Security in Asia, Gaza, Nigeria and Roland-Garros: the night's news

The Pentagon believes a Chinese attack on Taiwan “could be imminent.” US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned on Saturday that a Chinese military attack on Taiwan “could be imminent,” and called on “US allies in the Indo-Pacific region to increase their defense spending to further deter Beijing,” writes the Financial Times . Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia’s largest security and defense forum, Hegseth said that “China is seeking to become a hegemon in Asia and its actions should be a wake-up call.” For the Pentagon chief, “the threat posed by China is real” and “any attempt by communist China to conquer Taiwan would have devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific region and the world.”

A truce agreement in Gaza is “very close,” Trump assures. “Israel and Hamas are close to reaching a ceasefire and hostage release agreement” in Gaza, Ha'Aretz reports , quoting US President Donald Trump. “They are very close to an agreement on Gaza. We will inform you later today or perhaps tomorrow,” the White House tenant said Friday. Israel has already signed the agreement proposed by the United States, but Hamas “remains hesitant,” notes the Israeli daily. “The group has reservations due to the lack of concrete guarantees of an end to the war and is wary of Trump’s willingness to intervene if negotiations stall.” For its part, the UN has warned that the entire population of Gaza is threatened with famine, while 45 people were killed Friday in Israeli attacks across the Palestinian territory, according to the Gaza Civil Defense.

Nigeria: At least 115 dead in “unprecedented” floods. The “unprecedented” floods that hit central Nigeria on Wednesday have left at least 115 dead, according to a provisional report provided by authorities Friday. “Search and rescue operations are still ongoing,” writes Vanguard , while more than 100 people are still missing, including more than 50 students from a Koranic school. The Nigerian newspaper reports the case of a victim who lost 17 members of his family in the disaster, which struck the central state of Niger, one of the 36 states that make up Nigeria. Rising waters, after several hours of torrential rain in the town of Mokwa, washed away dozens of homes and displaced thousands of people. According to a Red Cross official, nearly 80 injured people were treated in Mokwa.

Roland-Garros: Arthur Fils withdraws, no more French players in the men's draw. French number 1 Arthur Fils (world number 14) “has withdrawn from the tournament due to injury,” The Athletic announced on Friday. Fils was due to play in the third round of Roland-Garros on Saturday against Russian Andrey Rublev (17th). “ His magnetic personality and inventive playing style make Fils one of the most anticipated players on the circuit,” and his withdrawal “will be keenly felt,” the site commented. He was the last French player still in the men's draw. The last two French women, Elsa Jacquemot (138th in the WTA rankings) and Loïs Boisson (361st), face off on Saturday for a place in the round of 16. Arthur Fils, who did not specify the nature of his injury, had been “treated for a lower back problem during his five-set victory against Jaume Munar on Thursday,” the site recalled.