Summary of World News by Reuters

Turkey’s defiance against U.S. sanctions over the purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems, Israeli strikes in Gaza, and the impact of the Sri Lanka bombings on tourism are just a few of the current world news briefs making headlines.

Despite warnings from Washington, Turkey’s Vice President Fuat Oktay stated that the country will not back down from its deal with Russia for the S-400 systems. The disagreement has strained relations between the two NATO allies, with the U.S. expressing concerns over the compatibility of the systems with its F-35 fighter jets.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered “massive strikes” against militants in Gaza following a surge in cross-border hostilities. The clashes have resulted in casualties on both sides, with an Israeli civilian killed by a rocket from Gaza and Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is suffering from cancellations in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings that killed over 250 people. The attacks, claimed by the Islamic State, targeted churches and luxury hotels, leading to a decline in travelers visiting the island nation.

These stories, along with North Korea’s missile testing, Yemen’s ongoing war, and Pope Francis’ call for action on wealth inequality in Europe, highlight the diverse range of global events capturing the world’s attention.