April 21, 2022

*) Relentless Russian attacks pound Mariupol Russian forces have tightened the noose around Ukrainian troops holed up in Mariupol’s last known stronghold. A few thousand Ukrainian troops are believed to be inside the Azvostal steel plant. Kiev says some 2,000 civilians are also trapped there. Ukraine says it is ready to hold talks without any conditions to save their lives. Kiev has ignored Moscow’s demands to surrender. A desperate attempt to evacuate civilians from the besieged city failed on Wednesday as Russian forces moved to take complete control. *) Israeli warplanes strike Gaza as tensions soar Israeli jets have struck besieged Gaza, hours after a rocket was allegedly fired from the Palestinian enclave into Israel. It is the second such incident in 48 hours and comes at a time when tensions between Israel and Palestine are running high. Warplanes targeted two sites in central and southern Gaza early on Thursday. No casualties have been reported. Israel says it has responded to a rocket attack on Israel’s southern city of Sderot. Police say the rocket caused slight damage to a house. *) Macron warns Le Pen risks 'civil war' in France French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has said during a televised debate that she stands by her controversial idea of banning the headscarf. Responding to this, President Emmanuel Macron has warned that his far-right rival risks sparking a "civil war" in the European country. Macron and Le Pen clashed bitterly over relations with Russia and the headscarf issue as they sought to sway undecided voters in Wednesday's debate. France faces a stark choice in Sunday's presidential run-off between the centrist Macron and the far-right Le Pen. *) UK court formally issues order to extradite Assange to US A UK court has issued a formal order to extradite WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to the United States to face trial over the publication of secret files. The decision now rests with Interior Minister Priti Patel, although Assange may still appeal within 14