An Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s Al-Baqa seafront café killed at least 20 Palestinians on Monday, according to rescuers and eyewitnesses. The café, popular with journalists and activists, was hit amid a wave of Israeli bombings across Gaza, displacing hundreds. Emergency workers retrieved bodies and searched a crater left by the blast. Strikes also hit schools sheltering civilians in Zeitoun and Al Shati camp. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports over 56,000 killed since October. Despite US pressure for a ceasefire, Israeli attacks continue. Eyewitnesses say evacuation alerts are frequent, with some forced to flee repeatedly without aid, food, or shelter. (PC: BBC)

Iran has ruled out resuming diplomatic talks with the US unless Washington pledges to halt further military strikes. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi told the BBC that recent US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—undermined negotiations. He demanded clarity on whether such “acts of aggression” would continue during dialogue. The US has reportedly signaled it does not seek regime change. Iran insists on its right to uranium enrichment, calling demands for “zero enrichment” unjust. Meanwhile, the UN’s Rafael Grossi warned Iran could resume uranium production within months. Talks remain frozen since Trump exited the 2015 nuclear deal. (PC: NDTV)

Reports suggest that Pakistan and China are in advanced talks—boosted by a June 19 trilateral meeting in Kunming with Bangladesh—to launch a new South Asian bloc, potentially supplanting the dormant SAARC . The objective is to enhance regional trade, connectivity, and infrastructure cooperation among “willing” members, possibly including Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan and Bangladesh . Although India might be invited, its participation appears unlikely . The move reflects frustration over SAARC’s inactivity—last summit held in 2014—and signals Beijing and Islamabad's desire to reshape South Asian diplomacy. (The Hindu)  

Britain’s High Court has ruled that the UK's export of F‑35 jet components to a global parts pool accessible by Israel was lawful, despite concerns they may contribute to violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. The legal challenge, led by West Bank‑based Al‑Haq (backed by Amnesty International, Oxfam and others), targeted the government’s exemption of F‑35 parts from a broader suspension of arms licences following Israel’s October 2023 offensive . The UK admitted Israel had “shortcomings” in humanitarian access and detainee treatment, yet defended the carve‑out, citing national and NATO security and the need to uphold U.S. confidence. The court held that such decisions are political and fall under executive not judicial authority. Al‑Haq may appeal.(PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump warned he’d cut federal funding to New York City if democratic socialist mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani “doesn’t behave himself” after winning the Democratic primary. Trump labelled Mamdani a “pure communist,” calling his candidacy “very bad” for the city, which receives over $100 billion in federal aid. Mamdani firmly denied being a communist, affirmed his sanctuary‑city stance, and pledged tax hikes on wealthy New Yorkers to reduce inequality. He invoked Martin Luther King Jr.’s words on democratic socialism and promised shifting the tax burden off working‑class homeowners in outer boroughs. Despite moderate concerns, progressive leaders continue supporting him as he positions himself as a democratic alternative to Trump. (PC: News on Air)

Iran’s UN ambassador, Amir‑Saeid Iravani, declared on 29 June that nuclear enrichment is a non‑negotiable, inalienable right for peaceful energy under the NPT and “will never stop,” rejecting U.S. demands as “dictatorial”. While open to negotiation, he said “unconditional surrender” is unacceptable and said Iran will not resume talks under current pressure. He denied threats to IAEA chief Rafael Grossi or inspectors, though parliament suspended cooperation, blocking site access. Iran remains willing to place enriched uranium under international supervision or export it, but not halt domestic production. These statements follow U.S. and Israeli airstrikes inflicted damage but failed to eliminate Iran’s capabilities. (PC: The Guardian)

Israeli air raids across Gaza on June 29 have killed at least 72 Palestinians, including civilians gathering at food-distribution points, according to medical sources reporting to Al Jazeera . Strikes hit neighborhoods in Gaza City—Zeitoun, Sabra, Sabra, al‑Zawiya market—and southern areas like Khan Younis and al‑Mawasi, with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties . Leaflets warned residents to evacuate north Gaza, but UN officials stress there are no safe zones . The UN warns of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe—medical services are collapsing, aid supplies are scarce, and famine looms. Trump urged renewed ceasefire efforts and safe release of hostages, but despite international pressure, violence continues unabated. (PC: Reuters)    

Iran’s leading Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, has issued a fatwa labeling U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “enemies of God.” The decree urges Muslims worldwide to unite against these leaders, accusing them of threatening Iran’s leadership . Under Iranian Islamic law, those deemed “mohareb” (waging war against God) face severe punishments, including execution, crucifixion, amputation, or exile . This fatwa marks a sharp escalation in religious denunciation amid ongoing tensions between Iran, the U.S., and Israel. No official response has yet been issued by either Jerusalem or Washington. (PC: NDTV)

In Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, firefighters responding to a suspected bait‑fire on Canfield Mountain were ambushed with high‑powered rifles on Sunday, June 29. Two firefighters were killed, several more injured, and possibly law enforcement and civilians were also shot as the shooter remained at large . Authorities issued shelter‑in‑place orders and engaged SWAT and FBI teams. Officials confirmed the gunman showed no signs of surrender and a nearby vehicle of interest may have been found . Amid heightened panic, some locals speculated the fugitive Travis Decker was involved—though no evidence links him to the incident. (PC: AP)

Israel has told people in northern Gaza to move south as it plans more military action. At least 86 people were killed in 24 hours, including children in a "safe zone." Israel says it is targeting Hamas fighters. US President Trump is urging a ceasefire and a deal to free hostages. Four people, including three children, were killed in an airstrike on a tent in al-Mawasi. Israel says it tries to avoid civilian harm. Talks for peace are ongoing, but no deal has been made. Gaza’s health ministry says over 56,000 people have died since the war began in October 2023. (PC: Getty Images)