World News: 19 people killed in Israeli strike at UN clinic sheltering displaced

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe.

In the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a major expansion of offensives in the Gaza Strip, aiming to increase pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages.

On Wednesday local time, Netanyahu also mentioned establishing a new "security corridor" called the "Morag corridor" through southern regions, between Rafah and Khan Younis.

The Israeli Defense Minister has also announced a significant expansion of military operations in Gaza, involving the occupation of large areas of land.

Meanwhile, overnight airstrikes have claimed the lives of more than 40 Palestinians.

A strike on a United Nations Relief and Works Agency shelter for displaced individuals resulted in the death of 19 people, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

Israel said it attacked a Hamas command center set up in the facility.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu is making his first trip to Europe since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him in November 2024 for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

China has concluded two days of large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, intensifying regional tensions. Taiwan condemned the drills, vowing to maintain regional peace.

The People's Liberation Army conducted the "Strait Thunder-2025A" drills on April 1 and 2, focusing on the Taiwan Strait and the East China Sea.

These exercises included live-fire drills and simulated precision strikes, targeting key infrastructure such as ports and energy facilities.

The Shandong aircraft carrier was also deployed and operated east of Taiwan, integrating naval and air units.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported that multiple warships and aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, prompting the island to deploy its own rapid response exercise.

The United States condemned the drills, while China's Eastern Theater Command stated that the exercises achieved their objectives.

Moving over to Europe NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced on Wednesday local time that during the first quarter of 2025, NATO allies pledged over 21 billion U.S. dollars in military aid to Ukraine.

Rutte stated that the NATO command in Germany, specifically the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, would continue to coordinate military aid to Ukraine and the training of Ukrainian soldiers.

The announcement comes ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, where further support measures for Ukraine are set to be discussed.

In the United States, renowned actor Val Kilmer passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 65.

The cause of death was complications from pneumonia.

Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer, diagnosed in 2014, which significantly impacted his health and career.

He was celebrated for his performances in iconic films, including Top Gun, in which he played the character "Iceman."

He also played the role of the Caped Crusader in Batman Forever.

Kilmer is survived by two children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer, who continue his artistic legacy in the acting industry.

Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.