Hamas declared it would not discuss extending the Gaza ceasefire unless Israel releases 620 Palestinian prisoners, as previously agreed. Israel delayed the release, citing Hamas’s “humiliating” hostage handovers. A senior Hamas official warned the deal was in “grave danger” and urged mediators, including the US, to intervene. The ceasefire’s first phase, set to end Saturday, has facilitated hostage-prisoner exchanges and Israeli troop withdrawals. The White House backed Israel’s stance, while Trump’s envoy seeks an extension. With 48,346 deaths in Gaza reported, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for the ceasefire’s continuation and the “dignified release of all remaining hostages.”

Bollywood star Katrina Kaif visited the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj with her mother-in-law, Veena Kaushal. Dressed in a powder pink Indian outfit, she met spiritual leaders Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati at Parmarth Niketan ashram. The ashram's official X handle praised her presence for blending spirituality with entertainment. Katrina joins several Bollywood stars, including Akshay Kumar, Vidyut Jammwal, and Tamannaah Bhatia, who took a holy dip at the Kumbh. Meanwhile, she lauded husband Vicky Kaushal’s performance in Chhaava, calling him “outstanding” and praising the film’s “monumental” storytelling.

Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has invited Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu for a state visit despite an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Merz assured Netanyahu that Germany would ensure his visit without arrest, calling the warrant "absurd." The ICC insists its decisions must be enforced under the Rome Statute. Germany, bound by international law, previously backed the ICC’s warrant for Russia’s Vladimir Putin. The Left party slammed Merz’s stance as “double standards.” Israel rejects ICC jurisdiction, while Germany faces a diplomatic dilemma between its legal obligations and historical ties with Israel.

French President Emmanuel Macron met Donald Trump in Washington, warning him against appearing weak to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "How can you be credible with China if you're weak with Putin?" Macron said. He urged Trump to involve Europe in peace talks on Ukraine. The meeting happened on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Trump recently held direct talks with Russia, sparking concerns in Europe. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also meet Trump soon. Both leaders want to ensure Europe has a say in decisions about Ukraine’s future.

US President Donald Trump has appointed podcaster and former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino as deputy director of the FBI. Bongino, 50, a staunch Trump ally, has promoted false claims about the 2020 election and criticized the FBI. His appointment does not require Senate confirmation, making him the second top official at the agency without FBI experience, alongside Director Kash Patel. Bongino pledged to fight crime and remove "woke culture" from the bureau. Trump announced Bongino would step away from his podcast, where he often defended the former president. Critics warn the move risks politicizing the FBI’s leadership.

The US and Ukraine are close to a deal on minerals, a top Ukrainian official said. Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna called the talks "constructive" and said most details are final. The US wants access to Ukraine’s minerals in exchange for military aid. Ukraine, however, wants security guarantees in return. The talks come as the war with Russia enters its third year. European leaders and Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are in Kyiv to show support. President Zelensky says a peace deal could start with a full prisoner exchange. UK PM Keir Starmer says Russia does not "hold all the cards."

Elon Musk stirred controversy after demanding weekly progress reports from all U.S. federal employees, implying that failure to comply would lead to resignation. The directive was supported and criticized in equal measure. Senator Tina Smith responded sarcastically, saying Musk wasn’t her boss, highlighting her efforts to fight tax breaks for billionaires. In a twist, GOP member Dustin Grage jokingly claimed to be Smith's boss. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump lauded Musk’s efforts, calling him a "patriot."

On the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's "no limits" partnership with Russia in a phone call with President Vladimir Putin. The leaders discussed their alliance's resilience against external pressures, with Xi emphasizing that their strategic partnership is not influenced by third parties. They also addressed China's role in promoting peace efforts in Ukraine. The call comes amid U.S. political developments, including Donald Trump's stance on the war. Xi and Putin also discussed upcoming commemorations for World War II, with Xi confirming his attendance at the event in Moscow.

A parliamentary petition in Canada has garnered over 150,000 signatures, urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to revoke Elon Musk's Canadian citizenship. Initiated by British Columbia author Qualia Reed and sponsored by New Democratic Party MP Charlie Angus, the petition accuses Musk of activities contrary to Canada's national interests, particularly his advisory role to U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened Canada's sovereignty. Musk, born in South Africa, obtained Canadian citizenship through his mother. The petition will be presented in the House of Commons after its closing on June 20.   

Germany's recent election has set the stage for Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democrats, to likely become the next chancellor. Despite his mixed popularity, Merz is positioned to lead a center-right coalition. The election, which came after the governing coalition collapsed, revealed several key developments: Merkel's legacy waned, Trump’s influence didn’t sway voters, and the far-right AfD saw a slight increase in support but failed to meet expectations. Die Linke, the far-left party, surged thanks to dynamic leadership. Meanwhile, Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his Social Democrats suffered a historic defeat, leaving them to likely return as a junior partner in government.