Massive aid flotilla carrying activists and supplies to Gaza, including Greta Thunberg, was forced to return to Barcelona due to stormy weather.

Organizers said winds reached 56 kph, making it too risky for smaller boats.

The Global Sumud Flotilla — dozens of vessels aiming to break Israel’s blockade and deliver aid — has delayed departure until the storm passes .

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Bulgaria’s defense industry during her visit, noting that "one-third of all weapons used by Ukraine since the war began came from Bulgaria."

NEW: The world’s largest genocide studies body has declared Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the UN’s legal definition of genocide.

Source: Reuters

Israel is redesigning its residential bomb shelters (“safe rooms”) after vulnerabilities were exposed in recent Iran and Hamas strikes.

Engineers are testing stronger materials, thicker steel-plated doors, and adding features like toilets and emergency communications, shifting safe rooms from short-term panic shelters to mini bunkers.

The upgrades—meant to withstand rockets, break-ins, and longer stays—could raise construction costs by 12–15%, with private shelters reaching $75,000.

Source: Bloomberg

Venezuelan President Maduro:

Eight warships carrying 1,200 missiles, along with a nuclear submarine, are targeting Venezuela.

A new “flattening map” of Gaza, using satellite imagery and OpenStreetMap data (~319,000 structures), shows that over 60% of buildings are heavily damaged or destroyed, with Rafah accounting for much of the toll.

The map illustrates widespread destruction across northern, central, and southern Gaza.

The flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and activists to Gaza has once again set sail from Barcelona.

Source: AFP

Venezuelan President Maduro to Trump:

You have to be careful, because Marco Rubio wants to stain your hands with South American, Caribbean, Venezuelan blood, drag you into a bloodbath, and have your last name stained for centuries with a massacre against the people of Venezuela.

Venezuelan President Maduro:

We always keep all channels of conversation, dialogue, and diplomacy open with the US. We had two, now both are damaged.

Venezuelan President Maduro:

Venezuela is confronting the biggest threat that has been seen on our continent in the last 100 years.

A situation like this has never been seen.

France and Germany are building a joint missile early warning system called JEWEL.

How it works?

ODIN’S EYE satellites with infrared sensors spot missile launches from space.

Ground radars provide precise tracking and confirmation.

Ukraine War has caused a global shortage of TNT.

The U.S. stopped making TNT in the 1980s due to toxic waste, relying instead on imports and recycled munitions.

Now, Poland’s TNT output is going to Ukraine, while Russia and China stopped exports to the U.S.

Congress approved a $435M Army-run TNT plant in Kentucky, but it won’t start until 2028 and will supply only the military.

Source: NYT

DR Congo: Congo River Alliance, including M23 rebels, accuses government of violating ceasefire agreements aimed at ending eastern conflict.

Mali: New armored vehicle convoy spotted moving from Conakry, Guinea towards Bamako.

Angola: Government says 30,000 bpd Cabinda oil refinery, first since independence, will start production by end of 2025.

Brazilian President Lula will convene a virtual BRICS meeting next Monday to discuss US trade tariffs.

Source: Bloomberg

Israeli Rabbi Kook continues to intensify his prayers for hostages in Gaza.

US Treasury Secretary Bessent:

Putin, since the meeting in Anchorage, since the phone call, when the European leaders and Zelensky were at the White House the following Monday, has done the opposite of what he indicated he wanted to do; in fact, he has, in a despicable manner, increased the bombing campaign.

So I think with Trump, all options are on the table, and I think we'll be examining those very closely this week.