Israel-Palestine, Iran-Saudi Arabia, Nigeria.

Today's three stories you should know.

Jun 05, 2023

Israel-Palestine

A two-year-old Palestinian boy who was shot by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank last week has died, according to hospital officials. Mohammed al-Tamimi was shot in the head while travelling in a car with his father, who was also shot. Israel said its troops opened fire after two gunmen fired on a Jewish settlement. “I hope this message will be heard: Innocence and childhood are sacred,” the boy’s father, Haitham al-Tamimi, told reporters as people gathered at the family’s home after Mohammed’s death. Some 150 Palestinians - including members of armed groups and civilians, many of them children - have been killed by Israeli troops this year.

Iran-Saudi Arabia

A significant development in Middle East relations today. Iran said it intends to reopen its embassy in the Saudi capital Riyadh seven years after it was closed due to a falling out between the two regional powers. It comes after China brokered a détente between the two. The formal ending of the rift could be very significant for the region. In just one example, Saudi and Iran have backed opposing sides in Yemen’s civil war.

Nigeria

At least 30 people have been killed, and several children abducted, in three attacks by armed gangs in northern Nigeria. Residents from two villages said the gangs - known locally as “bandits” - had attacked because locals had refused to pay protection money. Several states in Nigeria are plagued by the armed gangs, who often kidnap people for ransom and carry out raids on towns and villages. The government has been criticised for failing to get a handle on the situation. A new president, Bola Tinubu, was sworn in last week and promised to introduce reforms to tackle the country’s insecurity.