Today 🌍 Global Headlines

 

🕯️ 36th Anniversary of Tiananmen Square Crackdown

On the 36th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, leaders from Taiwan and the U.S. reaffirmed their commitment to remembering the victims and upholding human rights. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te praised the courage of the demonstrators, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced China's censorship of the events. China's foreign ministry defended its actions, asserting that socialism with Chinese characteristics is historically justified. 

🕊️ NATO Reaffirms Commitment Amid Ukraine Conflict

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized continued U.S. commitment to NATO, despite U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth skipping the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels. The group, consisting of 57 countries, discussed military aid to Ukraine, with the UK pledging 100,000 drones and further artillery and troop training support. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy proposed a ceasefire until a leaders' summit with Russian President Putin, suspecting Russia of stalling to influence U.S. sanctions. 

🕋 Hajj Pilgrimage Begins in Saudi Arabia

The annual Hajj pilgrimage commenced in Saudi Arabia, with millions of Muslims gathering in Mecca. The Day of Arafat is scheduled for June 5, followed by Eid al-Adha on June 6. 

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🌐 Other Notable Developments

• Sudan: An aid convoy was attacked in North Darfur, resulting in the deaths of five humanitarian workers. The UN has condemned the attack and highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.

• UN Security Council Elections: 

  
  
  

• Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia, and Liberia were elected to serve as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the term beginning January 2026. 

• Gaza: Reports indicate that dozens of Gazans were killed while attempting to access food near a private aid hub in the southern part of the enclave. The UN human rights chief has condemned the killings.