QtrendsExplosions rocked Damascus during French President Macron's visit, wounding 18. NATO's summit in Turkey is overshadowed by US disengagement from European defense and a potential F-35 deal. A French appeals court cleared Marine Le Pen to run for president but upheld her conviction with an electronic tag. Hamas dissolved its government in Gaza, transferring authority to a UN-backed administration. Russia's intense missile and drone strikes on Ukraine killed at least 22, as Zelensky pushed NATO for more air defense systems.
A series of explosions struck Damascus on Tuesday as French President Emmanuel Macron was visiting the Syrian capital for talks with the Syrian counterpart. At least 18 people were wounded in the blasts, which occurred near Macron's hotel. The attack has raised security concerns around Macron's high-profile diplomatic visit. Multiple international outlets have covered the incident extensively.
NATO leaders are gathering in Turkey for a critical summit as the United States signals a reduced commitment to European defense. President Trump is expected to meet with Turkey's leader and may restore Turkey's access to F-35 fighter jets. The summit is seen as a test of alliance cohesion amid shifting US foreign policy. Allies are bracing for potential friction with the Trump administration.
A French appeals court has opened the door for far-right leader Marine Le Pen to run for president, though her conviction for embezzlement was upheld. The court ordered her to wear an electronic tag as part of her sentence. The decision removes a major legal barrier to her presidential ambitions ahead of the next election. Le Pen's political future remains a central topic in French politics.
Hamas has announced the dissolution of its administrative government in Gaza, transferring authority to a UN-backed committee. The move is seen as a significant shift in Gaza's governance structure after years of Hamas control. A new administration is expected to take over civil responsibilities. The international community is closely watching how the transition unfolds.
Russia launched a wave of missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, killing at least 22 people and causing widespread damage. Ukrainian President Zelensky reiterated his urgent call for NATO to provide additional air defense systems. In a sign of Ukraine's expanding reach, drones struck a Russian oil refinery in Siberia. The attacks underscore the escalating intensity of the conflict.