World
Trump castigates ‘crazy’ Putin. Elections called in Samoa. Canada’s royal snub to Trump. By Jonathan Pearlman.
Mayhem erupts as desperate Gazans try to access aid centre
Great power rivalry
Ukraine: United States President Donald Trump described his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as “crazy” this week and threatened to impose sanctions after Russia launched the largest aerial attack on Ukrainian cities since the beginning of the war.
In the week to Monday, Russia launched about 1390 drones and 94 missiles at Ukraine, killing at least 30 people. Russian troops also advanced this week in the north-eastern border region of Sumy, possibly to set up buffer zones to prevent Ukraine from seizing territory in Russia.
Following Russia’s bombardment, Trump said on social media on Tuesday that Putin was “playing with fire”.
“What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD,” he said.
But Moscow, which has rejected a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, remained defiant and warned Trump not to escalate tensions.
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of the Kremlin’s security council, said on social media: “I only know of one REALLY BAD thing – WWIII. I hope Trump understands this!”
Despite Trump’s change of tone, he has not offered additional aid or weapons to Ukraine and has not backed further sanctions on Russia.
On Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US had joined Germany, France and the United Kingdom in ending restrictions that prevented long-range weapons being sent to Ukraine.
“Ukraine can now also defend itself by attacking military positions in Russia,” Merz posted on X. “Until recently, it couldn’t do that.”
The neighbourhood
Samoa: Fiamē Naomi Mata‘afa, Samoa’s prime minister, dissolved parliament and called early elections this week following months of political turmoil sparked by the sacking of a cabinet member charged with criminal offences.
Fiamē became the country’s first female prime minister in 2021, when she ended four decades of rule by the Human Rights Protection Party.
But she has faced bitter infighting since her move in January to demote La‘auli Leuatea Schmidt, the chairman of the FAST party, who has been charged with offences including corruption and harassment.
After his demotion, La‘auli expelled Fiamē from the party, forcing her to lead a minority government.
Despite defeating two no-confidence motions, she was unable to secure support for her budget on Tuesday. The budget was defeated by 34 votes to 16.
Afioga Tuimaleali‘ifano, the head of state, on Wednesday said he had accepted Fiamē’s advice to dissolve parliament and allow elections.
The elections are due to be held within 90 days.
War zone
Gaza: Chaos erupted this week at a controversial new aid distribution centre in Gaza backed by Israel and the US, as Israel faced growing international pressure to end its intensive military campaign in the enclave.
Israel last week lifted an 11-week block on aid entering Gaza amid warnings from aid groups that shortages of food had led to a looming famine.
But Israel has rejected the delivery of aid through the United Nations and international agencies, saying it did not want food to reach Hamas. Instead, aid is being distributed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a new charity involving a US military contractor, Safe Reach Solutions, and a little-known Gazan company, Three Brothers. The aid plan is being coordinated with Israeli forces, who are stationed near the distribution sites.
The UN and aid groups have boycotted the foundation over concerns that its aid scheme does not allow for unlimited distribution across Gaza and will be used to promote Israel’s political and military aims.
Last Sunday, Jake Wood, the foundation’s executive director, resigned, saying it would not fulfil the principles of “humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence”.
On Tuesday, crowds stormed the foundation’s distribution centre in Rafah. Israel said it fired warning shots to disperse the crowds. Amid the chaos, many were unable to access aid.
Hosni abu Amra, a Gaza resident who had been waiting for food, told Associated Press: “There was no order, the people rushed to take, there was shooting, and we fled.”
Israel has launched a series of deadly air strikes across Gaza as part of a two-month plan to take control of 75 per cent of the enclave. Air strikes across Gaza on Wednesday killed 16 people, according to local officials.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this week that Israel’s recent air strikes do “not appear necessary to fight Hamas terrorism and protect Israel’s existence”. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters on Monday Israel’s blockage of food and supplies was “completely unacceptable”.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, has insisted the new military campaign was necessary to force Hamas to release its hostages and disarm.
The White House was this week trying to broker a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel that would involve a two-month truce and the release of 10 living hostages and 10 bodies, as well as hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The deal could reportedly include a statement from President Donald Trump committing to ending the war.
Spotlight: Canada’s royal snub to Trump
King Charles opened Canada’s parliament on Tuesday at the invitation of the recently elected prime minister, Mark Carney, who intended to send a message to the White House about his country’s proud distinctions from its southern neighbour.
Carney’s Liberal Party was re-elected in April after his defiant response to Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs and to annex Canada resulted in a spectacular turnaround in the polls.
The unusual move to invite King Charles to open parliament this week – the last British monarch to do so was Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 during her silver jubilee tour – was seen as a direct rebuke to Trump. The recent threats from Trump have led to a surge of patriotism among Canadians, including an increase in popularity of the British monarchy.
An Ipsos survey found 56 per cent of Canadians believe the constitutional monarchy “helps to define Canadian identity and should continue”, up from 48 per cent in 2023. Support for ending ties with the British monarchy dropped from 58 per cent in 2023 to 46 per cent.
In the speech to Canada’s parliament, which was written by Canadian officials in consultation with the king’s staff, King Charles said the current moment of uncertainty was “an opportunity for renewal”.
“Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect,” he said.
Typically, opening speeches to parliament are delivered by Canada’s governor-general.
Despite the warm welcome shown to King Charles and Queen Camilla during their two-day visit, Trump remained unbowed. He said in a social media comment on Tuesday that Canada could join the proposed United States “golden dome” missile defence shield if it became “our cherished 51st state” and that receiving protection would otherwise cost US$61 billion.
Carney’s spokesperson responded in a statement: “The prime minister has been clear at every opportunity, including in his conversations with President Trump, that Canada is an independent, sovereign nation, and it will remain one.”
This article was first published in the print edition of The Saturday Paper on May 31, 2025 as "Mayhem erupts as desperate Gazans try to access aid centre".
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