Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, June 7, 2018 to 0800 GMT, June 8, 2018.
Iran, Hamas support resistance
A senior advisor to Iran’s Leader says Tehran will stand firm in its support for Palestinians in their struggle against Israel. Ali Akbar Velayati was addressing via video conference, a meeting held in Gaza to honor the International Quds Day in the run-up to the event. He said Palestinians have realized that resistance is the only way to confront the Israeli regime. He urged all Muslims to set aside their differences and pave the way for the liberation of al-Quds. Hamas political leader Ismail Hanieh also highlighted the significance of resistance against Israel.
Iran warns IAEA
Iran’s envoy to the UN atomic agency says Israel’s nuclear weapons program is a real threat to peace and security in the region and beyond. Reza Najafi made the comment in a meeting at the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. He said some Western countries offer Israel a generous access to their nuclear facilities and documents. Najafi called the move a double standard. He then called on the international community to pressure Israel to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the NPT. Kuwaiti envoy to the agency made similar remarks. But those of the EU, US, and UK opposed any talk of Israel’s nuclear weapons at the IAEA.
Deadly US drones
A new study has revealed that the US use of unmanned aerial vehicles is increasing under President Donald Trump. The study conducted by the Stimson Center suggests that Trump has given American commanders greater leeway to authorize drone strikes without first seeking approval from Washington. Washington has been carrying out drone attacks in several Muslim countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen despite strong opposition from their governments and people. The US claims that its drone strikes target terrorists, but reports on the ground indicate that civilians are the main victims of such attacks.
Catholic Church under pressure
Some of the most prominent figures in the fight against sexual abuse in the Catholic Church are joining forces in a new international effort to end assault and the impunity of bishops and religious superiors who enable it. More than a dozen activists denounced Bishop Juan Barros who had allegedly mishandled a case, from the Americas to Africa and Europe. The initiative seeks to build on the momentum that clergy abuse survivors in Chile have recently obtained over the case of Bishop Barros. The bishop is accused of witnessing and ignoring abuse. Last month, every active bishop in Chile offered to resign for their collective failures in handling abuse cases.
FAO warning
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations warns that conflicts and climate change are taking a dramatic toll on food security in Africa and Asia. FAO says the issues are resulting in high hunger rates and an increasing number of countries requiring external assistance for food. Max Civili reports from the Italian capital.
Iran slams US JCPOA exit
Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani says the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal is an insult to the international community. Rouhani said the unilateral approach adopted by the United States is dangerous to international relations and the observance of international regulations. He also touched upon the issue of Palestine and International Quds Day, saying the event demonstrates the global hope for Palestine to be liberated from the Israeli occupation. The Iranian president made the comments before leaving the country for China, where he will take part in the 18th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Rouhani said the summit will discuss the US unilateralism, as well as the issues of terrorism and security.
Intl. Quds Day
Millions of people across the globe are set to attend International Quds Day rallies to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemn Israeli atrocities. Iranians from all walks of life will also mark the occasion by holding nationwide rallies. Pro-Palestinian groups have called for a massive turnout. Anti-Israeli sentiments remain high in the wake of the recent killing of Palestinian protesters in the Gaza Strip. Each year, millions of people hit the streets on the last Friday of the fasting month of Ramadan to voice their support for Palestinians and repeat their call for an end to the occupation of Palestine. Quds Day was initiated by the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, in 1979.
G7 summit
The upcoming G7 summit has already been overshadowed by policies introduced by the US president. Donald Trump’s America First policy has angered many of Washington’s traditional allies and created rifts on the global stage. France is now accusing the US of hegemony. Macron also indicated that the US may be set aside from the G7 group, saying the other member states don't mind being six. Trump has managed to antagonize his G7 allies with tariffs on aluminum and steel imports. There’s also the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate accord. The G7 countries are the most advanced economies in the world. Meanwhile, protesters have taken to streets in Quebec City, where the summit will be held. A series of protests have been organized which focus on global trade, migration, the environment and equality.