Israel has launched a new online platform for digital registration of property ownership in the occupied West Bank. The platform, named “Land Registry and Rights Settlement,” was introduced on Wednesday and aims to update property ownership records in the territory. The Palestinian Authority has condemned the initiative, describing it as a form of “dangerous colonial domination.”

According to the Palestinian Land Authority, the move directly undermines Palestinians’ legal and historical land rights and represents an attempt to strengthen Israel’s control over the West Bank. The Jerusalem Governorate and the Commission Against the Wall and Settlements have urged Palestinians not to engage with any Israeli “agency, committee, platform, or procedure” related to land and property matters.

Palestinian officials fear that the new digital registration system could be used to facilitate future land seizures and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied territory.

China has decided to boycott the Asian security summit known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, which is being held in Singapore from May 29 to 31, 2026. The event, hosted at the Shangri-La Hotel, brings together defense leaders, military chiefs, and security experts from around the world. U.S. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is scheduled to be the keynote speaker, but Chinese top officials will not attend despite the inclusion of major issues such as the Iran war.

According to the organizers, the 23rd edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue will include 54 ministerial-level representatives from 44 countries. The absence of China comes at a time of heightened regional and global tensions. Kepler, a maritime monitoring agency, reported that 57 percent of China’s crude oil imports in 2025 came from the Middle East, but supplies were severely disrupted after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A senior fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, Oh Ei Sun, noted that renewed U.S.-Iran clashes have reduced the likelihood of any meaningful agreements emerging from the summit.

A video showing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir mocking activists aboard the ‘Global Sumud Flotilla’ carrying aid to Gaza has triggered global outrage and strained Italy-Israel relations. Within hours of the video’s release on social media, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the behavior as unacceptable and demanded an apology, marking a sharp shift from her earlier stance toward the flotilla.

Analysts cited in the report describe the incident as a dramatic turning point in bilateral ties. Once one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe, Italy under Meloni had previously shown little sympathy for pro-Palestinian activists. However, recent Israeli actions, including the seizure of flotilla ships in international waters and incidents involving Christian clergy in Jerusalem, have fueled anger among Italians. Political analysts link the shift to domestic Catholic sentiment, economic concerns over the Iran-Israel war, and declining support for pro-Israel policies among younger voters.

In recent months, Italy has suspended defense cooperation with Israel, summoned the Israeli ambassador multiple times, and pushed for EU sanctions on extremist Israeli figures. Experts note that while ties have weakened, Rome has not yet pursued a full diplomatic break, suggesting the rift may be temporary.

U.S. President Donald Trump has sent a draft of an Iran peace agreement to allies, including Israel, according to a report published on May 29, 2026. The move comes as both sides seek to prevent recent ceasefire violations from escalating. The draft reportedly resembles versions circulated across the Middle East in recent days.

Under the proposed terms, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen for commercial shipping, U.S. sanctions on Iranian ports would be lifted, and Iran would gain access to about $12 billion in previously frozen assets. The plan aims to restore pre-war shipping levels within 30 days and initiate up to 60 days of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, including uranium enrichment limits and oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that both sides are close to an agreement, though key issues such as Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and enrichment activities remain unresolved.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government has received a pledge from Russia to supply advanced air defense systems and other military assistance, according to a source cited by the BBC. The agreement was reportedly signed in Moscow, with Russian National Security Adviser Sergei Shoigu and Taliban Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid present. The deal includes air defense equipment, ground military hardware, and training for Taliban forces, though it remains unclear whether offensive systems such as drones are part of the package.

The source indicated that discussions between Moscow and the Taliban had taken place earlier, and the agreement formalizes their defense cooperation. Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have maintained cordial relations with Russia, which kept its embassy open in Kabul and signed an economic deal in 2022 to supply oil, gas, and wheat. Mujahid emphasized the importance of expanding ties with Russia during his Moscow visit.

The agreement follows recent tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan that exposed Kabul’s air defense weaknesses. This marks the first formal military and technical cooperation deal signed by the Taliban defense minister with a regional power.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry announced on Thursday that 3,324 people have been killed since Israeli attacks began on April 17. The Israeli military claimed that about 2,500 Hezbollah fighters have been eliminated since March, including 800 after the ceasefire was declared. An Israeli officer said around 400 explosive drones have targeted Israeli positions since the truce. The ceasefire, intended to take effect on April 17, has never been observed, with both sides accusing each other of violations.

Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc urged Lebanese authorities to withdraw from direct talks with Israel, alleging that Israel is using the discussions to impose security coordination favorable to its aggression. The group also claimed responsibility for about 20 attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon on Thursday. The United Nations expressed concern and called on both sides to respect the ceasefire, while UNIFIL reported 670 rockets and shells fired on Wednesday, the highest since April 17.

The renewed violence comes as preparations continue for U.S.-mediated talks next week, marking the fourth round since the conflict began following Hezbollah’s rocket attacks after the killing of Iran’s supreme leader in a U.S.-Israeli strike.

Oman has assured the United States that it will not impose any toll in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besent said on Thursday that he had spoken with the Omani ambassador, who confirmed there were no plans to introduce tolls in the vital maritime passage. The assurance came during a White House briefing, where Besent emphasized the long-standing 200-year relationship between the two nations.

Besent noted that Oman did not wish to risk sanctions on its individuals or financial institutions. Earlier, he had warned that any Omani support for Iran’s toll initiative in the strait could trigger U.S. action. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump had also cautioned Oman against interfering in the key oil shipping route, stressing that the country must act like others or face severe consequences.

Besent later clarified that the president’s remarks were intended to highlight the U.S. commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat against Oman, calling it “dangerous” and an act of “bullying.” In a statement, ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that threatening a United Nations member state that has long played a constructive and responsible role in regional peace and diplomacy violates the basic principle prohibiting the use of force. He described the threat as a sign of growing lawlessness in international relations.

The criticism followed Trump’s warning that if Oman entered into any agreement with Iran to manage shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, he would “blow up” the country. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Basent also said Washington would impose aggressive sanctions if Oman helped Iran establish a tolling system in the strait. Baghaei denounced these threats as attempts to blackmail an independent state and evidence of moral bankruptcy in U.S. politics.

He further urged the international community to respond to what he called the normalization of illegal actions and violations of international legal norms.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an immediate halt to Israel’s ongoing attacks in southern Lebanon, describing the situation as intolerable and unacceptable. Speaking at a joint press conference in Paris with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Macron condemned the strikes as indiscriminate and urged for peace restoration, renewed dialogue, and a lasting solution to the conflict.

Both leaders discussed the Lebanon conflict and reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty. France and Indonesia have troops deployed under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), where both nations have lost soldiers while serving. Macron emphasized that their UNIFIL contingents continue coordinated operations to support peace efforts.

According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed at least 3,324 people, with 55 more deaths after a ceasefire extension on May 17. Macron highlighted the humanitarian crisis, noting over one million displaced people, and urged stronger international efforts to stabilize Lebanon amid continued Israeli military operations despite the ceasefire.

The United States and Iran have reached a preliminary memorandum of understanding to extend their ceasefire by 60 days and begin talks aimed at a permanent end to ongoing hostilities. According to US sources cited by Al Jazeera, the framework awaits final approval from President Donald Trump. The agreement follows weeks of stalled diplomacy and recent limited clashes between the two nations in the Gulf region. Details of the deal remain unclear, including whether the 60-day extension will serve as a negotiation period.

Axios first reported the agreement, later confirmed by the White House. The terms reportedly include unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of US naval blockades on Iranian ports. However, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency denied that any deal had been finalized, saying Tehran would announce it through Pakistani mediators if confirmed. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons.

The memorandum could ease tensions in the Strait of Hormuz but leaves unresolved issues such as US sanctions, Iran’s uranium stockpile, and the ongoing conflict in Lebanon involving Hezbollah and Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the country’s military to expand its control over 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, according to footage broadcast by Israel’s Channel 12. In the recording, Netanyahu stated that Israel currently holds 60 percent of Gaza and aims to increase that to 70 percent. When an audience member called for full control of Gaza, Netanyahu replied that the expansion would proceed gradually, beginning with 70 percent.

Reports from The Times of Israel and Al Jazeera indicate that Israel had already extended its control beyond the “yellow line” established in the October 2025 ceasefire agreement mediated by the United States. By March, Israeli forces had expanded their presence to 64 percent of Gaza. The ongoing occupation has left Palestinians unable to access nearly two-thirds of their territory, worsening conditions for the enclave’s two million residents.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs described Gaza’s humanitarian situation as extremely fragile, with displaced families living in overcrowded shelters and facing severe shortages of clean water. UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov warned that the crisis risks becoming permanent and urged international action to enforce the ceasefire and ensure humanitarian access.

Iran’s state television reported that its air defense forces shot down a “hostile aircraft” early Friday over Jam in Bushehr province. The report cited local governor Masoud Tangestani, who said the country’s defense system successfully targeted the aircraft. The incident was described as a defensive response to an unidentified aerial threat.

The United States has denied Iran’s claim. According to a Reuters report quoting a U.S. official, no American aircraft was downed near Bushehr province. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) also rejected the Iranian media reports in a post on social media platform X, calling them inaccurate.

The conflicting statements have drawn attention to rising tensions between the two countries, though neither side provided further evidence or details about the alleged incident.

UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, Reem Alsalem, has welcomed the decision to include Israel on the United Nations blacklist for alleged sexual violence against Palestinians. In a post on social media platform X, Alsalem said the listing was long overdue and expressed disappointment that it had taken so long to happen.

She stated that independent documentation and verification had confirmed widespread, systematic, and horrific sexual violence committed by Israeli forces against Palestinian women, men, and children. The decision follows reports that Israel announced it would cut all communication with UN Secretary-General António Guterres after being added to the list of countries linked to sexual violence in conflict zones.

Human rights organizations have previously reported extensive and systematic sexual violence during Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza and against detained Palestinians, particularly in Israeli detention facilities, raising international concern.

Four Bangladeshi citizens were seriously injured in an Israeli air and drone attack in southern Lebanon. The strike took place on Thursday in the Navaniya area, targeting a residential location. According to the Bangladesh Embassy in Beirut, the injured include one man, one woman, and two children. Among them are Momin Mia from Brahmanbaria and Joyena Akter from Narsingdi. The woman reportedly lost her leg in the explosion. The embassy is working to collect further details about the victims.

The injured individuals were initially taken to Ragheb Harb Hospital in Nabatieh and are scheduled to be transferred to Saida on Friday. The report did not provide additional information about the circumstances of the attack or the broader situation in the area.

Further updates are expected as the embassy continues to gather information about the condition of the injured Bangladeshis and the aftermath of the strike.

Nearly 140,000 Palestinian worshippers performed Eid al-Adha prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on May 28, 2026, despite heavy Israeli security measures and restrictions. The Islamic Waqf Department reported that the mosque compound was filled with worshippers, while Israeli forces deployed in large numbers, conducted searches at entry points, and detained several individuals.

This was the first Eid prayer at Al-Aqsa since tensions between Israel and the United States escalated over Iran last year. During Eid al-Fitr earlier, Israeli authorities had closed the mosque, forcing worshippers to pray outside. On Eid morning, Israeli forces tightened security across Jerusalem’s Old City, and worshippers entered mainly through the Lions’ Gate. Palestinian residents were urged to attend prayers to affirm the mosque’s Islamic identity and presence.

The report also noted incidents of Israeli forces assaulting and detaining individuals near the mosque, including a young woman and journalist Saif al-Kawasma. Similar Eid prayers were held across the occupied West Bank, where Israeli raids and arrests continued, injuring a 13-year-old boy near Hebron.