Israel: Shin Bet chief resigns. More deaths in Gaza City

Today's news: US tariff exemption for Bibles printed in China; Four former members of the Legislative Council released in Hong Kong after serving their sentences; Indian authorities demolish the homes of at least 10 suspected militants in Kashmir, while accusations against Islamabad continue; Prime Minister Ishiba promotes free trade between Japan and Vietnam, against trade wars.

ISRAEL - GAZA

The head of Israel's Shin Bet national intelligence agency has resigned. Ronen Bar announced that he will leave his post on 15 June at a memorial event, citing responsibility for the attack on 7 October 2023. The decision came after weeks of tension and recriminations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who fired him last month. However, the Supreme Court had suspended the initiative. Meanwhile, bombing continues in Gaza: another 12 Palestinians have died, including children, in Gaza City.

USA-CHINA

The Trump administration has decided that Bibles and religious books printed in China will remain exempt from customs duties, reassuring American Christian publishers. China is in fact the world's leading producer of Bibles. The exemption avoids higher costs and a possible shortage of Bibles, but concerns remain about the vulnerability of the global supply chain. For this reason, publishers in the American evangelical world are considering greater diversification of production to reduce future risks.

HONG KONG

Four former Hong Kong opposition lawmakers - Claudia Mo, Kwok Ka-ki, Jeremy Tam and Gary Fan - have been released after serving part of their sentences under the controversial National Security Law. Arrested in 2021 and sentenced in November 2024 to four years and two months for organising unofficial primary elections, they were released in consideration of the time already spent in prison. They were part of the group known as ‘Hong Kong 47’.

INDIA-PAKISTAN

Authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir have demolished the homes of at least 10 suspected militants and arrested several people for questioning as they continue to investigate last week's killings of 26 people. Indian security forces used explosives to destroy the properties. At least one was reportedly linked to a suspect name linked to the attack. India accuses Pakistan of supporting the militants behind the killings, but Islamabad rejects the allegations.

JAPAN-VIETNAM

Visiting Vietnam, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba spoke of the benefits of free trade, calling it essential for global stability. Faced with the trade war between the US and China, he stressed the need to maintain an open economic order. He discussed with Vietnamese leader To Lam how to strengthen bilateral cooperation to reduce dependence on US markets in light of the new tariffs.

EU-ARMENIA

The EU representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Estonian Kaja Kallas, met with Armenian President Vaagn Khačaturyan in Rome, preparing for her own visit to Yerevan and confirming the EU's ‘firm intention to deepen relations with Armenia’, discussing efforts towards normalisation with Azerbaijan.

UZBEKISTAN

Cases of death following plastic surgery are becoming increasingly frequent in Uzbekistan, the latest in recent days in Fergana, where a 33-year-old patient died following a nose operation at the Doctor A private clinic, which, like other Uzbek health facilities, had recently opened, and the public prosecutor's office is conducting investigations throughout the country.

• Asia Today