Stitching change: Moroccan women weave livelihoods through Art

• In a quiet Moroccan village, a women's embroidery workshop is stitching together livelihoods and self-worth
• Through thread and fabric, rural women are transforming tradition into empowerment and economic independence

Macron says abandoning Gaza ‘will kill’ West’s credibility

• "If we abandon Gaza, if we consider there is a free pass for Israel, even if we do condemn terrorist attacks, we will kill our credibility," Macron told defence forum in Singapore
• European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday denounced attacks in the past days on civilian infrastructure in Gaza as "abhorrent" and "disproportionate."

UN declares Gaza the hungriest place on earth, says entire population risks famine

• Negotiations to end nearly 20 months of war have so far failed to achieve a breakthrough, with Israel resuming operations in Gaza in March, ending a six-week truce
• Thousands of Palestinians rushed into a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation centre on Tuesday, as Israel implemented a new distribution system that bypasses the UN

Google makes case for keeping Chrome browser in US court

• US government attorneys have called for divesting Google of Chrome browser, contending that AI is poised to ramp up it's dominance
• They also want Google barred from agreements with partners such as Apple and Samsung to distribute its search tools

Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to make rare West Bank visit

• Prince Faisal's trip was announced as Israel vowed to build a "Jewish Israeli state" in the West Bank, after doubling down on plans to expand settlements there.
• Saudi Arabia sent a lower-level delegation to Ramallah in September 2023, its first since 1967, not long before Hamas's October 7 attack triggered the Gaza war.

New metro cuts through Saudi social divisions

No permit, no hajj: Saudi intensifies crackdown after heat deaths

• Regular raids, drone surveillance and a barrage of text alerts are aimed at rooting out unauthorized visitors hoping to mingle among the crowds in and around Makkah.
• The simple message, "No hajj without a permit", is being blared out in a relentless campaign promoted nationwide at shopping centers, on billboards and across media platforms.

UAE orders all companies to monitor emissions in new climate law

• "By institutionalizing emissions monitoring and climate adaptation, the UAE is setting a compelling example for countries across the region," she said.
• Public and private companies now have to regularly monitor emissions and take steps to reduce them, or risk fines of up to two million dirhams ($545,000).

Turkey says Ukraine, Russia want ceasefire ahead of possible talks

• NATO member Turkey, which has strove to maintain relations with both Kyiv and Moscow, has become a key mediator amid US President Donald Trump's push for a deal
• At negotiations in Istanbul on May 16, Ukraine said Russia threatened to accelerate its ground offensive into new regions and made a host of hardline demands

Islamic State claims first attack on new Syria forces since Assad fall: monitors

• In a statement picked up by SITE Intelligence Group, IS said it had planted an "explosive device" on a Syrian forces' vehicle in the southern province of Sweida.
• Reported attacks by the group in areas controlled by the Islamist-led government, which took power after Assad's ouster in December, have been scarce