WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 1800 GMT, May 5, 2019 to 0800 GMT, May 6, 2019.

Israeli violence in Gaza

Israel has intensified its attacks on the Gaza Strip as the Palestinian death toll mounts in the besieged territory. Gaza's Health Ministry says at least 25 people have been killed and 154 others injured. Two pregnant women and a 14-month-old baby are among the fatalities. The regime’s warplanes have pounded residential areas, including one strike on a hospital. The upsurge in violence comes after the Israeli prime minister ordered the military to continue massive strikes on the enclave. Benjamin Netanyahu also said Israeli forces around Gaza would be reinforced with tank, artillery and infantry units. Palestinians have fired hundreds of homemade rockets in retaliation, hitting areas in southern Israel. Several Israelis have died as a result.

US-China trade war

The US president has escalated the trade war with China by announcing plans to hike the tariff imposed on 200 billion dollars of Chinese goods. Donald Trump said on Twitter that tariffs will increase to 25 percent on Friday. He also threatened to impose tariffs on all Chinese trade with America. It's a move that could further destabilize relations between the two economic powerhouses. The move is a blow to hopes that Washington and Beijing could be nearing a deal to end the trade dispute that began last year.

US-Taliban talks

The Taliban say talks between the militant group and the United States have been stalled over the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. Taliban’s political spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, said the two sides are trying to narrow the differences and agree on a timetable for pullout of US forces. He added that this has not been achieved so far. Representatives from the militant group and Washington have met in the Qatari capital Doha several times in recent months in a bid to end Afghanistan’s war. Before the US agrees to a withdrawal, it is demanding the Taliban put in place security guarantees, a ceasefire and other commitments. But militants insist they won't do a thing until the US announces a withdrawal timeline.

Mexico protest

Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Mexico City to demand the resignation of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Protesters chanted slogans against the 65-year-old president. The protesters made complaints about rising violence, the cancellation of Mexico City's new airport and financial problems within state oil company Pemex. It was the first time the president was facing protest after five months in office.

India election

Indians are casting their ballots in the fifth round of the seven-phase general elections which is considered to be a litmus test for the ruling Hindu right-wing party of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. More than 87 million people are eligible to vote today. Nearly 700 candidates are contesting for the 51 of parliamentary seats spread across seven states, including the disputed Kashmir region. Pro-independence Kashmiri groups have called for a boycott of the vote. West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are other key states in this phase. There are a total of 545 seats in parliament's lower house. 373 seats have already gone to the polls in the previous four phases. The last votes will be cast on May 19 and the results are expected to be released four days later.

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