FED:'Terrifying': families in the dark after Aussies held The families of 11 Australians detained by Israel while they tried to deliver aid to Gaza have been kept in the dark about their wellbeing for over 12 hours. AAP · May 19
After the painful ruse of Starmerism, the left should be cautious about Andy Burnham With the Greens now a viable alternative, a Labour leader will not win power again without the progressive vote. But they will need to earn it, says Guardian columnist Owen Jones The Guardian - UK · May 19
Iran plans €50 million bounty on 'gambler' Donald Trump, 'child-killer' Netanyahu for 'whoever sends them to hell' - report Iran's parliament is considering hefty financial rewards for assassinating US President Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu, escalating tensions after recent strikes. Lawmakers aim to formalize bounties, viewing these leaders as responsible for the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei. This move shifts threats from rhetoric to official parliamentary action, with warnings… The Times of India · May 19
ABC and SBS refuse to adopt antisemitism definition used by royal commission Public broadcasts won’t use International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition, which some claim conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism The Guardian - AU · May 19
‘Come in for one minute’: exhibition showing horrors of 7 October attacks opens in London Commemoration of atrocity at Nova music festival confronts those who deny its gravity, says Elkana Bohbot The Guardian - UK · May 19
'Terrifying': families in the dark after Aussies held The families of 11 Australians detained by Israel while they tried to deliver aid to Gaza have been kept in the dark about their wellbeing for over 12 hours. AAP · May 19
Iran stock market to reopen today after 80-day closure amid US-Israel-Iran war Iran's stock market reopens May 19 after an 80-day closure due to US-Israel conflict. While not a primary economic driver, its resumption offers insights into economic health and investor sentiment. Trading resumes with extended hours for major firms, aiming for transparency after market volatility and a significant internet shutdown. The Economic Times · May 19
Trump says US may hit Iran again, claims Tehran wants deal US President Donald Trump said that the United States may need to attack Iran again and claimed that he had been only an hour away from deciding on a fresh strike before he allegedly postponed the attack. Thousands of people have been killed in Iran, Lebanon and the wider Middle… France 24 · May 19
Dfat officials ‘urgently seeking’ status of 11 Australian Gaza flotilla activists detained by Israel Global Sumud Flotilla organisers say 38 ships holding 319 activists were about 250 nautical miles from the coast of Gaza when they were intercepted The Guardian - AU · May 19
Who Is Naftali Bennett? Tech Millionaire Could Replace Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel's Next Prime Minister Speculation about Naftali Bennett's political comeback intensifies as prediction markets suggest he could challenge Netanyahu, amid ongoing regional conflicts and domestic criticism in Israel. International Business Times UK · May 18
Iran announces new body to manage Strait of Hormuz as peace talks stall Iran announced a new body to oversee the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, signalling tighter control over the strategic waterway after months of disruption linked to its war with the United States and Israel. Tehran says the authority will manage maritime traffic and provide updates as tolls and restrictions reshape… France 24 · May 18
Trump and Netanyahu Assassination Reward Offered as Iran Parliament Drafts Multi-Million-Pound Legal Bounty Iran's parliament proposes a £44 million bounty for the assassination of US President Trump, escalating tensions following the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei in a US-Israeli operation. International Business Times UK · May 18
Israel built two secret military bases in Iraq to aid Iran war, New York Times reports A new report by the New York Times claims Israel built a second secret military base in Iraq’s western desert to support its strikes on Iran, and that the United States had knowledge of it. Citing an Iraqi official and lawmaker, the NYT reported that the presence of these bases… France 24 · May 18
Benjamin Netanyahu commends Israeli soldiers for 'thwarting' flotilla aid mission BENJAMIN Netanyahu commended Israeli soldiers for “thwarting" the Global Sumud Flotilla aid mission, while describing it as "a malicious… The National (Scotland) · May 18
Euronews · May 18 Lebanese president vows to 'do the impossible' to end war with Israel as strikes continue despite ceasefire On Monday, the Lebanese health ministry said the death toll from Israeli strikes since the start of the war had reached 3,020, with 211 people 18 and under and 116 healthcare workers among those killed.
The Economic Times · May 18 Israel, Hezbollah war persists despite truce extension; Lebanon's death toll passes 3,000 Fighting continues between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Israel conducted airstrikes while Hezbollah announced new attacks. This war, reignited by US-Iran conflict, has claimed over 3,000 lives in Lebanon. A US-backed truce extension began recently. Hostilities persist despite mediation efforts.
The Independent UK · May 18 Israel built two covert military bases in Iraqi desert to support Iran strikes, report claims One of the bases is reported to have been discovered by a shepherd who was later killed by Israeli forces
The Independent UK · May 18 Lebanon death toll reaches 3,000 in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah The death toll in the latest fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has surpassed 3,000
Bored Panda · May 18 World Ruthlessly Mocks Eurovision Final Marked By Scandal, Blunders And A Surprising Winner From boycott drama to an unfiltered on-stage celebration, Eurovision 2026 delivered one of the messiest and most meme-worthy finals in recent history.
The Guardian - US · May 18 Donald Trump’s approval rating sinks to lowest point of second term US president’s approval rating falls to 37% days after he said Americans’ financial situation is not motivating him to broker deal with Iran
International Business Times · May 18 U.S. Weighs Secure AI Base In Israel's Desert Amid Rising Tech Rivalry With China The United States is considering establishing a secure artificial intelligence facility in Israel's Negev Desert as part of discussions aimed at protecting advanced technologies and limiting exposure to Chinese espionage risks.
International Business Times UK · May 18 Trump Panic: White House Officials Desperately Trying to Stop 'Terrible' PR Raid to Seize Iran Uranium High-ranking Trump officials express concern over his plan to seize Iran's uranium, citing logistical challenges and potential military risks, while Israel supports the initiative.
The Conversation · May 18 Why the Iran war is breaking the US-European strategic alliance Days after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began on Feb. 28, 2026, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez denied American forces the use of the Naval Station Rota and the Morón Air Base – installations that had hosted U.S. troops for more than 70 years.
Euronews · May 18 Gaza-bound aid flotilla says it is 'under attack' as Israel intercepts fleet off Cyprus The Israeli foreign ministry said the aim of the flotilla was to "serve Hamas, to divert attention from Hamas's refusal to disarm and to obstruct progress on President Trump's peace plan."
The Times of India · May 18 Trump’s cryptic Gulf map with red arrows at Iran sparks fresh war fears US President Trump has ignited controversy by tweeting a provocative map aimed at Iran, declaring that 'the clock is ticking' in reference to potential military engagement. This revelation comes on the heels of his discussions with Israeli PM Netanyahu, signaling escalating tensions.