05:31⇢India-Pakistan Artillery Battle Claims 34 Lives At Kashmir Border
⌨The newspapers report extensively on escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, with violent artillery exchanges along their Kashmir border resulting in at least 34 deaths (BFMTV, Le Monde, Le Figaro, L'Express). The conflict follows Indian airstrikes against alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, with Pakistan claiming to have shot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets (Le Monde). Meanwhile, the Vatican conclave opens today with 133 cardinals gathering to elect Pope Francis's successor, with Cardinal Pietro Parolin considered a frontrunner (Le Parisien, Le Point). In Gaza, media highlights the devastating humanitarian impact of Israel's two-month total blockade, cutting off food, medicine and fuel to the enclave (France TV Info).