Israeli soldiers accused of widespread use of human shields in Gaza
Israel’s military says it prohibits using civilians as shields, a practice it has long accused Hamas of using
Israeli soldiers and former detainees tell AP Israel's use of human shields in Gaza is widespread
Several Palestinians and Israeli soldiers have told the Associated Press (AP) that troops are systematically forcing Palestinians to act as human shields in Gaza, sending them into buildings and tunnels to check for bombs and gunmen. They told the AP that the practice has become ubiquitous over 19 months of war.
The AP spoke with seven Palestinians who described being used as shields in Gaza and the occupied West Bank and with two members of Israel’s military who said they engaged in the practice, which is prohibited by international law.
In response to these allegations, Israel’s military says it strictly prohibits using civilians as shields – a practice it has long accused Hamas of using in Gaza. Israeli officials blame the militants for the civilian death toll in its offensive that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.
Hegseth restricts Pentagon reporting
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has introduced new rules limiting reporters' access to the Pentagon. The move comes after a number of embarrassing leaks during his tenure.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued new orders requiring journalists to have official escorts if they wish to access much of the Department of Defense's headquarters.
The move is the latest in a growing list of restrictions imposed on the mainstream press by the Trump administration and comes after the Pentagon was embarrassed by several leaks over the past few months.
Sexually assaulted and smeared in excrement: Uganda activist details torture in Tanzania
Stripped naked, beaten until she could no longer walk, sexually assaulted and covered in excrement: award-winning Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire told AFP of the torture she suffered at the hands of security forces in Tanzania this week.
Atuhaire, who won an International Women of Courage Award from the United States last year, was arrested on Monday in Tanzania's business hub Dar es Salaam.
She had travelled there to support opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is on trial for treason, facing a potential death penalty, ahead of elections in October.
Japan to adopt U.S.-style entry system for foreign visitors
By YUKI NIKAIDO/ Staff Writer
May 24, 2025 at 15:24 JST
The government announced plans to introduce more rigorous online screening to root out undesirable foreign visitors and eventually reduce the number of illegal aliens in Japan to zero.
Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki told a May 23 news conference that “strong measures” were needed, citing public disquiet over a barrage of media reports about foreign visitors behaving badly.
The Japanese version of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) that was introduced in the United States in 2009 will be up and running in fiscal 2028.
Tensions rise as superpowers scrap for a piece of the Arctic
Katya Adler
As soon as Magnus Mæland became mayor of a small town on Norway's northern tip in late 2023, three delegations from China came knocking on his door.
"It's because they want to be a polar superpower," he tells me.
China might not instinctively spring to mind when you think about the Arctic - but it's determined to be a big Arctic player. It's been vying to buy real estate, get involved in infrastructure projects and hopes to establish a permanent regional presence.
Ukraine, Russia exchange more prisoners after ‘difficult night’ of attacks
The two nations swap hundreds of prisoners as Russia launches more drone attacks on Kyiv and Zelenskyy demands new sanctions.
Russia and Ukraine have exchanged more prisoners of war (POWs) as Ukrainian officials renew their calls for more sanctions in response to dozens of attack drones and ballistic missiles launched by Moscow’s forces at Kyiv overnight.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence said on Saturday it released 307 Ukrainian POWs in exchange for as many Russian servicemen, who are being cared for in Belarus before their return to Russia.
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