India Refuses to Sign SCO Joint Statement, Citing Pro-Pakistan Bias Over Terror Attack Omission

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New Delhi, India — Tensions erupted at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on Thursday as India declined to endorse a joint statement, alleging the document showed bias in favor of Pakistan by omitting a reference to a deadly terrorist attack on Indian tourists in April.

According to a senior official familiar with the matter, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh strongly objected to the proposed statement, arguing it failed to reflect India’s core concerns on terrorism and regional security. The statement, backed by China, did not mention the April 22 attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 Hindu tourists, an incident India has blamed on Pakistan-based militants.

RELATED NEWS : India-Pakistan Diplomatic Crisis Deepens After Kashmir Attack: Visas Canceled, Diplomats Expelled, Borders Closed

In contrast, the document made mention of militant activity in Balochistan, aligning with Pakistan’s narrative, the source said. Pakistan has long accused India of supporting separatists in Balochistan — claims New Delhi has consistently denied.

India Calls Out Cross-Border Terrorism

Speaking at the summit without naming Pakistan, Singh called on SCO members to stand firm against countries that use “cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy” and “provide shelter to terrorists.”

“Peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the hands of non-state actors and terror groups,” Singh stated, as per a defence ministry release. “Dealing with these challenges requires decisive action.”

India’s refusal to sign the document marks a significant moment of diplomatic friction within the China-led SCO, a regional bloc comprising China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Central Asian nations. The group was established to counterbalance Western influence, especially that of the United States, in the region.

April 22 Attack Deepens Tensions

The attack in April, one of the deadliest in recent years, brought India and Pakistan — both nuclear-armed rivals — dangerously close to full-scale conflict, with cross-border shelling reported for several days before a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was reached.

India has maintained that Pakistan continues to harbor and support terror groups operating across the border. Pakistan has denied involvement in the April attack.

China’s Influence Under Scrutiny

India’s rejection of the joint statement is also seen as a blow to China’s ambitions to strengthen the SCO’s political unity. While Russia, embroiled in its war in Ukraine, has taken a backseat, China has increasingly dominated the SCO, leading military exercises and steering its strategic direction.

The SCO defence ministers’ meeting, which included a ceremonial signing of joint declarations, became a flashpoint over differing views on terrorism and geopolitical alignment. India’s stance highlighted ongoing mistrust between regional powers and the challenges the SCO faces in presenting a unified front.

India’s Independent Line

India’s refusal to fall in line with China and Pakistan’s positions at the SCO reflects its increasingly assertive foreign policy, as it balances relations between the East and West. While a member of the SCO, India has also strengthened ties with the U.S., Japan, and Australia through the Quad, seeking to counterbalance China’s growing influence in Asia.

As geopolitical rivalries sharpen, this incident may mark a turning point for India’s engagement in China-led regional forums — signaling that New Delhi will not compromise on national security concerns, even in multilateral settings.


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Slovenia Becomes Latest EU Country to Launch Digital Nomad Visa

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Ljubljana, Slovenia — Slovenia is set to become the latest European country to embrace the remote work revolution by launching a digital nomad visa, allowing foreign professionals to live and work from its scenic cities and Alpine countryside for up to one year. The new visa program will officially open for applications on November 21, 2025, according to Slovenian authorities.

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This marks the first time Slovenia has created a formal pathway for remote workers, as it looks to attract global talent and boost long-term tourism. Known for its stunning natural beauty, safety, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to neighboring countries like Austria and Italy, Slovenia is positioning itself as an emerging hub for the digital nomad community.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the digital nomad visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Work exclusively for clients or employers based outside Slovenia
  • Be either employed by a foreign company or self-employed/freelancers with only international clients
  • Provide proof of sufficient income to support themselves and any dependents throughout their stay

Acceptable documentation includes recent payslips, bank statements, employment contracts, or freelance agreements. While the minimum income threshold has yet to be announced, authorities say it will be in line with similar programs across Europe.

Visa Conditions

  • The visa is valid for 12 months
  • It is non-renewable
  • Applicants must leave Slovenia for at least six months before reapplying
  • Family members are allowed to accompany the main visa holder but are not permitted to work for Slovenian employers

Authorities have emphasized that violating the terms—such as working for a Slovenian company—could lead to visa revocation and restrictions on future entry.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted online or through a Slovenian consulate or embassy abroad. The process and documentation requirements will be officially outlined in the coming months, with the government aiming for a streamlined and accessible application system.

A New Destination for the Digital Workforce

Slovenia’s decision to launch the digital nomad visa reflects a broader trend among European nations adapting to the changing nature of global work. With fast internet, excellent infrastructure, and a high quality of life, the country is expected to appeal to digital professionals seeking a peaceful yet connected base in Europe.

“This visa program not only invites innovation and diversity,” said an official from Slovenia’s Ministry of Interior, “but also offers a unique opportunity for remote workers to experience our culture, landscapes, and hospitality.”

As the global remote work movement grows, Slovenia joins the ranks of countries like Portugal, Estonia, and Croatia in offering welcoming legal frameworks for the world’s digital wanderers.


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3 Australians Face Death Penalty for Alleged Premeditated Murder in Bali

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Bali Murder Case: Three Australians Charged with Premeditated Murder, Face Death Penalty

Bali, Indonesia — Indonesian authorities have formally charged three Australian men with premeditated murder following a deadly shooting that left one Australian national dead and another critically injured in Bali on June 14. If convicted, the men could face the death penalty under Indonesian law.

The suspects — Tupou Pasa Midolmore (37), Coskun Mevlut (23), and Darcy Francesco Jenson (37) — were presented to the media Thursday evening in Badung, wearing orange prison uniforms, handcuffed, and masked with black balaclavas.

Australian national Coskun Mevlut, center, is presented at the Badung District Police in Bali as a murder suspect, Thursday, June 26, 2025. Photo : Antara/Nyoman Hendra Wibowo

“This was a carefully planned, organized attack — not a spontaneous act,” said Bali Police Chief Inspector General Daniel Adityajaya at the press briefing. “The three suspects carried out the assault professionally and with clear intent.”

The Attack

The shooting took place at Villa Casa Santisya in the Badung region. According to police, the suspects arrived on two motorbikes, posed as ride-hailing service drivers to avoid suspicion, and later fled the scene in two separate cars.

Their escape spanned multiple provinces, including East Java and Jakarta. While one suspect was captured in the Indonesian capital, the other two were arrested in Singapore in coordination with local law enforcement.

The attack claimed the life of Zivan Radmanovic (32), an Australian national. Another man, Sanar Ghanim (34), was seriously injured and remains hospitalized. Both were reportedly targeted inside the villa.

A Premeditated Crime

Investigators believe Darcy Jenson acted as the mastermind, arranging accommodations, transport, and logistics for the attack. He allegedly purchased a hammer used to force entry into the villa and prepared the suspects’ getaway — including ferry, bus, and flight tickets — in an effort to flee the country.

Midolmore and Mevlut are believed to have carried out the physical assault. Bullet residue was found on their bodies, gloves, balaclavas, and inside a white van used during the operation.

One of the weapons used in the attack was later recovered near a rice field, about 700 meters from the crime scene. Police are still investigating the source of the firearms, which are tightly regulated in Indonesia.

Ongoing Investigation

While police have gathered substantial forensic and circumstantial evidence, the motive behind the killing remains under investigation.

The surviving victim and several female witnesses have been relocated to a secure location for their protection, officials confirmed.

As the case unfolds, Indonesian authorities are working closely with international partners and are expected to release further updates in the coming days.


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Death Count Hits 16 in Violent Clashes During Kenya Protests

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Nairobi, Kenya — At least sisteen people were killed and over 80 others hospitalized, many with gunshot wounds, during violent anti-government protests that swept across Kenya on Wednesday, according to human rights groups and medical officials. The protests, which spanned 23 of the country’s 47 counties, were marked by widespread unrest, injuries, and growing calls for President William Ruto’s resignation.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), a state-funded body, reported monitoring large-scale demonstrations that left over 400 people injured and more than 60 arrested. Many victims sustained injuries from police batons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition.

The protests coincided with the one-year anniversary of 2023’s deadly anti-tax demonstrations, during which 60 people were killed and 20 others remain missing. This year’s demonstrations quickly escalated beyond tax grievances to encompass broader demands for police accountability and the president’s resignation over worsening governance and economic hardship.

In Nairobi, the capital, Parliament and the president’s office were barricaded with razor wire as police sealed off access roads. Thousands of demonstrators clashed with riot police, who responded with tear gas, live fire, and batons, leaving many wounded. Similar scenes unfolded in major cities like Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Nyahururu.

“They Foiled a Coup”: Government Defends Police

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen defended the police response, denying any misconduct.
“There is no police officer who committed any excess yesterday; they foiled a coup and they deserve our defense,” Murkomen declared Thursday. “Police don’t carry guns as toys — they acted to protect the nation.”

His remarks drew sharp criticism from rights advocates, who accuse the government of using excessive force and suppressing constitutional rights to protest.

Grief, Loss, and Destruction

As the nation mourns the dead, heartbreaking stories emerged. In a chilling reminder of last year’s bloodshed, a woman searching for her missing son said she only found him at the city mortuary:

“I came across his photo in a group online and I started searching for him at the hospitals hoping he had survived,” she told reporters through tears.

In downtown Nairobi, businesses bore the brunt of the chaos. Shops were looted and set ablaze, leaving many business owners devastated. One phone vendor said she lost stock worth 800,000 Kenyan shillings ($6,000) in the overnight violence.

“We watched helplessly as looters broke in and carried everything. I have nothing left,” she said as smoke rose from nearby ruins.

Mounting Tensions, Uncertain Path Ahead

The scale and intensity of this year’s protests have heightened concerns over Kenya’s political stability and human rights trajectory. Critics argue that government crackdowns, rising inflation, and poor service delivery have left ordinary citizens disillusioned and desperate.

Calls for an independent investigation into police actions are growing, with both domestic and international rights groups urging accountability and restraint.

As Kenya braces for potential renewed unrest, civil society leaders continue to demand transparency, justice for the victims, and meaningful reforms to address the country’s deepening crisis.


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India Refuses UN Observer in Air India Crash Probe Amid Scrutiny Over Investigation Transparency

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New Delhi, India — India has declined a request from the United Nations’ aviation body to allow one of its investigators to observe the ongoing probe into the June 12 Air India crash in Ahmedabad, which killed 260 people, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had made a rare offer to assist India by assigning one of its officials as an observer in the investigation led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). However, Indian authorities reportedly turned down the request, citing sovereignty over the national investigation process.

RELATED NEWS : More than 290 feared dead after plane crashes outside airport in Indian city of Ahmedabad

The move has drawn attention, especially as some safety experts have raised concerns over the pace and transparency of the probe — including a delayed analysis of the aircraft’s black box data.

Deadliest Crash in a Decade

The incident involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which crashed while attempting to land in Ahmedabad, marks the deadliest commercial aviation disaster globally in over ten years. The crash has prompted international scrutiny and calls for a more transparent inquiry.

Investigation Under Spotlight

India’s civil aviation ministry confirmed that flight recorder data was retrieved and downloaded nearly two weeks after the crash, a timeline that has sparked criticism. The combined cockpit voice and flight data recorder was recovered on June 13, and a second unit on June 16, but little official information has been released since.

The Indian government held only one press conference following the disaster, without taking questions, further fueling concerns about transparency. Under Annex 13 — the international standard governing air crash investigations — flight recorder data should be analyzed promptly to help prevent future tragedies.

International Tensions and Precedents

While the ICAO does not typically involve itself in accident investigations unless requested, it has previously deployed personnel in exceptional cases, such as the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 and the 2020 shooting of a Ukrainian jetliner in Iran.

In this case, ICAO independently offered assistance and requested observer status for a representative already present in India — a request that was declined.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States is also involved in the probe, as per international protocol, given the U.S. manufacturing origin of the Boeing aircraft. However, it remains unclear whether India will analyze the recorders domestically or send them abroad.

India Defends Its Position

An unnamed Indian aviation official said earlier this week that the country is “fully complying with ICAO protocols”, and that updates have been shared through the media. The AAIB has yet to issue a preliminary report, which is typically released within 30 days of a crash under global norms.

Growing Pressure for Transparency

With questions continuing to mount over India’s handling of the investigation, the denial of a UN observer may further intensify scrutiny from international aviation watchdogs, safety experts, and families of the victims.

As global aviation agencies await more clarity, calls are growing louder for India to provide frequent, transparent updates and prioritize international collaboration to ensure a thorough and credible investigation into one of aviation’s most devastating modern disasters.


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At least 7 Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza by Hamas-linked explosive

Jerusalem, Israel – Seven Israeli soldiers were killed when they were hit by an explosive device in a clash with the Al Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, while carrying out an operation in the southern Gaza Strip, the Israeli army reported early Wednesday morning.

The soldiers were traveling Tuesday in a vehicle hit by an explosive device while moving through the Khan Yunis area.

RELATED NEWS : Israel, Iran trade ceasefire violation accusations, warn of retaliation

The army also reported in a statement the injuries sustained by an Israeli soldier during a clash that occurred Tuesday in another sector of the Gaza Strip.

Islamist group Hamas said in a statement released Tuesday that Al Qassam fighters were responsible for the ambush that killed the Israeli soldiers.

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated the day before that the army will refocus its offensive on the Gaza Strip following the start of the ceasefire with Iran.

“Now the focus is returning to Gaza, to return the hostages home and dismantle the Hamas regime,” Zamir said.

While tensions between Iran and Israel have grown in recent days and subsided with the start of the ceasefire, the Israeli offensive against Gaza has not stopped, reaching 56,000 deaths from Israeli fire and 131,848 wounded in the territory since the war began in October 2023.


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Israel, Iran trade ceasefire violation accusations, warn of retaliation

Washington/Jerusalem/Tehran – Israel and Iran accused each other of ceasefire violations on Tuesday, warning of retaliation just hours after the truce was announced.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed to have detected missiles fired from Iran after the ceasefire went into effect, saying defense systems were working to intercept them.

“In light of the severe violation of the ceasefire carried out by the Iranian regime, we will respond with force,” IDF Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir said.

Iran’s general staff of the armed forces denied the accusation, while a spokesperson for the armed forces’ main operational command accused Israel of firing three waves of attacks on targets inside Iran in a truce violation, warning it would “pay a heavy price,” according to Iranian media.

Just hours earlier, US President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that “THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT!”

Damage at the site of a missile strike on a residential area in Be’er Sheva, southern Israel, 24 June 2025. EFE/EPA/ATEF SAFADI

The Israeli government said it had agreed to a ceasefire after achieving all the objectives of its military operation, and thanked Washington for its support.

“In light of achieving the objectives of the operation, and in full coordination with President Trump, Israel has agreed to the president’s proposal for a bilateral cease-fire,” it said, adding it would respond forcefully to any violation of the truce.

Trump declared that the ceasefire had been “fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran,” however, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that no such agreement existed, but that the state had no intention of continuing its attacks if Israel also stopped.

Iran’s state National News Network later said its military efforts had “imposed a ceasefire on the enemy,” followed by Iranian state media reporting the government’s first official reaction to the halt in hostilities.

The Secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council released a statement, published by state media Tasnim, on “imposing a cessation of war on the Zionist enemy,” in which it claimed the “strategizing and struggle of the warriors and the wise leadership … forced the enemy to regret and accept defeat and unilaterally halt its invasion.”

The Council also warned that “any further aggression will be met with a decisive, firm, and timely response.”

Early Tuesday morning, following the US’ ceasefire announcement but before its scheduled implementation, Tehran launched volleys of missiles at Israel, killing at least four people and injuring 22 in southern Beersheba, and killing at least nine and injuring 33 in the northern province of Gilan.

The IDF said “about twenty missiles were fired from Iran toward various locations across the country, most of which were intercepted.”

Israel and Iran have exchanged daily missile and drone attacks since the early hours of Friday the 13th, when Iran launched airstrikes against Iran.

Over 12 days, the attacks killed around 430 people and injured some 3,500 in Iran, according to authorities, while more than 28 were killed in Israel.

Tensions escalated further in the region when the US bombed three key facilities of Iran’s nuclear program on Sunday, and Iran responded Monday, with an attack on US military bases in Qatar and Iraq, which had already been evacuated. 


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Iran launches fresh attack on Israel after Trump claims ceasefire deal

Jerusalem, Israel – Iran launched missiles at Israel early Tuesday morning after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between the two countries, which was later contradicted by the Iranian government.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced three waves of Iranian attacks between 5-6 am local time (02:30 GMT) that left a dozen people injured, including three in critical condition, according to emergency and rescue service Magen David Adom (MDA).

Sirens sounded around Tel Aviv and in the region between Ashdod and the Gaza Strip, in the center and south of the country, and the fire department reported a projectile impact in the city of Beersheba.

The MDA reported that the attack left three people critically injured, one in moderate condition, and five people lightly injured. However, local media outlets such as the Times of Israel and Haaretz reported three fatalities, citing medical sources.

These attacks come after Trump announced Monday afternoon in Washington that Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire that will begin around 04:00 GMT on Tuesday, 7 am in Israel and 7.30 am in Iran.

Shortly afterward, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that no such agreement exists: “As of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations,” Araghchi wrote in a message on X.

“However, provided that the Israeli regime stops its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 am Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards. The final decision on the cessation of our military operations will be made later.”

The message was published just after 4 am, after several Iranian media outlets reported new explosions in areas of Tehran.

In addition, the Iranian foreign minister published a new message in which he asserted that the Islamic Republic’s army carried out operations against Israel “until the very last minute, at 4 am.”

Since Israel began its military attack on Iran on June 13, the two countries have regularly fired drones and missiles at each other that have killed around 450 people in Iran and 24 more in Israel.

Tensions escalated further in the region when the United States bombed three key facilities of Iran’s nuclear program on Saturday and Iran responded on Monday with an attack against US military bases in Qatar and Iraq.


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At least 15 killed, over 174 injured in Russian attack on Ukraine’s Dnipro

Kyiv, Ukraine – A daytime attack by the Russian army on the city of Dnipro killed 15 people, according to Serhiy Lysak, governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, who put the number of injured at over 174.

Dnipropetrovsk region’s governor, Sergiy Lysak, warned that the death toll could rise, as the broad daylight attack targeted a residential area with many civilians present at the time.

The strike caused extensive damage to several civilian buildings, including a hospital, schools, and kindergartens, as well as a passenger train, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Many of the casualties occurred at the site of the explosion, Lysak said.

Ukrainian media reported that Russia used a ballistic missile in the attack, which caused significant destruction in the area.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the strike and urged NATO and the European Union to increase pressure on Moscow, accusing Russia of deliberately rejecting peace efforts.

RELATED NEWS : Putin’s 3-day ceasefire begins, rejected by Ukraine

“While leaders gather in The Hague for the NATO summit, Russia sends a message of terror and rejection of peace,” Sybiha said.

“It is a matter of credibility for allies to step up pressure on Moscow. This must be a month of pressure on the aggressor. We urge this week’s NATO and EU summits to reach decisions that project strength,” he added.

Despite recent peace efforts supported by the United States and mediated by Turkey, hostilities between Russia and Ukraine continue.

The two sides held two rounds of peace talks in Istanbul, on May 16 and June 2, but failed to reach a ceasefire. However, they did agree to exchange a significant number of prisoners of war.

Both sides have continued to launch missile and drone strikes deep into each other’s territories.


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Israel welcomes US strikes on Iran as Arab nations condemn; UN, EU urge diplomacy

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Madrid, Spain – Israel welcomed the overnight airstrikes by the United States on Iranian nuclear facilities, while Arab and Latin American nations condemned the move, whereas the United Nations and European Union urged restraint and renewed calls for a diplomatic solution.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi strongly condemned the strikes, accusing Washington of betraying diplomacy and violating international norms.

“The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations,” Araghchi said.

In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu applauded the US airstrikes, calling them a “bold decision” by President Donald Trump.

“Trump and I often say, ‘Peace through strength. First comes strength, then comes peace,’” he added.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed” by the US airstrikes on Iran.

“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.”

“There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace,” he said.

Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern and urged global efforts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of regional stability and international law.

“Iran must never acquire the (nuclear) bomb. Now is the moment for Iran to engage in a credible diplomatic solution. The negotiating table is the only place to end this crisis,” she said.

Several Western nations, including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand, echoed calls for de-escalation and a negotiated resolution.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed the US strikes, citing Iran’s nuclear program as a “grave threat to international security.”

“Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon (…). We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis,” Starmer said.

However, Araghchi reminded the UK and EU that it was Israel and the US that undermined diplomacy by attacking Iran.

“Last week, we were in negotiations with the US when Israel decided to blow up that diplomacy. This week, we held talks with the E3/EU when the US decided to blow up that diplomacy,” he said.

Several Arab nations, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Oman, and Qatar, condemned the US strikes as a serious threat to regional stability and urged a diplomatic resolution.

Palestinian group Hamas denounced the US attacks as violations of international law, while Yemen’s Houthi rebels expressed support for Iran and threatened to target US ships in the Red Sea.

In Latin America, Mexico called for peace, while Chile, Venezuela, and Bolivia condemned the US airstrikes.


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