*Evening News Round-up: Friday 30 May 2025* *Headlines* *Economic Collapse: Pick n Pay Writes Off Entire Zimbabwe Investment* *Veteran pilot killed after Air Force jet goes down near Gweru* *Shock As “Drug Addict” Brutally Kills Own Mom* *Zivhu Triggers Public Anger After Urging Nelson Chamisa To Join Zanu PF* *GMB Manager Sells 50kg Bags Of Fertiliser For US$1 Each* *The State Assisted Funeral That Never Was: George Shaya's Widow Opens A Can Of Worms; Claims Kirsty Coventry's Promise Was Never Fulfilled* *Hosiah Chipanga Says he Won't Stop Making Music Despite Lack of Airplay by Radio Stations* *Govt Officer Risks Public Funds In Pyramid Scheme Gamble* *Suspect In South African Student's Murder Killed In Police Shootout* *Floods Kill At Least 110 People After Heavy Rain In Nigeria* *Macron Threatens Sanctions On Israelis Over ‘Untenable’ Gaza Aid Crisis* *Trump Says China Has 'Totally Violated' Geneva Deal With US On Tariffs, Minerals* *Ukraine Yet To Commit To New Round Of Russia Talks In Istanbul* *Real Madrid Pay Liverpool To Sign Alexander-Arnold Early* *Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes Considering Move To Al-Hilal* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *Economic Collapse: Pick n Pay Writes Off Entire Zimbabwe Investment* South African retail giant Pick n Pay Group Limited has reported an unrecognised loss of R51 million from its Zimbabwean associate, TM Supermarkets, for the 53 weeks ending March 2, 2025 - marking a dramatic reversal from a R212 million net contribution recorded in the previous financial year. The losses, driven primarily by Zimbabwe's severe currency volatility and hyperinflationary pressures, have prompted Pick n Pay to fully impair its 49% stake in TM Supermarkets. The group has written down the investment by R254 million, effectively reducing its carrying value to zero. Pick n Pay operates in Zimbabwe through a joint venture with TM Supermarkets, the retail division of Meikles Limited. While the partnership had been profitable in past years, recent economic instability has rendered the operation loss-making. "The group accounts for its investment in associate under the equity method of accounting in accordance with IAS 28, Investment in Associates and Joint Ventures," Pick n Pay said in its audited financial statements. Zimbabwe continues to be assessed as a hyperinflationary economy, and as such, the group applied IAS 29 – Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies in its treatment of TM's financials. "The group's investment in TM Supermarkets was impaired to nil in the prior period," it noted, adding that it no longer recognises any share of profits or losses from TM, given the investment's carrying value has now been reduced to zero. Despite maintaining a solid footprint of 74 stores, TM Supermarkets has struggled to remain viable under Zimbabwe's worsening macroeconomic conditions, including an unstable local currency and rising operating costs. The exchange rate as of February 28, 2025, stood at US$1:R18.5, further highlighting the challenges of converting local earnings into rand-based returns. Pick n Pay's total group turnover rose by 3.2% to R115.92 billion during the review period. However, the Rest of Africa segment - which includes operations in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, and Botswana - contributed R3.4 billion, down from R3.61 billion in 2024. Within this segment, turnover declined 5.7%, with performance hindered by currency devaluation in Zambia and lower sales in Namibia, where the franchise agreement is nearing its end. "Solid progress was made on both strategic initiatives during the financial year 2025. Pro forma 52/52-week turnover declined 0.3%, with Pick n Pay South Africa flat and Rest of Africa declining 5.7%," the group said. Amid growing concerns over regional performance, Pick n Pay said it had assessed operational challenges across its African footprint and was developing plans to improve profitability in key markets outside South Africa. Nonetheless, Zimbabwe's case appears particularly bleak. The unrecognised R51 million loss and full impairment underscore the group's declining optimism in TM Supermarkets, once seen as a foothold into a promising regional market. With inflation, exchange rate volatility, and policy uncertainty continuing to disrupt operations in Zimbabwe, analysts suggest that Pick n Pay's future involvement in the country may remain minimal unless macroeconomic reforms restore stability. As of now, TM Supermarkets remains a non-contributing entity on Pick n Pay's books, despite its extensive store network and historic market presence. *Veteran Pilot Killed After Air Force Jet Goes Down Near Gweru* A senior Air Force of Zimbabwe pilot died on Friday after his Chengdu J-7/F-7 aircraft went down in the Wazheri area of Gweru, witnesses said. Retired Squadron Leader Ritswanetsi Vuyo Ncube, a veteran of the Democratic Republic of Congo war who spent three years as an instructor pilot with the South African Air Force from 2006 to 2009, had rejoined the Air Force as a trainer. The aircraft, a Chinese-built supersonic interceptor, is thought to be one of 12 delivered to Zimbabwe in 1986. It took off from the nearby Josiah Tungamirai Air Force base, formerly Thornhill Air Force base and was on a “routine sortie,” the Air Force said. In a statement, Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Phillip Valerio Sibanda said they learnt of Ncube’s death “with heavy hearts.” “Right now our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased pilot,” Sibanda said. Witnesses described seeing smoke pluming from among trees and then rushing to the scene. Ncube’s body could not be located in the fuselage of the aircraft, temporarily raising hopes that he successfully ejected, one witness told ZimLive. His body was eventually located a short distance from the aircraft wreckage. In his final communication with ground control he reportedly shouted “fire” and “aircraft uncontrollable,” an Air Force source said. A statement is expected from the Air Force. *Shock As “Drug Addict” Brutally Kills Own Mom* A 20-year-old man from Pfupi Village, under Chief Chamutsa in Buhera, has been arrested for the alleged murder of his mother, in a chilling incident linked to suspected mental illness brought on by drug and substance abuse. The incident occurred on Monday at around 11:30 AM, when Fadzai Mhuka reportedly stabbed his 55-year-old mother, Daina Mhlanga, multiple times while she was having breakfast with her nine-year-old nephew, Kelvin Mhuka. According to Manicaland provincial police, Mhuka is believed to be suffering from severe mental health issues, allegedly as a result of prolonged drug use. “Mhuka is facing mental health challenges allegedly caused by drug and substance abuse,” said the ZRP. “Circumstances are that Mhlanga was having breakfast with her nephew when Mhuka entered the dining room singing the lyrics ‘Banga iro’ (That knife). He then took a knife from a kitchen unit and pointed it at his mother’s chest.” Realizing the imminent danger, the young nephew fled the house in fear and alerted neighbours. Three concerned neighbours rushed to the scene and called out to Mhlanga, but there was no response. One of them peered through a window and was met with a horrific sight—Mhlanga lying in a pool of blood. The neighbours immediately contacted a local police constabulary, who rushed the victim to Birchenough Bridge Hospital. Unfortunately, Mhlanga was pronounced dead upon arrival. Medical staff confirmed she had suffered two deep stab wounds—one on the left breast and another under the right breast. A third wound was found on her left forefinger. Police have since taken Mhuka into custody, and investigations are ongoing. The case has reignited calls for urgent intervention in communities grappling with drug abuse and mental health crises, particularly among youth. Authorities have urged families and communities to report erratic behaviour early and to seek medical or psychiatric help before tragedy strikes. The suspect is expected to appear in court soon, pending mental evaluation. *Zivhu Triggers Public Anger After Urging Nelson Chamisa To Join Zanu PF* Zanu PF official Killer Zivhu has sparked public outrage after controversially urging opposition leader Nelson Chamisa to join the ruling party if he ever hopes to become Zimbabwe’s president. In a statement released Wednesday, Zivhu also heaped praise on embattled businessman Wicknell Chivayo, hailing him as a figure of continental influence. Zivhu defended Chivayo’s much-criticised public profile, saying “Wicknell is a master planner with influence across Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe. The Zimbabwean government seeks his expertise, and many African nations highly regard him. His endorsement carries weight in international deal-making.” Despite Chivayo’s frequent criticism over opaque government contracts and a flashy lifestyle, Zivhu brushed aside the concerns, suggesting Chivayo’s influence is an asset to Zimbabwe’s interests. He insisted that people are missing the bigger picture when it comes to Chivayo’s strategic importance, especially in international relations and deal brokering. Zivhu also used the opportunity to reaffirm his loyalty to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and declared him the only viable leader for Zimbabwe for the foreseeable future. “ED is the only capable person to continue as president. For the time being, we don’t have any other candidate until 2035. Chamisa has chances only if he joins ZANU-PF and replaces ED by 2035. This is a reality that pains many people, but they can’t do anything about it.” The remarks have drawn widespread condemnation, with critics accusing Zivhu of undermining democratic principles and perpetuating the idea of one-party dominance. His suggestion that Chamisa would need to defect to Zanu PF to ever assume the presidency was viewed as dismissive of Zimbabwe’s multiparty system and electoral processes. Social media quickly lit up with backlash, with many users calling Zivhu’s statements arrogant and reflective of a political system that discourages competition and thrives on cronyism. Observers say Zivhu’s comments speak to the broader issues plaguing Zimbabwe’s political culture, where loyalty to the ruling party often outweighs public mandate. They argue his remarks are not just about Chamisa, but a deeper commentary on how political power remains locked within a tightly controlled circle. As controversy continues to swirl around both Zivhu and Chivayo, the public debate over political inclusivity, elite privilege, and democratic renewal in Zimbabwe is once again under the spotlight. *GMB Manager Sells 50kg Bags Of Fertiliser For US$1 Each* The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Aspindale’s supply chain manager, Safuli Zhoya, has appeared before magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa, facing charges of criminal abuse of duty. He is accused of facilitating the sale of fertiliser worth US$32 per 50kg bag for just US$1 each. Zhoya was granted US$200 bail. The GMB is represented in the case by Sheunesu Mapondera, the provincial enterprise risk officer, while the State is represented by prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi. According to the State, on 9 May, while carrying out his duties, Zhoya allegedly arranged a sale of 599 x 50kg bags of Compound D Superfert fertiliser to Madamara Investments (Pvt) Ltd. As there were no fertiliser stocks at the GMB Aspindale depot, the buyer was directed to collect the consignment from the GMB Mt Hampden depot. Zhoya allegedly instructed depot clerk Moleen Nyakudanga to issue a receipt for the buyer, stating the fertiliser was written off and to be collected at Mt Hampden. He also directed Bright Tembo, the assistant depot manager, to deposit the US$600 cash payment into GMB’s FBC Bank account. Tembo reportedly complied and returned with a deposit slip, after which Nyakudanga issued receipt number 198982 confirming the transaction. The buyer’s representative, whose name was not disclosed, was then escorted to Mt Hampden by Emmanuel Shamiso Makondo, also reportedly acting on Zhoya’s instructions. Upon arrival, the incoming Mt Hampden supply chain manager, Madeline Nyere, questioned the legitimacy of the transaction and consulted the outgoing manager, Lee Kwenje, who said he had no knowledge of the sale. Nyere then verified the status of the fertiliser stock and discovered it was in good condition, with no documentation to support that it had been written off. She further consulted Wonderful Chidhaura, the GMB operations officer responsible for managing stock disposal records, who confirmed there was no record of the fertiliser being classified as written off. Investigations also revealed that the fertiliser in question was intended for grain exchange programmes and remained valued at US$32 per bag in GMB records, with no official adjustments made to the price prior to the sale. As part of his bail conditions, Zhoya has been ordered not to visit the Aspindale and Mt Hampden GMB depots, and must report once a week to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission. *Herald* *The State Assisted Funeral That Never Was: George Shaya's Widow Opens A Can Of Worms; Claims Kirsty Coventry's Promise Was Never Fulfilled* The widow of the late Zimbabwean football legend George Shaya, Agnes, has broken her silence, revealing that a promise made by then Sports Minister, Kirsty Coventry, for a state assisted funeral for her husband was never fulfilled According to Agnes aka Amai Shaya, the commitment was allegedly made by Coventry when she visited Shaya’s home to offer her condolences. In the interview, Amai Shaya said Coventry informed her the government offered a state assisted funeral for the burial of her husband who died on August 24, 2021, at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness. Besides that, Amai Shaya also revealed Coventry said she was awaiting the president’s response regarding whether George would be declared a national hero. In an emotional interview with journalist Yvonne Mangunda on her online show The Sportlight with Yvonne, Amai Shaya shared the painful experiences she endured following the death of her husband, including a pledge that a state assisted funeral would be provided. "Pakauya Minister Kirsty Coventry kuzobata maoko, vakataura zvinhu zviviri. Chekutanga, vakati vakamirira kunzwa kubva kuna President kuti George angaenda kuHeroes Acre here, pamwe chete ne state assisted funeral," she said. ("When Minister Kirsty Coventry came to pay her respects, she mentioned two things. First, she said government would provide state assisted funeral and also that she was waiting for the President’s response on whether George would be laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre.") image/webp:6716309C-A562-4DDB-92C7-3AA70C38DEAE/0C722A63-31B0-4DAB-BE8A-B607A59AC581:336.000000:280.000000 She added: "Asi nanhasi hapana zvakazoitwa, ndikangonyararawo hangu." ("Nothing was done and I have just remained silent up to now.") Nicknamed the Master Mind, George was a revered figure in Zimbabwean football, with a record five Soccer Star of the Year accolades to his name. It’s unfortunate that, the Dynamos legend was honored more after his death than during his lifetime Following his passing, George’s widow received a house worth thousands of dollars in Madokero Estates, a donation from Sakunda Holdings, owned by business tycoon Kuda Tagwirei. While grateful for the gesture, Mai Shaya emotionally shared that she wished her husband had lived to spend even a single night in the beautifully furnished home. Breaking down during the interview, she also lamented the lack of support from Dynamos, the club her husband loyally served for many years, saying he had been largely neglected in his final years. For Amai Shaya, the unfulfilled promise of a state assisted funeral remains a painful reminder of what could have been a more dignified farewell for her husband. George is widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s greatest football icons of all time. *nejandaradio* *Hosiah Chipanga Says he Won't Stop Making Music Despite Lack of Airplay by Radio Stations* Veteran musician Hosiah Chipanga has claimed that his music is being overlooked by radio stations, but this frustration will not lead him to retire. While some reports suggest he is focusing on farming full-time, Chipanga insists he is still committed to music and plans to release his 30th album by the end of the year. With over 40 years in the music industry, Chipanga is facing challenges in getting airplay on many Zimbabwean radio stations. He expressed his concerns, stating, "I am concerned that my music is being snubbed by radio stations and the reasons behind this are unclear to me. I am not sure why my music is not receiving airplay. My lyrics are clean, yet radio stations seem to be deliberately snubbing my work." Despite speculation on social media about his retirement, Chipanga said, "This won’t deter me from spreading my message through music. Instead, I will leverage social media and live performances to engage with my fans and promote my music nationwide." This weekend, Chipanga will perform alongside Alick Macheso in a series of shows. He acknowledged that while he is concentrating on farming at his rural home in Watsomba, he has not quit music. "I must confess that I am spending more time at my farm, but I am very active in live performances and I have been travelling across the country meeting fans in sold-out shows." He noted that clubs like Club Mandisa in Mutare’s City Centre have shown interest in hosting him again. "I am working on releasing my 30th album, which will carry songs that tackle issues that happen in people’s day-to-day lives. I cannot divulge much on the titles of the songs, albums or people who will feature." *H-metro* *Govt Officer Risks Public Funds In Pyramid Scheme Gamble* Tatenda Augustine Kahwema, 32, appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo charged with theft of trust property and money laundering. He was released on US$100 bail and the matter was rolled over to 25 June 2025. He was legally represented by Stephen Chikotora and Scott Panashe Mamimine. The State alleges that on 10 March 2025 during day time, Kahwema was at Standards Development Fund situated at Number 1, Adylinn Road, Marlborough, Harare an entity under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce being represented by the Chief Accountant Monalisa Mandida Makaranga, when he received cash amounting to US$10 671-00 from his co-worker Magurira. Kahwema allegedly signed for the money on a schedule of daily cash receipts sheet and was supposed to bank it at the entity’s Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe (CBZ) on 11 or 12 March 2025 but converted it to his own use. The Court heard that on 27 March 2025, Accountant Monalisa Mandida Makaranga discovered the offence when she was reconciling bank deposit slips against schedule of daily cash receipts and bank statement. Kahwema failed to account for the money and a police report was filed leading to his arrest. He led the police to the recovery of part of the stolen cash amounting to US$4 110-00 from his bedroom at his residence. The recovered money was recorded in the police notebook and Exhibits seizure confirmation receipt number 0140122 and the accused signed for it. Documentary exhibits in the form of copies of receipts, schedule of daily cash receipts signed for by Kahwema and the recovered cash amounting to US$4 110-00 and may be produced in Court as exhibits. Total amount stolen is US$10 671-00 and US$4 110-00 was recovered. It is further alleged that in a bid to cleanse the stolen money, Kahwema invested US$6 561-00 to an online Achievers pyramid scheme whereby he transferred the funds through his Ecocash number to various accounts of the Achievers pyramid scheme for a profit. By so doing, the State alleges that he deprived the Government entity of its funds for his own personal benefit. Transaction history of the online Achievers pyramid scheme shall be produced in Court as an exhibit. *263chat* *Suspect In South African Student's Murder Killed In Police Shootout* A suspect wanted for the murder of a South African university student has been killed in a shootout with police. The man had been linked to the death of Olorato Mongale, whose body was found in Johannesburg on Sunday, about two hours after she was reported missing having gone on a date. In the early hours of Friday morning, police officers found the main suspect hiding at a residential complex in the coastal town of Amanzimtoti, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said. The suspect, who has not been named by the police, shot at the officers, who returned fire and killed him, Brigadier Mathe added. Regional police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said that at the time of the suspect's death, he had 28 ID cards and a dozen mobile phones in his possession. After hearing of the fatal shootout, Chriselda Kananda, a spokesperson for Ms Mongale's family, told South African broadcaster SABC News: "It is quite a relief for the family that justice for Olorato, before we even lay her body to rest, would have been served." Ms Mongale's death has sparked a fierce debate about the levels of violence faced by women in South Africa. The country has one of the highest rates of femicide and gender-based violence in the world. In an impassioned statement, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu called Ms Mongale's killing "inhumane" and "gruesome", adding: "To all men, this is a plea - simple, urgent, and human: Please, stop killing women." While continuing the search for two other men allegedly linked to the murder, the police took the parents of the deceased suspect into custody. The suspect's mother is accused of enabling him to "evade arrest" by tipping him off about the police's presence at her house. The police also said the suspect's father is the owner of a VW Polo allegedly used in Ms Mongale's murder. The vehicle, which has been seized by the police, had traces of blood inside it, Brig Mathe said. The suspect's parents were questioned in custody but have now been released, said commissioner Mkhwanazi. Earlier this week, the police named the three suspects linked to the killing as Fezile Ngubane, Philangenkosi Sibongokuhle Makhanya and Bongani Mthimkhulu. Two of them - Mr Makhanya and Mr Mthimkhulu - were last month arrested for kidnapping and robbing a woman in KwaZulu-Natal, using the same VW Polo involved in Ms Mongale's murder, police said. Both men had been freed on bail. As part of their investigation into the killing, the police have identified a criminal gang or "syndicate" who have been targeting women in malls "for kidnapping and robbery", said police spokesperson Mathe. "They propose them, request to take them out on a date. When they agree, that is when they plan to rob them," she added. When Ms Mongale was last seen on Sunday, she was on a date with a man she had met a few days earlier at a shopping centre. CCTV footage showed her leaving a location in Kew, Johannesburg, and walking towards a white VW Polo with fake licence plates. The 30-year-old's friends said she was invited for a date by a man only identified as John, who she had met in Johannesburg, where she was studying for a postgraduate degree at Witwatersrand University. She texted one of her friends shortly before leaving home, saying that she was excited and getting ready for her date. But police later found her body in an open field, sparking public outrage and calls for justice. The family spokesperson said Ms Mongale's body had been "brutally violated". A candlelight vigil was held on Wednesday evening in Lombardy West, at the site where her body was found. Family and friends have described her as an outspoken, bubbly woman who "lived with purpose and love", local media reported. *BBC* *Mauritania's Tah Elected President Of AfDB, Africa's Top Development Bank* Former Mauritanian Finance Minister Sidi Ould Tah has been elected president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the lender said on Thursday, after a poll during the bank's annual meeting in Ivory Coast. He will replace Akinwumi Adesina, a Nigerian economist who will step down in September after completing the maximum two five-year terms in office. The AfDB, which has $318 billion in capital, is owned by 54 African states and non-regional nations including the U.S., Japan and Saudi Arabia. Its biggest shareholder is Nigeria. Tah will take over as the bank grapples with Washington's plans to cut $555 million in funding to its African Development Fund (ADF), which offers low-priced financing to more than 30 of the continent's poorest nations. "African economies are under immense pressure, facing multiple crises like rising debt burdens, climate shocks, inflation and limited fiscal space," said Serah Makka, executive director for Africa at One, a group that campaigns against extreme poverty. Between sclerotic infrastructure and climate investment needs, African nations have huge financing needs. The AfDB has pegged the annual financing gap for structural transformation at more than $400 billion - or nearly 14% of the continent's projected GDP by 2030. The bank is aiming to raise $25 billion in its current replenishment round, which concludes in November. The last round, three years ago, raised $8.9 billion. *LOST CASH* Tah will have to either persuade the U.S. to reinstate the funding or seek to replace the lost cash elsewhere, either from other African members or wealthier countries outside the continent who want a bigger say in the bank's activities, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates or China, analysts said. Apart from constrained funding sources, the president-elect will also have to help heavily indebted African economies avert potential debt distress and meet historically high investment needs despite limited access to international funding. The AfDB is in the process of helping to set up a financial stability mechanism (AFSM) for the continent to prevent countries from tipping into debt-induced crises. "The AFSM directly responds to one of Africa's most pressing financial vulnerabilities, the rising burden of short-term, non-concessional debt that threatens economic stability across the continent," Makka said, adding that the continent's cost of capital is often 5 to 8 percentage points higher than that of developed countries. Tah will also help African nations steer through the turmoil caused by U.S. trade tariffs, volatility in the prices of commodities such as oil - a core revenue source for several countries - and risk aversion from some investors that could make it tough to keep money flowing into the continent. The lender on Tuesday cut this year's Africa growth forecast, citing the impact of tariffs. *Reuters* *Floods Kill At Least 110 People After Heavy Rain In Nigeria* At least 110 people have died in floods caused by torrential rain in central Nigeria, officials have told the BBC. The downpours lasted for several hours, said the head of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (Nsema), Abullahi Baba-Arah He added that "surging flood water submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses with their occupants" in the town of Mokwa. The Nigerian government has expressed its "profound sorrow" over the floods, with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, saying that security and emergency agencies have been directed to assist in the search and rescue operation. According to Nsema, the Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa districts of Mokwa were worst affected. Mokwa's District Head, Muhammad Shaba Aliyu, said it has been "60 years" since the community had suffered this kind of flooding. "I beg the government to support us," Mr Aliyu said. The search and rescue operation is still ongoing and many more people are still at risk, authorities say. A local fisherman told the AFP news agency that he had been left homeless. "I don't have a house to sleep in. My house has already collapsed," Danjuma Shaba said. Nigeria often experiences flooding during the rainy season, which usually lasts from April to October. The authorities have warned of heavy downpours in at least 15 of the country's 36 states. Last year, many parts of northern Nigeria experienced heavy rainfall and flooding which caused deaths, displacement of people and destruction of houses and infrastructure. The country also suffered severe flooding in 2022, which forced around 1.3 million people out of the homes and caused more than 600 deaths. *BBC* *Macron Threatens Sanctions On Israelis Over ‘Untenable’ Gaza Aid Crisis* French president calls establishment of a Palestinian state ‘a moral duty and a political necessity’. French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that his country could "apply sanctions" against Israelis unless the government in Tel Aviv responds to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Speaking during a visit to Singapore on Friday, Macron said the international community could not remain passive while Palestinians in Gaza face a deepening hunger crisis. The comments raise further the international pressure building on Israel, which has blockaded the Palestinian enclave for close to three months, with aid agencies warning of famine. "The humanitarian blockade is creating a situation that is untenable on the ground," Macron said at a joint news conference alongside Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. "If there is no response in the coming hours and days in line with the humanitarian situation, we will have to harden our collective position," he added, suggesting that France may consider applying sanctions against Israeli settlers. Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lashed out later in the day, saying, "The facts do not interest Macron." The ministry claimed that there was no humanitarian blockade on Gaza and that asserting the contrary was "a blatant lie", despite UN top officials and international organisations having repeatedly stated that Israel has blockaded all entry of aid since March 2. Israel recently said it was bowing to international pressure and would allow "minimal" supplies of food and medicine into Gaza, on which it continues to wage an intense military assault. However, the trickle of aid entering the strip under the control of a new, shadowy NGO backed by Israel and the United States has been accompanied by intensive bombardment and the shooting of Palestinians desperately trying to reach aid distribution points. In his comments, Macron called for an end to assumptions that Israel is respecting human rights. "But I still hope that the government of Israel will change its stance and that we will finally have a humanitarian response," he added. *Al Jazeera* *Trump Says China Has 'Totally Violated' Geneva Deal With US On Tariffs, Minerals* U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that China had violated an agreement with the U.S. to mutually roll back tariffs and trade restrictions for critical minerals and issued a new veiled threat to get tougher with Beijing. "China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. Trump said that he made a "fast deal" in mid-May with Chinese officials for both countries to back away from triple-digit tariffs for 90 days. He said he did this to save China from a "devastating" situation, factory closings and civil unrest caused by his tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports. Trump's message did not specify how China had violated the agreement made in Geneva, Switzerland, or what action he would take against Beijing. *RARE EARTHS LICENSES* But a U.S. official told Reuters that it appears China was moving slowly on promises to issue export licenses for rare earths minerals. The deal called for China to lift trade countermeasures that restrict its exports of the critical metals needed for U.S. semiconductor, electronics and defense production. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told CNBC that the flow of critical minerals from China has not resumed as called for by the Geneva agreement. "The Chinese are slow-rolling their compliance, which is completely unacceptable and it has to be addressed," Greer said, without specifying how that would happen. Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for China's embassy in Washington, said China has maintained communications on trade matters with U.S. counterparts since the Geneva talks, but raised concerns about U.S. export controls. "Recently, China has repeatedly raised concerns with the US regarding its abuse of export control measures in the semiconductor sector and other related practices," Liu said in a statement. "China once again urges the US to immediately correct its erroneous actions, cease discriminatory restrictions against China and jointly uphold the consensus reached at the high-level talks in Geneva." Reuters reported earlier this week that the U.S. has ordered a broad swath of companies to stop shipping goods to China without a license and revoked some existing export licenses, according to three people familiar with the matter. Products affected include design software and chemicals for semiconductors, butane and ethane, machine tools, and aviation equipment, these sources said. Spokespersons for the White House, the U.S. Treasury and the U.S. Trade Representative's Office did not respond to requests for comment. *CHINA TALKS 'STALLED'* On Thursday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News Channel that U.S. trade talks with China were "a bit stalled" and that getting a deal over the finish line will likely need the direct involvement of Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. More than two weeks after the breakthrough negotiations that resulted in a temporary truce in the trade war between the world's two biggest economies, Bessent said progress since then has been slow, but said he expects more talks in the next few weeks. The U.S.-China agreement to dial back triple-digit tariffs for 90 days prompted a massive relief rally in global stocks. But it did nothing to address the underlying reasons for Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods, mainly longstanding U.S. complaints about China's state-dominated, export-driven economic model, leaving those issues for future talks. *NO CHICKEN* Major U.S. stock indexes fell on Friday after Trump's complaint about China's compliance. Trump's social media post comes two days after a reporter infuriated him by asking for his reaction to Wall Street's new term for bets that he will back off from extreme tariff actions - the "TACO" trade, an acronym coined by a Financial Times columnist for "Trump Always Chickens Out." Trump responded by saying it was "the nastiest question." "I chicken out? Oh, I’ve never heard that. You mean because I reduced China from 145% that I set, down to 100 and then to another number?" Trump said, later adding: "It's called negotiation." Trump's tariff strategy also suffered a major setback on Wednesday when the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that his broad global tariffs, including those on China, were invalid because he exceeded his authority under an emergency powers law used to back them. An appeals court has issued a temporary stay for the decision, allowing them to remain in place for now. *Reuters* *Ukraine Yet To Commit To New Round Of Russia Talks In Istanbul* Ukraine says it wants to see a document detailing Russia’s proposed terms for a ceasefire before sending a delegation to Istanbul for bilateral talks next week, while the Kremlin said it expected the two sides to discuss truce conditions at the planned meeting. "For a meeting to be meaningful, its agenda must be clear, and the negotiations must be properly prepared," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X after meeting Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan for talks in Kyiv. "Unfortunately, Russia is doing everything it can to ensure that the next potential meeting brings no results," he added, citing the lack of proposed terms from Russia. Kyiv has said the reason Moscow hasn’t supplied the document is that it likely contains maximalist ultimatums that are red lines for Ukraine. Speaking earlier at a news conference in Kyiv on Friday, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha did not confirm that Ukraine would take part in the talks that Russia has proposed to take place on June 2, saying his side needed assurances the Kremlin was genuine about wanting to end the war. "In order for the next planned meeting to be substantive and meaningful, it is important to receive a document in advance so that the delegation that will attend has the authority to discuss the relevant positions," he said. He said Ukraine had not received any such document outlining Russia’s proposals so far. The two sides previously met in Istanbul on May 16 for their first direct talks in more than three years. The talks ended in less than two hours, failing to yield a breakthrough on a ceasefire. The warring sides did agree on an exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war each, which later took place, and agreed to swap documents outlining possible roadmaps to peace. Ukraine expressed disappointment after the talks, with Zelenskyy saying it was a "sign of disrespect" that Russia had sent a junior delegation that was not authorised to sign a ceasefire. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said on X on Thursday that Russia’s delay in sharing its ceasefire proposal suggested that it was "likely filled with unrealistic ultimatums". Speaking at Friday’s news conference alongside the visiting Fidan, Sybiha said Kyiv wanted to end the war. "We want to end this war this year, and we are interested in establishing a truce, whether it is for 30 days, or for 50 days, or for 100 days," he said. "Ukraine is open to discussing this directly with Russia. We confirmed this during the last meeting of our delegations with the Russian side." *Al Jazeera* *Real Madrid Pay Liverpool To Sign Alexander-Arnold Early* Trent Alexander-Arnold will become a Real Madrid player on Sunday, 1 June after Liverpool accepted a fee to release the defender early from his contract. Sources at Liverpool have indicated the fee is 10m euros (£8.4m), which Real have made as a single, up-front payment. However, sources at the Spanish club have suggested they have paid a lower amount. A payment has been agreed to allow the England right-back to join Real in time to play in the Club World Cup. The 26-year-old would have been able to leave Liverpool on a free transfer when his contract expired on 30 June. Alexander-Arnold, who had already confirmed he would leave Liverpool this summer, has agreed a six-year deal and his contract includes a 1bn euro (£840m) buy-out clause. Fifa approved an additional window for this summer, from 1-10 June, allowing teams to register new players for the expanded month-long Club World Cup, which starts on 14 June and is being held in the United States. Real's opening group game is against Saudi side Al-Hilal on 18 June in Miami. Before that, Alexander-Arnold could add to his 33 England caps having been named in the squad for their World Cup qualifier against Andorra (7 June) and friendly against Senegal (10 June). Just hours after Alexander-Arnold's move was confirmed, Liverpool completed the signing of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for 35m euros (£29.5m). Real have acted quickly to try to improve their team after an underwhelming campaign, with Spain defender Dean Huijsen also joining on 1 June from Bournemouth in a £50m move.