Dario Salvi

The young woman, killed in Washington with her colleague and boyfriend Yaron Lischinsky, by an attacker who shouted "I did it for Gaza, I did it for Palestine”, was actively involved with an NGO that brings together Israelis and Palestinians to build common ground and coexistence using new technologies. Unlike the extremists who fan the flames, the group sees “people behind the propaganda”.

In an interview with AsiaNews, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako reflects on the days of the Conclave spent alongside the new pontiff and their “very important” first meeting after the election. He describes the “complicated situation” facing Christians in the Middle East, who suffer from a “lack of stability” despite some improvements in security. His first words to Pope Prevost: “We are counting on you.”

Fr Romanelli emphasises the “strong bond” between Gaza Christians and this pontiff and his predecessor. Appeals for peace come with strong emphasis on the severe famine underway. While the Israeli military is pursuing the offensive, Netanyahu, under US pressure, is allowing limited aid delivery. For the clergyman, the greatest hope for Palestinians is to be able to live in their own land.

Taiwanese lawmakers have reviewed a bill that would open the door to the return of atomic energy. Fears of Chinese invasion have raised concerns about energy security. With the development of artificial intelligence, energy consumption is set to grow by about 13 per cent by the end of the decade.

The US president is in Saudi Arabia, the first stop on a regional trip that includes the United Arab Emirates and Qatar (but not Israel). His agenda is centred on business and billion-dollar deals (including weapons), relegating other issues to the margins. Economics and Saudi money overshadow human rights issues and environmental concerns linked to the Red Sea megaproject.

The release is expected at 6.30 pm local time, the result of negotiations between the extremist movement and the US administration, rekindling the hope of the families of the other hostages. But Netanyahu is adamant in his opposition to any negotiations with Hamas. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is getting worse. In Jerusalem, a second peace summit is held with the participation of Arab and Israeli peace movements.

Today's news highlights: In tariff negotiations with Beijing, President Trump wants to raise the “case” of Jimmy Lai; Human rights groups appeal to Riyadh for the release of an activist in solitary confinement since February; Afghanistan is becoming a “strategic corridor” linking Central and South Asia; Despite the ceasefire, Myanmar’s junta continues air raids, destroying a hospital in Bago; In Nepal, pro-monarchy groups unite to push for the return of the king.

Today's news: New missile tests from Pyongyang. According to a study published in The Lancet, at least 30% of girls (and 13% of boys) in India are victims of sexual abuse before the age of 18; Vietnamese environmentalist back on trial for writing "down with communism"; Tehran welcomes the end of US strikes against the Houthis; Riyadh ready to sign a deal with the United States on mineral exploitation.

Speaking to AsiaNews, the activist attacks the prime minister who "wants to continue the war" to "survive politically,” aided by a weak and fragmented opposition and widespread "weariness and despair" in Israeli society. Israel’s latest attacks in Gaza sow more death and destruction. Only un "unpredictable" Trump can push for an agreement but his focus is on the Houthis in Yemen. Some 55 NGOs sign an appeal against the law that would block their activities.

Today’s headlines: the Burmese junta extends the ceasefire due to the earthquake (so far never respected); In Turkey, popular support grows for Imamoglu in a hypothetical two-man race against Erdogan for the presidency; Seoul’s High Court postpones the trial of presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung; Nepal among the countries in the world where climate change “inaction” is most evident; Bangkok closes a popular tourist site near the Laos border due to armed clashes.

Today’s News: Japan, China, South Korea, and ASEAN nations launch a new emergency loan agreement to safeguard regional financial stability. Former South Korean PM Han backs the PPP candidate for a united conservative front ahead of the June 3 vote. The UN urges “maximum restraint” between India and Pakistan, while the OIC expresses “concern”.

The pro-Iranian rebel group hits near Ben Gurion airport, announce an offensive on airports to block air traffic. For the first time, Israel has admitted that it has been hit and doubts are emerging about the effectiveness of its defences. The Netanyahu government approves an operation to seize Gaza, at the expense of the hostages, angering their families.