The US President Joe Biden has granted Ukraine permission to use American-supplied weapons to strike Russian targets in the Kharkiv region, US officials confirmed. This authorization allows Ukraine to engage in "counter-fire purposes" against Russian forces attacking or preparing to attack Ukrainian positions. The US has maintained its policy prohibiting long-range strikes inside Russia, but has made an exception for defensive strikes in the Kharkiv region. This decision follows signals from the UK and other European leaders to relax restrictions on weapon use, aimed at supporting Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.

A New York jury has convicted former President Donald Trump on all charges in his hush money case, making him the first US president to be convicted of a crime. Trump was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records. The verdict comes just five months ahead of the presidential election, where Trump seeks to recapture the White House. Despite the conviction, Trump is still eligible to campaign and run for office, as the US Constitution only requires presidents to be at least 35 years old and natural-born US citizens. Sentencing is set for July 11.

Former President Donald Trump has been convicted of 34 felony charges related to a scheme to influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor. A New York jury delivered the verdict after nine hours of deliberation. Trump faces potential prison time and has denounced the trial as "rigged" and "disgraceful." Sentencing is set for July 11, just before the Republican National Convention. This legal reckoning comes as Trump seeks to reclaim the White House, posing a test for voters on their acceptance of his controversial behavior.

Hamas has announced its readiness for a "complete agreement" with Israel, contingent on Israel ceasing its military actions in Gaza. This proposal includes a comprehensive exchange of hostages and prisoners. Previous ceasefire talks have stalled due to disagreements over terms, with Hamas accepting a modified version of an agreement initially approved by Israel. Allegations have surfaced that changes were made by an Egyptian intelligence member, complicating negotiations. The U.S., Qatar, and Egypt are expected to renew diplomatic efforts. Israel maintains it will not agree to a lasting ceasefire and will continue operations until Hamas is neutralized.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced backlash for sporting a £750 Tumi backpack during a campaign visit to impoverished areas. Sunak's flaunting of luxury items, including £490 Prada shoes and £180 Ember mug, sparked criticism over his perceived disconnect from citizens' financial struggles. His £651 million fortune, largely from wife Akshata Murty's stake in Infosys, amplifies scrutiny. Sunak's allocation of £1.5 billion from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for his National Service plan drew ire, potentially depriving struggling regions of vital funds. Despite controversy, Sunak appeared upbeat, citing enjoyment of his train journey to Cornwall.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sparked controversy by claiming in a recent interview that the world was unaware of Mahatma Gandhi before Richard Attenborough's 1982 biopic. Modi's remarks drew swift condemnation from opposition leaders and critics, labeling them as "shocking" and "ignorant." He lamented previous governments for not elevating Gandhi's global stature akin to Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. Opposition figures criticized Modi's assertion, citing Gandhi's worldwide recognition for his role in inspiring movements for freedom and civil rights. The remarks have reignited discussions on Gandhi's legacy and global influence.

Israel's military has seized control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategic buffer zone along the Gaza-Egypt border. This move gives Israel control over Gaza's entire land border, aiming to cut off Hamas' weapons supply. The IDF discovered 20 tunnels used for smuggling and is working to destroy them. The move may worsen Israel's tensions with Egypt, which has protested Israel's advance towards its border. The corridor, only 100m wide in parts, is a crucial route for Gaza's supplies and economy. The development raises concerns about the impact on Gaza's already fragile situation.

A child and three adults were shot near a restaurant in Hackney, east London, on Wednesday night. The child is in serious condition, and the adults are also hospitalized with gunshot injuries. Police were called to the scene at 9:20pm and are investigating the circumstances of the shooting. No arrests have been made. The Metropolitan Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The London Ambulance Service responded with multiple resources, including a trauma team from London Air Ambulance. The incident has left the community shocked, and police are working to provide updates as soon as possible.

An Israeli air strike on Syria's coast killed a girl and wounded 10 civilians, according to Syria's defence ministry. The strike targeted a central site and a residential building in Baniyas city. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported 20 civilians were wounded and a girl killed, initially due to an exploding Israeli and Syrian air defence missile. Additionally, three Syrian fighters working with Hezbollah were killed in a separate Israeli strike in central Syria. The strikes mark a escalation in tensions between Israel and Syria.

Following an Israeli airstrike on a camp for displaced people in Rafah, southern Gaza, global outrage ensues. The attack, which killed 45 civilians and injured over 200, prompted widespread condemnation and calls for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. The UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) described Gaza as "hell on earth," urging immediate action to halt the violence. Celebrities like Priyanka Chopra and Varun Dhawan joined millions on Instagram in sharing the phrase "All eyes on Rafah" in solidarity. The conflict, which began in October 2023, escalated with retaliatory attacks, claiming thousands of lives.