Ukraine and Russia exchange hundreds of prisoners
Ukraine and Russia on Saturday carried out the second phase of a major prisoner swap, with each country releasing 307 soldiers. The decision came a day after 390 fighters and civilians were released in the first phase of the swap.
"Among those who returned today are members of our army, the Border Service and the National Guard of Ukraine," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on his official Telegram channel.
According to him, most of the released Ukrainian soldiers had been captured in the Donetsk region, some since 2022.
Conflict escalates: Amidst much criticism, the Israeli army increases attacks on Gaza
All ground and armored brigades of the Israeli army (IDF) have been deployed to Gaza, local media reported on Saturday, as Israel escalated its attacks.
The Israeli military said it had struck over 100 targets within 24 hours, claiming they were infrastructure used by Hamas.
Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that the bodies of 79 people killed by Israeli attacks have been taken to hospitals, a figure that does not include areas in the north, where hospitals remain inaccessible due to the siege by Israeli forces.
One of the victims was a doctor, who lost nine of his ten children during Friday's attacks.
Netanyahu criticizes Western leaders for their stance on Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the leaders of France, the United Kingdom and Canada of being on the "wrong side of history" after they called for a halt to military attacks on Gaza and for the facilitation of humanitarian aid.
"When mass murderers, rapists and kidnappers thank you, then you are on the wrong side of justice, of humanity and of history," Netanyahu said on Friday, citing Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer and Mark Carney.
According to him, these leaders are not helping peace, but are encouraging Hamas to continue the war and try to create another Palestinian state that will aim to destroy Israel.
Iranian drama wins Palme d'Or at Cannes
The Iranian film "It Was Just an Accident" won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival, the Palme d'Or.
Actress Cate Blanchett presented the award to Iranian director Panahi, who was imprisoned in Iran three years ago and has been on hunger strike. For more than 15 years, he has made films secretly in his country, such as "This is Not a Movie" and "Taxi."
The audience welcomed him with applause, while Panahi, surprised, thanked his team and received congratulations from the jury, led by Juliette Binoche.
