Trump reiterates call for Hamas to release ‘all of the hostages’

Source: Washington Post

‘Across Europe I fear free speech is in retreat’

US Vice President JD Vance told European leaders that “free speech is in retreat” across their continent.

Source: Al Jazeera

Pope Francis admitted to hospital for bronchitis treatment, cancels events for 3 days

Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital for bronchitis treatment Friday and has canceled all scheduled events for the next three days, according to the Vatican.

Source: NBC News

Vance meets with leader of far-right German party, exports MAGA message

The vice president delivered a scolding speech advocating that Europe move over to accommodate the rising anti-migration, nationalist voices they have sought to block from power.

Source: Washington Post

Japan releases 200,000 tonnes of emergency rice stockpile as prices soar

Agriculture minister says rising prices have ‘had a significant impact on people’s lives’ amid record heat, surges in demand and distribution problems

Japan is to flood the market with almost …

Source: The Guardian

South Korea’s likely next leader wants warmer ties with China, North Korea

Lee Jae-myung says he would support President Donald Trump’s efforts to restart talks with North Korea — and even consider nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Source: Washington Post

Trump’s tariffs could spur push to rewrite North America trade pact

The Trump administration is trying to rewrite numerous trade rules to extract concessions from allies and adversaries.

Source: Al Jazeera

Deadly fire tears through South Korean hotel construction site

Firefighters used a helicopter to rescue people who had fled to safety on a rooftop after a fire broke out at a hotel resort construction site in South Korea. At …

Source: NBC News

Pope Francis receiving treatment for bronchitis, canceling duties this weekend

NBC News' Claudio Lavanga reports that Pope Francis has been admitted to the hospital in Rome and is being treated for bronchitis, with his schedule suspended for the next three …

Source: NBC News

Ukraine accuses Russia's military of flying exploding drone into Chernobyl nuclear plant

Ukraine accused Russia's military of flying an exploding drone into the Chernobyl nuclear plant. The drone damaged the outer shell of the reactor, but it does not appear to have …

Source: CBS News

Mexico threatens to escalate US gunmakers lawsuit with terror charges

Claudia Scheinbaum warns of reciprocal action if Washington designates country’s cartels as terrorist groups

Mexico’s president has warned US gunmakers they could face fresh legal action as accomplices of organized …

Source: The Guardian

Zelenskyy demands ‘real security guarantees’ before peace talks; Vance accused of ‘trying to pick a fight’ with EU – as it happened

This live blog is now closed. You can read our latest reporting here:

• Zelenskyy says Ukraine needs ‘security guarantees’ before any Putin talks
• Vance stuns with blistering attack on Europe’s …

Source: The Guardian