AFP UK

Deir el-Balah (AFP) – Thousands of desperate Palestinians storm a United Nations warehouse in central Gaza as gunshots ring out. The World Food Programme has reported two possible deaths in the tumult as Israel and the UN trade blame over the deepening hunger crisis. The issue of aid has come sharply into focus amid starvation fears and intense criticism of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private US-backed aid group that has bypassed the longstanding UN-led system in the territory.

Vélizy-Villacoublay (AFP) – Peyo, a Belgian Malinois, is the first dog in the French armed forces to be trained in drone guidance. Assigned to Air Parachute Commando No. 20, Peyo can independently “follow the drone using his ears and eyes”, says Chief Sergeant Dorian, and reach a designated area without his handler, where he can search for explosives and weapons, or even intercept a suspect.

Peking (AFP) – Beijing criticises the US decision to “unreasonably” revoke the visas of Chinese students, saying it has lodged representations with Washington following the announcement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Seoul (AFP) – Early voting in South Korea’s presidential elections begins with scores of people casting their ballot at a polling station in the capital Seoul. The presidential election was triggered by ex-leader Yoon Suk Yeol’s ill-fated suspension of civilian rule last year. IMAGES

Mumbai (AFP) – Students in India’s financial capital of Mumbai react to the US State Department’s suspension of student visa processing — the latest escalation of a Trump administration crackdown on foreign students. “The chances of better lifestyle and better colleges… will be less for Indian students,” says student Shelomith Mhaske.

Moskau (AFP) – President Vladimir Putin says Russia doesn’t “have enough potatoes”, during a meeting of a platform for entrepreneurship and networking. Potato prices increased by 1.7 percent from May 13 to 19, according to Russia’s official statistics body Rosstat, as the country battles high inflation since it launched its offensive against Ukraine in 2022 and is hit by Western sanctions.

Paris (AFP) – Several NGOs stage a symbolic protest in Paris, dyeing the water of a fountain red to represent what they call the “bloodbath” in Gaza. “A genocide is unfolding, and political inaction is increasingly becoming a form of complicity,” says Jean-François Julliard, Executive Director of Greenpeace France.

Berlin (AFP) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Berlin will help Kyiv develop new long-range weapons that can hit targets in Russian territory. Zelensky’s visit comes days after Russia launched some of its heaviest missile and drone attacks yet in its invasion of Ukraine.

Damaskus (AFP) – After decades of poverty and isolation under the Assad dynasty, exotic fruits like pineapples, kiwis and mangoes are available again in Syria’s bustling markets, making mouths water and eyes twinkle. Fruits that were once designated luxury items are now as common as potatoes or onions, cooking staples for many of the country’s population.

Moskau (AFP) – In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov describes Germany’s plans to ramp up defence spending as “very worrying”, citing the world wars of the 20th century.

Rafah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Thousands of Palestinians rushed into a new aid distribution centre run by a US-backed group in southern Gaza, leading to chaotic scenes as Israel implemented a new distribution system. The UN did not take part in the scheme, accusing the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation of failing to adhere to humanitarian principles.

Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Israeli forces confiscate equipment and detain employees as they raid the Al-Khaleej Exchange Company in Ramallah following accusations that their parent company has “connections with terrorist organisations”, according to an army closure notice.