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UNSC stance on journalist killing 

The United Nations Security Council has condemned the killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank. The 15-member UN body issued a unanimous condemnation on Friday. The Security Council called for an immediate, thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into Abu Akleh’s killing. She was a journalist at the Arabic Language channel of the Qatar-based Al Jazeera TV network. Abu Akleh, 51, was fatally shot while covering an Israeli army raid in the city of Jenin on Wednesday. She was wearing a press vest and standing with other journalists when targeted. The killing sparked an international outcry, with calls growing for Israel to be held accountable for the murder of the veteran reporter.

Russia cuts Finland's power supply 

Finland’s grid company, Fingrid, says Russia has cut electricity deliveries to the country. Fingrid earlier said it cannot make payments for the imported electricity. The development comes two days after Finland announced its bid to join the western military alliance, NATO. Finnish leaders said the country should apply for the membership “without delay”. Sweden has spoken of the same plan, saying joining NATO will boost Swedish national security. Both are concerned after Russia launched the war in Ukraine. Moscow however says there is no real reason for Finland and Sweden to join NATO, as Russia has no hostile intentions towards them. Russia at the same time has warned of precautionary measures, if, NATO deploys nuclear forces and infrastructure closer to its borders. 

US aid for Ukraine blocked 

Top Republican Senator, Rand Paul has single-handedly blocked a vote by the US congress on an additional aid package for Ukraine, delaying the bill until next week. Paul faced backlash from his Democratic and Republican colleagues. But he remained adamant, saying his oath of office is to the US constitution, NOT to any foreign nation. The senator sympathized with Ukrainians, but said Washington cannot save Ukraine by dooming its own economy. The bill would send some 40 billion dollars in military and financial assistance to Ukraine. It was already passed by the US House. President Joe Biden has said he needed the money by the end of this week to help Ukraine in the ongoing war with Russia. In a letter, Secretaries of State and Defense also urged lawmakers to approve the package. They argued that the remaining authorized aid funds would run out by May 19th. 

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