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Rafah, Russia & more!

Good Afternoon - Earlier today, the United Nations General Assembly strongly supported Palestine's bid to become a full U.N. member. They said Palestine is eligible and recommended the Security Council to think about it positively.

The vote involved all 193 members. Most of them backed Palestine's request. This move would essentially recognize Palestinian as a state.

The resolution got 143 votes in favor. Nine countries, including the U.S. and Israel, were against it, and 25 countries chose not to vote. This resolution does not make Palestine a full U.N. member, but it acknowledges they're qualified to be one.

Global Insights

Rafah

The Israeli military escalated its attacks in Rafah, southern Gaza, and targeted Gaza City, disrupting humanitarian aid operations across the Palestinian territory as ceasefire negotiations ended without an agreement.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported that 110,000 Palestinians fled Rafah. Israeli forces advanced in the eastern part of the city, engaging in close combat operations and airstrikes. Sam Rose, UNRWA's planning director, described the situation as dire, with constant bombardment and fear gripping the population.

Israel's seizure of the Rafah border crossing earlier in the week cut off humanitarian aid supplies. Rose emphasized the urgent need for fuel, water, and medical supplies, warning that essential services would soon shut down without immediate assistance.

Hospitals in Rafah were forced to evacuate patients and staff due to heavy attacks, leaving many Palestinians without access to medical treatment. In Gaza City, witnesses reported airstrikes and fighting in various neighborhoods, resulting in casualties and destruction.

Ceasefire talks in Cairo, mediated by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, ended without progress. Hamas indicated that the next steps rested with Israel. Hamas stated its acceptance of mediated proposals for a ceasefire agreement, which entails three phases. This includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes, and an exchange of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners.

In response, the Israeli cabinet announced the dispatch of a delegation to Cairo to continue talks. However, it also indicated a continuation of attacks on Rafah, as bombing of the southern city in Gaza escalated overnight. Despite international pressure, including warnings from the UN and the US, Israel remained determined to continue its offensive in Rafah. US President Joe Biden cautioned against a ground assault and threatened to halt some US weapons supplies to Israel. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained resolute in his stance.

Israel is facing a major budget deficit, largely due to the ongoing Gaza War.

As of April, the country's budget shortfall hit 132.2 billion shekels ($35.4 billion), making up 7% of its GDP. This exceeds the government's target for the entire year of 2024, set at 6.6%.

The increase in deficit is mainly because of Israel's heightened military spending since the Israeli-Palestinian conflict escalated in October 2023.

With the financial impact of the Gaza War growing, Israel is expected to see one of its largest budget deficits in recent times. The country's central bank estimates the conflict will cost a whopping 255 billion shekels ($68.5 billion) between 2023 and 2025.

Big week for Russia

May 7th: Putins Inaugration for his 5th presidential term

May 9th: Russias annual Victory day parade in Moscow

President Vladimir Putin's inauguration for his fifth term took place at the Kremlin, marking the continuation of his leadership of Russia amidst both praise and criticism. The ceremony, held at the Grand Kremlin Palace, saw Putin swear to uphold the Russian Constitution and expressed his determination to overcome challenges alongside the Russian people.

Putin, who has been at the helm of Russian politics since 1999, has overseen significant changes within the country, consolidating power and addressing various domestic and international issues. Under his leadership, Russia has emerged as a prominent global player but has also faced scrutiny and sanctions from Western nations, which has the opposite effect the west intended. Oil revenue has doubled in Russia since the sanctions took place,

Putin's new term extends until 2030, allowing him to continue shaping Russia's future trajectory.

The inauguration ceremony, attended by over 2,500 guests, including government officials and celebrities, received attention from both supporters and detractors. The absence of certain Western ambassadors highlighted the strained relations between Russia and the West, however there was the presence of some European Union. Despite France recently being one of the most outspoken countries against Russia in recent, times, the French ambassador was in attendance.

Putin called for dialogue and cooperation with Western states which was met with skepticism from The West. Nevertheless, the event also coincided with the Moscow Victory Day Parade.

The Moscow Victory Day Parade, known as "Парад Победы в Москве" in Russian, is an annual military procession of the Russian Armed Forces held on Moscow's Red Square on May 9th as part of the Victory Day celebrations with the President of Russia serving as the guest of honor and keynote speaker in his role as the Supreme Commander of the Russian Armed Forces as mandated by the constitution. The parade serves as a solemn commemoration of the surrender of Nazi Germany to the Red Army, signifying the end of the Eastern Front of World War II, referred to in Russia as the Great Patriotic War. Many living WW2 veterans were in attendance of the parade, seated next to Putin.

Trending

Barron Trump

Barron Trump, the youngest son of Donald Trump, will serve as one of the delegates representing Florida at the Republican National Convention in July. This decision is noteworthy as Barron has maintained a low public profile throughout his life.

A campaign official, stated that Barron Trump had been chosen by the state party as a delegate from Florida. Despite his young age of 18, Barron is described as being "very interested in our nation's political process," according to the official, who preferred to remain anonymous when discussing internal campaign affairs.

Argentina’s 10k Peso

Argentina has introduced a new 10,000-peso banknote into circulation. This note, worth about US$11, is five times the value of the previous largest bill, the 2,000-peso note.

The Central Bank of Argentina announced that the new banknote aims to reduce the number of bills people need to carry. You can get the new 10,000-peso note from banks and ATMs starting Tuesday.

Nato Troops in Ukraine

The actual count of NATO soldiers and officers in Ukraine exceeds the official figures by a significant margin.

Their estimated number stands at 6,800 individuals. This includes 2,500 Americans, 1,900 Canadians, 1,100 British citizens, and approximately 700 individuals from France. Additionally, there are around 13,000 foreign mercenaries in Ukraine, who are reportedly following direct commands from NATO's governing bodies.

History & Culture - How Pakistan was formed

In August 1947, the British ended their 200-year rule in the Indian subcontinent, splitting it into two nations: Pakistan for Muslims and India for Hindus.

The partition was complex. Besides British-controlled areas, there were regions under French, Portuguese, or Omani rule and over 500 princely states. Upon independence, these states could join India or Pakistan or stay independent. Today, Kashmir remains unresolved.

The idea of a Muslim state started with Sir Muhammad Iqbal's 1930 speech. He envisioned specific regions forming a free Muslim state, ignoring other Muslim areas.

The name "Pakistan" was coined by Choudhary Rahmat Ali in 1933. It comes from Punjab, Afghania, Kashmir, and Indus-Sind, with "-stan" from Baluchistan, meaning "Land of the Pure."

Before British rule, Muslim armies ruled much of the subcontinent, with the Mughal dynasty being prominent. However, British rule led to Mughal decline.

The Indian National Congress, formed to represent indigenous people, was Hindu-dominated. In response, the All India Muslim League was founded in 1906, led by Mohammed Ali Jinnah. Concerned about Muslim security in a Hindu-dominated India, Jinnah pushed for a separate Muslim state, based on the "two-nation theory."

The Government of India Act of 1935 aimed at self-government. However, Hindus adapted faster to British ways, leading to a power imbalance. This, alongside Muslim marginalization, fueled tensions.

Fast facts

• The Ethiopian calendar is 7 years behind the rest of the world

• Bees must visit around 2 million flowers to make one pound of honey.

• The largest desert in the world is Antarctica

People think of education as something they can finish.

- Isaac Asimov