The Israeli army announced it has gained "operational control" over the 14-kilometer Philadelphi corridor between Gaza and Egypt. This strategic move follows the seizure of the Rafah border crossing on May 7. The corridor, previously patrolled by Israeli troops until 2005, is suspected of being used to channel weapons to Palestinian armed groups. Fighting intensified in Gaza’s Rafah city as Israeli tanks entered the city center. The conflict, triggered by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, has resulted in over 36,000 deaths in Gaza and 1,189 in Israel.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called on Israel to develop a comprehensive post-war strategy for Gaza to prevent prolonged chaos or a resurgence of Hamas. During a visit to Moldova, Blinken emphasized that without a clear plan, Gaza could face continuous insurgency or worse scenarios, potentially allowing jihadist groups to gain control. He also condemned a recent Israeli strike in Rafah that killed 45 civilians, urging Israel to investigate and ensure accountability. This statement comes amidst ongoing conflict, with significant casualties on both sides, and rising pressure on President Biden to address civilian protection.

Taiwan's defense ministry reported detecting 28 Chinese aircraft within a span of under three hours, including 18 that breached the median line separating the island from China. The aircraft, consisting of fighter jets, transport planes, and drones, were observed coordinating with Chinese warships. This comes on the heels of recent military drills initiated by Beijing, shortly after Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te assumed office. Lai, deemed a "saboteur of peace and stability" by China, had pledged to uphold Taiwan's sovereignty. The drills, termed "Joint Sword-2024A," are seen as a response to Taiwan's stance on independence, escalating tensions in the region.

Former Republican presidential nominee Nikki Haley signed an Israeli missile with the message "Finish Them" during her visit to Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. Her visit comes as Israel ramps up its assault on Gaza, which has resulted in over 36,000 Palestinian deaths. Haley criticized the Biden administration for withholding weapons and condemned international bodies pursuing charges against Israel. The photo of Haley signing the missile, shared by former Israeli UN ambassador Danny Danon, sparked criticism on social media for endorsing weaponry amid the ongoing conflict.

Israeli forces continue their assault on Gaza's Rafah, killing 45 civilians, including children, in a refugee camp despite an order from the International Court of Justice to halt operations. The attack follows Hamas rocket fire on Tel Aviv, exacerbating international outrage over the ongoing conflict. Despite warnings of famine and malnutrition, Israel persists with the incursion, drawing condemnation from global leaders. Pressure mounts on the US to intervene as questions arise over its tolerance of the assault. The deadly strike underscores escalating tensions and humanitarian concerns in the region.

An Israeli airstrike on Tel al Sultan in Rafah on May 26 killed at least 45 people, targeting senior Hamas members near a displaced Palestinians' camp. Footage verified by Sky News shows significant destruction and casualties, including children. The Israeli military stated that two 17kg munitions caused the deaths and the resulting fire. Analysis of fragments from the scene identified the use of GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs, supplied by the US in 2023. The strike's proximity to a rocket launch site was noted, with investigations ongoing into the incident's full impact.

Israeli tanks have advanced into central Rafah, seizing a key hill overlooking the Egypt border. The move comes as part of a "very targeted" ground operation, according to the Israeli military, continuing their activities against "terror targets" in the area. Overnight, western parts of the city faced heavy bombardment despite global condemnation over a recent deadly airstrike on a displaced persons camp. Israel denies reports of tank shells hitting another camp, while the UN reports over a million people fleeing the conflict in Rafah. Israel sees control of Rafah as crucial for its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad has released a video showcasing the Israeli hostage, Sasha Trupanov, 28, in captivity within the Gaza Strip. Trupanov, a Russian-Israeli dual national, was seized on October 7 alongside his mother, grandmother, and girlfriend from kibbutz Nir Oz. While the women were freed during a truce between Hamas and Israel in November, Trupanov remains captive. The 30-second footage, in which he speaks in Hebrew and wears a T-shirt, heightens tensions amidst ongoing conflict. The incident underscores the complex dynamics in the region amid persistent hostilities between Palestinian factions and Israel.

The Vatican issued an apology after Pope Francis used a derogatory term about gay men during a closed-door meeting with bishops. In a statement, the Vatican clarified that the Pope never intended to offend and reiterated his message of inclusivity in the Church. The remark, made on May 20, sparked controversy after reports emerged from the Italian Bishops Conference meeting. The incident underscores ongoing tensions within the Catholic Church regarding LGBTQ+ issues.

Former Mossad head Yossi Cohen allegedly intimidated ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to drop a war crimes inquiry into Palestine. Secret meetings occurred before Bensouda launched a formal investigation in 2021. Cohen reportedly warned Bensouda about compromising her security and that of her family. ICC officials condemned these "despicable tactics," revealing Mossad's interest in Bensouda's family and secret recordings of her husband. Israel's prime minister's office denied the allegations. Current ICC prosecutor Karim Khan vowed to prosecute any attempts to impede or intimidate ICC staff. Legal experts say such actions could violate the Rome Statute.