17 June 2025

GAZA: Israeli tank shellfire killed at least 51 Palestinians on Tuesday (Jun 17) as they awaited aid trucks in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, the territory's health ministry said, adding that dozens of others were wounded.

Medics said residents said Israeli tanks fired shells at crowds of desperate Palestinians awaiting aid trucks along the main eastern road in Khan Younis. They said at least 51 people were killed and 200 wounded, with at least 20 of them in critical condition.

The Bank of Japan has decided to keep its benchmark interest-rate unchanged. The central bank target of around 0.5 percent for short-term rates will remain in place. It made the announcement after its two-day policy meeting ended on Tuesday.

The BOJ decision comes amid uncertainty about the economic effects in Japan of US President Donald Trump's tariff measures.

The White House says President Donald Trump will leave early from the Group of Seven summit in Canada and return to Washington.

In a social media post on Monday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, "because of what's going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State." She cited the "many important matters" the president needs to attend to. Trump is expected to get back to work at the White House to deal with rising tensions in the Middle East.