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Banned Gospel Claims Roman Soldier ‘Longinus’ Delivered Jesus’ Final Death Blow

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Banned Gospel Claims Roman Soldier ‘Longinus’ Delivered Jesus’ Final Death Blow

VATICAN CITY — A banned biblical text known as the Gospel of Nicodemus alleges that the Roman soldier who delivered the final blow to Jesus Christ during the crucifixion was a man named Longinus, a figure absent from the canonical Gospels but revered in Christian legend.

The Gospel of Nicodemus, also known as the Acts of Pilate, provides intricate details about the trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus . ‘Then Longinus, a certain soldier, taking a spear, pierced his side, and presently there came forth blood and water,’ it reads

The Gospel of Nicodemus, also called the Acts of Pilate, is an apocryphal text excluded from the Bible due to questions over its authorship, theological alignment, and date of origin. Yet within its pages lies a controversial detail: it identifies Longinus as the soldier who pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, fulfilling the account in John 19:34 — “But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.”

Though the canonical Gospels do not name this soldier, Christian tradition has long associated Longinus with the moment of divine revelation at the foot of the cross. According to legend, he witnessed the supernatural signs accompanying Jesus’ death and became a believer, later spreading the gospel before being martyred for his faith.

While there is no historical proof that Longinus was a real person, his legend endured through centuries of oral tradition, eventually influencing Christian art and devotion. Today, a striking statue of Longinus stands in Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, symbolizing his transformation from executioner to saint.

There is no historical evidence confirming Longinus was a real person, but there is a striking statue of him that stands beneath the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City

His story has recently gained renewed attention after being featured in the Sunday Cool podcast, which explored his conversion and role in early Christian narratives.

Longinus is believed to have been a centurion under Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who authorized Jesus’ execution. Tradition holds that after Jesus died, Longinus used his spear to confirm death by piercing Jesus’ side — an act that symbolically revealed both Christ’s humanity and divinity.

According to the Eastern Orthodox Church, Longinus is also attributed with declaring, “Truly this was the Son of God,” echoing Matthew 27:54, moments after an earthquake followed Jesus’ final breath.

Some versions of the story even claim Longinus was nearly blind, but when the blood and water from Christ’s side touched his face, his sight was restored, cementing his transformation into a believer.

Following Jesus’ resurrection, Longinus was said to be among the soldiers assigned to guard the tomb. As described in traditional scripture, the guards fled in fear when Jesus rose. But according to Christian legend, Longinus refused bribes from Jewish authorities who sought to suppress the resurrection story.

He allegedly returned to his homeland in Cappadocia, modern-day Turkey, where he preached the message of the risen Christ. Eventually arrested for his faith, he reportedly endured gruesome torture — his teeth were pulled, his tongue cut out — but he miraculously continued speaking the gospel. He was ultimately beheaded, sealing his place in Christian martyrdom.

Longinus’ story is just one of many found in texts excluded from the Bible. Another such text, the Book of Jubilees, offers a dramatic reinterpretation of the Genesis flood narrative. While Genesis attributes the global deluge to widespread wickedness, Jubilees blames “the Watchers” — fallen angels who took human wives and bore giants.

These giants, according to the text, devoured all living things, ushering in an age of cannibalism and corruption. Jubilees 10:25 states: “And the Lord destroyed everything from off the face of the earth; because of the wickedness of their deeds…”

The Book of Jubilees was unearthed among the Dead Sea Scrolls near Qumran, roughly 15 miles east of Jerusalem. Despite retelling parts of Genesis and Exodus, it was rejected by both Jewish and Christian authorities for its supernatural claims and lack of apostolic authorship.

While mainstream Christianity has not canonized the story of Longinus, his legend survives — not in scripture, but in statues, sermons, and sacred storytelling. His transformation from Roman executioner to devout martyr remains a powerful symbol of redemption and belief born at the foot of the cross.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

Bianca Censori Sparks Uproar in Spain With Daring Outfit as Kanye West Looks On

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Bianca Censori Sparks Uproar in Spain With Daring Outfit as Kanye West Looks On

SANTANYÍ, Spain — Bianca Censori, wife of Kanye West, set off a storm of reactions in a quiet Spanish town after stepping out in an outfit that left little to the imagination. The 30-year-old Australian model, known for her risqué fashion choices, flashed her chest in a see-through fishnet top while walking through a local market in Santanyí, Majorca, on Sunday.

Accompanied by the controversial rapper and a heavy security detail, Censori’s look stunned locals and triggered immediate chatter. She paired the revealing top with leather hotpants and an attached mini-skirt, while West kept a low profile in a hoodie and tracksuit, standing a few steps behind her as she browsed stalls.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of shock and confusion among marketgoers. “People were horrified,” one onlooker told reporters. “They could be heard asking, ‘Is that her real nipple?’ as they passed by. Kanye kept his distance while five suited bodyguards hovered nearby, making the whole thing feel like a spectacle.”

Bianca Censori and Kanye West married in 2022, just weeks after his divorce from Kim Kardashian was finalized. Since then, the couple has been a magnet for tabloid attention, frequently traveling across continents while flaunting NSFW public appearances.

Their most controversial moment came at the 2025 Grammy Awards, when Censori walked the red carpet covered only by a massive fur coat that she later removed to reveal her completely naked body. The stunt prompted a media frenzy and sparked renewed speculation about the state of their marriage.

Despite months of speculation that their relationship was on the rocks, the couple appears to be working through issues. A source close to the pair said they are currently on a “crisis getaway” in Spain to address lingering tensions.

Behind the scenes, insiders suggest that Censori is frustrated with her stalled career, allegedly due to Kanye’s disapproval of her pursuing individual opportunities. Though she has expressed interest in becoming a model, fashion ambassador, and public personality, West reportedly vetoes any offer she receives.

“She knows she could make millions annually through brand deals and endorsements,” a source told The U.S. Sun. “But Kanye keeps shutting her down.”

According to the insider, Censori could potentially earn up to $6 million a year, but she refuses to accept deals without West’s approval. “She misses being active and independent,” the source added. “She keeps pushing for more freedom, but he always says no.”

Censori’s bold fashion choices, particularly during international travel, have become a hallmark of her public identity. However, critics argue her wardrobe veers more toward shock value than style, especially in culturally conservative settings.

As the couple continues to draw attention during their European retreat, questions swirl about the balance of power in their relationship and whether Censori will eventually break free from West’s shadow.

For now, the couple remains united in public—even as controversy follows closely behind.

Trump Slams Walmart Over Price Hikes, Urges Retail Giant to ‘Eat the Tariffs’ Amid China Tensions

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Trump Slams Walmart Over Price Hikes, Urges Retail Giant to ‘Eat the Tariffs’ Amid China Tensions

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump lashed out at Walmart on Saturday, accusing the retail giant of using his administration’s China tariffs as an excuse for raising prices and urging the company to “eat the tariffs” rather than pass the cost on to consumers.

Trump’s comments followed Walmart’s announcement earlier this week that it would begin raising prices later this month due to the financial strain imposed by high tariffs on Chinese imports.

“Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain,” Trump wrote in a social media post. “Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than expected. Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, ‘EAT THE TARIFFS,’ and not charge valued customers ANYTHING.”

The world’s largest retailer pushed back, maintaining that it remains committed to keeping costs low. “We’ll keep prices as low as we can for as long as we can given the reality of small retail margins,” Walmart said in a statement to Reuters.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said Thursday that the company could not fully absorb the increased costs brought on by tariffs due to its slim retail profit margins. However, he emphasized that tariff-related price increases would primarily affect general merchandise sourced from China and not food items.

“Tariff costs will not drive food prices higher,” McMillon stated, stressing Walmart’s continued commitment to value pricing for its customers.

Walmart’s public acknowledgment of tariff-related cost pressures provides a telling snapshot of how the U.S.-China trade conflict is influencing the retail sector. As one of the largest U.S. employers and a barometer of consumer spending trends, Walmart’s decision to raise prices is likely to ripple through the broader economy.

Trump, who has long argued that tariffs are an effective tool to combat unfair trade practices and reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing, reiterated that major corporations should be absorbing these costs rather than pushing them onto American consumers.

The president has taken a hard stance on U.S.-China trade relations, imposing several rounds of tariffs since returning to the White House. Many U.S. companies have responded by either cutting earnings forecasts or warning of higher prices, citing inflation and supply chain disruptions caused by the tariffs.

Walmart’s position reflects the challenges faced by U.S. retailers navigating rising import costs while attempting to maintain low prices for shoppers. The company serves approximately 255 million customers each week and operates within 10 miles of 90% of the U.S. population, giving it massive influence over consumer price expectations.

The pricing dispute comes just weeks after reports suggested Amazon was also assessing the impact of tariffs on product costs. The White House quickly criticized Amazon over the report, which the company denied.

As economic tensions with China continue, retailers like Walmart are being squeezed between political pressure from Washington and market pressure from consumers, highlighting the broader struggle to balance national trade policy with bottom-line economics.

Vatican Emerges as Possible Venue for Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks, Rubio Says After Pope’s Renewed Offer

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Vatican Emerges as Possible Venue for Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks, Rubio Says After Pope’s Renewed Offer

ROME — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday suggested that the Vatican could host potential Russia-Ukraine peace talks, building on the Holy See’s long-standing offer to mediate and Pope Leo XIV’s renewed personal commitment to end the war.

Speaking to reporters in Rome ahead of a meeting with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Vatican’s chief envoy for Ukraine, Rubio said discussions would center on how the Vatican could contribute to peace efforts and recent diplomatic developments.

Asked whether the Holy See could act as a broker, Rubio responded, “I wouldn’t call it broker, but it’s certainly — I think it’s a place that both sides would be comfortable going.”

Rubio added that he welcomed the Vatican’s “constructive and positive role,” praising its diplomatic neutrality and humanitarian initiatives. On Saturday, he also held meetings with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the foreign minister.

The remarks followed Pope Leo XIV’s first Sunday address as pope, during which he vowed to make “every effort” to help bring peace to Ukraine. Speaking to members of the Eastern Catholic Church, including the Ukrainian Greek Catholic community, Leo called for an “authentic, just, and lasting peace,” and invited both parties to meet face to face under Vatican auspices.

“The Holy See is always ready to help bring enemies together, face to face, to talk to one another,” the pope said. “So that peoples everywhere may once more find hope and recover the dignity they deserve—the dignity of peace.”

Leo, elected on May 8 as the first American pope, previously described Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as an “imperialist war” during his time as a bishop in Peru. His election appears to have brought renewed energy to the Vatican’s stalled mediation efforts.

Cardinal Parolin reaffirmed the Vatican’s offer to host direct negotiations, noting the breakdown of talks in Istanbul earlier in the week.

“We had hoped it could start a process, slow but positive, toward a peaceful solution to the conflict,” Parolin said. “But instead, we’re back to the beginning.”

Asked to elaborate, Parolin clarified that the Vatican is offering a neutral venue and full discretion. “We have always said, repeated to the two sides that we are available to you, with all the discretion needed,” he said.

At the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See, Rubio thanked Zuppi for the Vatican’s role in securing prisoner exchanges and advocating for the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that Rubio emphasized “the importance of continued collaboration under the new leadership of Pope Leo XIV.”

While previous Vatican efforts were largely limited to humanitarian channels, Leo’s statements suggest a broader ambition to revive peace talks and potentially bring both sides together under Vatican sponsorship.

The Vatican has a long record of diplomacy, with some notable successes. During the Cold War, Pope John XXIII made critical appeals for peace at the height of the Cuban missile crisis, urging U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev to step back from nuclear conflict.

Under Pope Francis, the Vatican brokered a 2014 thaw in U.S.-Cuba relations and hosted rival South Sudanese leaders in 2019 in a symbolic act of reconciliation, where Francis famously kissed their feet in a plea for peace.

Although Vatican diplomacy has had a limited role since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Holy See remains one of the few global actors accepted by both Kyiv and Moscow as a potential interlocutor.

Whether the latest offer will move the needle toward negotiations remains uncertain, but the Vatican’s renewed position as a neutral, moral actor could give it a unique edge in a geopolitical landscape short on trust.

Las Vegas Gym Shooting Leaves 2 Dead, Including Gunman, and 3 Injured

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Las Vegas Gym Shooting Leaves 2 Dead, Including Gunman, and 3 Injured

LAS VEGAS — A gunman opened fire inside a Las Vegas gym Friday afternoon, killing one person and injuring at least three others before being fatally shot by police, authorities said.

The shooting unfolded at the Las Vegas Athletic Club on the city’s west side, where chaos erupted as gym-goers scrambled for cover. According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Undersheriff Andrew Walsh, officers responded quickly and engaged the suspect as he fled the facility. He was shot by police outside the building and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Authorities confirmed that one victim was killed inside the gym, while three others were hospitalized, including one in critical condition. Police have not yet released the identities of the victims or the suspect.

“There is no ongoing threat to the community,” Walsh said at a press briefing, adding that the investigation into a possible motive remains active.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion and fear as shots rang out inside the gym. Claudio Vigani, who was working out when the shooting began, told KLAS-TV that the warning came swiftly.

“They said ‘Get out, get out, get out,’” he recalled. “Then I saw the dead guy next to the machine.”

Gary Steward, who was arriving at the gym with a friend, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that a last-minute stop at a nearby nutrition store likely saved their lives. As they approached the entrance, they saw shattered glass and fled back to the parking lot.

“It’s just a weird feeling right now,” Steward said. “It’s strange. Who shoots up a gym?”

Calls to the Las Vegas Athletic Club and its corporate offices were not answered as the investigation continued late Friday.

Authorities have yet to publicly identify the suspect or confirm whether the victims were specifically targeted. Officials are also reviewing security footage from inside the facility and speaking with witnesses in an effort to reconstruct the sequence of events.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said updates will be provided as more information becomes available. For now, the city is left grappling with another tragic episode of gun violence.

Crystal Palace Stuns Man City 1-0 in FA Cup Final, Wins First Major Trophy in Club History

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Crystal Palace Stuns Man City 1-0 in FA Cup Final, Wins First Major Trophy in Club History

LONDON — In one of the most stunning upsets in recent English football history, Crystal Palace defeated Manchester City 1-0 in the 2025 FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, capturing the club’s first major trophy and ending City’s domestic dominance.

Local hero Eberechi Eze delivered the decisive moment, volleying in the game’s only goal in the 16th minute to ignite raucous celebrations from Palace supporters and send South London into jubilation. The victory marked a crowning achievement for manager Oliver Glasner, who became the first Austrian coach to win the FA Cup.

While City dominated possession and peppered the Palace goal throughout the match, they were repeatedly thwarted by a spectacular display from goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who produced multiple saves — including a critical penalty stop — to preserve the historic win.

After weathering relentless early pressure from Pep Guardiola’s attacking lineup, Palace stunned the reigning Premier League giants with a brilliantly executed counterattack. Jean-Philippe Mateta sliced through the midfield and played in Daniel Muñoz, who delivered a low cross that Eze met with a first-time volley past City keeper Stefan Ortega.

The goal came completely against the run of play, but from that moment on, Palace absorbed wave after wave of City attacks. Henderson denied Erling Haaland, Josko Gvardiol, and Jeremy Doku, while also diving low to his right to save a penalty taken by Omar Marmoush, who surprisingly stepped up instead of Haaland after Tyrick Mitchell brought down Bernardo Silva.

City had their moments. Kevin De Bruyne, playing in what is expected to be his final Wembley appearance in a Manchester City shirt, orchestrated early attacks and delivered precise service. However, Henderson’s heroics, combined with a resolute Palace defense, kept the seven-time FA Cup champions at bay.

Palace entered the final having lost in their two previous FA Cup appearances in 1990 and 2016. This time, they were not to be denied. Glasner, who took charge just 15 months ago, has now delivered the club’s first-ever major title in front of an ecstatic sea of fans dressed in purple and blue.

Even as VAR disallowed a second-half goal from Muñoz and 10 minutes of stoppage time had Palace fans holding their breath, the final whistle brought an eruption of emotion. “Glad All Over,” the club’s beloved anthem, echoed through Wembley as players collapsed to the turf in disbelief and delight.

For City, the defeat capped a frustrating campaign that will see them go without a domestic trophy for the first time since the 2016-17 season. Their back-to-back FA Cup final losses underscore a decline in form for a squad that once seemed untouchable.

Despite the loss, Guardiola’s side showed flashes of their old dominance, but their wastefulness in front of goal — and Henderson’s masterclass — proved costly on the biggest stage.

Crystal Palace, long considered underdogs in England’s elite football landscape, are now FA Cup champions. And for Eberechi Eze and his teammates, Saturday’s triumph at Wembley is a moment that will live forever in club lore.

1 Dead, Extensive Damage in California as Bomb Blast Destroys Palm Springs Fertility Clinic

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1 Dead, Extensive Damage in California as Bomb Blast Destroys Palm Springs Fertility Clinic

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — A powerful explosion near a Palm Springs fertility clinic on Saturday morning killed one person and caused extensive damage to multiple buildings, including a prominent in vitro fertilization lab, in what officials are calling a suspected car bomb attack.

The blast occurred just before 11 a.m. on North Indian Canyon Drive near East Tachevah Drive, according to a statement from the city government. The explosion, which was reportedly felt more than two miles away, tore through the area with such force that debris and structural damage extended to nearby properties.

Photos from the scene showed American Reproductive Centers, a full-service fertility and IVF clinic, heavily damaged. The facility sits directly across from Desert Regional Medical Center, a major healthcare hub in the Coachella Valley.

Palm Springs Mayor Ron DeHarte confirmed in a text message to the Los Angeles Times that a bomb detonated in or near a vehicle parked adjacent to the clinic. “One deceased,” DeHarte stated.

Palm Springs Police Lieutenant William Hutchinson told the Desert Sun that initial investigations suggest the explosion originated from a vehicle parked directly in front of American Reproductive Centers. Authorities have not yet identified the deceased or confirmed if the incident was targeted.

A witness who arrived at the scene minutes after the blast described a harrowing sight. “I saw body parts and car parts scattered outside the clinic,” he told the Desert Sun.

The phone lines to the clinic were down Saturday afternoon, and the city urged the public to stay away from the scene to allow emergency personnel to conduct their work without obstruction.

American Reproductive Centers, led by board-certified physician Dr. Maher A. Abdallah, is the Coachella Valley’s only full-service fertility clinic and IVF laboratory, according to its website.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said his office had been briefed on the incident and was actively coordinating with local and federal agencies to support the emergency response. In a social media post, Newsom said the state “will continue to monitor developments closely.”

There was no immediate information on a possible motive behind the explosion, and officials have not confirmed whether it was connected to any broader threat. Federal authorities, including bomb squad and anti-terror units, were reportedly en route to assist in the investigation.

The explosion comes amid heightened security alerts nationwide, and the blast’s proximity to a medical facility that provides reproductive health services is expected to draw further scrutiny.

As investigators work to determine the cause and scope of the damage, Palm Springs remains on edge, with authorities emphasizing public safety and cooperation in the hours following the deadly explosion.

Gaza Ceasefire Talks Resume Amid Deadly Israeli Offensive and Looming Famine

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Gaza Ceasefire Talks Resume Amid Deadly Israeli Offensive and Looming Famine

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas resumed Saturday in Doha, even as Israel escalated its most intense bombing campaign in months, killing hundreds and preparing for a major new ground assault across Gaza.

Palestinian health authorities reported at least 146 people were killed Saturday alone in what has become one of the deadliest three-day periods since the March truce collapsed. Hospitals are overwhelmed with the wounded, and many civilians remain trapped beneath rubble amid the bombardment.

The renewed Israeli campaign, dubbed “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” follows President Donald Trump’s recent visit to the Middle East. Israel says the operation aims to secure new territory inside the Gaza Strip. It has also blocked all humanitarian supplies into the enclave since early March, intensifying a crisis now threatening famine for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.

Reuters journalists witnessed Israeli tanks positioned along Gaza’s perimeter, while civilians fled northern towns, using carts to carry what belongings they could.

“They are bombing houses, and the people are afraid. What should we do?” said 50-year-old Imad Naseer as he escaped the violence. “They treat us as if we are animals, not as humans.”

Taher Al-Nono, spokesperson for the Hamas political bureau, confirmed that indirect ceasefire talks with Israel resumed in Doha on Saturday. He said Hamas had reaffirmed its core demands: an end to the war, prisoner exchanges, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the restoration of humanitarian aid.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz acknowledged the negotiations but insisted they were not contingent on a ceasefire or the lifting of Israel’s blockade. Israel remains focused on rescuing hostages still held by Hamas since the October 2023 attacks.

Israel’s military said it was conducting “extensive strikes” and mobilizing for “operational control” of strategic zones across the enclave. Gaza health officials said Saturday’s casualties were concentrated in Beit Lahiya, Jabalia refugee camp, and the southern city of Khan Younis, where at least 459 others were injured.

Residents had been told to evacuate northern Gaza on Friday, but many had nowhere to go. In a statement, Hamas described the onslaught as a “systematic campaign of extermination” and urged Arab leaders gathered in Baghdad for an emergency summit to intervene and ensure aid reaches Gaza’s population.

Efforts to restore a ceasefire have repeatedly failed since March. Hamas has long maintained that it would only release Israeli hostages if Israel agrees to halt its offensive. Israel, for its part, says it will not stop until Hamas is dismantled.

At the Arab League summit, Egyptian President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi condemned Israel’s campaign as a strategy to “obliterate” Palestinians and “end their existence in the Gaza Strip.”

According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 53,000 people have been killed since the war erupted in October 2023. Israeli officials say their goal remains the complete destruction of Hamas’ military and governing infrastructure following the group’s October 7 attacks that left roughly 1,200 Israelis dead and 250 kidnapped.

The United Nations has warned that famine is imminent in Gaza, a crisis worsened by Israel’s supply blockade and the destruction of key infrastructure. U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher recently asked the Security Council whether it would act to “prevent genocide.”

Israel argues that food deliveries made during a six-week truce earlier this year should be sufficient and blames Hamas for allegedly stealing aid—an accusation the group denies.

Hospitals, many repeatedly struck by airstrikes, are barely operational. Marwan Al-Sultan, head of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, reported dozens of deaths overnight and warned that “the situation inside the hospital is catastrophic.”

On Friday, President Trump acknowledged the deepening crisis, stating, “a lot of people are starving” in Gaza. A U.S.-backed initiative is preparing to begin food distribution in the enclave by late May using private American security contractors, though the U.N. has declined to cooperate due to concerns over impartiality.

Meanwhile, NBC News reported that the Trump administration is considering a plan to permanently relocate up to one million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya—a proposal that has been met with fierce opposition from every major Palestinian political faction.

As the war nears its 20th month, the death toll rises, the humanitarian crisis deepens, and diplomatic solutions remain elusive, the fate of Gaza’s besieged population hangs precariously in the balance.

3 Iranian Men Charged in UK Spy Probe Amid Rising Concerns Over Tehran’s Operations

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3 Iranian Men Charged in UK Spy Probe Amid Rising Concerns Over Tehran’s Operations

LONDON — British authorities have charged three Iranian nationals with offences under the National Security Act following a sweeping counter-terrorism investigation that officials say exposes serious threats posed by Iranian-backed operations on UK soil.

The suspects—Mostafa Sepahvand, 39; Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44; and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55—appeared in court in London on Saturday. They are accused of activities likely to assist a foreign intelligence service, with prosecutors identifying the foreign state as Iran. The alleged conduct spans from August 14, 2024, to February 16, 2025.

Prosecutors say the trio were involved in surveillance operations and planned violent attacks, including alleged targeting of journalists linked to Iran International, a Persian-language news outlet based in Britain that is frequently critical of the Iranian regime.

The court heard that Sepahvand is also charged with conducting surveillance and intending to commit serious violence, while Manesh and Noori are accused of supporting others to carry out similar attacks.

All three men were remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear again for a preliminary hearing at the Central Criminal Court on June 6.

Major Espionage and Terror Plot Disrupted

The charges follow the arrests of eight men—including seven Iranian nationals—earlier in May during two large-scale operations. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the counter-terrorism effort as one of the most significant of its kind in recent years.

“These are serious allegations and we will take separate action to address the national security implications of this case,” Cooper said in a statement. “Iran must be held to account for its actions. We must also strengthen our powers to protect our national security as we will not tolerate growing state threats on our soil.”

Four of the eight men arrested have since been released on bail, while one was released without charge. Police say the investigation remains active and is focused on a suspected plot to attack a specific location, which is still being provided security assistance.

Journalists Targeted in Suspected State Plot

Authorities revealed that the charged men allegedly conducted hostile surveillance on individuals affiliated with Iran International. The London-based broadcaster has been previously targeted by Tehran, including in a 2023 incident where an Austrian national was convicted of “hostile reconnaissance” against its headquarters.

In a separate 2023 case, a British journalist of Iranian heritage working for the outlet was stabbed in what officials believe was a politically motivated assault.

The UK’s domestic intelligence chief, Ken McCallum, warned last year that Britain had disrupted at least 20 Tehran-linked plots since 2022 that posed credible threats to individuals inside the country.

Iran Responds to Accusations

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi voiced concern over the arrests, stating Tehran was “disturbed” to learn of the detentions and expressed willingness to cooperate if credible evidence is presented. Another Iranian foreign ministry official dismissed the accusations as “baseless.”

The British government has since placed Iran on the highest tier of its Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, requiring all political activities conducted on its behalf to be fully declared.

Security and Immigration in Political Spotlight

The accused reportedly arrived in the UK by irregular means between 2016 and 2022, including small boat crossings across the English Channel—an issue that has become central in British domestic politics. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to clamp down on human smuggling networks and reduce unauthorized entries.

This latest case has further elevated tensions between London and Tehran and underscored the scale of the Iranian regime’s alleged espionage and influence operations in the West.

Reuters

Trump to Speak With Putin and Zelenskiy After Turkey Talks Stall Over New Russian Demands

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Trump to Speak With Putin and Zelenskiy After Turkey Talks Stall Over New Russian Demands

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced he will speak separately with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday, following tense in-person talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Turkey that ended with no breakthrough toward a ceasefire.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said he would begin his call with Putin at 10 a.m. Eastern (1400 GMT) to discuss “STOPPING THE ‘BLOODBATH’ THAT IS KILLING, ON AVERAGE, MORE THAN 5000 RUSSIAN AND UKRAINIAN SOLDIERS A WEEK, AND TRADE.” He added that he would later speak with Zelenskiy and several NATO leaders in an effort to secure a halt to the over three-year-long war.

“Hopefully it will be a productive day, a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war, a war that should have never happened, will end,” Trump wrote.

The Kremlin confirmed preparations were underway for Trump’s call with Putin, but gave no further details. Talks held Friday in Turkey marked the first face-to-face meeting between Russian and Ukrainian officials since March 2022, weeks after Russia’s full-scale invasion.

However, progress was minimal. According to a senior Ukrainian official familiar with the discussions, Russian negotiators presented new demands, including that Ukraine withdraw all military forces from the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Luhansk regions—territories Russia claims as its own. The official said Moscow refused to agree to a ceasefire until these withdrawals occur, a condition Kyiv flatly rejects.

The Friday meeting lasted just over 90 minutes and concluded with a limited agreement to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war on each side. No timeline for the swap was provided, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to elaborate on Russia’s ceasefire terms, insisting that negotiations must remain confidential.

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy has continued to call for greater international pressure on Moscow following the deaths of nine civilians killed in a Russian drone strike on a bus in the Sumy region.

“This was a deliberate killing of civilians,” Zelenskiy said Saturday. “Pressure must be exerted on Russia to stop the killings. Without tougher sanctions, without stronger pressure, Russia will not seek real diplomacy.”

Russia’s defense ministry claimed the strike targeted a military site in Sumy and also announced the capture of another eastern Ukrainian settlement.

In a sign of continued diplomatic engagement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has taken an increasingly prominent role in facilitating potential talks. According to the Russian foreign ministry, Lavrov welcomed “the positive role” of the U.S. in reviving dialogue. Rubio, speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation, said Moscow was “working on a series of ideas and requirements” for negotiations but added that the U.S. remains cautious about Russia’s intentions.

“Well, that’s what we’re trying to find out—whether they’re stringing us along,” Rubio said. He also floated the Vatican as a possible venue for future Russia-Ukraine talks, describing it as a “very generous offer” that could be considered.

The U.S., Ukraine, and other Western governments continue to push for an immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire. However, Russia’s latest territorial demands appear to move beyond the parameters of the peace framework proposed by the U.S. last month, raising questions about Moscow’s seriousness in pursuing peace.

Peskov declined to confirm the Ukrainian account of Russia’s demands but reiterated that “further work” is needed. He did not rule out a direct meeting between Putin and Zelenskiy but said such a summit would require “certain agreements” to be reached first—without specifying what those are.

Trump previously offered to travel to Turkey for Friday’s talks if Putin also attended in person. However, the Russian president sent a negotiating team instead. While Trump has urged both leaders to agree to a ceasefire, his role in the process has complicated coordination between Ukraine and its European allies.

After the meeting in Turkey, Ukraine immediately turned to its Western allies to rally support for tougher action. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaking from Pakistan, said, “Once again, Russia is not serious. At what point do we say to Putin, enough is enough?”

French President Emmanuel Macron echoed that sentiment, calling the Turkey meeting a failure. “Today, what do we have? Nothing,” he said. “Faced with President Putin’s cynicism, I am sure that President Trump, mindful of the credibility of the United States, will react.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the EU is working on a new package of sanctions aimed at “suffocating” Russia’s economy, though it remains unclear what additional impact new measures might have after more than three years of sustained sanctions.

Trump’s involvement has repeatedly disrupted the diplomatic calculus of Ukraine and its allies. While urging Zelenskiy to attend talks in Turkey, Trump simultaneously insisted that no ceasefire could move forward until he had personally spoken with Putin.

The Kremlin has stated that Putin is open to a meeting with Trump, but insists any summit must be “carefully prepared.” As of Saturday, Moscow said there had been no further contact with Washington following Friday’s talks in Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government hosted the talks, vowed to continue Turkey’s role as a mediator, saying Ankara is committed to facilitating further discussions.

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