The European Union is seeking to increase purchases of American goods by 50 billion euros as part of trade negotiations with the US, according to Maroš Šefčovič, the EU's chief negotiator. The bloc has made "some progress" in securing a deal, but may not accept a solution that includes maintaining 10% tariffs on goods. The EU is taking urgent measures to avoid a full-scale trade war, which could be triggered by high tariffs expected in early July. Šefčovič met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss the issue, aiming for a "balanced and fair" agreement that accounts for US services exports to the EU.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/bulgaria/968197-brussels-wants-to-increase-purchases-of-american-goods-by-50-billion-eurosCivilians in Gaza are struggling to survive due to hostilities, displacement, and lack of humanitarian assistance. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that a blockage is threatening food supplies, with common kitchens relying on limited stocks for only a few more weeks. The World Food Programme had already sent out its last remaining food stocks a week ago. Gaza's field hospital is running low on food and medical supplies, including essential medicines, due to repeated attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel. The ICRC condemned the killing of 15 humanitarians and medical workers, including eight from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, and warned that this has further crippled Gaza's collapsing health system.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/region/gaza-humanitarian-work-verge-total-collapse-red-crossCivilians in Gaza are struggling to survive due to hostilities and displacement, with the ICRC warning that a blockage is threatening food supplies for its common kitchens, which provide the only meal people receive each day. The UN's World Food Programme has sent out its last remaining food stocks, and the ICRC's field hospital is running low on food and medical supplies. Repeated attacks have crippled Gaza's health system, killing 15 humanitarians and medical workers, including eight from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. The ICRC is urging Israel to allow aid to enter Gaza, release hostages, and protect civilians, warning that without immediate action, Gaza will descend into chaos.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360663/gaza-humanitarian-work-on-verge-of-total-collapse-red-crossCommerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic have reaffirmed their commitment to concluding the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025. The agreement aims to address pending issues in a spirit of mutual respect and pragmatism, with a focus on enhancing market access, promoting trusted supply chains, and boosting innovation and competitiveness.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/technology/india-eu-agree-to-seal-free-trade-pact-by-2025-end-2/The Freedom Flotilla Coalition's aid ship was attacked by drones while sailing in international waters off the coast of Malta, catching fire and breaching its hull. The vessel, carrying supplies for Gaza, had sent out an SOS call but received no response from authorities. Human rights activist Greta Thunberg, who was set to board the ship, condemned the incident as a "crystal clear example" of disrespect for international law and human rights. Thirty international activists were left stranded in the ocean for almost 10 hours before being rescued.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14671127/Ship-carrying-aid-Gaza-attacked-drones-Mediterranean-island-sparking-onboard-inferno-amid-race-rescue-30-activists-sinking-vessel.htmlThe Conscience, a ship involved with the Freedom Flotilla, was attacked near Malta on Friday, resulting in damage to its side and a fire breaking out. The ship's generator was targeted, causing a substantial breach in the hull and leaving it without power. Climate activist Greta Thunberg was initially supposed to participate but did not board the ship, which is crewed by Turks and Azerbaijanis. The attack occurred as aid groups warned that the humanitarian response in Gaza is on the verge of collapse, with the International Committee of the Red Cross at risk of losing access to essential supplies if deliveries don't resume immediately.
https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-05-02-2025-malta-2ff92bc0e1a8f667e122892f830a72f4South Korea's acting leader Han has resigned amid reports he will run for the Presidential election on June 3. Han, who was appointed Prime Minister by President Yoon Suk Yeol and previously served under liberal President Roh Moo-hyun, is a 40-year career politician without elected office experience. He plans to launch a body to amend the Constitution, sharing powers between the President and the assembly, if elected. Han also aims to resolve trade issues with the US over President Donald Trump's tariff policies using his economic expertise.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-koreas-ex-prime-minister-han-says-he-will-seek-presidency-in-june-election/article69529581.eceThe Indian Army responded to Pakistani firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, following a string of tit-for-tat measures by Pakistan since the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan after the attack. In response, Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian airliners and suspended trade with India. The DGMOs of India and Pakistan spoke over the hotline, with Pakistan rejecting India's suspension of the treaty as an "act of war".
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pakistan-army-continues-ceasefire-violation-along-loc-for-8th-consecutive-night-8308962A Cypriot-owned vessel in the SAR Region of Malta was attacked by an Israeli UAV while carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, which is under a blockade and has seen intense military operations since March. The incident occurred during a mission to challenge Israel's siege and deliver life-saving aid. The International Committee of the Red Cross warned that the humanitarian response in Gaza is on the verge of collapse due to two months of blocked aid deliveries. The attack comes after Hamas's October 2023 attack, which killed 1,218 people, mostly civilians, and has resulted in a death toll of 52,418 since Israel resumed strikes.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/activists-say-drones-attacked-aid-boat-bound-for-gaza/article_cd20edf0-4f2f-5b4d-9fa3-8f11cd8d5b37.html