Global Tensions Escalate as Hostage Deal Reports Contradict, Violence Surges Across Multiple Regions

Good Morning,

Mixed signals emerge from Gaza as hostage deal reports face contradiction, while deadly clashes in Nigeria claim 700 lives. Closer to home, President Trump escalates his confrontation with Harvard over student records, threatening to redirect billions in federal funding. Meanwhile, Venezuela's controversial territorial claims spark fresh election disputes, South Korea eyes diplomatic reset with the North, and a tragic incident mars Liverpool's victory celebrations with dozens hospitalized.

Top Stories

• Source says reports Hamas accepted US proposal for hostage deal are inaccurate - Times of Israel

• Nigerian seperatist group clashes, civilian killings lead to 700 deaths - Jerusalem Post

• President Donald Trump threatens to strip Harvard of $3B in grants over foreign student records dispute, give money to trade schools - Fox

• Venezuela held an election for an oil-rich region. The main problem is it belongs to another country - CNN

• South Korea presidential candidate Lee says to restore hotline with North Korea - Reuters

• Car ploughs into fans at Liverpool parade, 27 in hospital - Reuters

United States

• Sen. Ron Johnson says there are ‘enough’ GOP senators to stall House budget bill - CNBC

• President Donald Trump threatens to strip Harvard of $3B in grants over foreign student records dispute, give money to trade schools - Fox

• Trump pardons former Virginia sheriff convicted of bribery, fraud - Washington Post

• Terrified passengers on Southwest flight as lightning slams plane during Memorial Day storm - The Mirror

• Trump Weighs Sanctions Against Russia as Relationship With Putin Sours - Wall Street Journal

Africa

• HRW: Ugandan anti-LGBT law unleashed abuse - France24

• Kenya backs Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, joint statement says - Reuters

• Nigerian seperatist group clashes, civilian killings lead to 700 deaths - Jerusalem Post

• Germany rejects Uganda's 'subversive activities' accusation - DW

• Boko Haram’s resurgence: Why Nigeria’s military is struggling to hold the line - Associated Press

Middle East

• Source says reports Hamas accepted US proposal for hostage deal are inaccurate - Times of Israel

• A new aid system in Gaza has started operations, a U.S.-backed group says - PBS

• Israel warns of travel to Canada over 'growing threat from terrorist elements' - National Post

• Spain convenes European, Arab nations to ramp up pressure on Israel over Gaza campaign - France24

• Iran says it could survive if US nuclear talks end without a deal - Reuters

Indo-Pacific

• South Korean stocks surge 2% to lead gains in Asia-Pacific after Trump pauses EU tariffs - NBC

• China, Indonesia Boost Economic Ties Ahead of Summit - Morning Star

• South Korea presidential candidate Lee says to restore hotline with North Korea - Reuters

• Southeast Asian nations want to discuss tariffs with Trump as a unified bloc, Malaysia PM says - Associated Press

• Funding cuts for Japan’s North Korean schools reignite divisions over identity, loyalty - SCMP

Europe

• European markets surge on Trump call to delay 50% EU tariffs until July 9 - Fortune

• EU-US 0-0 tariff offer still on the table, says EU Commission - Euro News

• Romania’s new president is sworn in as a political crisis eases, but challenges loom - Associated Press

• Polish presidential candidates hold rival rallies in Warsaw before runoff election - The Guardian

• Car ploughs into fans at Liverpool parade, 27 in hospital - Reuters

Latin America

• Mexico's election body probes alleged political interference ahead of judicial vote - Reuters

• Venezuela's ruling party claims election win as opposition boycotts poll - BBC

• Thousands of Venezuelan migrants risk dangerous journeys to "self-deport" from Panama back to South America, facing perilous conditions and lack of documentation - New York Times

• Cuban exiles were shielded from deportation. Now Trump is cracking down - Associated Press

• Venezuela held an election for an oil-rich region. The main problem is it belongs to another country - CNN

If you’re a legacy subscriber, and would like more info on how to manage your membership, please reach out to [email protected]

Interested in more from Atlas?

🌐Atlas Technologies: We are building world class OSINT technology that unifies the intelligence cycle by automating data collection, intelligence production and delivery to key stakeholders, all aligned with your priority intelligence requirements (PIRs). If you want to learn more, check out our website.

🛒Merch Store: Visit our merch store to shop our latest gear.

📰Newsletters: Check out our other publications to stay on top of the news and get insights from intelligence professionals.

• The Public Daily Briefing

• Apolitical 

• Table Stakes

• The BLUF 

• The Situation Room

If you'd like to get involved with Atlas, please contact us with your experience or ideas. If you're a solid fit, we'll be in touch.

Advertise with us || Contact Us

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 Atlas.1A