World - Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Cuba’s government has also accused US of hypocrisy after acting US attorney general announced indictment of former Cuban president over downed planes US indicts former Cuban president Raúl Castro as it seeks to oust regime Sign up for the Breaking News US email In response to a question on Wednesday morning about how long Benjamin Netanyahu , the prime minister of Israel, will hold on before re-starting strikes on Iran, Trump said: “He’s fine. He’ll do whatever I want him to do.” Trump also cited a poll that gave him 99% approval in Israel. Guardian US has not yet verified this poll. Continue reading...

In its latest update, the World Health Organization says there have now been 139 suspected deaths and 600 cases.

Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem were among 19 killed in a Philippine army firefight with suspected communist insurgents tied to the New People’s Army.

While diplomatic relations between the two Koreas are near a historic low, a rare trip by athletes from the North triggered intense emotions in some older South Koreans.

Far-right figure Itamar Ben-Gvir shares footage of himself taunting bound international detainees Middle East crisis – live updates Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has sparked a diplomatic crisis by publishing footage of Israeli security forces abusing international activists who were detained as they tried to sail to Gaza with aid. Three activists were taken to hospital as result of Israeli violence, lawyers representing the group said. They were subsequently discharged. Dozens of others have suspected broken ribs, resulting in breathing problems. Continue reading...

France and Italy are among the countries that have criticised a video showing Itamar Ben-Gvir taunting dozens of activists detained at an Israeli port.

About 60% of cases in NT, but there are also cases in South Australia, Queensland and the northern part of WA. Follow today’s news live Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Albanese leaves door open to extending fuel excise cut The prime minister, Anthony Albanese , has not ruled out extending the temporary cut to the fuel excise as the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt the global oil market. We’ll do an assessment closer to the day. It is very costly but it has made a difference. We’re doing pretty well, I’ve got to say, compared with what the expectations were, people have stopped asking me about it (fuel supplies). We’ll make the assessment, like, it’s really volatile times. We don’t know when this war in the Middle East will end. We’ve got the ceasefire still going at the moment. We want it to end. The domestic terminal at Melbourne Avalon Airport was evacuated this morning following the identification of a suspicious item during the screening process. Victoria police attended and an individual has been detained. The matter is now being managed by police and any further enquiries should be directed to Victoria police. At this stage, passengers are being advised that, due to safety precautions, delays are expected. Passengers are advised to contact Jetstar regarding their flights. We will provide further updates regarding any additional delays as more information becomes available. Continue reading...

Castro and five others are charged with conspiracy to kill US nationals, murder, and destruction of aircraft

Even the most capable autocrats need help hanging on to power. Mediocre officials are often best for the job, according to new research.

Analyst compares Mojtaba Khamenei's disappearance from public view to Osama bin Laden's decade of hiding, calling it a strategic milestone for the U.S.