Global Tensions Rise Amid Multiple Conflicts

Belarus has released 52 political prisoners as part of a deal with the US, in exchange for the easing of US sanctions on the Belarusian airline Belavia. The release comes ahead of joint military exercises between Belarus and Russia, and after Poland accused Russia of an unprecedented drone incursion into its airspace. The prisoners released include trade union leaders, journalists, and activists, but over 1,000 remain in jail. The deal was negotiated between Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and US President Donald Trump, with Lukashenko describing the release as a humanitarian gesture. The US has agreed to relieve some sanctions on Belavia, allowing it to buy parts for its airplanes.

Nato is strengthening its defences on its eastern flank after three Russian drones were shot down over Poland. Poland has called the incident an 'unprecedented' Russian drone incursion and requested a UN Security Council session. Several Nato members, including the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany, and France, have pledged to send troops, artillery, and air defence systems to secure the region. Polish leaders believe the incursion was deliberate, while experts are divided on whether it was intentional. The incident has heightened tensions in the region, with major joint military exercises between Belarus and Russia scheduled to start on Friday.

South Sudan's First Vice-President Riek Machar has been charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity related to a militia attack in March. The charges have sparked fears of a return to the country's civil war, which ended with a 2018 peace deal. Machar has been under house arrest since March, along with several allies, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Army Deputy Chief of Staff Lt Gen Gabriel Duop Lam. The attack in question was carried out by the White Army militia, largely made up of fighters from the Nuer ethnic group, and resulted in the deaths of 250 soldiers and a general, as well as a UN helicopter pilot. Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech stated that the charges send a clear message that those who commit atrocities will be held accountable, regardless of their position or influence.

An activist group, Global Sumud Flotilla, reported that a second aid boat in their fleet was attacked by a drone while docked in Tunisia. The boat, 'Alma', sustained fire damage but all passengers and crew are safe. This is the second attack in two days on the group's vessels, which are attempting to reach Gaza and break Israel's maritime blockade. The Tunisian Ministry of the Interior is investigating the incident, considering it a deliberate act. Israel has not commented on the matter.

The article discusses the recent Israeli airstrike in Qatar, a key US ally in the Middle East, and questions whether this incident has raised concerns about Qatar's relationship with the US. The Qatari Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, has condemned the Israeli attack as 'barbaric.' The article also touches on other news stories, including Russia's testing of NATO's defenses, the situation in Ukraine, and protests in Nepal.

Russia launched a drone attack on Ukraine, with some drones entering Polish airspace, prompting NATO to respond militarily. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk called it a 'large-scale provocation' and said the situation is serious. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that the violation is not an isolated incident and that NATO is committed to defending its territory. The incident brought Poland closest to open conflict since World War II.

The Qatari Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has intensified his criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over an unprecedented Israeli strike on Qatar that killed at least six people. The strike targeted Hamas leadership and has been widely condemned internationally. Sheikh Mohammed stated that Israel has 'killed any hope' of releasing hostages from Gaza, as Qatar has been mediating negotiations for a ceasefire. The attack has strained relations between Israel and Qatar, with US President Donald Trump reportedly having a heated phone call with Netanyahu over the strike. Netanyahu has defended the strike and threatened further action against Qatar and other nations that harbor terrorists.