In a historic demographic milestone, Israel’s population has officially surpassed 10 million for the first time, according to figures released by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) on Tuesday. The announcement comes on the eve of the country’s 77th Independence Day, marking a significant growth twelvefold since Israel’s founding in 1948.

Key Population Statistics

As of May 2025, Israel’s population stands at approximately 10.1 million. This reflects a growth of 1.4% — or about 135,000 people — over the previous year. The CBS report breaks down the population into several major categories:

• 7.7 million (77.6%) are classified as Jewish or “other,” a newly merged category that includes non-Arab Christians and those with no registered ethnicity. Many in this group are eligible for citizenship through the Law of Return due to Jewish ancestry or marriage.
• 2.1 million (20.9%) are Arabs — including Muslims, Christians, and Druze.
• Approximately 250,000 (2.5%) are foreign workers, international students, and undocumented immigrants who do not fall into the above categories.

The CBS noted that 174,000 babies were born in Israel over the past year, 28,000 people immigrated, and 50,000 residents passed away. The net gain points to Israel’s steady growth despite a global slowdown in population increases.

A Young Nation

Israel continues to boast a young demographic profile, with 27% of the population under the age of 18 and only 13% aged 65 and older. This is in contrast to aging trends seen in much of the developed world.

While the global population grew by 0.9% last year (to just over 8 billion, per World Bank data), Israel’s growth rate outpaced the global average, though it slowed slightly from the previous year’s 1.9% increase.

Immigration Trends

Immigration remains a major driver of Israel’s population expansion. Since the establishment of the state in 1948, about 3.5 million people have immigrated to Israel. Notably, nearly 48% of them arrived since 1990, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union which enabled mass Jewish emigration.

The CBS also highlighted that:

• 45% of the world’s Jewish population now lives in Israel, a dramatic shift from previous generations.
• 80% of Jewish Israelis were born in Israel, showcasing a maturing, homegrown society.

However, a 24% drop in immigration over the past year, as reported by the Aliyah and Integration Ministry, may have slightly dampened the pace of growth.

Israeli Citizens Abroad

An estimated 56,000 Israeli citizens currently live abroad, a number that has reportedly declined, although the CBS did not provide specific figures on the decrease.

A Nation Prepares to Celebrate

As Israel approaches its 77th Independence Day, the population milestone offers a moment for reflection and celebration. The national holiday begins Wednesday evening, immediately following Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day), which honors fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism.

The transition from solemn remembrance to joyous celebration is a unique hallmark of Israel’s national calendar — a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that have paved the way for the state’s survival and growth.

At 8 p.m. Tuesday, sirens will mark a national moment of silence to commence Memorial Day. By Wednesday night, the country will shift into celebration mode, honoring its remarkable journey from a fledgling state of 806,000 people in 1948 to a thriving and diverse nation of over 10 million today.

After one of the most destructive wildfires in over a decade threatened communities and critical infrastructure near Jerusalem, Israeli emergency services announced Thursday that the blaze has been brought under control. The fire, which broke out along the key Jerusalem–Tel Aviv highway on Wednesday, prompted large-scale evacuations, road closures, and an urgent national response.

“This is under control,” stated Shlomi Harush, a senior official from the firefighting service, while cautioning that lingering hotspots and strong winds could reignite the flames. “All teams remain deployed across the affected areas.”

Massive Mobilization to Contain the Inferno

At the height of the emergency, Israel deployed 163 firefighting ground crews and 12 aircraft to battle the fire, which scorched an estimated 13,000 hectares of forest. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had declared the situation a “national emergency,” warning that the flames could reach the outskirts of Jerusalem itself.

In the village of Abu Ghosh, near the hotspot of Latrun, residents like Ahmad Ibrahim used home hoses and street taps to support firefighters. “We acted out of concern for the community,” he said, “trying to stop the fire from spreading and endangering homes.”

The Israeli military also joined the effort, dispatching engineering equipment to create firebreaks, while the air force supported aerial suppression missions. About 50 firetrucks were engaged in affected regions.

Roads Reopened, Evacuated Residents Return

By Thursday, police confirmed that all major roads — including the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv corridor — had been reopened. Residents of Mavo Horon, one of the evacuated communities, were allowed to return, and authorities began facilitating the safe return of others.

While most Independence Day celebrations were postponed on Wednesday, events resumed Thursday even as firefighting efforts continued.

Human Toll and International Aid

The Magen David Adom rescue service reported treating 23 individuals for injuries related to the fire, mostly due to smoke inhalation and minor burns. Public broadcaster Kan said 17 firefighters were injured during the emergency response.

Help was on the way from abroad as well. The foreign ministry confirmed that firefighting aircraft and helicopters from France, Croatia, Italy, Romania, Spain, Cyprus, and Serbia were en route to assist.

Suspicions of Arson

Adding a darker twist to the crisis, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir suggested arson may have been involved. Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed suspicions, stating, “Authorities are holding 18 suspects, one of whom was caught in the act.”

Although wildfires in Israel are not uncommon during the warmer months, events of this scale are rare and usually localized. Many have criticized the preparedness of the authorities despite known weather risks. “We knew the weather, we knew this could happen,” said Yuval Aharoni, an evacuee. “They weren’t ready enough.”

As Israel begins to recover from the devastation, questions around preparedness and prevention are likely to dominate public discourse in the weeks to come.

In a strategic move that links economic recovery with military and geopolitical cooperation, the United States and Ukraine have signed a landmark agreement granting the U.S. preferential access to Ukraine’s critical mineral resources. The pact is a major milestone in strengthening bilateral relations amidst the ongoing war with Russia, with far-reaching implications for energy security, defense manufacturing, and Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union.

What the Deal Entails

The agreement centers on the creation of the United States–Ukraine Reinvestment Fund, a joint investment platform aimed at rebuilding Ukraine’s war-torn economy. One of the key pillars of the agreement is preferential U.S. access to Ukraine’s rich deposits of strategic minerals, including lithium, titanium, rare earth elements, and other materials crucial to modern defense and technology industries.

These resources are vital for manufacturing everything from electric vehicle batteries to advanced weaponry and semiconductors—areas where both the U.S. and EU seek to reduce dependence on China and Russia. While the U.S. will benefit from access, Ukraine retains full ownership of its subsoil and maintains sovereign control over decisions regarding extraction, development, and partnerships.

Strategic Goals

The agreement serves multiple purposes:

• Military Support Linkage: Continued U.S. military aid, which has totaled over €64 billion since the Russian invasion in 2022, is tied to deeper economic cooperation and infrastructure investment. The mineral agreement is seen as an essential component of future security assistance packages.
• Post-War Recovery: The Reinvestment Fund aims to funnel foreign capital into critical sectors of Ukraine’s economy, accelerating recovery while reinforcing transparency and accountability in rebuilding efforts.
• EU Accession Pathway: By aligning more closely with the U.S. and Western industrial frameworks, Ukraine positions itself as a more attractive and stable candidate for European Union membership, a longstanding strategic goal.

Addressing Global Supply Chains

The deal also addresses broader concerns about global supply chain vulnerability. The U.S. has been actively seeking alternatives to Chinese-dominated supply chains for critical minerals. Ukraine’s largely untapped mineral wealth could provide a powerful alternative, especially if backed by Western technology, regulation, and security guarantees.

Security Implications

In addition to economic gains, the partnership has clear military and strategic significance. The minerals covered in the agreement are vital to modern defense systems, including precision-guided munitions, drones, aircraft, and missile systems. Ensuring access to these resources—particularly in a region on the frontline of NATO’s eastern flank—gives the U.S. a stronger foothold in Europe’s security architecture.

Forward Outlook

While the agreement stops short of direct U.S. involvement in mining operations for now, it opens the door to American companies and public-private partnerships in Ukraine’s resource sector. It also signals that economic diplomacy will be central to Western support going forward, blending financial tools with hard-power alliances to counter authoritarian influence and support democratic resilience.

As Ukraine fights for its territorial sovereignty and democratic future, this mineral access agreement marks a shift in how aid and investment are structured—favoring mutual benefit and long-term development alongside immediate security needs.

In the words of Ukrainian officials, the deal is “not just about minerals, but about building the foundations of victory, recovery, and sovereignty.”

As President Donald Trump concludes his first 100 days in office during his second term, Amnesty International has issued a scathing report that paints a grim picture of human rights in the United States and abroad. In its report titled Chaos & Cruelty: 10 Compounding Assaults on Human Rights, Amnesty outlines the Trump administration’s systematic erosion of democratic norms, aggressive authoritarian tactics, and unprecedented disregard for human rights.

Suppressing Dissent and Fostering Fear

According to Amnesty International, President Trump’s administration has consistently weaponized the government against those who challenge or criticize him. Tactics more commonly associated with authoritarian regimes—such as suppressing dissent, bypassing the rule of law, and attacking the judiciary—have now become standard practice.

Paul O’Brien, Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, stated, “One hundred days into his second term, President Trump has led with cruelty and chaos, creating a human rights emergency that has affected millions of people.”

Attacks on Immigration and Asylum

Among the administration’s most alarming policies are its sweeping crackdowns on immigrants and asylum seekers. These include family separations, deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, and a near-total dismantling of the asylum system—violating international laws and forcing many into precarious, fear-driven existences.

Crackdowns on Free Expression

The Trump administration has also severely undermined the right to protest and freedom of expression. Students protesting in support of Palestinian rights have been detained and threatened with deportation, with non-citizen students particularly vulnerable. One such case is Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student lawfully residing in the U.S., who was detained and placed into deportation proceedings simply for participating in a peaceful protest.

Erosion of Legal Norms and Judicial Independence

Amnesty International warns that Trump’s continued disregard for judicial rulings, threats against judges, and pressure on legal institutions reflect deep erosion of checks and balances. These actions form the foundation of an anti-rights agenda that is authoritarian in nature and dangerous in scope.

Undermining the Free Press

President Trump’s antagonism toward the press has escalated, with lawsuits against media outlets, threats to withdraw funding for global press freedom initiatives, and regulatory crackdowns that compromise the independence of journalism. These measures threaten the foundation of informed public discourse essential to democracy.

Discrimination Against Marginalized Groups

The administration has also launched targeted attacks against women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and racial minorities. From anti-trans executive orders to attempts to restrict abortion access and eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, these policies further marginalize vulnerable communities.

Global Human Rights Setbacks

Trump’s human rights violations are not confined to U.S. borders. The administration’s foreign policy shifts have had global repercussions:

• Abrupt cuts to foreign aid programs, threatening international public health, human rights, and peacekeeping efforts.
• Withdrawal from key global organizations like the Human Rights Council, WHO, and Paris Climate Agreement.
• Rolling back civilian harm mitigation measures and military accountability.
• Weakening anti-corruption efforts and empowering unregulated corporate activity.

Tech platforms, emboldened by a lack of accountability, have further enabled authoritarian practices. Trump’s apparent alliance with billionaire Elon Musk has raised eyebrows, especially amid concerns over misuse of sensitive personal data and financial manipulation.

The Bigger Picture: A Global Trend Toward Authoritarianism

Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns, emphasized the global implications: “We are witnessing an alarming escalation of state-sponsored repression and abandonment of human rights norms around the world.”

Amnesty International is calling on civil society, international institutions, and global leaders to resist these authoritarian trends. It urges collective action to defend civic space, uphold international human rights law, and ensure future generations are not led into deeper oppression.

Conclusion

As the Trump administration’s first 100 days in its second term come to a close, the picture painted by Amnesty International is bleak. The cumulative effect of policies enacted and rights violated is nothing short of a human rights emergency. The challenge for the American people—and for the global community—is to confront and reverse these dangerous trends before they become permanently embedded in the national and international order.

U.S. and British forces launched a coordinated nighttime operation in Yemen, targeting Houthi drone production and storage facilities near the capital city of Sanaa. The precision strikes were aimed at crippling the group’s growing drone capabilities, which have been increasingly used to threaten international shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

According to military sources, the strikes were part of a broader escalation in coalition efforts to secure vital maritime routes in the region. The operation marks one of the most aggressive efforts in recent months to directly neutralize the Houthi threat at its source.

A Strategic Target: Drone Manufacturing Sites

The targeted sites were believed to be central to the Houthis’ ability to produce and deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Intelligence reports suggest the facilities have been involved in building, modifying, and storing drones used in attacks on commercial vessels and military assets.

“These strikes were necessary to reduce the operational capabilities of the Houthis, who continue to pose a risk to maritime security,” a U.S. defense official said. “We remain committed to protecting global commerce and freedom of navigation.”

Intensifying U.S. Airstrikes Since March

The latest operation is part of an ongoing campaign that has seen a sharp uptick in U.S. airstrikes since March. Pentagon officials report that over 800 targets have been hit in the last two months, including weapons depots, radar stations, and launch sites.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has stated that these operations have significantly degraded Houthi capacity to strike regional and international assets. While the coalition did not release casualty numbers for this most recent strike, prior operations have reportedly resulted in dozens of Houthi militants killed or injured.

Civilian Casualties Raise Alarm

Tensions escalated further after Houthi-aligned media outlets reported that a U.S. airstrike had hit a migrant detention center in northern Yemen, allegedly killing 68 people. While the U.S. has not confirmed this claim, officials acknowledged the report and said a full investigation is underway.

“We take all allegations of civilian casualties seriously and are actively reviewing the details of the reported incident,” a CENTCOM spokesperson said. “If confirmed, this would be a tragic outcome and contrary to our mission objectives.”

Global Implications

The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are among the busiest and most strategic shipping corridors in the world. Disruption caused by Houthi drone and missile attacks has sparked concern among global trade stakeholders and maritime insurers, leading to increased security measures aboard commercial vessels.

The coalition’s continued military pressure on the Houthis aims to not only safeguard these routes but also send a message of deterrence to regional actors and militias aligned with Iran.

Looking Ahead

As the conflict in Yemen persists, and with diplomatic efforts still stalled, the U.S. and UK appear poised to continue their military campaign. Officials emphasized that future actions would be measured and intelligence-driven, but they also warned of potential retaliation by Houthi forces.

The operation underscores the complexity of balancing military necessity with humanitarian responsibility in a volatile theater of operations. The coming days will likely bring more clarity regarding both the strategic success of the strike and the fallout over alleged civilian casualties.

A sudden and massive power failure plunged large parts of Spain and Portugal into darkness on Sunday evening, in one of the most significant blackouts to hit the Iberian Peninsula in recent history. The disruption left millions without electricity, halted critical infrastructure, and raised questions about the stability of the region’s power grid.

What Happened?

At approximately 6:45 p.m. local time, Spain abruptly lost 15 gigawatts of power within five seconds, sending shockwaves through the national grid and triggering widespread outages that spilled into neighboring Portugal. Officials described it as a cascading failure that crippled both countries’ energy systems.

Though 92% of power had been restored across affected areas by Monday morning, the fallout from the blackout is still being felt, with transport delays, hospital disruptions, and ongoing investigations into the root cause.

Massive Disruption to Daily Life

The blackout’s impact was immediate and far-reaching:

• Public Transport Chaos: Subway systems in Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Porto ground to a halt. Approximately 35,000 train passengers were stranded mid-journey and had to be evacuated by emergency responders.
• Flight Cancellations: Over 200 flights were cancelled or delayed, mostly due to airport infrastructure losing power or associated air traffic control issues.
• Traffic and Safety Concerns: Major cities reported traffic gridlock due to inoperative traffic lights. Emergency services were stretched thin managing intersections, providing medical assistance, and ensuring security in darkened neighborhoods.
• Hospitals Under Pressure: While no loss of life has been reported due to the outage, several hospitals had to rely on backup generators to continue surgeries and emergency care. Some patients were temporarily relocated to facilities with more stable power supplies.

Initial Theories and Investigation

Early analysis suggests that instability within Spain’s electrical system, possibly involving automated fail-safes that disconnected it from the wider European power grid, triggered the domino effect.

Experts are examining whether a technical failure, overloading, or human error caused the disconnection. However, government sources confirmed that there is no evidence of a cyber attack, a concern that was quickly raised given recent global tensions involving energy infrastructure.

Response from Authorities

Spanish Energy Minister Clara Gutiérrez said in a press briefing Monday morning:

“The scale and speed of the outage were unprecedented. We are launching a full investigation in coordination with European energy regulators to determine what happened and how we can prevent it from recurring.”

Portuguese Prime Minister Duarte Silva echoed those sentiments, praising emergency services and utility workers for the swift restoration efforts:

“Our systems are resilient, and our people responded quickly. However, we must understand what went wrong.”

Economic and Political Fallout

The economic impact remains to be assessed, but the blackout is expected to cost millions in lost productivity, transportation refunds, and emergency responses. Questions have already been raised about grid modernization and energy independence, especially as the Iberian Peninsula continues to increase its reliance on renewables.

Opposition parties in both countries have called for independent reviews and greater investment in energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, EU regulators are monitoring the situation closely to ensure broader grid stability is not at risk.

What’s Next?

A preliminary report from Red Eléctrica de España (REE), Spain’s national grid operator, is expected later this week. Until then, authorities are urging citizens to report any residual outages or safety hazards and to remain prepared for possible rolling blackouts if stability issues persist.

This event has served as a stark reminder of the delicate balance modern energy systems require—and the far-reaching consequences when that balance is disrupted.

In a stunning political comeback, the Liberal Party of Canada, now under the leadership of Mark Carney, has secured its fourth consecutive federal election victory, defying early projections that placed the party 20 points behind its rivals just three months ago. The victory marks a significant turning point in Canadian politics, driven by a surge in voter turnout and widespread concern over economic issues, particularly trade tensions with the United States.

Election Results and Political Landscape

The Liberals are projected to win 161 of 343 seats in the House of Commons—short of the 172 seats required for a majority government. While falling short of a majority, the result nonetheless positions the Liberals as the dominant political force in Canada, outpacing the Conservative Party, which is expected to capture 137 seats. The New Democratic Party (NDP) is anticipated to secure 28 seats, while the Bloc Québécois, Green Party, and independents fill the remainder.

A Remarkable Comeback

Political analysts have hailed the Liberal win as a comeback few could have predicted at the start of 2025. In January, the party trailed significantly in national polling, suffering from voter fatigue, economic anxiety, and a leadership transition from outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Mark Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England.

Carney’s technocratic image and economic credentials, however, proved to be an asset in the campaign’s final stretch. Voters gravitated toward his platform, which focused on restoring economic stability, investing in domestic industries, and protecting Canadian jobs from the impact of newly imposed U.S. tariffs on key exports, including steel, lumber, and automotive components.

Key Issues: Cost of Living and Trade Tensions

The rising cost of living emerged as the top election issue. Carney promised immediate action to lower inflation, cap grocery and utility prices, and implement new housing affordability measures. Meanwhile, escalating trade tensions with the U.S. cast a long shadow over the campaign. Carney vowed to take a firm stance in upcoming negotiations with Washington, while also unveiling plans for a $12 billion fund to support Canadian workers and businesses affected by the tariffs.

What’s Next: Governing in a Minority

With only 161 seats, the Liberals will need to form alliances or agreements with smaller parties—most likely the NDP or Greens—to pass legislation. Early indications suggest that Carney is open to a confidence-and-supply agreement with the NDP, which could provide stability while avoiding a formal coalition.

Speaking to supporters in Toronto, Carney stated:

“Canadians have chosen a path of unity, resilience, and bold solutions. We will build a government that reflects their values, responds to their challenges, and delivers real results in the face of global uncertainty.”

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, while cautious, said his party would “work constructively” to ensure progress on climate action, affordable housing, and healthcare.

International Implications

The election results are being closely watched in Washington, Brussels, and Beijing, as Canada reassesses its trade partnerships and foreign policy. Carney’s global experience and credibility with international financial institutions may shape Canada’s response to global economic volatility and shifting alliances.

Conclusion

The 2025 Canadian federal election marks not only the continuation of Liberal governance but the emergence of a new era under Mark Carney. Facing both domestic and international challenges, the incoming government must now navigate minority rule, economic headwinds, and rising global tensions—all while delivering on promises that re-energized a once-weary electorate.

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has reportedly been warned against publicly announcing any new arrest warrant requests targeting Israeli officials, according to a report by The Guardian published Tuesday. The warning comes amid rising tensions between the ICC and the Israeli government, as well as international pressure surrounding the Court’s investigation into alleged war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank.

Ongoing Legal Battles and Political Pressures

The Guardian cited two anonymous sources familiar with internal proceedings at the ICC who said Khan had been preparing to issue additional arrest warrant requests for Israeli suspects involved in military and government operations. These new warrants would follow previous legal actions targeting top Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

In January 2025, Prosecutor Khan formally objected to Israel’s appeal of war crimes warrants previously approved by the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber in November 2024. These warrants had drawn sharp criticism from Israeli officials, who denounced the ICC’s actions as politically motivated and an overreach of jurisdiction.

Israel appealed the Pre-Trial Chamber’s ruling to the ICC’s Appeals Chamber—the Court’s highest judicial authority—seeking to reverse the warrant approvals. That appeal is still pending.

Concerns Over Political Fallout

The warning to Khan not to publicize further warrants reportedly stems from concerns over political fallout, especially given the geopolitical sensitivity of the Israel-Palestine conflict and its global ramifications. The report suggests that unnamed parties may fear a backlash from allies of Israel, including Western governments, who have criticized the ICC for what they view as a disproportionate focus on democratic nations.

Khan, known for his assertive approach to pursuing international justice, is said to be navigating increasing pressure from both internal court sources and external governments, weighing the legal imperative to act against the potential consequences of international diplomatic tensions.

Context of the ICC’s Investigation

The ICC launched its formal investigation into possible war crimes committed in the Palestinian territories in 2021, covering events dating back to June 2014. The investigation includes allegations against both Israeli and Palestinian actors, including Hamas. However, the recent warrants for Israeli officials have significantly intensified scrutiny of the Court’s processes.

Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, and does not recognize its jurisdiction. Nonetheless, the ICC maintains that it has authority over crimes committed in Palestinian territories following Palestine’s accession to the Rome Statute in 2015.

Broader Implications

This development highlights the growing tension between international legal institutions and sovereign states. It also raises concerns about the politicization of global justice mechanisms and the difficult balance the ICC must maintain between impartial enforcement of international law and navigating the pressures of global diplomacy.

For Prosecutor Khan and the ICC, the path forward appears fraught with complexity. As the Appeals Chamber considers Israel’s objection, the outcome could set a significant precedent for how the ICC handles future cases involving high-level officials from powerful or non-member states.

In Summary:

• ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has been warned not to publicize new Israeli arrest warrant requests.
• He previously issued war crimes warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, which Israel has appealed.
• The case highlights international tensions over ICC jurisdiction and the challenges of enforcing international justice amid political resistance.