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.

Cyclone Remal has claimed 39 lives across northeastern India, causing extensive damage with heavy rains and landslides. Mizoram was hit hardest, with 27 deaths reported, while Assam and Nagaland faced fatalities and severe infrastructure damage. Schools in Meghalaya were closed as a precaution. The cyclone, which made landfall between West Bengal's Sagar Island and Bangladesh’s Khepupara, has also disrupted power and water supplies. Officials warn of continued heavy rainfall and urge residents to stay indoors. The IMD predicts further severe weather, impacting millions across the region. Emergency relief efforts are ongoing.

Indian students in Prince Edward Island, Canada, began a full hunger strike on May 28, protesting recent immigration cuts that threaten their residency status. These students, facing deportation due to changes in provincial laws, have abstained from all food and water. Their demands include exempting those who arrived before July 2023 from the new restrictions. The cuts reduce permanent residency nominations by 25%, citing strain on healthcare and housing. Protestors claim the government has ignored their pleas and vow to escalate the protests until their voices are heard .

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.

In a significant development, reports suggest that Gautam Gambhir is set to become the next head coach of the Indian Cricket Team. High-profile personalities close to the BCCI have indicated that Gambhir's appointment is almost inevitable, with the announcement expected after the IPL final. Despite Gambhir's silence on the matter, speculation has been rife since the BCCI invited fresh applications for the post. While Gambhir may lack professional coaching experience, his successful stint as a mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders has bolstered his candidacy. The move is seen as a bid to rejuvenate the national team under Gambhir's leadership.            

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.

Indian peacekeeper Major Radhika Sen, who served with the UN mission in Congo from March 2023 to April 2024, will be honored with the UN military gender advocate award. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will present the award on May 30, marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. Sen, the second Indian to receive this award, was praised for her leadership and dedication. She emphasized the importance of gender-sensitive peacekeeping, stating, "Peace begins with all of us in our beautiful diversity!" The award recognizes efforts in promoting the principles of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif admitted on Tuesday that Pakistan violated the 1999 Lahore Declaration with India. Referring to the Kargil conflict, Sharif acknowledged the fault lay with Pakistan. Signed by Sharif and then Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Lahore Declaration aimed at promoting peace and security. However, General Pervez Musharraf's infiltration into Kargil led to a war a few months later. Sharif also accused Pakistan's ISI of orchestrating his 2017 removal from office to bring Imran Khan to power. Sharif was re-elected as President of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) party.              

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.              

An Israeli airstrike on a displacement camp west of Rafah in Gaza killed at least 21 people, with dozens more injured, according to local officials. The strike follows a similar incident two days earlier that resulted in 45 fatalities, drawing global condemnation. Israeli tanks have penetrated Rafah, intensifying the conflict. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urged caution as severe weather continues. The UN has called for an end to the violence, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stating, "This horror must stop." International calls for a ceasefire are growing, with the EU and other leaders expressing outrage.