence the negotiation process. Within the governing coalition, there are different viewpoints on what terms would be acceptable for a ceasefire and the conclusion of the war.
Simultaneously, some senior Israeli officials have stated that conditions may now be favourable for reaching a long-term agreement. This perspective aligns with ongoing international diplomatic efforts to broker a deal. These efforts are reportedly proceeding with the assessment that Hamas may be willing to consider new terms, potentially including disarmament and the departure of some of its leaders from Gaza. The anticipated return of a U.S. envoy to the region is expected to be a key part of these continuing discussions.
There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief strongly rejects allegations that the IAEA Board of Governors' report of the 12 June provided Israel with the justification to attack Iran.
Moscow urged the Israeli government to immediately stop its attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, made the announcement during a press conference at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
President Donald Trump has said he will make a decision in the coming two weeks on whether the United States will strike Iran, citing a possibility of upcoming negotiations.
A 32°C heatwave expected to grip England has been made a 100 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a rapid scientific analysis released Thursday.
Kazakhstan’s flagship carrier, Air Astana, will temporarily suspend its flights from Atyrau to Dubai starting June 28, due to a significant increase in flight duration.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
In 19 EU countries, the share of renewable energy sources in net electricity generation decreased in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the first quarter of 2024. The largest drops were recorded in Greece (-12.4%), Lithuania (-12.0%) and Slovakia (-10.6%).
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Russia and Kazakhstan have signed a formal agreement to move forward with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, marking a key step in their energy cooperation.
A nationwide transport strike on Friday disrupted travel across Italy, with major delays and cancellations reported in rail, air, and public transit services.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China issued red alerts as extreme monsoon rain trigger flash floods across central and southern regions, threatening lives, and infrastructure.
A 32°C heatwave expected to grip England has been made a 100 times more likely by human-caused climate change, according to a rapid scientific analysis released Thursday.
Kazakhstan’s flagship carrier, Air Astana, will temporarily suspend its flights from Atyrau to Dubai starting June 28, due to a significant increase in flight duration.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
In 19 EU countries, the share of renewable energy sources in net electricity generation decreased in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the first quarter of 2024. The largest drops were recorded in Greece (-12.4%), Lithuania (-12.0%) and Slovakia (-10.6%).
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