Columbia University alumni burned their diplomas in protest of the school's cooperation with the Trump administration and to show solidarity with students critical of Israel's war in Gaza .

A fifth round of talks between US and Iranian negotiators is about to start in Rome as the two sides discuss Iran's advancing nuclear program. bit.ly/3YU5C3d

Tanzania has released Ugandan lawyer and activist Agather Atuhaire, who had been in custody since Monday after attempting to attend a treason trial for an opposition leader. bit.ly/4kqCAQW

Germany’s Merz spoke for the 1st time with China‘s Xi on the📞. Readout suggests focus on business and Ukraine: - stress "importance of trade relations" - "consulted on Russia‘s war of aggression" - Merz "advocated to support efforts for ceasefire" - "cooperate on 🌎 challenges"

At least 28 people were killed and dozens injured following overnight Israeli strikes in Gaza, according to Palestinian news agency WAFA, citing local medical officials. p.dw.com/p/4untm

Israeli MP Ayman Odeh was removed from the Knesset podium after denouncing the war in Gaza.

JUST IN: Trump says he wants a 50% tariff on all EU exports to the US starting June 1, blaming stalled trade talks.

It is a far cry from their parents' generation, but 20-something Japanese are happy to sacrifice a career and better pay for an improved work-life balance. bit.ly/43sH9n3

JUST IN: Harvard is suing the Trump admin after it was barred from enrolling international students, calling the move unconstitutional and a threat to over 7,000 visa holders.

"I think pushing back harder could have risked a Zelenskyy moment in the White House," South Africa's former ambassador to the US, Ebhraim Rasool said of the tense Trump-Ramaphosa meeting earlier this week.

In a global anti-malware crackdown, authorities from several countries took down more than 300 servers and issued international arrest warrants for 20 suspects. bit.ly/4msvVHF

There were protests and clashes outside an Arizona courthouse after people appearing for immigration and asylum hearings were arrested by masked federal agents, "as if they were criminals."

As countries in Southeast Asia look beyond the US and Russia for security partners, Germany is stepping up its defense diplomacy — signing deals, deploying warships and joining regional forums. bit.ly/3H9Kpfw

A German government spokesman struggles to explain why Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz has no women in his inner circle:

UN chief Guterres has said Palestinians in Gaza are enduring "what may be the cruelest phase of this cruel conflict" as Israel steps up its military offensive. He warned that the entire population in the strip is at risk of famine. p.dw.com/p/4upyw

North Korea has launched an investigation into the failed launch of its hyped naval destroyer. Why did Pyongyang admit to the incident when it usually seeks to project an image of strength?

A US federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's bid to revoke Harvard University's ability to enroll international students. dw.com/en/judge-block…

JUST IN: Several people injured in knife attack at Germany's Hamburg train station, police say.