⌨Morning headlines reported on 20 Israeli airstrikes in Syria, described as the year's most violent, while EU prepared a €50 billion proposal to ease US-China trade tensions. By midday, Zelensky's statement that he "cannot guarantee security" for world leaders attending Moscow's May 9 Victory Day parade dominated coverage. Russia responded with threats that Ukraine "won't reach May 10" if they attack the parade.
Hamas released disturbing footage of a bloodied hostage, Maxim Harkin, with threats directed at Netanyahu, while reports emerged of an Israeli strike on Khan Younis killing 11 people including three children.
In Australia, Labor's Anthony Albanese secured re-election in what outlets described as an "effect Trump" victory against conservatives.
Tragedy struck near Yellowstone National Park, where an Italian tourist was among seven killed in a vehicle accident, while in Brindisi, three young people died when their rented Porsche crashed and caught fire.