On May 21, 2025, Israeli embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were fatally shot outside Washington D.C.'s Capital Jewish Museum. The couple, colleagues and partners, were leaving an event when Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, opened fire, reportedly shouting "Free, free Palestine" during his arrest. Lischinsky had planned to propose in Jerusalem the following week. U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the act as antisemitic, while Israeli officials mourned the loss. The FBI and local authorities are investigating the incident, which has intensified concerns over rising antisemitism amid ongoing Middle East tensions. Security measures at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide have been heightened in response. (PC: The Indian Express)

Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, has been identified as the suspect in the Washington DC shooting that killed two Israeli embassy staff outside the Capital Jewish Museum. Authorities confirmed Rodriguez had no prior record and was seen pacing before the attack. The victims, a man and woman believed to be a couple, were shot at close range while attending a pro-Gaza event. Upon arrest, Rodriguez reportedly chanted “Free Palestine.” Officials are investigating the motive, with Homeland Security and Israeli officials condemning the attack as anti-Semitic terrorism. A weapon was recovered at the scene. President Trump called it a “horrible” act. (PC: EPA, Reuters)

Two Israeli embassy staff members—a man and woman who were a couple—were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC. The attack occurred after an event focused on humanitarian aid for Gazans. The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, was arrested at the scene and reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” while in custody. Authorities are investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the shooting as a “shocking terrorist attack,” while U.S. President Donald Trump described it as “obviously based on antisemitism.” The victims' names have not yet been released. (PC: EPA)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that Operation Sindoor remains active following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. In an interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS, he said India will strike terrorists "where they are," including inside Pakistan, if provoked again. The operation initially targeted nine terrorist sites in Pakistan-controlled territory and escalated into four days of intense fighting. A ceasefire was reached on May 10 after Indian strikes disabled eight Pakistani airbases. Jaishankar stressed the bilateral nature of the ceasefire and ruled out foreign mediation, reaffirming India's firm stance against cross-border terrorism. (PC: HT)

Following the intense four-day India-Pakistan clash in May 2025, Pakistan’s military saw a dramatic rise in domestic approval, with 92% of citizens expressing increased support, according to a Gallup Pakistan survey. The conflict involved missile and drone exchanges and ended with a ceasefire brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump. General Syed Asim Munir, credited for his leadership during the standoff, was promoted to field marshal. This boost reinforces the military’s dominant role in Pakistan’s political landscape and strengthens its influence among the population. (Reuters)    

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to criticisms from former U.S. President Donald Trump by proposing a new trade deal aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between South Africa and the United States. Ramaphosa’s offer comes amid rising political tensions and attempts by Trump to undermine his leadership. The proposed deal seeks to enhance bilateral trade, attract investment, and create jobs, positioning South Africa as a key economic partner in Africa. Ramaphosa aims to shift focus from political attacks to constructive engagement through economic diplomacy. (PC: Reuters)  

Former US NSA John Bolton has warned about Pakistan’s nuclear security, supporting Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s concerns. He said, “The security of nuclear weapons is of very high priority for the United States.” Bolton also warned, “The risk of these nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists or irresponsible commanders… would be very dangerous.” He urged close monitoring of Pakistan’s arsenal and highlighted Turkey’s growing military support to Islamabad, saying, “The kind of support they are offering to Pakistan is something that bears very close attention going forward.” (PC: Reuters)

The UN has warned that thousands of children in Gaza face imminent death due to a near-total Israeli blockade that has sparked widespread famine. Over 93% of children—around 930,000—are at risk, with 14,000 babies possibly dying within 48 hours, says UN relief chief Tom Fletcher. Aid has been blocked since March 2, with only minimal deliveries authorized recently. Hospitals have been bombed, drinking water sources destroyed, and civilians displaced amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes. UN officials called the situation "beyond control" and accused Israel of deliberately starving the population. At least 53,573 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began. (PC: Reuters)

In a tense White House encounter, U.S. President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with graphic videos and news reports alleging violence against white farmers. Trump showed footage of burial sites marked with white crosses, claiming they were victims of “white genocide.” Ramaphosa denied the allegations, stating most crime victims in South Africa are Black and questioned the video’s origin. Trump has previously accused South Africa of targeting white landowners and cut U.S. aid over its land reform policies. Pretoria insists the genocide narrative distorts its post-apartheid reality and undermines efforts to address racial inequality through land redistribution. (PC: India Today)

For the third consecutive day, Palestinians in southern Gaza have staged rare protests against Hamas, demanding the group's removal and an end to the ongoing war. Sparked by worsening humanitarian conditions and statements by Hamas leaders, demonstrators in Khan Younis chanted “All of Hamas, out!” despite risks of violent reprisal. Many protesters joined while collecting food, holding pots in hand. Activists blame Hamas for prolonging suffering while Israel intensifies airstrikes. Public dissent in Gaza remains perilous, with reports of beatings and killings for criticism. Protesters, undeterred, say their struggle is for peace and survival—not political control. (PC: BBC)