Daily News Brief

*) New Israeli strikes kill at least seven Palestinians in southern Gaza In Gaza, at least seven Palestinians were killed, and several more were injured in recent air strikes by Israel. According to witnesses, the Israeli military targeted a roadside stall selling goods in Qizan Abu Rashwan, south of Khan Younis, leading to two fatalities and injuries to others. In a separate incident, a medical source reported that an air strike on a home in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza resulted in the killings of three Palestinians and injuries to ten others, most of them children. *) Trump picks pro-settlement Mike Huckabee as US ambassador to Israel President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Mike Huckabee as his pick for US ambassador to Israel, signalling strong support for the Israeli government from his incoming administration. In a statement, Trump praised Huckabee’s career in public service and faith leadership. He added that Huckabee’s long-standing support for Israel is mirrored by the admiration many in Israel hold for him. *) Germany sets February 23 for snap elections after Scholz coalition collapse Germany is gearing up for snap elections set for February 23, after an agreement between its major political parties. This decision follows the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition last week. Parliamentary leader Rolf Muetzenich of Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) shared that Scholz will seek a confidence vote on December 16, setting up a path toward the February election. The decision was part of a compromise worked out with the Christian Democrats (CDU) and their Bavarian allies, the CSU. *) Car ramming in southern China kills, injures dozens in rare violent incident In a rare and tragic incident, 35 people were killed and 43 injured when a car drove into a crowd around a sports centre in Zhuhai, southern China, while people were out exercising. Initial police reports only mentioned injuries, but details of the attack and videos were quickly removed from social media. By Tuesday, police announced that the incident was a “serious and vicious attack” and confirmed the death toll at 35. The injuries suffered by the 43 wounded are not currently life-threatening. *) Jury orders US contractor to pay $42M for torture of Iraqis at Abu Ghraib A federal jury has found CACI International, a US defence contractor, liable for its involvement in torture at Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison in 2003-2004. The verdict, delivered Tuesday, holds the Virginia-based company accountable and orders it to pay $42 million in damages, awarding each of the three plaintiffs $14 million. This decision marks the first time a civilian contractor has been held legally responsible for torture at the notorious prison, where the three plaintiffs testified about being subjected to beatings, sexual abuse, forced nudity and other forms of brutal treatment.

*) Israel strike kills 10 people in designated Gaza ‘safe zone’ In southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, an Israeli air strike killed at least 10 Palestinians and left many others injured. The strike hit a rest area near tents where displaced families had gathered, thinking it was safe. This specific area, in the Al Mawasi neighbourhood, had actually been marked by the Israeli military as a “safe zone”. Many displaced families were using the “Happy Time” rest stop just outside the southern gate of the Asdaa Resort. According to witnesses, people frequently went there for a moment of respite and to access the internet — just trying to find some normalcy amid the war. *) Smotrich says 2025 is year Israel will impose ‘sovereignty’ on West Bank Israel’s Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has now said that by 2025, Israel will fully assert its sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, effectively ruling out any chance of a Palestinian state — a stance that defies international law, which considers the West Bank to be occupied Palestinian land. During a Religious Zionism Party meeting, Smotrich also congratulated Donald Trump on his recent US presidential win. For Smotrich, Trump’s victory is an opportunity to move forward on Israeli interests. He recalled that in Trump’s previous term, he took bold steps: moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, affirming Israeli control over the Golan Heights, and legitimising settlements in the West Bank. *) Paris bans Palestinian flags at France-Israel football match French authorities have banned Palestinian flags at the upcoming France-Israel football match on Thursday, following unrest seen at a Netherlands match last week. Laurent Nunez, Paris’s prefect, said that “only French and Israeli flags will be allowed, along with messages cheering on the teams”. Security will be tight at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, a suburb north of Paris. Fans can expect not one, but two security screenings and ID checks around the stadium. Anyone refusing to cooperate won’t be allowed in. *) Türkiye’s zero waste project will thrive through global cooperation: Altun Türkiye’s Zero Waste Project, a leading environmental initiative, will only succeed through strong international partnerships, according to Fahrettin Altun, Türkiye’s head of Communications. Speaking via video at the COP29 UN climate conference in Azerbaijan, Altun stressed that Türkiye’s Zero Waste Project is a key example of the country’s dedication to environmental leadership. He said that “Türkiye is at the forefront of climate diplomacy”. *) Philippines braces for fifth cyclone in under one month The Philippines is once again preparing for severe weather, with warnings issued for yet another storm — the fifth in under a month — now closing in on the islands. Tropical Storm Usagi is expected to hit the country’s northeast coast in just two days, according to the National Weather Agency. This comes right after Typhoon Toraji forced thousands to evacuate. In fact, the government has already evacuated over 32,000 people in the north as a precaution. This has been a devastating stretch for the Philippines, which has been battered by a relentless sequence of storms: Severe Tropical Storm Trami, Typhoon Yinxing, Super Typhoon Kong-rey, and now Usagi — all of which have collectively claimed at least 159 lives.

*) Israeli air strike on tent in Gaza kill two members of a family In Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp, an Israeli air strike has killed a man and his wife and left two children injured, a medical source said. Witnesses told Anadolu news agency the air strike hit a tent in the Sawarha area of the camp, reducing it to rubble and damaging several nearby tents as well. Two children were also wounded in the air strikes, according to Al-Awda hospital. *) Israel’s Netanyahu claims responsibility for deadly pager blasts in Lebanon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has now admitted he authorised a deadly September attack on communication devices in Lebanon, marking the first time Israel has openly claimed responsibility. Hezbollah had earlier pointed fingers at Israel for the blasts, which dealt a serious blow to the group and prompted vows of retaliation. The attacks involved small handheld devices, used by Hezbollah members, that exploded over two consecutive days in supermarkets, on streets and even at funerals in mid-September. The blasts killed nearly 40 people and injured close to 3,000, just before Israel ramped up its military campaign in Lebanon. *) Biden plans to urge Trump to keep supporting Ukraine US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has said President Joe Biden’s top priority during his meeting with President-elect Donald Trump will be to emphasise the importance of a smooth transfer of power. But Biden also wants to talk about issues in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Sullivan told CBS News that President Biden will have a chance over the next 70 days to make his case to Congress and the incoming administration that the US cannot afford to abandon Ukraine. He added that leaving Ukraine now would mean more instability in Europe. Sullivan’s remarks come as Russia and Ukraine are engaging in record drone attacks, with around 200 drones exchanged between them. *) Ex-PM’s supporters in Bangladesh protest using Trump placards as ‘shields’ Supporters of Bangladesh's ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were arrested after following her orders to protest bearing placards of Donald Trump, police have said, accusing them of trying to undermine relations with Washington. Police arrested 10 protesters they described as “conspirators” and accused them of attempting to destabilise the South Asian country of around 170 million people. *) Dutch police crackdown on pro-Palestine demonstration, detain protesters In Amsterdam, Dutch police detained multiple pro-Palestine protesters after tensions flared up, reportedly due to provocations by Israeli hooligans. The demonstrators had gathered to push back against the media’s portrayal of recent events as “anti-Semitic” and to protest the criticism aimed at pro-Palestine supporters after the Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv football match. Police broke up the crowd with batons, injuring several people in the process. Authorities in Amsterdam had previously put a three-day ban on public demonstrations starting from Friday.

*) Israel kills 12 paramedics and civil defence volunteers in Lebanon Israel has killed 12 paramedics and civil defence volunteers and wounded three others in its strikes on several towns in the Tyre district in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Health Ministry said warplanes targeted the town of Deir Qanoun in the Tyre district, killing six members of the Islamic Scouts — volunteers in emergency medical and civil defense operations — and a paramedic from the Islamic Health Association — a charity organisation. Strikes on Deir Qanoun also killed a civilian and wounded 12 others. *) Biden to meet Trump at White House ahead of historic return President Joe Biden will host President-elect Donald Trump for a traditional post election meeting in the Oval Office on Wednesday, the White House said. Such a meeting is customary between the outgoing president and the incoming president, and is meant partly to mark the start of a peaceful transfer of power under America's democracy. In a speech Thursday, Biden said he had assured Trump "that I would direct my entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition. That's what the American people deserve." *) Floods in South Sudan affect 1.4 million, displace 379,000: UN Devastating flooding in South Sudan is affecting around 1.4 million people, with more than 379,000 displaced, according to a United Nations update that warned about an upsurge in malaria. Aid agencies have said that the world's youngest country, highly vulnerable to climate change, is in the grip of its worst flooding in decades, mainly in the north. A surge in malaria has been reported in several states, it said, "overwhelming the health system and exacerbating the situation and impact in flood-hit areas". *) French rail unions threaten to strike ahead of Christmas Trade unions at France's railway operator SNCF have called for an indefinite strike from next month that could disrupt train services during the upcoming Christmas holidays. The unions are demanding a moratorium on dismantling Fret SNCF, the freight division of the national rail operator, and protesting against the terms and conditions for opening up regional lines to competition. The union said the action would begin on December 11, reiterating their call for shorter strike action from November 20 to November 22. *) Türkiye’s first lady demands gender balance, fairness in tech sector Türkiye’s First Lady Emine Erdogan has emphasised the critical role of women in society and the need for a justice-centred approach to technology, at the 6th International Women and Justice Summit in Istanbul on Friday. Erdogan stressed that “women are not only half of a gender but half of humanity,” and expressed hope that the summit would open “new doors of hope” for women worldwide. The reception, organised by Türkiye's Women and Democracy Association (KADEM) under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Women,” highlighted the impact of AI on various sectors, including healthcare, education, and business. Erdogan referred to research findings on how AI, developed without ethical oversight, can deepen social injustices, and underlined that women are particularly vulnerable to AI’s adverse effects.

*) Israel's genocidal war on besieged Gaza enters its 400th day Since October 7, 2023, Israel has killed more than 43,500 Palestinians, 70 percent of them women and children, and wounded over 102,700 others, according to local health authorities. Analysts say the estimate is conservative and the actual death toll could be around or beyond 200,000, as thousands of Palestinians remain missing or buried under the debris of bombed homes and shops. Another 10,000 have been abducted and jailed at Israeli torture sites. *) Stein and Trump gain surprising support among Muslim voters American Muslim voters overwhelmingly backed Green Party's candidate Jill Stein in the 2024 presidential election, with 53.2 percent casting ballots in her favour, according to a new survey. In Michigan, Stein received even stronger support, with 59 percent of 502 Muslim respondents backing her, compared to 22 percent for Trump and 14 percent for Harris, according to the poll. Frustration over the Biden administration's Gaza policy led to a "sharp drop" in Muslim support for Harris compared to Biden's 2020 Muslim voter base, according to CAIR's National Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw. *) US, Canada groups urge leaders to condemn anti-Arab violence in Amsterdam Two prominent Muslim groups have criticised North American leaders and media for ignoring attacks and anti-Arab violence by Maccabi Tel-Aviv fans during a Europa League match. "It has been deeply distressing and disturbing to witness the violence that took place in Amsterdam around the Europa League match last night," The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) wrote on X, denouncing all forms of intimidation. The Muslim group urged Canadian leaders to address the incidents directly. "If Canadian leaders choose to weigh in on this issue, they must condemn the well-documented attacks on Arabs in Amsterdam," the statement says. *) 2024 to be the hottest year since industrial revolution Scientists say that 2024 might go down in history as the hottest since humans began burning fossil fuels. According to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the global average temperature is expected to exceed the critical 1.5C threshold above pre-industrial levels. This would mark a historic milestone, underscoring the dramatic impact of greenhouse gas emissions and climate crisis. The C3S Monthly Climate Bulletin for October highlights that human activities have created an elevated temperature baseline. An El Nino event also played a role in this year’s heating but the climate’s complexity is influenced by multiple factors beyond greenhouse gases alone, such as solar radiation, volcanic eruptions, aerosols, and natural climate variability, according to the scientists. *) Turkish first lady attends event on Ottoman sufi poet, heritage in Hungary Türkiye's first lady has attended a special programme in Budapest promoting a book on a 14th-century Ottoman sufi poet and the empire's rich heritage in Hungary. Erdogan visited the tomb of Ottoman Dervish poet Gul Baba — also known as Jafer, or the "Father of Roses" in Hungary — which was restored in 2018 in a collaboration between the Hungarian government and TIKA, the Turkish state aid agency. "I am happy to gather around the legacy of Gul Baba, who came from Anatolia and was laid to rest in this land, on the 100th anniversary of the Türkiye-Hungary Friendship Treaty” she says. "It is truly exciting that six years after TIKA's restoration efforts and the establishment of the cultural centre at the Gul Baba Tomb, this spiritual heritage is now being crowned with a new book," Erdogan wrote in the guestbook at the Gul Baba Tomb.

*) Israel kills 48 in Gaza, including 11 cousins of journalist Israel continues its lethal invasion of Gaza. At least 48 Palestinians have been killed in the last 24 hours across Beit Lahia, Jabalia, Rafah, Nuseirat, and other residential areas. Among the victims, 14 displaced Palestinians sheltering in a former school were killed in Al-Shati camp. Local journalist Hossam Shabat said he has lost 11 family members. *) Biden pledges peaceful transition after Trump’s victory US outgoing President Joe Biden has pledged a peaceful transition on January 20 after Republican Donald Trump’s election victory. Biden urged unity, calling for Americans to “bring down the temperature” and trust in the integrity of the electoral system. In a heartfelt Rose Garden address, he defended the election's integrity, calling it “honest and transparent.” *) Russia calls for peace talks as it gains ground in Ukraine In the wake of Donald Trump’s election as US president, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu declared that the West must accept Russia’s progress in Ukraine and pursue peace talks. Shoigu accused the West of attempting to defeat Russia through Ukraine, urging negotiations as Moscow’s forces gain ground. Trump in his campaign said that he could bring peace to Ukraine within 24 hours. However, his exact strategy remains unclear. *) Erdogan criticises Türkiye’s EU delay, calls for security inclusion Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, at the European Political Community Summit in Budapest, has called for Türkiye’s full inclusion in EU defence efforts, stressing it as vital for European security. Criticising delays in Türkiye’s EU accession, he urged Europe for action against terrorism and condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza. Erdogan further pushed for diplomacy in the Ukraine crisis and met with key EU leaders. *) Big food companies sell less healthy products in poor countries A new report has revealed that major food and beverage companies are selling less nutritious products in low-income countries compared to wealthier nations. This trend, highlighted by the Access to Nutrition Initiative, raised concerns about rising obesity rates in developing countries. While some companies claim to be improving their offerings, the report suggests significant disparities in the quality of products sold to different markets.

*) Donald Trump defeats Kamala Harris to become the 47th US president Former US president Donald Trump defeated his rival Kamala Harris and became the 47th president of the country. In his victory speech, he pledged to “heal” the country, promising secure borders, prosperity and a “golden age of America.” Speaking to ecstatic supporters, Trump, joined by Vice President nominee JD Vance, hailed GOP wins and vowed to fight for Americans. Separately, Republicans also secured the majority in the Senate. *) Vice President Harris commits to a peaceful transfer of power in speech Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a defiant concession speech, vowing a peaceful transition of power after Trump won the US presidential election. Harris told supporters in a speech in Washington to "not despair," urging them to "keep fighting" after her loss. Separately, US President Joe Biden will address the nation and pay tribute to Harris for her "courage" and "integrity." *) US stocks soar as Trump secures a second term in White House Wall Street surged to record highs as Donald Trump made a stunning return to the White House. The Dow Jones soared 1,250 points, with the S&P 500 nearing the 6,000 mark. Investors anticipate tax cuts and deregulation, while Treasury yields, bitcoin and the dollar also hit new highs. Market eyes now turn to the Federal Reserve’s upcoming rate discussion. *) Erdogan and Trump discuss cooperation on Türkiye-US ties, global issues Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump on his election victory in a phone call. Erdogan expressed his hopes for strengthened cooperation between Türkiye and the United States in the coming term. Earlier in a message on X, Erdogan expressed hopes for progress on global issues like Palestine and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He stressed the importance of collaboration for fairer world order and peace, wishing prosperity for both nations and humanity. *) South Africa closes main border with Mozambique over election protest violence South Africa temporarily shuts its main border with Mozambique amid escalating protests over Mozambique's disputed election. At least 18 people have died as opposition supporters challenge Frelimo’s contested win. Security forces have responded with force, restricting internet access and threatening army deployment. Tensions rise as Mozambique's opposition plans a massive march on capital Maputo.

*) Vote counting is underway to decide next US president Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump are locked in a close battle for the White House, as polls gradually close and officials count votes across the United States. The magic number to win the presidency is 270 electoral votes. Observers expect the hotly contested race for the White House to come down to a handful of key battleground states. Projections from various outlets, citing counted votes, show Trump leading his rival, Kamala Harris. Voters are also deciding which party will control the House and Senate. *) Stay in line: Trump urges Republicans to hold ground Former President Donald Trump has urged Republican voters to "stay in line" in a 13-second clip posted across his social media platforms. “We’re doing really well,” Trump reassured, encouraging supporters to hold their ground at the polls. Separately, billionaire Elon Musk also shared a message on the social media platform X, implying a Republican win in the elections, saying, "Game, set, and match." *) Americans chose between democracy and illegal migration, survey shows In the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, voters' motivations reflect a deep national divide. An AP VoteCast, an extensive survey of more than 110,000 voters nationwide, reveals Harris supporters prioritised the future of democracy, influenced by her messaging on Trump’s threats to democracy. Meanwhile, Trump voters focused on immigration and inflation, drawn to his promises of economic revival. *) Israel's Netanyahu fires Defence Minister Gallant Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Defence Minister Yoav Gallant due to disagreement over the Gaza invasion. Israel Katz steps in as the new Defence Minister, while Gideon Sa’ar takes over as Foreign Minister. Protests erupted in Tel Aviv, with hundreds rallying against Gallant’s ouster, expressing frustration with Netanyahu’s decisions. *) Boeing workers end seven-week strike, ratify new deal Striking Boeing workers have voted to accept the company’s latest contract, ending a seven-week walkout. The new deal includes a 38 percent wage hike, a $12,000 signing bonus, and increased tax benefits contributions. While some 33,000 workers will return, reactions remain mixed, with some disappointed by the absence of a restored pension plan.

*) Trump, Harris bid their final push as US election looms In the final sprint before election day, US Vice President Kamala Harris rallies Pennsylvania, while Donald Trump fires up crowds in multiple states. Harris has urged voters to recognise their power, wrapping up her day with star-studded support in Philadelphia. Trump lamented the election as "the most important political event" in US history, hoping for a historic comeback. Some 77 million have already cast early votes. *) Israel makes UNRWA ban official despite global protests Israel has notified the UN it is cancelling its agreement with UNRWA, sparking global condemnation. The decision follows an overwhelming Knesset vote to ban the agency’s activities in Palestinian territories. Western allies, including the United Kingdom and France, voiced concern, while the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of “devastating consequences” for Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. *) Countries urge UNSC to stop arms sales to Israel A coalition of 54 countries and organisations has urged the UN Security Council to take swift action to halt arms transfers to Israel amid its devastating Gaza invasion. The appeal cites concerns over violations of international law and references a recent UN resolution calling for restrictions on arms that could be used in occupied Palestinian territories. *) Canada, India condemn Brampton Temple clashes amid tense ties India and Canada have condemned violence at a Hindu temple in Brampton amid rising diplomatic tensions. Social media videos showed clashes involving flagpoles and punches. The fighting followed Canada's expulsion of Indian diplomats over the killing of a Sikh separatist leader. Both Prime Ministers, Narendra Modi and Justin Trudeau, strongly denounced the violence, while local police continued their investigation. *) Women, children among 24 dead in Comoros boat tragedy At least 25 people drowned after traffickers capsized their boat near the Comoros Islands, the UN's migration agency confirmed on Monday. The tragedy, which left only five survivors, marks the third such disaster in recent months. The deadly route to the French territory of Mayotte has claimed thousands of lives since 2011, according to the International Organization of Migration.

*) Israeli strikes hit Gaza hospitals, many Palestinians killed Heavy bombardment from Israeli forces early Monday hit Gaza hard, killing many Palestinians and leaving countless others injured. The scene was devastating, with widespread destruction across several neighbourhoods. According to Wafa news agency, Israeli artillery strikes took a heavy toll — lives lost, people hurt, and some still trapped under rubble. Rescue teams are scrambling to find survivors, but no official numbers have been released yet. Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia also came under fire — the nursery was damaged, and a child was injured. And at the Indonesian Hospital, a drone strike sent patients and staff into a panic, creating a chaotic and terrifying scene. *) Swiss intelligence exposes PKK's secret operations Switzerland’s intelligence service has dropped a bombshell — the PKK, a group labelled as a terrorist organisation by Türkiye, the US and the EU, has been running secret operations right under their noses. According to a fresh report from Switzerland’s Federal Intelligence Service, or FIS, the PKK has been using Swiss soil to raise money, spread its propaganda and even run terrorist training camps. The PKK has been in a violent campaign against Türkiye for 40 years, leading to over 40,000 deaths, including civilians. The FIS report makes it clear: the PKK is active within Switzerland, recruiting young Kurdish refugees and preparing them for actions against the Turkish military. *) UN warns of ‘dangerous escalation’ over potential N Korean troops in Russia UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is raising the alarm over reports that North Korean troops may have joined Russia, possibly heading toward the battlefields in Ukraine. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, conveyed his concern on Sunday, saying Guterres is “very concerned” about reports of North Korean forces potentially being deployed to Ukraine’s conflict zone. According to US intelligence, North Korean troops have shown up around Russia’s Kursk border region. Interestingly, neither North Korea nor Russia has denied these reports. *) Maia Sandu declares victory in Moldova’s presidential runoff election Moldova’s pro-EU President Maia Sandu declared a win on Sunday in the country’s tense presidential runoff, with almost all votes counted. She held a strong lead with 54 percent, defeating her pro-Russian rival, Alexandr Stoianoglo. Sandu, a former World Bank economist, declared in her victory speech that “Moldovans have given a lesson in democracy, worthy of history books”. Sandu’s win is being seen as a huge boost for Moldova’s pro-Western government and her vision of closer ties with Europe, steering Moldova one step closer to the EU. *) Chinese crew returns after 6-month mission on Tiangong space station After six months aboard China’s Tiangong space station, the Shenzhou 18 crew has made a safe return. The spacecraft’s return capsule touched down in northern China on Sunday, wrapping up an intense mission in space. The China Manned Space Agency confirmed that its astronauts landed at the Dongfeng site in Inner Mongolia. Since their launch on April 25, they have been working and living aboard the Tiangong.

*) Hamas calls Gaza truce proposals with Israel a 'smokescreen' Palestinian resistance group Hamas has called Gaza ceasefire proposals a “smokescreen" as they do not include an end to the Israeli war or withdrawal from the enclave. Senior Hamas member Izzat al-Rishq said ceasefire proposals floated in recent days don’t include an end to the Israeli assault, withdrawal from Gaza, or the return of displaced Palestinians to their areas. He added that Hamas is positively engaged with any proposals and ideas that ensure the cessation of aggression and the withdrawal of the occupation forces from Gaza. *) Israel kills 71 in Lebanon as death toll nears 3,000 Meanwhile, in Lebanon, the Health Ministry has said Israeli air strikes killed at least 71 people and wounded 169 others. The new fatalities brought the number of people killed in Israeli attacks in the country since October 2023 to 2,968, while 13,319 others were wounded. This week Israel intensified its strikes in the eastern Lebanese region of Baalbek and displaced thousands more. *) Israel hinders polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza The emergency polio vaccination campaign in Gaza entered its second phase though areas in northern Gaza, experiencing ongoing Israeli military offensives and a humanitarian crisis, were excluded from the campaign. The initial phase of the campaign began two months ago, however, offensives in the north delayed the rollout, leading to a partial implementation. In a statement, the Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed that northern Gaza could not proceed with the second phase due to the ongoing hostilities, and plans for the next round of vaccinations in the north remain postponed. *) Supporters of Bolivia's ex-leader Morales detain 200 soldiers Supporters of former Bolivian president Evo Morales have taken at least 200 soldiers, hostage. Three military units in Chapare province were assaulted by irregular groups, The hostage situation marks a dramatic escalation in their standoff with the state after Morales blamed the current President for attempting to assassinate him earlier this week. The hostage situation comes nearly three weeks after backers of Morales the country's first Indigenous leader began blocking roads to prevent his arrest on what he calls trumped-up charges aimed at thwarting his political comeback. *) Hundreds of media members accuse BBC of biased Gaza coverage The BBC has been accused by more than 100 of its staffers of providing Israel favourable coverage in its reporting on the war against Gaza, calling on the broadcaster to "recommit to fairness, accuracy, and impartiality." The letter sent to BBC Director General Tim Davie was signed by more than 230 media industry members, including 101 anonymous BBC staff, journalists from other media organisations, historians, actors, academics and politicians. It criticised the news outlet for failing its editorial standards by lacking "consistently fair and accurate evidence-based journalism in its coverage of Gaza."

*) Israel 'not serious' about Gaza ceasefire — Hamas Palestinian resistance group Hamas has said that Israel does not take Gaza ceasefire negotiations seriously. A senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan said Israel does not offer any genuine proposals and "is definitively not serious in the (ceasefire) negotiations." He added that Hamas would proceed without hesitation with any proposal that meets people's demands and ends their suffering, and completely halts the Israeli aggression, not temporarily *) Single surgeon for the only hospital in northern Gaza Meanwhile, the only Hospital in northern Gaza operates with limited capabilities and a single surgeon, in light of the deadly Israeli incursion for nearly one month. The al-Awda Hospital is the only hospital in northern Gaza that has a doctor specialising in general surgery. At times, many wounded people require urgent medical interventions amid low and limited medical capabilities. *) Buffer zone ordered around a Sikh place of worship in Canada A Vancouver judge has ordered a buffer zone around a Sikh temple over fears of violence. The safe zone was requested by Ross Street Gurdwara officials to keep apart Sikh separatists advocating for an independent state of Khalistan and visiting Indian officials. The court order follows Canadian police investigations that found the Indian government allegedly has been involved in extreme violence on Canadian soil, including the assassination of a Canadian Sikh in 2023. *) Ukraine needs to use long-range missiles against N.Korean troops: Zelenskyy Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine needed permission from its allies to fire long-range missiles into Russia in the face of a North Korean troops deployment there. He said that at every site where Russia is amassing these North Korean soldiers on its territory Ukraine could strike preventively only if they had the capability. He accused Kiev's allies of "just waiting for the North Korean military to start striking at Ukrainians" instead of providing "the long-range capability that is so necessary". *) China uses Meta to develop military AI According to academic papers and analysts, top Chinese research institutions linked to the People's Liberation Army have used Meta's publicly available Llama model to develop an AI tool for potential military applications,. Academic papers have detailed how China had used an early version of Meta's Llama as a base for what it calls "ChatBIT". The researchers used an earlier Llama 2 13B large language model incorporating their parameters to construct a military-focused AI tool to gather and process intelligence and offer accurate and reliable information for operational decision-making.

*) Israel kills 26 Palestinians in air strikes across Gaza Israel continues with its deadly strikes on besieged Gaza. At least 26 Palestinians were killed and 47 wounded in Israeli air strikes on besieged Gaza. At least 16 Palestinians were killed and 30 wounded, including children, in strikes that targeted two houses north of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Horrific and heart-wrenching experiences continue to haunt Palestinians in Gaza. In one such incident, a Palestinian ambulance worker made a horrific discovery when the corpse on the stretcher that he was carrying turned out to be his mother, killed by an Israeli air strike in central besieged Gaza. *) Arab League calls for UN resolution against Israel's UNRWA ban Meanwhile, the Arab League called for the passage of a UN resolution opposing Israel's move to ban the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in the country. The meeting demanded that the representatives of Arab countries in New York coordinate with the ambassadors and representatives of friendly countries and the UN Secretariat to request a special session of the UN General Assembly, as it is the body that issued the decision to establish UNRWA, to discuss the repercussions of this serious Israeli law and to issue a UN resolution rejecting this illegal Israeli measure. However, Israel continued with its defiance and demolished the office of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in the Nur Shams refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. *) North Korea launches a new ballistic missile North Korea has launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile in its first test in almost a year of a weapon designed to threaten the US mainland and occurring days ahead of the US election. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered the missile test and was at the launch site calling the launch “an appropriate military action” to show North Korea’s ''resolve to respond to its enemies’ moves'' that have threatened the North’s safety. In response to this, South Korea announced new export controls on materials needed to produce solid-fuel missiles to restrict North Korea's ballistic missile development. *) Canada labels India as a cyber threat According to a report, a cyber defence agency charged with keeping foreign actors from infiltrating Canada’s computer networks identified India as a cyber threat for the first time. According to its National Cyber Threat Assessment report the Indian state-sponsored cyber threat actors are likely to conduct cyber threat activity against Government of Canada networks for espionage. The report also said that as a breakdown in Canada-India relations continues, India will step up its cyber threats after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau linked New Delhi to serious crimes against Sikh Canadians. *) EU slaps $502M fine on the world's largest generic drugmaker Teva The EU has slapped the world's largest generic drugmaker Teva with a $502 million fine for "abusing its dominant position" to impede competition for its blockbuster multiple sclerosis medicine. The Israeli company said it would appeal against the EU's fine. The European Commission said that it found Teva artificially extended the patent protection of its drug Copaxone and "systematically spread misleading information about a competing product to hinder its market entry and uptake.

*) Israel took institutions protecting peace, human rights hostage — Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticised Israel, saying it has taken "hostage" all institutions meant to uphold peace, human rights, and democracy. Speaking in Ankara, Erdogan accused Israel of blinding global structures like the UN Security Council with “Zionist delusions.” Erdogan expressed disappointment over the lack of response from the Islamic world regarding Gaza, saying, “We couldn’t prevent 50,000 of our brothers and sisters from getting torn apart in the killing machine of the Zionist regime.” He condemned the global silence on Gaza as “shameful” for humanity, pointing to worsening conditions under intense bombardment. *) Lebanon PM hopes for ceasefire with Israel in 'coming hours or days' Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced efforts to secure a ceasefire in Israel’s war on Lebanon “within hours or days,” expressing cautious optimism in an interview with Al Jadeed. In related developments, Israel’s public broadcaster KAN shared a draft ceasefire proposal, suggesting both nations would adhere to UN Resolutions 1701 and 1559. *) Devastating floods in Spain's Valencia region kill dozens Spain braced for further casualties on Wednesday as the death toll reached 95 in flash floods that swept through towns, upended vehicles, and disrupted transport. Rescuers expect to recover more bodies in what is now Spain's deadliest flood in over 50 years, with three days of national mourning starting on Thursday. Heavy rain and winds have battered Spain since early this week, with some areas experiencing nearly a year's rainfall in hours due to a storm over the Mediterranean. *) Ukraine, Russia in talks on halting strikes on energy facilities: report Ukraine and Russia have reportedly started preliminary talks to pause air strikes on each other's energy infrastructure, according to the Financial Times, which cited sources including senior Ukrainian officials. The discussions aim to revive negotiations mediated by Qatar that nearly reached an agreement in August. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the report, claiming there was widespread fake news, even in what he called "the most reputable media." *) 4,000-year-old ancient oasis town discovered in Saudi Arabia Archaeologists have uncovered a 4,000-year-old fortified town in an oasis in Saudi Arabia, offering insights into the shift from nomadic to urban life in the region. The ancient town, named al-Natah, lay hidden beneath the fertile Khaybar oasis in the Arabian Peninsula's northwest. Led by French archaeologist Guillaume Charloux, the research team found a 14.5-kilometre-long wall around the town.

*) UN warns of dire Middle East situation as Israel escalates its war on Gaza The United Nations’ Middle East peace process coordinator, Tor Wennesland, warned the international community about a severe escalation in the Middle East, describing the situation as being at the "most dangerous juncture in decades." Speaking to the UN Security Council, Wennesland highlighted that ongoing Israeli violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and shows no signs of stopping. Wennesland specifically addressed a deadly Israeli air strike in Beit Lahiya on Monday that killed or left missing at least 90 Palestinians, including 25 children. *) Healthcare system in northern Gaza collapses as Israeli invasion continues The healthcare system in northern Gaza has collapsed amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes, according to Hussam Abu Safiya, Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital. In an urgent statement, Abu Safiya warned that all injured individuals brought to the hospital are succumbing to their wounds due to a severe lack of medical resources. He pleaded for international assistance to allow ambulances into the blockaded area to evacuate victims of the attacks, noting that currently, not a single ambulance is operational in northern Gaza. *) Palestine weighs bringing Israel’s UNRWA ban before UNSC The Palestinian presidency has announced plans for diplomatic measures following the Israeli Knesset's approval of laws prohibiting the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in occupied territories. According to the official Palestinian news agency WAFA, the presidency will urgently engage with countries hosting Palestinian refugees, exploring options to present the issue before the UN Security Council and General Assembly. The presidency emphasised that UNRWA's presence is crucial for addressing the Palestinian issue in line with international law and legitimacy. *) Sudan conflict: UN report accuses RSF of sexual violence, forced captivity A UN fact-finding mission has reported that Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias have committed widespread sexual violence against civilians, including abduction of women as sex slaves, throughout Sudan's ongoing 18-month conflict. Victims, ranging in age from eight to 75, have been targeted in what the report describes as a strategy to terrorise and punish communities with perceived links to opposition forces. Mission chair Mohamed Chande Othman called the scale of sexual violence "staggering" in an 80-page report based on interviews with victims, families, and witnesses. *) EU slaps extra tariffs on Chinese-built EVs, risking Beijing retaliation The European Union announced it will impose additional tariffs on Chinese-built electric vehicles, reaching up to 45.3 percent, following a year-long anti-subsidy investigation that has intensified trade tensions with Beijing. The new tariffs will vary by manufacturer, with Tesla facing an additional 7.8 percent and China’s SAIC 35.3 percent, on top of the EU’s standard 10 percent car import duty. The decision, formally approved by the European Commission on Tuesday, will be published in the EU's Official Journal by Wednesday and will take effect the next day.

*) South Africa files 'evidence' of Israel's Gaza 'genocide' with ICJ South Africa has filed "evidence of a genocide" committed by Israel in Gaza with the International Court of Justice. The evidence shows how the government of Israel has violated the genocide convention by promoting the destruction of Palestinians living in Gaza. It supplements facts and arguments in South Africa's ongoing genocide case against Israel. The parties to the case have already argued that Israel's actions such as using starvation as a weapon of war, and depopulating Gaza through mass killings and forced displacement of Palestinians amount to genocide. *) Israel bombs eastern Lebanon, kills 60 people Meanwhile, Israel continues to bomb Lebanon as the death toll from Israeli strikes on Lebanese villages in eastern Lebanon's city of Baalbek has risen to at least 60. Israel has already blocked the only route for the displaced families fleeing from a crossing from Lebanon into Syria. The land crossing on Lebanon's northeastern border, known as Jousieh on the Syrian side, connects to Qusayr in Syria's Homs province. It was put out of service last Friday when the Israeli strike created a large crater that blocked vehicle traffic. *) Massacre of a massacre: Thailand's Tak Bai Muslim victims denied justice A court in southern Thailand dropped a case against former state security personnel and officials over the killing of 85 Muslim protesters in 2004. Families of the victims of what is known as the Tak Bai massacre in April accused seven soldiers and government officials of murder, attempted murder and unlawful detention. The court however said that while there was enough evidence for an indictment, the case was unable to proceed as no suspects were arrested and brought to the court. As a result, the 20-year statute of limitations expired on Friday. *) Israel bans UNRWA in occupied territories Israel’s Knesset has passed two bills aimed at ending the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) across the occupied West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, drawing increasing international concern. The UN expressed "profound concern" over the Israeli parliament's bills. The bill bans the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees, from conducting “any activity” or providing any service inside Israel. The UN Secretary-General wrote to the Prime Minister of Israel, expressing his profound concern about those bills and their impact. *) US finalises curbs on investing in Chinese tech The Biden administration has said it is finalising rules that will limit US investments in artificial intelligence and other technology sectors in China. The rules will apply to semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum information technologies and certain AI systems and cover technologies like cutting-edge code-breaking computer systems or next-generation fighter jets.

*) South Africa files 'evidence' of Israel's Gaza 'genocide' with ICJ South Africa has filed "evidence of a genocide" committed by Israel in Gaza with the International Court of Justice. The evidence shows how the government of Israel has violated the genocide convention by promoting the destruction of Palestinians living in Gaza. It supplements facts and arguments in South Africa's ongoing genocide case against Israel. The parties to the case have already argued that Israel's actions such as using starvation as a weapon of war, and depopulating Gaza through mass killings and forced displacement of Palestinians amount to genocide. *) Israel bombs eastern Lebanon, kills 60 people Meanwhile, Israel continues to bomb Lebanon as the death toll from Israeli strikes on Lebanese villages in eastern Lebanon's city of Baalbek has risen to at least 60. Israel has already blocked the only route for the displaced families fleeing from a crossing from Lebanon into Syria. The land crossing on Lebanon's northeastern border, known as Jousieh on the Syrian side, connects to Qusayr in Syria's Homs province. It was put out of service last Friday when the Israeli strike created a large crater that blocked vehicle traffic. *) Massacre of a massacre: Thailand's Tak Bai Muslim victims denied justice A court in southern Thailand dropped a case against former state security personnel and officials over the killing of 85 Muslim protesters in 2004. Families of the victims of what is known as the Tak Bai massacre in April accused seven soldiers and government officials of murder, attempted murder and unlawful detention. The court however said that while there was enough evidence for an indictment, the case was unable to proceed as no suspects were arrested and brought to the court. As a result, the 20-year statute of limitations expired on Friday. *) Israel bans UNRWA in occupied territories Israel’s Knesset has passed two bills aimed at ending the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) across the occupied West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, drawing increasing international concern. The UN expressed "profound concern" over the Israeli parliament's bills. The bill bans the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees, from conducting “any activity” or providing any service inside Israel. The UN Secretary-General wrote to the Prime Minister of Israel, expressing his profound concern about those bills and their impact. *) US finalises curbs on investing in Chinese tech The Biden administration has said it is finalising rules that will limit US investments in artificial intelligence and other technology sectors in China. The rules will apply to semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum information technologies and certain AI systems and cover technologies like cutting-edge code-breaking computer systems or next-generation fighter jets.

*) Israeli air strikes kill at least 30 Palestinians in northern Gaza At least 30 people have been killed in Israeli strikes targeting multiple homes in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza. The Palestinian resistance group Hamas condemned the attack, calling it a brutal crime carried out by the terrorist occupation army. Hamas also labelled the US as being complicit and responsible for the ongoing massacres and extermination in northern Gaza. *) Condemnation and de-escalation calls pour in after Israel attacks Iran In the wake of Israel’s air strikes on Iran, various countries have urged restraint to prevent further conflict escalation in the Middle East. Iran said that two soldiers were killed in Israeli air strikes causing limited damage to its military infrastructure and that it is ready to retaliate against Tel Aviv's "aggression." Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and many other countries condemned the Israeli strikes while the US and UK called on Iran to desist from responding to the strikes. *) RSF attack in Sudan kills at least 124 civilians Meanwhile, at least 124 people were killed in attacks carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the village of Alseriha in the Gezira state of central Sudan. The Sudan Doctors Network has said that forces affiliated with the RSF committed a massacre against civilians. The network called it an irrational escalation against civilians who have chosen to remain for over a year in difficult and tragic humanitarian conditions. *) Attack on convoy in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan kills at least 10 policemen An attack in Iran’s restive southeast has killed 10 members of the country’s national police force. The Iranian news agencies reported fatalities in the attack in Gohar Kuh, some 1,200 kilometres southeast of the Iranian capital, Tehran. The attack came on a day when Iran was still coming to terms with the Israeli strikes. Authorities have not identified any immediate suspects, nor has any group claimed responsibility for the attack yet. *) China vows 'countermeasures' after US' arms sale to Taiwan China has said that it will take "countermeasures" to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, criticising a potential $2 billion arms sale package by the United States to Taiwan. Earlier, the Pentagon approved the package, including the delivery of an advanced air defence missile system battle-tested in Ukraine for the first time to the island.

*) Israel attacks Iran Israel has launched air strikes targeting what it described as "military targets" in Iran, with Iranian state-run media acknowledging the blasts and saying some of the sounds came from air defence systems around the capital Tehran. Fearing Iranian retaliation, the Israeli military said it had "fully mobilised" its offensive and defensive capabilities. Iran said it is prepared to respond to any Israeli aggression and that Tel Aviv will face a proportional reaction for any action it takes. *) Israeli army shoots inside Gaza hospital with 600 people inside Meanwhile, the Health Ministry in Gaza has said the invading Israeli military is searching and opening fire inside the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza with 600 people inside. The ministry said in a statement that the Israeli military is risking lives of 600 people inside, including 70 medical staff, 195 patients and wounded Palestinians, and their escorts. It also said two children in the hospital's intensive care unit died as the Israeli army disrupted the work inside the hospital. The ministry added that the Israeli army destroyed three ambulances, a transport vehicle and a power-generating system in the hospital. *) UNIFIL withdraws from south Lebanon's Dhayra post after Israeli fire The UN Interim Force in Lebanon has said that its peacekeepers withdrew from an observation post near Dhayra town in south Lebanon after Israeli forces fired at it. The UN mission is stationed in southern Lebanon to monitor hostilities along the demarcation Blue Line with Israel - an area that has seen fierce clashes. The mission said that when Israeli soldiers conducted house-clearing operations nearby and realised they were being observed, they fired at the post, which prompted the duty guards to withdraw to avoid being shot. *) Putin defends 'sovereign right' to deploy North Korean troops Russian President Vladimir Putin has defended his country's sovereign right to utilise foreign troops in its conflict with Ukraine, responding to mounting Western allegations that North Korean soldiers have already been deployed to support Russian forces on the front lines. Putin also asserted that if Ukraine sought to join NATO, Moscow would take whatever measures it deemed necessary to ensure its own security. Putin said that when Russia has to decide something, it will decide, but it would be a sovereign decision whether to apply its decision or not and that this was their business. *) Brazil settles for $23B with mining firms over 2015 environmental disaster Brazil's federal government has reached a multibillion-dollar settlement with the mining companies responsible for a 2015 dam collapse that the government said was the country's worst-ever environmental disaster. Under the agreement, Samarco — a joint venture of Brazilian mining giant Vale and Anglo-Australian firm BHP — will pay $23 billion over 20 years. The payments are meant to compensate for human, environmental and infrastructure damage caused by releasing an immense amount of toxic mining waste.

*) Israeli strikes kill, injure over 150 in Gaza's Jabalia More than 150 Palestinians were killed or injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza's Jabalia refugee camp, according to the Palestinian Civil Defence agency. Israeli forces reportedly destroyed 11 houses in the al-Hawaja area last night. The agency underscored the need for help to transport the wounded from the scene. *) Türkiye celebrates UN as global beacon of hope: Erdogan President Erdogan expressed Türkiye's readiness to help reform the United Nations into a renewed symbol of hope for humanity. He emphasised the need for an effective international system rooted in justice, equality, and solidarity, free from double standards. Erdogan expressed Ankara’s determination to continue contributing to peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and sustainability efforts under the UN framework. *) Russia's Putin does not deny North Korea troops deployment in Ukraine President Vladimir Putin did not refute claims that North Korea sent troops to Russia but emphasised that Moscow has the right to manage its defence cooperation with Pyongyang. He blamed the West for escalating the Ukraine conflict and highlighted NATO's direct involvement in the war. Meanwhile, the US claimed to have evidence of 3,000 North Korean troops being sent to Russia for potential deployment in Ukraine, which could further intensify the war. *) Mozambique's Frelimo party extends five-decade rule in disputed election Mozambique's ruling party, Frelimo, has maintained its grip on power after winning the presidential election, despite opposition allegations of fraud. Daniel Chapo, 47, will succeed President Filipe Nyusi, becoming the nation's fifth president since independence. The electoral commission announced Chapo secured over 70 percent of the vote. *) Fenerbahce draw with Manchester United, Besiktas beat Lyon in Europa League Beşiktaş secured a 1-0 win against Olympique Lyon in the Europa League, thanks to a 71st-minute goal from Gedson Fernandes. The Turkish side wore black armbands in memory of victims of Wednesday's terrorist attack. In another Europa League game, Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce settled for a 1-1 draw with Manchester United at home.

*) World leaders condemn terrorist attack in Ankara Global leaders condemned the terrorist attack on a defence facility in Ankara, Türkiye, where five people were killed and 22 wounded. Turkish President Erdogan denounced the attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries, calling it "heinous." Russian President Putin and US Secretary of State Blinken both expressed their condolences, with Blinken reaffirming the US's support for its ally Türkiye. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also condemned the attack, emphasising that NATO stands with Türkiye against terrorism. *) Israel heavily bombards southern Beirut Israeli warplanes carried out more than 17 air strikes on the Lebanese capital Beirut's southern suburbs, in one of the most intense bombardments. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported that the Israeli attack included four strikes in the suburb of Laylaki, which destroyed six buildings and caused fires that spread across a wide area. It also said that Israeli aircraft destroyed the office of the Al Mayadeen TV channel affiliated with the Lebanese Hezbollah group, which was located in an apartment. *) G7 moves forward on $50B Ukraine loan, backed by frozen Russian assets The G7 is advancing a $50 billion loan package for Ukraine, backed by frozen Russian assets, according to the White House. The US will contribute $20 billion, while the remaining $30 billion will come from allies like the EU, UK, Canada, and Japan. Interest earned on Russia's frozen assets will serve as collateral for this unprecedented financial support. *) Saudi Arabia, Iran conduct joint military drill in Sea of Oman Saudi Arabia recently conducted joint military exercises with Iran and other nations in the Sea of Oman, according to a Saudi Defence Ministry spokesperson. Brigadier General Turki al-Malki confirmed the naval drills in a statement following reports from Iran’s official news agency ISNA that the two countries are planning additional exercises in the Red Sea. *) Kuwait bans controversial 'Call of Duty' video game Kuwait has banned Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 due to its depiction of Saddam Hussein and scenes from the 1990s Gulf War. Activision confirmed the game won’t be released in Kuwait, but the government has not officially acknowledged the ban. Trailers showing burning oil fields and Iraqi symbols have sparked controversy, reminding Kuwaitis of painful memories. This is the latest geopolitical issue for Call of Duty, which has previously faced bans in countries like China and Russia for controversial content.

*) At least 700 Palestinians killed in Israeli onslaught in northern Gaza: Hamas At least 700 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s ongoing offensive in northern Gaza since October 5th this year, resistance group Hamas said. The Israeli army stepped up its massive assault in northern Gaza amid a suffocating siege that has left tens of thousands of people without food and water. Osama Hamdan, top Hamas representative in Lebanon, said in a recorded speech that the Israeli occupation is committing systematic crimes in northern Gaza, including executions, civilian killings, forced evacuations, and attacks on hospitals. *) Türkiye seeks stronger ties with BRICS: Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Türkiye aims to boost ties with BRICS and will join the summit on Wednesday, following an invite from Russia's President Vladimir Putin. The summit will be held in Kazan and brings together BRICS members and other nations. Erdogan noted that BRICS represents 45 percent of the global population and produces 40 percent of the world’s oil. *) Arab Muslim community leader in Michigan ejected from Kamala Harris rally Ahmed Ghanim, a well-known Arab and Muslim figure in Royal Oak, Michigan, was abruptly removed from a Kamala Harris campaign event without explanation. Ghanim, a former congressional candidate, was escorted by a campaign organiser to two police officers who forced him to leave just 10 minutes after he arrived. In an interview with the Detroit Metro Times, Ghanim said, "I asked why she was kicking me out. She wouldn't answer. I was very calmly asking why I was being kicked out." *) World in 'chaos' but friendship will last 'for generations': Xi to Putin Chinese President Xi Jinping told Russia’s Vladimir Putin that the world is in chaos, but their partnership stands as a stabilising force amid historic global changes. In a BRICS summit in Kazan, Xi emphasised the lasting bond between China and Russia, calling it a friendship that will endure through generations. *) University of Milan cancels agreement with Israeli university The University of Milan has suspended its exchange agreement with Israel's Reichman University after the Italian school's rector met with Palestinian students campaigning for a boycott of Israeli universities. The decision, attributed to the escalating Middle East crisis, follows similar moves, including cutting ties with Ariel University earlier this year in response to student demands and advocacy. Student groups called it a "victory" after strong campus mobilisations.

*) ​​Israel kills 29 Palestinians in northern Gaza strikes At least 29 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks, as the army continues its massive offensive, now in its 18th day, in northern Gaza. Artillery shelling targeted a school sheltering displaced civilians near Birket Abu Rashid in Jabalia, killing seven people and injuring dozens. According to witnesses, civilians gathered upon Israeli military orders at the UN-run Kreism School when an Israeli tank fired a shell towards them. Six people were also killed when an Israeli airstrike targeted a group of civilians filling water containers in Jabalia al-Balad in northern Gaza. *) Blinken heads again for Middle East to push for Gaza truce US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is back again in the Middle East to push for a Gaza ceasefire two weeks before the US elections. This will be his 11th trip to the region since Israel’s war on Gaza broke out a year ago, without any results. Ahead of the trip, US President Joe Biden called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate him for his actions in Gaza and Lebanon even as Israel has received widespread condemnation for its genocidal war in the besieged Palestinian enclave. Meanwhile, last week, Pentagon announced the deployment to Israel of a THAAD anti-missile system battery and a crew of US military personnel. *) Australian senator to King Charles: 'Give us what you stole from us' An Indigenous senator in Australia told King Charles III that Australia is not his land and the monarch was not needed as the British royal visited Australia's parliament. Indigenous independent Senator Lidia Thorpe was escorted out of a parliamentary reception for the royal couple after shouting that British colonisers had taken Indigenous land and bones. She lamented that British colonialism committed genocide against the indigenous people and shouted …. “Give us what you stole from us — our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people. You destroyed our land. Give us a treaty. We want a treaty.” *) Ukraine blasts UN chief for accepting BRICS summit invitation in Russia Ukraine's Foreign Ministry blasted UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres for what it said was his acceptance of an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to a BRICS summit. Putin will host the 16th BRICS summit on Oct. 22-24 in Russia’s city of Kazan, where 32 countries have confirmed their participation, with 24 being represented by their heads of state, while the remaining eight will send high-ranking officials. Major topics at the summit are likely to include economic cooperation, trade agreements and the challenges faced by BRICS members, such as geopolitical tensions, the global economic slowdown and climate change. Russia will likely highlight multilateralism, using the BRICS platform to counter Western-dominated global governance structures. *) Turkish Festival in Washington attracts thousands with rich cultural displays Thousands of people gathered in Washington, DC for the annual Turkish Festival, immersing themselves in a lively celebration of Turkish culture, featuring vibrant performances, traditional music, and authentic cuisine. Organised by the Turkish-American Association of Washington DC (ATA-DC), the festival took place on Pennsylvania Avenue, near the Capitol, offering a showcase of Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors were treated to a variety of performances, including traditional Turkish folk dancing, live Turkish folk music, and performances by musicians from the broader Turkish republics, all of which captivated the audience.

*) ​​Israel shells Lebanese town with banned phosphorus munitions The Israeli army has bombed the southern Lebanese town of Kafr Shuba with internationally banned phosphorus munitions. Reports of the Israeli army firing artillery shells containing white phosphorus in Lebanon emerged last year as well when rights groups presented concrete evidence of the use of banned munitions. Meanwhile, the Israeli army launched a series of new air strikes on Beirut, targeting the Lebanese capital's southern suburb. *) Hundreds of illegal Israeli settlers storm Al Aqsa Mosque Around 1400 illegal Israeli settlers forced their way into the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. The Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem said the settlers entered the flashpoint site through the Mughrabi Gate in the western wall of the mosque under the protection of Israeli police. According to witnesses, far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir joined the illegal settlers in performing Talmudic rituals at the site amid restrictions on the entry of Muslim worshippers into the complex. *) Israel kills four aid workers in Gaza Israel continues unabated massacres in Gaza as it killed four water engineers and workers from the Khuzaa municipality in Gaza. The workers, collaborating with Oxfam's strategic partner, the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility (CMWU), were killed in a bombing incident despite their vehicle being marked and their movements coordinated with Israeli authorities. The four men were travelling east of Khan Younis to carry out urgent repairs on Gaza's water infrastructure when they were hit by an Israeli strike. *) Pakistan passes constitutional amendments to prevent court 'interference' Meanwhile, political churning continues in Pakistan as the government has narrowly passed a package of constitutional amendments that would stop the country's courts from issuing rulings that are considered to "interfere in parliament". Under the judicial reforms passed during a late-night session of parliament, the chief justice of Pakistan will now be selected by a parliamentary committee and have a fixed term of three years. According to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, the goal of the amendments is to block the judicial verdicts that interfere in parliament. *) UN chief urges 'significant investment' in fund to save nature UN chief Antonio Guterres has appealed to nations gathered at a biodiversity summit in the Colombian city of Cali to help conserve and restore nature. The secretary-general not only called for significant investment in the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) but also for mobilising other sources of public and private finance.

*) Hamas confirms Yahya Sinwar's death Hamas has confirmed that its political leader, Yahya Sinwar, was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, and the resistance group reiterated that hostages taken from Israel a year ago will not be released until there is a ceasefire in Gaza and a withdrawal of Israeli occupation troops. A Hamas official said that those prisoners will not return before the end of Israeli aggression on Gaza and the withdrawal from Gaza. In a video statement, Hamas heralded Sinwar as a hero who ascended as a heroic martyr, advancing and not retreating, brandishing his weapon, engaging and confronting the occupation army at the forefront of the ranks. *) Israel kills 33 civilians, including 21 women, in Gaza's Jabalia Meanwhile, Israel has killed at least 33 Palestinians, including 21 women and many children, and wounded more than 85 others in strikes on homes in Jabalia camp in northern Gaza. According to Gaza medics, the Israeli air strikes targeted several Palestinian homes in Tel al Zaatar area, east of Jabalia camp and there are missing people under the rubble of the houses. At the same time, ambulances are unable to reach the area under fear of being targeted by the Israeli invading army. *) Ottawa warns remaining Indian diplomats not to put Canadians at risk Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has placed the last of India's diplomats in the country "on notice", warning them that Ottawa will not tolerate any more criminal activity on its territory. The warning follows the expulsion earlier this week of six Indian diplomats after Canada's national police force said there is ample evidence of murder and extortion by agents in Canada operating on orders from New Delhi. India's high commissioner was among those kicked out of Canada after he was identified as a "person of interest" in the June 18, 2023, assassination of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. *) Biden vows to continue support for Ukraine United States President Joe Biden has urged NATO allies to keep backing Ukraine in its war against Russia as he made his farewell visit to Germany just weeks before the US elections. Biden has said that Western allies must sustain support until Ukraine wins a just and sustainable peace. He added, “ We're headed into a very difficult winter. We cannot let up." *) Meta partners with Blumhouse to test AI video tool for filmmakers Tech giant Meta has unveiled a partnership with horror film production company Blumhouse to road-test its latest artificial intelligence (AI) video tool. The program, known as Movie Gen, was announced earlier this month though Meta said it was still being developed and would not be added to publicly available products until next year. Meta announced that it had been working with filmmakers from Blumhouse known for producing franchises like "Paranormal Activity", "The Purge" and "Insidious" to refine and improve the tool.

*) Sinwar killed in gunfight, defying Tel Aviv's assertions — Israeli media Hamas politburo leader Yahya Sinwar was killed during a surprise gunfight with Israeli forces, according to Israeli media. Previously reported to be hiding in tunnels, Sinwar was actually found dressed in military gear, ready for combat. Israel’s public broadcaster noted that Sinwar’s constant movement kept him battle-ready after months of Israeli attempts to limit his mobility. *) War between Israel, Iran has 'to be considered a high possibility' — Fidan Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned that a war between Israel and Iran is a "high possibility," urging Türkiye and the region to be prepared. In an interview on Thursday, Fidan stressed the need for regional countries to brace for this scenario, which he called undesirable, but potentially destabilising. While Türkiye opposes any conflict with Iran, Fidan acknowledged Tehran's right to self-defence if it comes to that. *) 1 billion people, half of world's children, trapped in acute poverty —UN Over 1 billion people live in extreme poverty, with more than half being children, and nearly 40 percent residing in conflict-affected areas, according to a UN report. The report, from the UN Development Programme and Oxford, highlights that 83 percent of the poor live in rural regions, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The 2024 Multidimensional Poverty Index, covering 112 countries, tracks poverty using 10 key indicators, including health, education, and living standards. *) Kenya deputy president ousted in historic impeachment Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was ousted from office after being impeached in an unprecedented political saga that has kept the nation on edge. In a historic move, the Senate voted to impeach Gachagua on five of 11 charges, after a similar motion was overwhelmingly approved by the lower house National Assembly last week. The vote capped a day of drama which saw the 59-year-old known as "Riggy G" fail to testify in his defence after being admitted to hospital with chest pains. *) Texas Supreme Court halts execution of man in shaken baby case after lawmakers' last-minute appeal The Texas Supreme Court has halted the execution of Robert Roberson, convicted for the 2002 death of his 2-year-old daughter tied to shaken baby syndrome. The ruling followed intense last-minute legal challenges and bipartisan public pressure, citing concerns about flawed science. Roberson, who had been waiting in a cell near the death chamber, expressed shock and gratitude after the stay was announced.

*) US launches series of air strikes targeting Houthis across Yemen The US military has hit several Houthi weapons depots in Yemen, top officials confirmed. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin called it a "unique demonstration" of the US's ability to strike even deeply buried, fortified sites. The use of B-2 stealth bombers highlights the US's global reach, with strikes targeting Houthi positions. Since mid-October 2023, the Houthis have launched multiple missile and drone strikes against Israeli targets in solidarity with Gaza, which is under a brutal Israeli war. *) Resolving Gaza crisis is key to stop regional war: Hamas official A senior Hamas official Basem Naim said that any resolution to the escalating regional conflict depends on addressing the original crisis in Gaza. With the war in Gaza entering its second year, clashes have intensified in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces confront Hezbollah militants, raising concerns about a broader conflict involving Iran. Diplomatic efforts to cease hostilities are faltering, particularly following Iran's recent missile attack on Israel. Naim asserted that a lasting solution cannot be achieved without resolving the Gaza situation. *) North Korea constitutionally declares South Korea as 'hostile' state North Korea has officially declared South Korea a "hostile" state in its constitution, confirming legal changes pushed by leader Kim Jong-un. This week, the country destroyed roads and railways linking the two nations, with state media calling it a necessary step to ensure separation from the South. The military action is described as part of a strategy to solidify North Korea's sovereignty and distance itself from South Korea. *) 400-year-old Assyrian Bazaar restored and reopened in Türkiye's Mardin The 400-year-old Assyrian bazaar in Mardin, Türkiye, has reopened after a thorough restoration as part of the "Street Health Project," aimed at preserving the region's cultural heritage. Governor Tuncay Akkoyun highlighted Mardin's rich history and the importance of protecting its unique cultural identity for future generations. He stressed that cultural heritage fosters unity and brotherhood, which are vital for peace and prosperity in agriculture, trade, and tourism. *) Argentine province prints its own currency amid economic crisis La Rioja, a province in Argentina, has introduced its own emergency currency, the "chacho," after severe federal budget cuts under President Javier Milei's austerity plan. The local government guarantees a 1-to-1 exchange with pesos, but chachos can only be used within the province. While intended to help locals cope with high inflation and economic collapse, many merchants struggle as the currency isn't accepted by suppliers. The move echoes Argentina's financial crisis of 2001 when provinces also printed parallel currencies.

Strike hits south Beirut after Netanyahu vows 'no ceasefire' Israel launched strikes on southern Beirut after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed a ceasefire deal that would leave Hezbollah near Israel's border. The military also ordered residents to evacuate parts of Beirut, a move typically signaling incoming attacks on the Lebanese capital. *) Erdogan: How can the UN protect others when it cannot defend its own staff? President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed the UN's credibility, questioning its ability to defend others when it can't protect its own staff. At the Global Diplomacy and Future of Palestine conference in Ankara, President Erdogan criticized the UN Security Council for its inaction, accusing it of standing powerless as Israel continues its strikes and civilians. *) North Korea claims more than a million people joined army this week North Korea claimed over a million young people joined its military after accusing Seoul of sending drones into its airspace. Pyongyang retaliated by blowing up key roads and rail links with the South, warning that more drone flights would be seen as a declaration of war. While Seoul denied the drone claims, North Korea insists it has "clear evidence" and accused the South of spreading anti-regime leaflets over its capital. *) Toddlers and women among victims as migrant boat sinks near Greek island Two infant boys were among four people who died in a migrant boat sinking near the Greek Aegean island of Kos, according to the Greek coastguard. Two women also died in the boat sinking, which occurred in mild weather, a coast guard spokesman said. The spokesperson said 27 people were rescued, including a man detained as a suspected smuggler. *) Egypt's long-delayed mega-museum will open some main galleries in trial run The Grand Egyptian Museum will partially open on Wednesday, showcasing 12 halls of ancient Egyptian artifacts in a trial run for 4,000 visitors, officials said. The $1 billion mega-project near the Giza Pyramids has faced delays, including from the pandemic, with an official opening date still unannounced. The museum will eventually house over 100,000 ancient treasures.

*) Netanyahu tells US Israel will strike Iranian ‘military’ targets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reassured the US that if Israel targets Iran, they’ll be hitting military sites, not the sensitive nuclear or oil facilities that President Joe Biden had cautioned against. According to a report, Netanyahu made this clear during a call with Biden last week. Sources say two officials, one from the US, confirmed that Netanyahu gave this assurance, aiming to focus strictly on Iran’s military infrastructure. *) Police arrest hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters in New York In New York, more than 200 pro-Palestine protesters were arrested after they staged a sit-in outside the New York Stock Exchange, demanding the US end its support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Many of the demonstrators were from activist groups, including Jewish Voice for Peace. Their chants of “Let Gaza live” and “Stop funding genocide” echoed through the streets near Wall Street. While none of them entered the building, dozens crossed a police security barrier, leading to the arrests. *) UN Security Council backs peacekeepers in Lebanon amid Israeli attacks The UN Security Council is sounding the alarm after several UN peacekeeping positions in southern Lebanon were caught in Israeli military crossfire. The 15-member council released a statement expressing deep concern and urged all parties to prioritise the safety of both UN personnel and their premises. The council emphasised that peacekeepers and their bases should never be targeted, reaffirming its support for UNIFIL, the peacekeeping mission, and highlighting its critical role in maintaining regional stability. *) Trump abruptly ends Pennsylvania meet after attendees need medical care Former President Donald Trump had to cut his Pennsylvania town hall short after two attendees needed medical attention. Trump, in the midst of fielding questions from supporters, paused when the heat in the venue caused at least two people to faint. Ever quick to adapt, Trump asked for some music to be played while medics helped one of the individuals. But when a second person needed assistance, he suggested opening the doors and decided to end the event early. *) Tit-for-tat expulsions as Canada probes Indian diplomats over Sikh killing Tensions are high between Canada and India, with both countries expelling six diplomats each in a tit-for-tat response to the June 2023 killing of a Sikh activist in Canada. A Canadian government official revealed that Canada’s expulsion includes India’s high commissioner, following evidence that linked the Indian government to violent criminal activity. India quickly retaliated, announcing the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats.

Death toll from Israeli attack on Gaza shelter rises to 22 The death toll has climbed to 22 after an Israeli strike hit a school shelter in central Gaza, according to officials. What makes this particularly tragic is that the school was housing thousands of displaced women and children. These are people who had already lost their homes in earlier bombings. And to top it off, the Israeli army reportedly knew that the school was being used as a shelter. *) Türkiye condemns Israel’s attack on UNIFIL Türkiye has spoken out strongly against Israel, condemning its attacks on UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon — UNIFIL. In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry didn’t hold back, warning that Israel’s ambitions might go beyond Gaza, suggesting it could expand its offensive into Lebanon. The ministry also pointed out that, given the situation, UNIFIL’s role in maintaining peace and security in the region is more important than ever. *) Seoul says N Korea readies to destroy northern parts of inter-Korean roads South Korea has spotted some suspicious activity up north. According to the South Korean military, North Korea looks like it’s gearing up to blow up the northern parts of the inter-Korean roads — those stretches of road that connect the two countries but are no longer in use. Apparently, the North has put up screens and is working behind them, possibly preparing for the demolition. It could even happen as soon as today, officials say. And that’s not all. South Korea is also keeping an eye on the possibility that North Korea might launch another space rocket, which, according to the UN, would basically be a long-range missile test in disguise. *) China starts new drills around Taiwan with no end date China’s military is kicking off another round of war games near Taiwan, and this time they haven’t given any hint about when it might stop. The exercises, named “Joint Sword-2024B”, are happening in and around the Taiwan Strait, and China says these drills are both “legitimate” and “necessary” for protecting its sovereignty. Taiwan isn’t too thrilled about it and has already condemned the move. *) Mechanical SpaceX arms ‘catch’ Starship rocket booster at landing pad In a major test flight, SpaceX sent its massive Starship rocket into the skies on Sunday, and this time, things got even more daring. After launching from southern Texas, the first-stage booster made a return, only to be caught mid-air by mechanical arms — yes, like something out of a sci-fi movie. This booster-catching system, affectionately called “chopsticks”, is part of Elon Musk’s latest risky endeavour with SpaceX. While previous Starship launches have ended with the rockets being destroyed, this one marks a huge leap forward in terms of success.

*) Israeli genocide part of displacement plan: Gaza The Media Office in Gaza has said that the Israeli army is intensifying its military actions in northern Gaza, particularly in the Jabalia refugee camp. According to the office, since the ground offensive and complete siege began on October 6, "massacres and deliberate killings" have taken place, resulting in significant civilian casualties in the camp. The office also reported that Israeli forces are preventing rescue teams from retrieving over 75 bodies from the 285 people killed during the ground assault. *) Israel kills 15 people, wounds scores in Lebanon Israel has killed at least 15 people in its strikes in northern and central Lebanon on Saturday. The first strike targeted an apartment in a residential building in the town of Barja in the central area of the country, killing four people and wounding 14 others. The second strike hit a home in the town of Maaysrah in Mount Lebanon, killing nine and wounding 15. *) US 'responsible' for Gaza genocide: Palestine presidency Palestine has called on the US to stop supporting Israel and force it to end its aggression and comply with international resolutions. In a statement the Palestinian Presidency said that the US administration must force its strategic ally, Israel, to stop its aggression in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, and adhere to international legitimacy resolutions and international court rulings. *) Deadly tribal clashes erupt in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa At least 11 people were killed and eight others injured in renewed clashes between local tribes in northwestern Pakistan. Officials confirmed the clashes and said the local administration is trying to control the situation. According to local people, women and children were also among the victims as tribesmen fired at vehicles on roads. *) EU, China fail to bridge gap on electric vehicle tariff solution The latest negotiations over European Union tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles ended in Brussels with "major differences" remaining. Brussels has decided to impose new tariffs of up to 35.3 percent on imports of Chinese-made electric cars. Representatives from Beijing and the 27-member bloc have held eight rounds of talks in Brussels since September 20 but failed to reach a consensus.

*) New explosions hit UN peacekeepers' base in Lebanon The United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, has suffered yet another attack, with new explosions hitting its headquarters. The incident has left two more peacekeepers injured, following yesterday’s assault on the same position by Israeli forces. UNIFIL's command centre in Naqoura has been targeted by Israeli military artillery for the third time in three days. *) 100+ UN states condemn Israel’s 'persona non grata' declaration on Guterres Meanwhile, a coalition of 104 UN member states, along with the African Union, has condemned Israel's decision to declare Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "persona non grata." The group voiced strong support for Guterres in a statement. The statement, signed by the countries, including Türkiye, criticised Israel’s decision and argued that labelling Guterres "unwelcome" undermines the UN's mandate *) Terrorists kill 20 coal miners in Pakistan's Balochistan Twenty coal miners have been shot dead in an overnight attack on their lodgings in Pakistan's Balochistan province. Police said that 35 to 40 plain-clothed, heavily armed men fired at coal miners for half an hour before escaping into the night. *) Hurricane Milton death toll rises to 16 The death toll from Hurricane Milton rose to at least 16, officials in Florida said, as residents began the painful process of piecing their lives and homes back together. Officials said nearly 2.5 million households and businesses were still without power, and some areas in the path cut through the Sunshine State by the monster storm from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean remained flooded. President Joe Biden on Sunday will visit areas in Florida impacted by Hurricane Milton. Biden said the estimated damage from the hurricane was about $50 billion. *) US atomic bomb survivors: Nihon Hidankyo group wins Nobel Peace Prize The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organisation of survivors of the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, for its activism against nuclear weapons. The chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee said the award was made as the “taboo against the use of nuclear weapons is under pressure.” He said the Nobel committee wishes to honour all survivors who have chosen to use their costly experience to cultivate hope and engagement for peace despite physical suffering and painful memories.

*) Israel attacks UN peacekeepers in Lebanon Global leaders have expressed outrage and called for accountability after Israel attacked the UN peacekeeper's headquarters in south Lebanon. The mission said at least two peacekeepers were wounded when an Israeli military’s Merkava tank directly hit an observation tower at its headquarters in Naqura.  The UN peacekeepers have accused Israel of "repeatedly" hitting their positions deliberately.  *) Israeli launches deadly strikes in occupied West Bank Meanwhile, Israeli drones have fired missiles that killed two Palestinians in the northern occupied West Bank. According to the official Palestinian news agency WAFA, two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli drone strike on a vehicle in the Jabal al Salihin area, east of Tulkarem.  Israeli forces immediately stormed the area after the strike, retrieved the bodies of the men, and withdrew from the location. *) UN accuses Israel of destroying Gaza health care system A UN inquiry has found that Israel carried out a concerted policy of destroying Gaza's health care system in its war on Gaza. This amounts to both war crimes and crimes against humanity.  A statement by the ex-UN High Commissioner for Human Rights accused Israel of "relentless and deliberate attacks on medical personnel and facilities" in its war on Gaza.  According to the report that will be presented to the UN General Assembly on October 30, children in particular have borne the brunt of these attacks. *) Mpox continues to be major health issue: African health body Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (ADC) has said mpox is still a major public health issue in Africa, A total of 3,186 new cases were reported in the past week, with 489 confirmed and 53 deaths.  According to ADC, there is a need to accelerate several interventions, including vaccination, to stop the spread, amid surging cases.  *) Unilever finally exits Russia, sells subsidiary British consumer goods giant Unilever has completed the sale of Unilever Russia, finally joining many other multinationals in exiting the country following the Ukraine war.  Unilever said in a statement that it had offloaded the subsidiary to Arnest Group, a Russian manufacturer, for an undisclosed amount. Unilever said its business in Russia's close ally Belarus was included in the sale.

*) Israeli air strike on tents in North Gaza kills 16 Palestinians Israel has killed at least 16 people and wounded others in air strikes near Al Yemen Al-Saeed Hospital in northern besieged Gaza. Hossam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, said victims were killed when an Israeli warplane targeted displaced people's tents outside the hospital. Paramedics said the dead included women and children, noting that the bombardment left "charred remains of the deceased Palestinians." Later, several others were killed and wounded in a second air strike targeting displaced people outside the entrance of the hospital, according to the Gaza Civil Defense. *) Israel kills 10, including 5 medics, in southern Lebanon Meanwhile in Lebanon, Israel has killed at least ten people, including five medics, and wounded dozens of others in the southern region. The Lebanese Civil Defense said in a statement that five of its workers were killed in the Israeli air strike on the Civil Defense centre in Derdghaya, a town in the Tyre district in the southern governorate. It said the victims were on duty at the centre and ready to respond to emergency calls. *) ASEAN summit urges end to Myanmar violence yet struggles for solutions Southeast Asian leaders have pressed Myanmar's junta and its opponents to stop the civil war and bloodshed in the country, which has killed thousands of people. The Myanmar crisis dominated the first day of the ASEAN summit in Vientiane, Laos where the disputed South China Sea will also be high on the agenda. The leaders held their first face-to-face talks with a senior Myanmar junta representative in more than three years on the first day. *) Hurricane Milton makes landfall in Florida as monstrous storm The US National Hurricane Center confirmed Hurricane Milton has made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, as a Category 3 storm. Milton slammed into the region that’s still reeling from Hurricane Helene, which caused heavy damage to beach communities and killed over 200 people.  Earlier, officials issued dire warnings to flee or face grim odds of survival. *) Musk’s X reinstated in Brazil after month-long court conflict The social media platform X, formerly called Twitter, has returned to Brazil. The platform was inaccessible for more than a month due to a clash between its owner, Elon Musk, and a justice on Brazil's highest court over free speech, far-right accounts, and misinformation. Internet service providers began restoring access to the platform on Wednesday after the judge authorised lifting the suspension.

*) Israel orders Beirut residents to leave before air strikes The Israeli military has issued an urgent warning for residents in southern Beirut to evacuate ahead of planned air strikes, which it claims are targeting Hezbollah-linked sites as Tel Aviv widens its war throughout the Middle East. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry over 2,100 Lebanese people have been killed and thousands have been wounded since the Israeli attacks began. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv's ally, the US' trust in Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's government is eroding, with concerns over Israel's handling of Gaza and rejection of a ceasefire proposal, according to a report published by Axios. US officials have said they are concerned that the directive is setting the stage for a potential siege and that Palestinian civilians would not be allowed to return. *) WHO warns of disease outbreaks in Lebanese shelters amid Israel's invasion The World Health Organization warns of looming disease outbreaks in Lebanon as crowded shelters and hospital closures strain the health system amid Israel's intensified ground invasion. The UN health agency has already warned that the system is overstretched and five hospitals in the country have closed so far and four are only partly functional. Meanwhile, the WFP highlighted Lebanon's food crisis, with abandoned farmland and rotting crops threatening food security in the conflict zone. *) India's Modi surprises with Haryana win as opposition alliance takes Kashmir Indian PM Narendra Modi's BJP clinched a surprise win in Haryana state, defying exit polls and reinforcing its strength despite recent national setbacks. The Congress party, predicted to win, called the outcome "unexpected" and plans to challenge the results. Meanwhile, National Conference, a regional Kashmiri opposition alliance won in India-administered Kashmir, signalling shifting dynamics ahead of key state elections. *) British spy chief reveals surge in youth involvement in extremism UK's MI5 Chief Ken McCallum warns of a surge in youth terrorism cases, with under-18s now making up 13 percent of investigations—a threefold rise in three years. He cites online extremism, driven by right-wing ideologies, as a key factor. McCallum said the intelligence service was seeing "far too many cases where very young people are being drawn into poisonous online extremism" and singled out "canny" internet memes. *) AI pioneers Geoffrey Hinton and John Hopfield receive Nobel honours Geoffrey Hinton, the "Godfather of AI," and physicist John Hopfield won the Nobel Physics Prize for groundbreaking AI foundations. Hinton, 76, expressed concern over AI’s future dominance, despite its benefits. The Nobel Committee highlighted AI’s daily impact, urging ethical use. Hopfield, 91, was honoured for his "Hopfield network," crucial for image and pattern recognition.

*) UN rights office calls for end to Israel's impunity over Gaza atrocities As Israel's war on Gaza marks a year, the UN warns of widespread violations of international law. Nearly 42,000 have died, and Gaza faces severe displacement, hunger, and disease. The UN stresses accountability is vital to end impunity and the cycle of conflict as Israeli attacks on civilians, schools, and hospitals continue, fueling violence. *) Israel to expand its offensive to south Lebanon coast The Israeli army plans to expand its operations against Hezbollah along Lebanon’s coast south of the Awali river. Army spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned civilians to avoid the shore, citing imminent maritime actions. In Israel's northwest, four areas have been declared "closed military zones," restricting access amid heightened tensions on the Lebanon border. *) A year on, Netanyahu has failed families of Israeli hostages Families of hostages held by Hamas gathered near Prime Minister Netanyahu's residence, accusing him of stalling efforts to secure their loved ones' release. About 100 hostages remain in Gaza, many are feared dead. Emotions ran high as families demanded action, with one mother saying, "We won’t let you rest until all of them are back." During the gathering, Israel confirmed another hostage’s death. *) Shocking surge in Islamophobia as anti-Muslim hatred skyrockets in UK Anti-Muslim hatred in the UK has surged, with Tell MAMA recording 4,971 incidents between October 2023 and September 2024. The NGO's report highlights the rise of verbal abuse, threats and violence, particularly targeting visibly Muslim individuals. Major urban centres, including London, saw the most cases. The group calls for urgent action to curb this growing hostility. *) US researchers win Nobel for cracking gene regulation US scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for discovering microRNA, a breakthrough in gene regulation. The Nobel Assembly calls it “a completely new principle” essential for life. The duo celebrated virtually, with Ruvkun excitedly preparing for December's Nobel gala. Their work has significant implications for understanding cell physiology and diseases like cancer.

*) Israel's year-long assault on Gaza brings widespread devastation Israel’s military said it launched attacks against Hamas positions throughout Gaza on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks, as the death toll in the enclave rises to at least 41,800 deaths and 96,800 injuries. Children comprise 42 percent of the casualties, according to official data. The offensive has left over 60 percent of Gaza's hospitals out of service. Tel Aviv has also implemented a starvation policy by blocking global aid for food and basic necessities for Palestinians. *) Israel used 'banned bombs' containing uranium in Lebanon: chemists The Syndicate of Chemists in Lebanon (SCL) accuses Israeli forces of using banned bombs containing depleted uranium, citing massive destruction across Lebanese areas. The syndicate calls for international intervention to halt the attacks and urges the government to file a UN lawsuit. Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed over 1,200 and displaced 1.2 million since September 23. *) Saied wins Tunisia presidential election with 89.2 pct of vote — exit poll Tunisian President Kais Saied secured a second term with 89.2 percent of votes, according to exit polls. Challenger Ayachi Zammel garnered 6.9 percent, while Zouhair Maghzaoui received 3.9 percent. Preliminary voter turnout stands at 27.7 percent, as confirmed by Tunisia's election authority, with final results expected soon. The election unfolds amid Tunisia's political and economic challenges. *) Massive explosion targets convoy of Chinese nationals in Pakistan's Karachi A powerful blast struck a convoy of Chinese travellers near Karachi's international airport, killing one local and injuring 10, including a Chinese national. The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility. Firefighters battled flames as officials confirmed airport safety and uninterrupted flight operations. Pakistani authorities say the injured are receiving medical care, with two in critical condition. *) Global rescue teams arrive in Bosnia and Herzegovina after deadly floods Rescue efforts intensify in Bosnia and Herzegovina as teams from neighbouring countries and the EU join to clear rubble and find missing people after devastating floods and landslides. The disaster, killing at least 18 people, has led to postponed elections. EU’s special envoy to Bosnia Luigi Soreca assures support, with teams from Croatia, Serbia, and others already on the ground.

*) Israel escalates, bombards southern Beirut with new air strikes Israel has launched air strikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, significantly escalating the already tense regional dynamics. Lebanese media confirmed five strikes hitting southern Beirut and its outskirts. The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted Hezbollah weapons warehouses and infrastructure, with prior warnings issued to minimise civilian casualties. No official information has been released from Lebanon regarding casualties, though ambulances were seen rushing to the scene. *) Israeli strike on Gaza mosque kills at least 18 Palestinians, injures many An Israeli air strike hit a mosque in central Gaza early Sunday, killing at least 18 Palestinians and injuring many others, according to medical officials. The mosque, located near al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, was sheltering displaced Palestinians. Gaza’s death toll is approaching 42,000 due to Israel’s indiscriminate bombardments. Israel is also facing a genocide trial for its actions in Gaza. *) Israel destroys 79 percent of Gaza mosques, several churches Gaza's Ministry of Religious Affairs reports that Israeli military strikes have destroyed 79 percent of the region’s mosques, damaging 814 out of 1,245. Churches and cemeteries have also been affected, with losses estimated at $350 million. The ministry accuses Israeli forces of desecrating graves and killing 238 of its employees. *) Pakistan capital locked down as former PM Imran Khan supporters rally Pakistani capital Islamabad remains on lockdown as security forces flood the streets and mobile internet is cut off. Supporters of jailed ex-PM Imran Khan attempted protests with small convoys entering the capital despite heavy government resistance. Khan, barred from the upcoming elections, praised his followers on X for their "resilience and courage." PTI supporters, defying a crackdown, faced tear gas and roadblocks while rallying from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the capital. Troops have been deployed to maintain order amidst the unrest. *) DRC launches large-scale vaccination campaign against mpox The Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicentre of a global mpox outbreak, has kicked off a mass vaccination campaign in Goma. The first doses were administered to hospital staff, with the general population set to receive the vaccine starting Monday. Despite limited resources, the Health Ministry aims to vaccinate as many people as possible to curb the virus's spread.

*) Hezbollah says over 20 Israeli elite soldiers killed or injured in fighting Hezbollah has said it has killed or injured over 20 Israeli elite soldiers in southern Lebanon during intense fighting. The Lebanese group says it destroyed an Israeli Merkava tank near Malikiya with a guided missile, resulting in casualties. Hezbollah also launched rockets on areas near Haifa, Kiryat Shmona, and other border regions. Several Israeli military positions, including Nafah base and forces in northern Israel, were also hit. Hezbollah reported additional strikes on Israeli troops attempting to infiltrate Maroun al-Ras. *) Trump calls for Israel to target Iran's nuclear facilities first Former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump believes Israel should take action against Iran's nuclear facilities. Speaking at a North Carolina campaign event, Trump responded to a recent question posed to President Joe Biden regarding Israel's possible response to Iran’s missile barrage. Trump criticised Biden’s stance, saying, "The answer should have been, hit the nuclear first, and worry about the rest later." Trump's comments come amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel. *) Over 6% of Gaza’s population killed, injured in Israel's invasion — WHO The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 6 percent of Gaza’s population has been killed or injured as Israel's military invasion nears its one-year mark. Speaking in Geneva, Ayadil Saparbekov, WHO’s team lead for health emergencies in the region, highlighted that at least 10,000 people remain trapped under rubble. Gaza's healthcare system is in crisis, with over 500 attacks on health facilities recorded since October 2023, leaving 765 dead. *) US questions Israel's unpredictable actions in Lebanon — report Tensions between the Pentagon and Israel are rising as US officials express frustration over Israel's unpredictable actions in Lebanon, according to a report published in The New York Times. Israel's recent strikes and land incursions, often without prior US notice, have caught American forces off guard, including a high-stakes operation against Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. With a heavy US military presence in the region, Pentagon officials now question whether this show of force is containing the violence—or fueling it. The US military is also worried about being overextended, as they must also focus on other global threats like China and Russia. *) Floods in West, Central Africa claim over 1,000 lives and displace 740,000 Severe floods have claimed over 1,000 lives and displaced 740,000 across West and Central Africa, affecting 5 million people in 16 countries, the UN has said. Chad, Niger, and Nigeria are hardest hit, with homes, schools, and farmland destroyed. The UN warns of rising cholera risks, especially in Niger and Nigeria. A $35 million aid package has been allocated, but more funding is urgently needed. In Nigeria, $5 million will aid 280,000 people with food, water, and shelter.

*) Some 100 US doctors reject Israel’s claim of Hamas misusing Gaza hospitals A group of 99 American physicians and medical professionals have said they saw no signs of Hamas activity in hospitals, calling on the Biden administration to immediately cease support for Israel. In a letter sent to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris the group of doctors shared their firsthand experiences of the dire humanitarian conditions saying they had "witnessed crimes beyond comprehension." Doctors said in the letter that Israel's "continued, repeated" displacement of the malnourished and sick population of Gaza, half of whom are children, to areas without running water or even toilets available is "absolutely shocking." *) US backs Israel’s invasion of Lebanon as bombs rattle Beirut The Biden administration believes it is appropriate for Israel to continue with its ground and air attacks on Lebanon for now, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said. Miller said the nature of all conflicts was "fluid" and "unpredictable" and therefore it was impossible to say how long it would take Israel to achieve its stated goal of clearing Hezbollah infrastructure. *) Death toll from Helene that tore through southeast US tops 200 More than 210 people are now confirmed dead after Hurricane Helene carved a path of destruction through several US states, officials said, making it the second deadliest storm to hit the US mainland in more than half a century. The storm flooded towns and cities, made countless roads impassable, knocked out power and water service, and left communities shell-shocked as they grappled with the start of a years-long recovery effort. A compilation of official figures confirms 212 fatalities across North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia. *) Arab Americans unimpressed by Harris' outreach Arab Americans from various walks of life have voiced their disapproval of US Vice President Kamala Harris' latest attempt to reconnect with the minority community ahead of the 2024 elections. TRT World spoke with more than a dozen community members who voiced their sentiment in clear terms — it's simply not enough. As the presidential race intensifies, Harris' campaign finds itself scrambling to repair damaged ties with Muslim and Arab American voters, many of whom feel deeply disappointed by the administration's support for Israel's war on Palestinians in besieged Gaza. *) Netanyahu bugged my private toilet — Boris Johnson Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has alleged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has bugged his private living quarters on at least one occasion in 2017. Johnson shared excerpts of his forthcoming memoir, "Unleashed" , to daily Telegraph. In his book, which is set to be released on October 10, he writes, "Thither Bibi repaired for a while, and it may or may not be a coincidence but I am told that later, when they were doing a regular sweep for bugs, they found a listening device in the thunderbox." When pressed byTelegraph for more details on the alleged bugging, Johnson deflected, encouraging them to read his memoir upon its release for further revelations.

*) Israel confirms damage to army bases in Iranian missile strikes The Israeli army has confirmed several of its air bases were struck during Iran's massive ballistic missile strikes on the US-backed country. According to Israeli media, authorities confirmed damages to office buildings and maintenance areas. In northern Tel Aviv, warheads reportedly fell close to Mossad headquarters, though they failed to cause significant damage. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have used its Fattah missiles, describing them as capable of reaching Mach 15 and posing a new challenge to Israeli missile defence systems. *) Bloodbath continues in Gaza as Israel kills dozens in overnight carnage Israeli military strikes across Gaza have killed at least 65 Palestinians overnight, including in a school sheltering displaced families One Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced families in Gaza City killed 17 people, while another hit the Amal Orphan Society, killing at least five others. It comes after Iran launched a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday in retaliation for Israel's offensives in Gaza, Lebanon and assassinations. *) Hundreds of churches, several mosques and two synagogues desecrated in India in one year — US agency The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended that the US government designate India as a "country of particular concern" (CPC), arguing the religious freedom conditions in the country have continued to deteriorate under the Hindu nationalist government led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The American federal government commission, citing local NGOs, said that in 2023 alone, 687 incidents of violence were reported targeting Christians, "who continued to be detained under various state-level anti-conversion laws”. The US agency also said Indian Muslims and their places of worship continued to face violations throughout 2023, arguing several mosques were destroyed under police presence and Hindu vigilantes attacked Muslims under the guise of protecting cows from slaughter. *) Lavrov says Russia stands alongside China on Taiwan, other issues Russia has said it stands alongside China on Asian issues, including the criticism of the US drive to extend its influence and "deliberate attempts" to inflame the situation around Taiwan. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised Beijing's approach to the war in Ukraine and said both countries wanted to eliminate the problems that Moscow says lie behind the conflict. He said Moscow and Beijing held close positions "in assessing the risks associated with the advance of the West in the Asia-Pacific region". *)Türkiye's new TB3 armed drone makes public debut at Teknofest Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) producer Baykar's new combat drone Bayraktar TB3 has made its public debut in the country's premier technology event TEKNOFEST. TB3 is the first combat drone capable of taking off and landing from short-runway ships such as the TCG Anadolu. It is equipped with the PD-170 engine developed domestically by Turkish aerospace engine manufacturer Tusas Engine Industries (TEI), and it can fly for more than 24 hours.

*) Iran warns it will hit all Israeli infrastructure if attacked Iran’s top military boss is drawing a line in the sand. If Israel attacks, Tehran’s response will be devastating. After firing off a massive 200-missile barrage, General Mohammad Bagheri said that was just the start. Next time, he warned, the strikes will be even more intense, targeting all of Israel’s infrastructure. Bagheri explained that Iran had held back after the US and EU promised a ceasefire in Gaza following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. But after Israel took out Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah and Iran’s own General Abbas Nilforoushan, Bagheri made it clear that Tehran’s patience had run out. *) Israel launches new air strikes on Beirut Beirut is under fire once again. Israeli warplanes have unleashed a fresh round of air strikes on southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, hitting several neighbourhoods as civilians scrambled to flee. No word yet on the damage or casualties, but the strikes come hot on the heels of an ultimatum from Israel, warning civilians to get out. The situation is tense, with no signs of letting up. *) Erdogan warns of consequences for Israel’s ground offensive in Lebanon Turkish President Erdogan isn’t holding back. He’s warning Israel that their current ground offensive in Lebanon won’t play out the way their past invasions have. Speaking to the Turkish parliament just as Israeli troops began rolling into Lebanon, Erdogan said this time, the fallout could be far worse. He slammed Israel’s actions in the region, accusing them of dragging countries into conflict, and called out the ongoing violence in Gaza, which he described as genocide. Erdogan made it clear that the stakes have never been higher. *) Vance and Walz face off in crucial vice presidential debate It’s a showdown in the race for vice president. Ohio Senator JD Vance, representing the GOP, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, standing for the Democrats, went head-to-head in their only vice presidential debate. With the election just five weeks away, both men are under serious pressure to lock in support for their parties. *) Austria embraces far-right party with Nazi roots, anti-Muslim stance Austria’s far-right Freedom Party has pulled off a “historic win” in the country’s parliamentary elections. The party, which opposes immigration and takes anti-Muslim stance, is riding high on the wave of success seen by far-right groups across Europe. But what makes the Freedom Party stand out is its reluctance to cut ties with its Nazi past — a history other far-right European parties have distanced themselves from.

*) Israel starts ‘limited, localised’ ground invasion in Lebanon The Israeli army has started a “limited” ground invasion as their attacks in several towns in southern Lebanon continue. According to the Israeli military, they carried out “focused and localised raids” aimed at Hezbollah targets and infrastructure in the south. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s official news agency NNA reported that the shelling hit areas like Wazzani, Marjeyoun and Khiyam, and went on for more than two hours. *) President Erdogan calls for global action on Gaza Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made it clear that Türkiye won’t stand by as tensions in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and Lebanon continue to rise. Announcing the delivery of 30 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Lebanon, Erdogan stressed that more support will flow if security allows it. He also called for Muslim nations to step up, suggesting that it’s time for the Muslim world to take a leading role in opposing the violence and oppression in these conflict zones. *) Putin’s nuclear talk shouldn’t stop NATO backing Ukraine: Stoltenberg NATO’s outgoing Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is urging allies not to be intimidated by Vladimir Putin’s nuclear threats when deciding on military aid for Ukraine. Stoltenberg’s remarks followed Putin’s recent declaration that Russia wouldn’t hesitate to use nuclear weapons if hit by conventional missiles. As the US and its partners weigh whether to allow Ukraine to launch deeper strikes into Russia, Stoltenberg is making it clear that NATO can’t afford to be swayed by what he sees as reckless rhetoric from Moscow. *) Japan’s Kishida steps down as PM, paving way for likely successor Ishiba Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has officially stepped down, clearing the path for Shigeru Ishiba to take over as the country’s new leader. Ishiba, who was chosen by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, wasted no time, announcing plans for a snap election. But not everyone is happy. Opposition parties are already voicing concerns, saying Ishiba isn’t giving politicians enough time to properly evaluate his policies before the vote. *) Did The Jerusalem Post delete article claiming ‘God gave Israel Lebanon’? The Jerusalem Post sparked online outrage after publishing — and swiftly removing — an article that suggested Lebanon might be part of Israel’s “promised land”. The controversial piece, published late September, explored the idea of a “Greater Israel”, a concept linked to far-right Israeli politics. Social media erupted after the article disappeared, with critics accusing the newspaper of promoting expansionist views. Many believe the timing, given the ongoing air strikes in Lebanon, made the story even more inflammatory.

*) Israel kills over two dozen Palestinians across Gaza Israel’s latest air strikes on Gaza since Sunday morning have killed at least 25 Palestinians and left many others wounded, according to the Civil Defence. The attacks happened in Beit Lahia, Jabalia, Gaza City, Nuseirat camp and Deir al Balah. Israel’s war on Gaza has now entered its 360th day, and so far, it’s claimed the lives of at least 41,595 Palestinians. On top of that, over 800 people have been killed in Israel’s bombings across Lebanon since September 23. *) Israel bombs key ports, power plants in Yemen Israel has also stepped up its strikes in Yemen, targeting Houthi-controlled areas after the Houthi group fired missiles at Israel in the last two days. According to the group’s health ministry, four people were killed and 33 others wounded in the attacks. Israel’s military said dozens of aircraft, including fighter jets, hit power plants and seaports at Ras Issa and Hudaida on Sunday. *) Red Cross slams ‘those who lead military operations’ for ignoring international law The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross has issued a stern warning on how the Geneva Conventions are being blatantly ignored in conflicts around the world. In an interview with Swiss daily Le Temps, Mirjana Spoljaric urged countries to urgently recommit to international law. She said that international humanitarian law is being “systematically trampled” by military leaders and highlighted the unimaginable number of casualties in Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine. *) Austria’s far-right secures first win in national election since WWII Far-right parties across Europe are celebrating after Austria’s Freedom Party (FPO) won a significant parliamentary election. It’s the first far-right national victory in Austria since World War II. The FPO, led by Herbert Kickl, managed to win around 29 percent of the vote by tapping into concerns about the economy and immigration. However, Kickl still needs to find a coalition partner, and other party leaders, who aren’t keen on him, are already talking about forming an alternative government to block him. *) Germany to deny citizenship to those using pro-Palestine slogan online Germany is set to deny citizenship to anyone who uses, likes, or comments on the slogan “From the river to the sea” on social media, a phrase tied to support for Palestine, according to local media reports. North German Radio and Television (NDR) said the new rules come from the German Interior Ministry, and they specifically disqualify anyone using this slogan from becoming a citizen. This decision comes after Germany passed its dual citizenship law back in June. The phrase has roots going back to the 1960s, demanding the full liberation of Palestine.

*) Erdogan blasts Israel for extending its 'genocidal policy' to Lebanon Turkish President Erdogan slammed Israel’s military actions in Lebanon, accusing it of extending "genocidal, occupation, and invasion policies." Erdogan condemned the killing of Lebanese civilians, including children, and said Israel is emboldened by international support, challenging humanitarian values and international law. "No one with a conscience can justify this massacre," Erdogan wrote on X. *) Türkiye criticises US decision to lift arms embargo on Greek Cypriot Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry warned that the US decision to extend the arms embargo lift on the Greek Cypriot side will spark an arms race on the island and destabilise the region. The island is divided between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Greek Cypriot administration in the south. The US imposed the arms embargo on Cyprus in 1987 to prevent escalation. It lifted the embargo on the Greek Cypriot side in 2020, expanded it in 2022, and extended it again in 2023. *) Deadly bomb blasts hit Somalia's Mogadishu At least six people were killed and 10 injured in bomb blasts in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, and the Middle Shabelle region. One blast came from a car rigged with explosives near the National Theatre, close to the president's office, killing five and injuring seven. While no group has claimed responsibility, al Shabaab frequently carries out such attacks. *) Flooding, landslides kill scores in Nepal's capital Floods and landslides in Nepal, triggered by heavy rains, have killed at least 59 people, with 44 still missing, police said. Over 200 incidents were reported, and the toll is expected to rise. Rivers near Kathmandu have overflowed, flooding nearby homes. *) Thousands in Japan bid farewell to pandas returning to China Thousands of emotional fans flocked to a Tokyo zoo to say goodbye to beloved pandas Ri Ri and Shin Shin before their return to China. Wearing panda-themed gear, visitors shed tears and took selfies as they waved at the couple. Over 2,000 fans lined up outside Ueno Zoo, with some camping out overnight.

*) Israel launches fierce new wave of airstrikes on Beirut Israel conducted its most intense bombardment on Beirut's southern suburbs, following a massive strike on Hezbollah's command centre. Reuters reported over 20 air strikes, as thousands of Lebanese fled their homes and gathered in downtown Beirut. "They want to destroy Dahiye, destroy all of us," said Sari, a displaced resident. Many sought refuge in parks and sidewalks, some trying to sleep on rolled-out mats in Martyrs Square. *) Netanyahu's attacks threaten regional stability — Hakan Fidan Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan condemned Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's attacks on Palestine and Lebanon, saying, "With Israeli aggression unbounded, we're in uncharted waters." Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting, Fidan urged, "Stop this war and Israeli aggression." His remarks followed intense Israeli air strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. *) Coming days will decide future path of the Middle East — Blinken US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged diplomacy as Israel ramped up strikes in Lebanon, calling on both Israel and Hezbollah to "stop firing." He warned the region faces a "precarious moment" and stressed that choices made now will have lasting consequences. Blinken emphasised the need for a ceasefire to pave the way for broader diplomatic talks. *) In rare rebuke, Belgian leaders blast Pope for church sex abuse cover-up Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo slammed Pope Francis over the Catholic Church's handling of clerical sex abuse, demanding “concrete steps” to prioritise victims over the institution. His sharp remarks came during the pope’s visit on Friday, breaking usual diplomatic protocol. The harsh tone reflects Belgium's ongoing outrage over decades of abuse and cover-ups that have eroded the Church's credibility and influence. And finally… *) Award-winning iconic British actress Maggie Smith dies at 89 Dame Maggie Smith, the Oscar-winning star of "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," has died at 89. Her sons said she passed away Friday morning in a London hospital, leaving behind two sons and five heartbroken grandchildren.

*) Israel hits Gaza school, killing 11 people in devastating strike An Israeli air strike has hit a school in northern Gaza, where thousands of displaced Palestinians were taking shelter. At least 11 people were killed, with 22 others wounded, including women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The Israeli military confirmed the strike, which took place at the Al Falouja School in the Jabalia refugee camp. Footage from the scene showed rescue workers pulling victims from the debris as crowds gathered in shock. *) Netanyahu’s attendance at the UN General Assembly is a shame: Erdogan Turkish President Erdogan didn’t hold back, calling Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s presence at the UN General Assembly “a shame” for the global community. Speaking to reporters at the end of his diplomatic visit to New York, Erdogan said it was a betrayal to the memories of those killed — from babies to UN officials — in Gaza. He also pointed out the strange behaviour of the Israeli delegation after his speech, saying, “They can’t defend themselves. Their stance says it all.” *) World can’t wait for Israel’s nod to implement two-state solution: Fidan Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticised Israel for dragging its feet on the two-state solution, warning it could destabilise the entire region. Speaking at a meeting on Gaza at the UN, Fidan made it clear — the world can’t wait for Israel’s approval. He highlighted a recent Israeli parliament decision that rejected the idea of a Palestinian state, calling it “pure greed” and urging action. *) Africa unites at UNGA to demand permanent UNSC seats ‘with veto power’ At the UN General Assembly, African leaders stood united in their long-standing demand for permanent seats on the UN Security Council — and they want veto power too. Charles Milupi, a Zambian minister, told TRT World that Africa’s message is getting louder, with leaders saying it’s time for better representation at the United Nations. Milupi also called on the current permanent members — the US, UK, China, Russia and France — to listen and reform the Security Council. *) Zelenskyy presents ‘victory plan’ to Biden In a high-stakes meeting at the White House, US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the ongoing conflict with Russia. The US had just announced nearly $8 billion in new aid for Ukraine. Biden laid out plans to ramp up security assistance, while Zelenskyy presented his strategy for achieving victory over Russia.

*) US, EU, Arab states call for Lebanon ‘temporary ceasefire’ The United States, the European Union and several Arab countries have come together to call for a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon. This comes after Israeli strikes raised fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. In a joint statement, President Biden and President Macron emphasised that they have been collaborating to create this ceasefire to give diplomacy a chance and prevent further escalation. This effort is supported by nations like Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. *) Hezbollah attack on Tel Aviv ‘deeply concerning’ — White House The US is worried about a missile that Hezbollah fired from Lebanon towards Tel Aviv in Israel. John Kirby, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, mentioned that it’s concerning not just for Israel but for the US too. However, he also noted that there’s still an opportunity for diplomacy to help calm things down and prevent a larger conflict. *) Trump says Ukraine is ‘demolished’ at North Carolina speech Former President Donald Trump painted a pretty grim picture of Ukraine, calling it “demolished”. During a speech in North Carolina, he suggested that Ukraine should have made some deals with Russian President Vladimir Putin before the invasion in February 2022. He argued that even a bad deal would have been better than the current situation. Trump, who has often criticised US support for Ukraine, insists that Russia would not have invaded if he were still in office, claiming he could end the war if he returned to the White House. *) Russia, US violated international laws in Ukraine, Iraq — Slovakia Slovakia’s Foreign Minister, Juraj Blanar, recently spoke out about how world powers have violated international law by invading other countries. He pointed to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 as clear breaches. Speaking to the media during the UN General Assembly, he emphasised that Slovakia’s stance is straightforward: both actions were wrong under international law. He added that we cannot just excuse violations depending on who’s involved; it’s not okay for anyone to break the rules. *) Beijing ‘firmly opposes’ US ban of Chinese tech from connected vehicles China’s commerce ministry has come out strongly against the US plans to ban the sale of connected vehicles that use Chinese and Russian technology, saying it poses national security risks. A spokesperson for the ministry stated that this move has no real basis and goes against fair competition and market principles, labelling it as protectionist. This proposed rule is part of President Biden’s tougher stance on China and follows a February announcement about looking into security concerns linked to Chinese tech in cars.

*) 'UN, what are you waiting for to stop the genocide in Gaza?' — Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged unity against Israeli genocide in Palestine. Erdogan said at the UN General Assembly in New York, “I call on those yet to acknowledge Palestine to stand on the right side of history and recognise it now.” He stressed the urgent need for a fully independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, adding that delays can no longer be tolerated. Erdogan also expressed frustration at the UN's inaction, describing it as increasingly ineffective in resolving conflicts and calling for the UN Security Council to be reformed. *) Israel kills dozens of Palestinians in new Gaza air strikes Israel has killed at least 51 Palestinians, including children, and wounded several more in its air strikes on besieged Gaza. The Palestinian Civil Defense issued a statement confirming the extent of the damage and casualties caused by the latest Israeli attacks on the blockaded enclave. The Israeli army strikes targeted residential homes, two vehicles, and areas where large numbers of civilians had gathered. *) Missouri executes Muslim man amid claims of innocence The fight to save Marcellus Khalifah Williams, a Muslim man convicted of murder in Missouri, ended with his execution despite questions about his innocence. Williams, 55, was executed by lethal injection at Bonne Terre prison. He was convicted for the 1998 murder of a reporter. DNA evidence excluded Williams from the murder weapon, but the state Supreme Court blamed mishandling, not proving his innocence. *) Several dead, over 30 injured in Russian strikes on Kharkiv apartment block Russia has hit a high-rise apartment block and a bakery in Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv with guided bombs, killing at least three people and injuring 31 more, according to authorities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X, “The targets of the Russian bombs were an apartment building, a bakery, and a stadium. In other words, the everyday life of ordinary people.” *) Türkiye’s Development Road project inches closer to implementation Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced that the “Development Road” project, linking Türkiye to the Gulf via 1,200 km of rail and highways, has reached a key phase. Speaking at InnoTrans 2024, he noted that regional conflicts have caused a 30 percent drop in freight traffic through the Suez Canal. With shipping looking for new routes, Uraloglu emphasised that the Development Road project could be a crucial alternative to meet the rising demand.

*) Lebanon's death toll from Israeli strikes rises to 500 Lebanon's death toll from Israeli air strikes has risen to nearly 500, including 35 children, according to the Health Ministry. The deaths included 58 women, and some 1,645 others were wounded. Health Minister Firass Abiad said "thousands of families" had been displaced. *) US sending additional troops to Middle East as regional tensions rise The United States is sending additional troops to the Middle East after Israel's deadly strikes on Lebanon, the Pentagon said, declining to specify the precise number or mission of the deployed forces. Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, told reporters they are deploying a small number of additional personnel to reinforce forces already in the region out of an abundance of caution. *) Bangladesh army chief vows support for Yunus' government 'come what may' Bangladesh's army chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, has pledged full support for the interim government, ensuring key reforms and elections within 18 months after the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Zaman and his troops stepped back during student-led protests in August, sealing the fate of Hasina, who resigned after 15 years in power and fled to India. In a rare media interview, Zaman told Reuters that the military fully backs interim leader Muhammad Yunus and outlined a plan to eliminate political influence within the army. *) Trump claims Zelenskyy wants Democrats to win 2024 elections Republican candidate Donald Trump claimed Ukrainian President Zelenskyy wants the Democrats to win the 2024 US election, where Trump faces Kamala Harris. At a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump said if elected, he’d call Putin and Zelenskyy to push for a peace deal, criticising Zelenskyy as "the greatest salesman in history" for securing billions in US aid. *) Türkiye's call for UN reform displayed on New York streets Digital screen vans have showcased visuals promoting Türkiye’s call for reform of the United Nations in New York’s busiest streets during the 79th UN General Assembly. The displays, featuring messages like "Beyond Five: Building a Global System for All" and "A Reformed UN for a Fairer World," emphasised the need for a more equitable international system. Slogans such as "Türkiye: Partner in Humanitarian Assistance and Sustainable Development" highlighted Türkiye’s global contributions.

*) Israel's attacks in Lebanon clear effort to spread war: Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Israel's recent attacks on Lebanon could spread war across the region. Speaking at an event in New York, Erdogan has said Israel’s actions and statements show clear intent to escalate the conflict. He also condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them genocide and a threat to regional peace. *) Iraqi group targets Israeli base in occupied Golan Heights An Iraqi armed group has said they targeted the Israeli observation base in the "occupied Palestinian territories". The Israeli army has also confirmed it intercepted two cruise missiles and a drone launched from Iraq towards the occupied Golan Heights. *) UNSC no longer apt, does not represent all countries: South Africa South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for UN reform, stating before the General Assembly that the Security Council is "clearly no longer fit" to address contemporary challenges. Speaking at the UN's Summit of the Future, Ramaphosa has said it's unjust and unsustainable for a few to control global security while the majority face its consequences. Highlighting ongoing wars, conflicts, and the climate crisis, he stressed that the Security Council’s structure “does not represent all countries” and fails to consider diverse viewpoints. *) Exit polls show Germany's Social Democrats leading over far-right AfD German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) narrowly defeated the far-right AfD in Brandenburg's state election, according to exit polls. The SPD, which has governed the state since 1990, secured 32 percent of the vote, with AfD close behind at 29 percent, according to one exit poll. Another poll projected the SPD with 31 percent and AfD with 10 percent of the votes. *) Ottoman shipwreck near Datca offers glimpse of 17th century naval history Archaeologists have uncovered important artefacts from the Ottoman Empire in the Kizlan shipwreck off Datca, Türkiye. The excavation, led by Dokuz Eylül University as part of the Blue Heritage Project, is helping reveal more about the ship and the time it sank. Among the discoveries are 14 muskets belonging to the Janissaries, around 2,500 lead bullets, and exploded cannonballs, indicating that the ship was involved in a battle.

*) Over 100 rockets fired from Lebanon into Israel; some hit Haifa The Israeli military said over 100 rockets have been fired into the country from Lebanon, with some landing near the northern city of Haifa. Israeli first responders say the early morning barrage wounded at least three people, damaged buildings and set cars on fire. Social media users shared images of interceptive missiles fired from northern Israel’s air defence systems in response to the incoming threats, with explosions reported in the air. *) Israel raids Al Jazeera's bureau in Ramallah, orders closure Israeli forces raided Al Jazeera’s West Bank office early Sunday, ordering it to shut down for 45 days. The move is part of Israel’s wider crackdown on the broadcaster’s coverage of Israel’s brutal war in Gaza. Al Jazeera condemned the closure and is still broadcasting live from Amman, Jordan. *) Beijing's behaviour in South China Sea, Taiwan Strait 'aggressive': Biden US President Joe Biden said that China is "behaving aggressively" in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, using diplomacy to advance its interests. He made the remarks during the Quad Leaders Summit in Delaware. Biden added that President Xi Jinping is focusing on domestic economic challenges while seeking diplomatic space to further China's goals in the region. *) Curfew imposed across Sri Lanka amid vote counting in presidential polls Police have imposed a nationwide curfew in Sri Lanka after voting ended in the South Asian country's presidential election, with millions going to the polls throughout the day. The curfew has been imposed in "view of the safety of the public," police said after the election was held in a peaceful manner. People have been asked to stay home until 6 am local time as results of the presidential elections are expected in the coming hours. *) Istanbul Culture Road Festival to host Da Vinci, Picasso, Warhol artworks The Istanbul Culture Road Festival, running from September 28 to October 6 at the Ataturk Cultural Center, aims to boost Türkiye’s cultural brand. It's part of a series of 16 cultural events organised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2024. The festival will showcase performances, theatre, and exhibitions by renowned artists like Picasso, da Vinci, Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol.

*) Deadly Israeli strike on Beirut suburb 'kills' top Hezbollah commander Top Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil and other senior figures of the group have been killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburbs. Ibrahim Aqil had a $7 million bounty on his head for two 1983 Beirut truck bombings that killed more than 300 people at the American embassy. Aqil who has also used the alias Tahsin headed Hezbollah's Radwan unit. *) Lebanon slams Israel at UNSC Lebanon's Foreign Minister has told the UN Security Council that no one in this world is safe anymore after Israel's pager and walkie-talkie blasts in his country killed dozens and wounded thousands. Lebanon also accused Israel of "terrorism", saying Beirut is not seeking revenge but justice. He showed the council a large picture of a bloody hand with missing fingers. Lebanon said that they had come to the council to protect humanity and condemn the terrorist Israeli attacks clearly and unequivocally. *) Sri Lanka votes to choose a new president Millions of Sri Lankans are casting their votes to select a new president who will face the task of cementing the South Asian country's fragile economic recovery following its worst financial crisis in decades. More than 17 million of Sri Lanka's 22 million people are eligible to vote in the presidential election that has shaped up to be a close contest between incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe, main opposition leader Sajith Premadasa and Marxist-leaning challenger Anura Kumara Dissanayake. *) Terrorist attack in Pakistan leaves several dead Terrorists have opened fire on a security post in northwest Pakistan, killing at least six soldiers. The attack was claimed by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terror group. The military said that its troops fought bravely, foiling the attempts of intrusion and killing five assailants in the encounter. *) US regulator to seek sanctions against Elon Musk The US Securities and Exchange Commission has said it intends to seek sanctions against Elon Musk after he failed to appear for court-ordered testimony for the regulator's probe into his $44 billion takeover of Twitter. In a court filing the SEC said the sanctions motion would seek an order to show cause for why Musk should not be held in civil contempt for waiting until just three hours before the scheduled Sept. 10 testimony to advise he would not appear.

*) Hezbollah: Israeli device blasts in Lebanon a declaration of war Lebanon's Hezbollah has called the device blasts in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday a "declaration of war". "With this operation, the enemy crossed all... red lines," Hassan Nasrallah said in his first televised appearance after the attacks, accusing Israel of trying to "kill no fewer than 5,000 people". Early morning on Thursday Lebanon and Israel exchanged dozens of cross-border missile strikes, targeting each others’ positions. Lebanese authorities report significant damage and multiple injuries. *) US military ready amid Israel-Lebanon war fears The United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East as tensions escalate between Israel and Hezbollah, US officials have said. Currently, about 40,000 troops, warships, and fighter jet squadrons are positioned in the region. Despite growing concerns that the conflict may widen, Washington has not announced plans for additional deployments. US military officials say the current forces are sufficient to deter further escalation. *) EU supports Ukraine’s call for arms use in Russia The European Parliament has passed a non-binding resolution urging EU member states to allow Ukraine to strike military targets inside Russia. The vote saw 425 in favour, 131 against, and 63 abstentions. Kiev has long requested permission to use donated arms against Russia, arguing it is essential for self-defence. Moscow, in response, warned of severe consequences, with Russian officials claiming such actions could lead to a world war. *) India’s Modi pledges to restore Kashmiri autonomy India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to restore statehood to India-administered Kashmir, during his first election rally in the region since 2014. The promise comes after a high 60 percent voter turnout in the first phase of local elections, the first since Kashmir's autonomy was revoked in 2019. Many voters say they’re expressing frustration over the 2019 decision and hope to elect leaders who understand their local issues. *) European carmakers seek EU help as EV sales drop European carmakers request urgent EU assistance due to declining electric vehicle sales and stricter emissions regulations set for 2025. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association cited challenges such as a shrinking electric vehicle market, lack of charging infrastructure and competitive pressures. They warned of potential fines, production cuts, and job losses if conditions do not improve. But despite these issues, electric vehicle sales are expected to rebound next year.

*) UN demands Israel must end 'unlawful' presence in Palestine within a year The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution demanding Israel end its "unlawful presence" in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within 12 months. The resolution received 124 votes in favour, with 43 abstentions and 14 countries, including Israel and the US, voting against it. It comes just before world leaders gather in New York for the UN General Assembly, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are both expected to speak. The resolution also calls for a halt in arms transfers to Israel that could be used in the occupied territories. *) Second wave of explosions hits Lebanon At least 20 people were killed and 450 injured when thousands of two-way personal radios used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon exploded in a second wave of intelligence operation that started on Tuesday with the explosions of pager devices. The latest deaths and injuries brought the toll from the two days of blasts to 32 dead, including at least two children, and more than 3,000 injured. *) US urges Israel, Hezbollah to 'keep us from moving into another conflict' US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield has called for calm between Israel and Hezbollah following deadly attacks in Lebanon. Thomas-Greenfield emphasised the need for de-escalation to prevent the conflict from spreading, while the US continues to seek resolutions for Israel's ongoing war in Gaza and calls for the release of hostages. *) Cameroon dam release raises flood fears in Nigeria — link Nigeria is facing a flood threat as neighbouring Cameroon starts releasing water from its Lagdo dam. It comes after heavy rains in the region, already causing flooding in Borno state. Eleven Nigerian states are at risk, including key agricultural areas. Authorities are urging vigilance and preparedness to minimize potential damage. *) Fed cuts rates sharply The Federal Reserve made a significant move yesterday, slashing interest rates by half a percentage point. This is the first rate cut since the pandemic, aiming to ease inflation and support the economy. The decision will likely lower borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, impacting everything from mortgages to credit cards.

*) Israel 'fully responsible' for pager explosions: Hezbollah Lebanon's Hezbollah group blames Israel for the simultaneous explosion of pagers used by the group’s fighters that killed at least nine people. Calling the attacks a "major security breach,” the group says Israel will be punished. Lebanese authorities have urged citizens to dispose of their pagers immediately, while rescue teams work to aid the wounded. The incident has further escalated tensions, as the two nations are already engaged in a prolonged conflict. *) US envoy to UN scrambles to justify vetoes on Palestine's bids at UNSC US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, defended the use of the veto against Palestine in favour of Israel at the UN Security Council, stating that Washington uses its veto power to protect its interests and will not apologise for it. In response to questions about the impact of US vetoes on Gaza ceasefires and Palestinian statehood ahead of the UN General Assembly, she acknowledged the US respects the International Court of Justice, but criticised the Palestinian resolution demanding an end to Israel's presence in the occupied territories as flawed and unlikely to bring tangible benefits. *) Ursula von der Leyen unveils new team of European Commissioners - Link Ursula von der Leyen reveals her new team of European Commissioners, ending weeks of speculation. The most significant move has been the establishment of a new post aimed at strengthening the EU's defence. Former Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius has been appointed as the EU's Defence and Space Commissioner. Kubilius, a well-known hawk against Russia, focuses on bolstering military production and integrating Ukraine's military industry with the EU. *) Malian capital hit by rare militant attack - Link A surprise militant attack on a military airport and training centre in Bamako, the capital of Mali, has left the city on edge. Heavy gunfire was reported near the police station controlling access to the civilian airport. It's the first major assault of its kind in years. JNIM (Jay-neem), a group linked to Al Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the attack. While the army says the situation is under control, the full extent of the damage and casualties remains unclear. *) Oldest Sunday paper up for sale The world’s oldest Sunday paper, The Observer, might have a new owner soon. Its current owner, GMG, is in talks to sell it to online startup Tortoise Media. Founded in 1791, The Observer has been with GMG for over 30 years. If the sale goes through, The Guardian which is operating under GMG, will remain a 24/7 online publication with a global focus.

*) Israel killed over 700 infants, 12,000 minors in Gaza: Palestine data The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza says Israel forces have killed 710 infants and 11,983 minors since October 7 last year. The ministry has compiled a list of 34,344 Palestinians killed in the ongoing conflict, including elderly victims and newborn children. These are the known victims. The total number of those killed crosses 41,220 Experts believe the actual death toll may be even higher, with estimates suggesting as many as 200,000 Palestinians killed in the war and its indirect consequences. *) Israel opposition leader urges Netanyahu to finalise Gaza deal - Link Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a Gaza truce deal without delay. Speaking in Washington after meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Lapid underlined that political interests must be put aside to prioritise the return of Israeli hostages. He stressed that Israel "will not heal" until this is achieved. *) Suspect in second Trump assassination attempt charged with gun crimes US authorities have charged Ryan Wesley Routh with federal gun crimes after he allegedly attempted to assassinate former president Donald Trump. Routh was arrested at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course, where he had camped for nearly 12 hours with a rifle and food before a Secret Service agent confronted him. Prosecutors allege Routh is a flight risk, with court documents revealing he was at the scene for several hours. Authorities have yet to reveal a motive, but Routh has a criminal history and previously expressed outrage about global political events. *) Putin orders 180,000 more troops, raising total to 1.5M amid Ukraine war Russian President Vladimir Putin wants another 180,000 Russians to join the armed forces. This will take the size of the Russian military to 1.5 million personnel as the war in Ukraine continues. The decree, effective December 1, aims to address Russia's manpower shortages, which have been blamed for Ukraine's recent advances in the Kursk region. Most of Russia’s capable forces are engaged in the eastern Ukraine offensive, making steady progress in recent months. And finally… *) Germany expands border controls despite EU protests Germany has expanded border controls with all nine neighbouring countries, sparking criticism from other EU members. The move, aimed at curbing irregular migration, comes after a series of deadly attacks and rising far-right support. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated the controls, initially for six months, will include spot checks. Poland and Austria voiced concerns, while the European Commission warned that such measures should only be taken in exceptional case.

*) Israeli army admits to killing three hostages The Israeli army has admitted three hostages, whose bodies were found last December, were killed in its own air strike in Gaza. The victims, two soldiers and one civilian were reportedly near a senior Hamas official who was the target of the strike. Though the army had known these details since February, the information was only recently shared with the families. *) FBI investigates fresh Trump ‘assassination attempt’ The FBI is investigating what it describes as an "attempted assassination" of former US president Donald Trump after Secret Service agents fired on an armed man at Trump’s golf club in Florida. Trump was on the course and remained unharmed. The suspect Ryan Wesley Routh fled the scene but was later arrested during a traffic stop. Authorities recovered a rifle, camera, and backpacks at the scene. Routh had previously been interviewed in a report on foreign fighters in Ukraine. *) Israel offers residency for African, Indian asylum seekers who contributed to the Gaza war Israel is offering permanent residency to African asylum seekers as a trade-off for fighting for the Israeli military in Gaza, according to Haaretz. Defence officials confirm the initiative is underway. However, so far no asylum seekers who helped in the conflict have been granted official status. Currently, over 30,000 African asylum seekers live in Israel, many of whom volunteered for work after the October 7 attack. *) Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso reveal plan for common passport The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), formed by the military leaders of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, has announced plans to launch a common biometric passport. This new passport aims to enhance cooperation, security, and ease of movement for citizens across the three nations. Mali’s military leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, also revealed plans for a shared information channel to unify communication efforts. *) SpaceX Polaris Dawn crew returns to Earth SpaceX's Polaris Dawn crew has safely returned to Earth after a groundbreaking five-day mission, including the first commercial spacewalk. The Crew Dragon capsule landed off the coast of Florida, carrying four crew members, including the mission commander and two engineers. The mission reached a record altitude of 1,400 km, marking the highest human orbit since the Apollo era.

*) Illegal settlers, Israeli soldiers raid West Bank villages Illegal Israeli settlers and soldiers stormed several villages and towns in the occupied West Bank overnight, leading to confrontations with Palestinian residents. Palestinian Television reported that one person was injured during a raid by settlers who were protected by the army in the village of Umm Safa in northern Ramallah. The head of the local village council, Marwan Sabah, said settlers positioned at Jabal al-Ras attacked the village and fired live ammunition at homes, with the backing of the Israeli army. *) Missile from Yemen fell in central Israel — Israeli army The Israeli military said a missile fired from Yemen crossed into central Israel and "fell in an open area". The army said in a statement that "a surface-to-surface missile was identified crossing into central Israel from the East and fell in an open area. No injuries were reported." *) Türkiye urges int'l investigation into Israel’s killing of Turkish activist Turkish Presidency's Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun has called on the US to investigate Israel's killing of activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi. Altun said on his official X account, "Israel targeted her to silence those who raise their voices against its brutal oppression of the Palestinian people." Türkiye has launched an investigation into Israel's killing of the dual Turkish-American citizen. *) Head of NATO military committee backs Kiev's right to strike inside Russia Admiral Rob Bauer, head of NATO's military committee, said that Ukraine has the right to strike deep into Russia for combat advantage. This stance reflects the views of several US allies, though the Biden administration is cautious about allowing such strikes with American-made weapons. Bauer asserted that nations under attack have the right to defend themselves beyond their borders. He also highlighted that countries can impose limits on the weapons they supply to Ukraine. *) Maldives says no need for IMF bailout Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer announced that the tropical paradise is moving forward with tax hikes to handle its debt. Zameer reassured reporters that their bilateral partners are understanding their situation. He said, “We’re not looking to the IMF right now,” noting that their current reserve dip is just a temporary issue, reforms and streamlining state-owned enterprises will boost liquidity.

*) Third man 'self-immolates' to protest Israel's Gaza genocide, US complicity Anti-war activist Matt Nelson has reportedly self-immolated in protest of US support for Israel's war in Gaza. A video surfaced on YouTube showing Nelson condemning the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s siege and violence. He said, "My name is Matt Nelson, and I am about to engage in an extreme act of protest.", calling for an end to US funding of Israel’s actions in Gaza and urging support for the ICC indictment of Benjamin Netanyahu. *) Biden, Starmer put off Ukraine missiles decision after Putin's warning British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden have postponed a decision on allowing Ukraine to fire long-range missiles into Russia, a move that sparked threats from Moscow of war with NATO. Starmer said after meeting Biden at the White House that they discussed strategy but not a specific capability. Starmer had planned to push Biden to approve sending British Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine but indicated the talks will continue at the UN General Assembly in New York next week. *) Lead author of Israeli Army's ethics code says troops violating it in Gaza As Israel’s bombing of Gaza enters its 344th day, the Israeli Army’s ethical standards face growing scrutiny. In Haaretz, Asa Kasher, the 84-year-old author of the Army’s Code of Ethics, questioned whether soldiers are ignoring the code. Kasher cautioned, "Thousands of uninvolved Gazans have died, a fact that anyone valuing human life must confront." *) Pope Francis slams Israeli strikes on Gaza schools as 'ugly' Pope Francis condemned the killing of Palestinian children in Israeli air strikes on Gaza, calling the bombing of schools to target Hamas fighters "ugly." On a flight back to Rome, he expressed doubt that Israel’s war on Gaza would end soon. "I am sorry to say this," the pope said, "but I don't think they are taking steps toward peace." *) UNESCO 'deeply concerned' about possible looting from Sudan museums Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams admitted it's been tough watching their Boeing ride leave without them, as they now face months stuck in space. They addressed the return of the problem-plagued Boeing Starliner that brought them to the ISS in June but was deemed too risky for their return. Their eight-day mission is now expected to last more than eight months.

*) Chief of Israeli intel unit quits over October 7 failure The head of the Israeli army's notorious intelligence and surveillance unit has accepted responsibility for failing to prevent a raid by Hamas fighters on October 7 last year. Brigadier General Yossi Sariel, who led Unit 8200, told Chief of Staff Herzl Halevi he’s resigning. Sariel is one of seven high-ranking officials, including top military leaders, to step down amid backlash over Hamas' attacks on Israeli military sites and settlements, once Palestinian lands. *) New video, witnesses refute Israel's account of Eygi's killing The Israeli army says Eygi was "very likely" hit unintentionally during a "violent riot" aimed at the "key instigator." But new evidence opposes that claim. Video and witness reports suggest that the killing of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi in the occupied West Bank was in fact a targeted assassination. In this Washington Post's investigation, it shows that Eygi was shot after 30 minutes when the clashes in Beita had ended. *) Biden, Gaza 'key factors' driving US support for Africa UNSC seats The US push for two permanent UN Security Council seats for Africa and a rotating seat for island nations is tied to boosting Biden's legacy and shifting focus from Israel's war on Gaza, a UN expert told TRT World. Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group said, "Biden might be remembered as the president who paved the way for Council reform." Gowan added that the move helps distract from the US's controversial vetoes on truce calls in Gaza saying "The US wants to be seen as a reformer, not a spoiler." *) Kim's visit reveals North Korea's uranium enrichment plant for first time North Korea’s Kim Jong-un has been wanting to expand his country’s nuclear capabilities for a while now. And now for the first time ever, he has publicly disclosed a uranium enrichment facility. Kim said he is aiming to exponentially boost the production of nuclear weapons for self-defence amid growing nuclear threats from the US and its allies. *) UNESCO 'deeply concerned' about possible looting from Sudan museums UNESCO has sounded the alarm over armed groups reportedly looting museums and heritage sites in war-torn Sudan. It said it was particularly concerned by reports of looting at the National Museum of Sudan, as well as the Khalifa House Museum in Omdurman and Nyala Museum in South Darfur. The National Museum, which opened in the 1970s, has been home to more than 2,700 objects including some important pieces from the ancient Egyptian Pharaonic dynasties and Nubian culture.

*) Islamic Action Front becomes largest party in Jordan parliament Jordan's opposition party, the Islamist Action Front (IAF), made a big splash in the latest parliamentary election. Early results show the front bagging up to a fifth of the seats. The party’s leader Wael al Saqqa said, “We’ve earned the people’s trust, and now the real work begins.” But pro-government and tribal groups still hold the upper hand in the 138-seat parliament. *) 'Biggest lie': Harris under fire for falsely accusing Hamas of rapes The US presidential candidate Kamala Harris might have received accolades for taking on Donald Trump in the debate. But she is facing backlash for her false remarks about Hamas fighters allegedly raping Israeli women during the October 7 attacks. “It’s shameful that Kamala Harris is spreading atrocity propaganda on national TV,” said political strategist Ashish Prashar in an interview with TRT World. Prashar added, “She’s pushing these lies to justify Israel’s right to genocide.” *) Debris with remains of 10,000 people — Rebuilding Gaza is an uphill battle Rebuilding Gaza after Israel's war will cost billions of dollars, according to United Nations estimates. The destruction caused by Israel’s military, with US-supplied weapons, has left Gaza in ruins. Clearing the 40 million tonnes of rubble alone could take 15 years and cost up to $600 million, the UN warns. With such massive devastation, the road to recovery will be long and costly for the blockaded enclave. *) Netanyahu seeks to choreograph Israeli probe to dodge ICC arrest warrant Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might have a trick up his sleeve that he believes can help him avoid the war crime proceedings at the International Criminal Court. His justice minister Yariv Levin has asked the Attorney General to investigate. Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over their handling of the war on Gaza. The Israeli Channel 12 says this move is actually an effort to shield them from potential arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court. The strategy suggests that the ICC should step back if domestic legal proceedings are considered sufficient. *) Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn crowned world's top female breakdancer Australian Olympic breakdancer Rachael "Raygun" Gunn, once mocked for her kangaroo-inspired routine at the Olympics, is now the world’s number one breakdancer. At 37, Gunn faced ridicule on social media and late-night shows for her performance and outfit at the recent Olympics, with many questioning her place on the team. However, she's had the last laugh, rising to the top of the global rankings - on the basis of what’s being called a technicality.

*) Harris and Trump spar at Presidential debate He called her a Marxist. She repeated false claims about Hamas. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris clashed over a range of issues in a presidential debate that was viewed by millions of people. Harris took a dig at Trump for talking about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter and lecturing Americans on how windmills cause cancer. Trump accused Harris of hating Israel. While their followers in the US might have cringed and shifted in their seats with anger, many of us in the rest of the world were left wondering what role the next US president will play in ending deadly conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. *) Israel bombs parts of occupied West Bank and Gaza in latest aggression Israel has yet again conducted air strikes killing nine Palestinians in Gaza’s Jabalia and five in the occupied West Bank’s Tubas. Palestinian Red Crescent crews were able to retrieve the bodies of all five people from the bombing site in Tubas. A UN aid convoy was also stopped and held at gunpoint by Israeli soldiers in northern Gaza. *) Biden mulls allowing Ukraine to engage Russia with US long-range missiles Ukraine President Vladimir Zelenskyy might finally have his day on the battlefield. Reports say that US President Joe Biden is considering allowing Ukraine to use long-range weapons against Russia. For months, Zelenskyy has begged his Western allies to let his army use missiles and jets that can hit deep inside Russia. But many of the weapons that have gone to Ukraine have come from NATO members. And that raises the possibility that any mistake can drag them into a direct conflict with Russia. *) 9/11: United States’ legacy in Afghanistan Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States, which started one of the longest and bloodiest US invasions. Tens of thousands of Afghans were killed in the war that followed. Hundreds were kidnapped and sent to Guantanamo Bay without any trial or evidence. In what many see as a testimony to the failure of the war, even the Taliban came back to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Now the Western world refuses to recognise them as a legitimate government. The UK and Norway just closed the Afghan embassies in their countries saying they do not recognise the Taliban, leaving the fate of thousands of Afghan expats in limbo. And finally…. *) SpaceX launches Polaris Dawn mission for first-ever spacewalk by civilians SpaceX has launched its historic Polaris Dawn mission. This audacious orbital expedition will catapult civilians into a high-radiation region of space and see them attempt the first-ever spacewalk by non-professional astronauts. The four-member crew aims to journey farther into the cosmos than any other manned mission in more than half a century, since the end of the Apollo era. On the mission's first day, they will soar to a peak altitude of 1,400 kilometres before returning into a lower orbit.

*) Israeli massacres persist in Gaza Israel killed at least 40 Palestinians in air strikes on a tent encampment in Gaza’s Khan Younis The death toll is likely to rise as dozens more have been wounded. The carnage happened after four Israeli air strikes hit the Al-Mawasi camp, which is marked as a humanitarian zone, a supposedly safe place for displaced Palestinians. *) Israel killed 3 hostages in Gaza strike— report The Israeli army killed its own people and hid the information from the public. In December, the Israeli military used air strikes to target a senior leader of the Palestinian resistance group Hamas in northern Gaza. But those strikes ended up killing three Israeli hostages, including two soldiers. *) India's top court rejects petition to stop arms sale to Israel New Delhi won’t cut its military support for Israel - at least for now…that is the ruling of India’s Supreme Court. The Highest COURT in the world’s largest democracy struck down a public interest litigation that wanted the government to cancel the licences of Indian firms exporting arms to Israel. But the court says that it cannot rule over the country’s foreign policy and even went on to point out that Indian firms can be sued for breach of contract if they are barred from selling weapons to Israel *) Moscow thwarts Kiev’s drone barrage Overnight, Russia intercepted around 70 Ukrainian drones, including a dozen over the skies near the capital, Moscow The Ukrainian attack forced three Russian airports to suspend flights. Moscow's governor says that a Ukrainian drone attack on the city killed a woman. *) Hollywood mourns James Earl Jones Hollywood stars are mourning the death of James Earl Jones, the voice of "Star Wars" villain Darth Vader, at the age of 93. Jones, who also voiced King Mufasa in Disney’s animated feature "The Lion King," had a prolific career

*) Israel storms Palestinian refugee camps The Israeli army has raided the city of Tulkarem and the Balata refugee camp in overnight attacks in the northern occupied West Bank. Several occupation military vehicles accompanied by heavy bulldozers entered the city from its western side, where they began demolishing infrastructure in the al-Alemi area. *) Two NATO members say Russian drones violated their airspace Two NATO members have said Russian drones violated their airspace, as one reportedly flew into Romania, while another crashed in eastern Latvia. Romania's Ministry of National Defence has said a drone entered Romanian territory as Moscow reportedly struck civilian targets and port infrastructure in Ukraine. Bucharest reportedly deployed F-16 warplanes to monitor its airspace. Latvia’s Defence Minister also said a Russian drone fell near the town of Rezekne, and had likely strayed into Latvia from neighbouring Belarus. *) Imran Khan's supporters rally in Pakistan, defy roadblocks Thousands of supporters of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan gathered in Islamabad despite authorities blocking the main routes into the capital. The demonstration, led by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, is the largest in Islamabad since he was jailed last year on several charges, some of them still before the courts. In jail since August 2023, Khan insists along with his party that the charges against him are designed to prevent him from returning to office. *) Sudan's cholera and flood death toll reaches 390 The death toll from floods and rains in Sudan has gone up to 205, with deaths from cholera reaching 185. Sudan’s Health Ministry has said that some 268 new cholera cases have been recorded, including 6 deaths in the states of Kassala, Nile River, and Gedarif. This brings the total number of cholera cases in the seven affected states to 5,692. More than 26,000 homes have been completely damaged, while 33,000 homes have been partially damaged due to floods and rains since June. *) China to evaluate simulated lunar soil Chinese scientists plan to send bricks made from simulated lunar soil into space to evaluate if they can be used to build a research base on the moon. The sample bricks will be sent to see how they hold up in extreme conditions. Beijing intends to build a research base known as the International Lunar Research Station near the moon’s south pole by 2035 for scientific exploration.

*) Turkish-American activist shot dead by Israeli sniper — autopsy An autopsy report of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish-American activist, has confirmed an Israeli sniper killed her. Nablus governor has said the autopsy results indicated Eygi’s cause of death was a gunshot wound inflicted by a sniper, specifically targeting her head. Palestinian officials had earlier also suggested that Eygi’s death was likely the result of deliberate targeting by an Israeli sniper. *) Israelis rally for hostage swap as Netanyahu's government faces pressure Israeli protesters took to the streets demanding a hostage swap deal with the Palestinian factions in Gaza. Thousands of protesters gathered in several cities across Israel, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and the Karkur Junction area near Haifa. Protesters chanted slogans, calling on Benjamin Netanyahu's government to immediately conclude a hostage swap deal. *) Türkiye slams Israeli FM's remarks as 'full of lies' The Turkish government has condemned a recent social media post by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, calling it lies and slander targeting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Türkiye. In an official statement, Turkish authorities pointed out that Katz holds no real credibility, even within the Netanyahu government, which is infamously remembered for its crimes against humanity, leaving a dark stain on history. According to the statement, Katz is attempting to remain relevant by drawing the attention of social media users in Türkiye in a bid to secure his position within what it described as a "genocide network." *) Meta removes TRT Arabi documentary on Israeli attacks against journalists Facebook, owned by Meta, has removed a documentary produced by TRT Arabi that highlights Israeli crimes against journalists in Gaza and southern Lebanon. On August 30, TRT Arabi aired a documentary titled "Journalism Under Genocide," which shed light on the experiences of journalists covering the Israeli war on Gaza and their work in southern Lebanon. The film traces the systematic killings carried out by the occupation forces against journalists since October 7, highlighting key stories of journalists being targeted while performing their duties. *) Boeing's Starliner capsule returns to Earth NASA has announced that Boeing's uncrewed Starliner spacecraft landed at New Mexico's White Sands Space Harbor. The spacecraft was undocked from the International Space Station for its return to Earth. However, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will remain aboard until February 2025.

*) Israel bombs schools and homes in Gaza Israel has killed at least 13 Palestinians and wounded another 15 in fresh strikes on a school sheltering refugees and a residential building in Gaza. At least eight of the dead were in refugee tents at Halima al-Sa'diyya School in Jabalia in northern Gaza. As usual, the Israeli military called the strikes "precise". *)Turkish activist shot on Israeli politicians' orders — Palestine The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has said the killing of a Turkish-American activist by the Israeli army in the northern occupied West Bank was carried out on the orders of Israeli politicians. Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a Turkish-American peace activist, was shot dead by Israeli forces during a protest against illegal Israeli settlements in the town of Beita, near Nablus city in the northern occupied West Bank. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry called Aysenur's killing "an integral part of the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people." *) UN expert slams Netanyahu's 'starvation campaign' in Gaza The UN independent investigator on the right to food has accused Israel of carrying out a "starvation campaign" against Palestinians during its genocidal war in besieged Gaza. In a report this week, investigator Michael Fakhri said Tel Aviv began to block all food, water, fuel, and other supplies into the blockaded Gaza on 9th October. He said that never in post-war history had a population been made to go hungry so quickly and so completely as was the case for the 2.3 million Palestinians living in Gaza. *) Court delays Trump's sentencing in 'hush money' case until after election Sentencing for Donald Trump in his New York "hush money" trial has been delayed until after November's election as he battles Democrat Kamala Harris in the knife-edge White House race. The former US president was scheduled to be sentenced on September 18 for falsifying business records in a scheme to silence an adult movie star's politically damaging story. However, Judge Juan Merchan postponed it until November 26, three weeks past the November 5 election, as requested by Trump's lawyers. *) West Africa flooding displaces nearly 1M people: aid group International charity Save the Children has said severe flooding in West Africa has displaced nearly 950,000 people and disrupted children's education at the start of the school year. The NGO has said hundreds of thousands of children now displaced from their homes are facing disease, hunger from crop destruction, and disruption to their education, as schools have become crowded with fleeing families or damaged in the floods.

*) Hundreds march in Tel Aviv to protest against Netanyahu Hundreds of Israelis have marched silently through the streets of Tel Aviv carrying 27 mock coffins to represent the 27 captives whose bodies were recovered by the Israeli military during the past nearly 11 months of Israeli carnage in besieged Gaza. The protesters marched through major streets in Tel Aviv at night, solemnly striking a bell as the flag-draped coffins were slowly brought through the streets. The country is reeling from the discovery of the bodies of six Israeli captives, who Hamas says were killed in indiscriminate Israeli strikes. *) UK to supply 650 multi-role missiles to Ukraine in fight against Russia The UK has said it would provide Ukraine with 650 lightweight multi-role missiles worth 162 million pounds to help protect the country from Russian drones and bombing. The new supply of missiles was announced on Thursday as British Defence Minister John Healey attended the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, an ad-hoc coalition of some 50 nations, at a US air base in Germany. The Ministry of Defence said, in keeping with the new government's commitment to speed deliveries of aid to Ukraine, the first batch of missiles announced on Friday were expected to arrive by the end of the year. *) Georgia school shooter's father arrested, charged with second-degree murder The father of a 14-year-old boy accused of fatally shooting four people at a Georgia high school and wounding nine others was arrested. Colin Gray, 54, the father of Colt Gray, was charged on Thursday with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Hosey said at a news conference. In Georgia, second-degree murder means that a person has caused the death of another person while committing second-degree cruelty to children, regardless of intent. *) Trump tells GOP Jews Israel's security hinges on his election win Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has claimed that the survival of American Jews and Israel's existence are at stake if he loses the upcoming US presidential election against Democratic Kamala Harris. Speaking via satellite to the Republican Jewish Coalition's annual conference at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas on Thursday, Trump exhorted Jewish voters to support his campaign. "You’ll never survive if they get in," Trump said, referring to his Democratic rivals. He framed Harris as a threat to Israel, positioning himself as the defender. *) Turkish documentary festival attracts 300 submissions from nine countries The 9th Turkish World Documentary Film Festival has garnered significant attention, drawing 300 submissions from nine countries. This year, the festival aims to promote unity and cultural expression through the theme “Freedom for the Oppressed.” Ten films will receive recognition in various award categories, including long, short, and student documentaries. Submissions flowed in from Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Hungary, and North Macedonia.

*) Overnight Israeli strikes across Gaza kill dozens more At least 22 Palestinians have been killed and many others wounded in overnight Israeli strikes across Gaza, according to the Palestinian Civil Defence. In northern Gaza, two Israeli strikes killed seven Palestinians, while six others were killed or injured in an attack near Sheikh Zayed Towers. One Palestinian was killed in a strike at the Houja intersection in the Jabalia refugee camp and 10 more were killed in four strikes in Gaza Governorate. In addition, three air strikes in the central region of Gaza killed five Palestinians. *) Türkiye, Egypt partnership vital for regional peace and stability – Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has hosted his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah el Sisi in Ankara. The leaders co-chaired a meeting between the two countries and signed 17 agreements in various fields. Erdogan said Türkiye and Egypt share a common position on the Palestinian issue, and both sides want to see an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. *) Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba resigns from office Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has handed in his letter of resignation to the country's parliament, according to Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk. Neither Stefanchuk nor Kuleba have given any reasons for the resignation. A day earlier, Stefanchuk announced that he received resignation letters from other Ukrainian ministers for reasons that have yet to be determined. *) Georgia high school shooting leaves four dead, suspect in custody At least four people have been killed in a shooting at a Georgia high school, local US reported. In addition, dozens of people were injured in the shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, CNN reported, citing law enforcement officers. Not all injuries appeared to be gunshot wounds, but rather also people hurt while fleeing. One suspect was in custody, the Barrow County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. And finally…. *) Lightning strikes, damages Rome's ancient Constantine Arch Lightning has struck Rome's Constantine Arch near the Colosseum during a violent thunderstorm, loosening fragments from the ancient structure. The fragments from Tuesday's lightning strike were immediately gathered and secured by workers at the Colosseum Archeological Park, officials said. The extent of the damage was being evaluated.

*) More polio vaccines arrive in Gaza: Palestinian Health Ministry A new shipment of polio vaccines totalling 350,000 doses has arrived in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. It came as the vaccination campaign in the enclave continued amid a devastating Israeli war. The second batch of vaccines brings the total number of doses received by Gaza to around 1.6 million. *) US says 'time to finalise' Gaza truce deal as protests continue in Israel The United States has called for urgency and flexibility to finalise an agreement between Israel and Hamas for a truce in Gaza. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters the United States will work "over the coming days" with mediators Egypt and Qatar "to push for a final agreement." The deaths of six hostages in besieged Gaza has sparked massive protests in Israel and a general strike against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. *) Dozens killed, scores wounded in Russian strike on Ukraine's Poltava: Kiev Two ballistic missiles have blasted a military training facility and a nearby hospital in Ukraine. At least 50 people were killed and more than 200 others wounded, according to Ukrainian officials. It was one of the deadliest Russian strikes since the war began. The strike hit the central-eastern city of Poltava, partially destroying a building used by the region’s Military Institute of Communications. *) Lebanon's ex-central bank head arrested for alleged embezzlement: official Lebanon's former central bank governor Riad Salameh has been arrested over alleged embezzlement, a judicial official said. The public prosecutor "arrested Salameh after questioning him for three hours on suspicions of embezzlement from the central bank exceeding $40 million". It is the first time Salameh has appeared before Lebanon's judiciary since he left his post of 30 years at the end of July last year without a successor. And finally…. *) ‘Game of Thrones’ props are up for auction After watching eight seasons of the epic saga “Game of Thrones,” fans can now purchase prized memorabilia from the HBO series. They can bid on a slew of costumes, props, set pieces and memorabilia from the hit show that ended in 2019 — including a melted version of the coveted Iron Throne. More than 2,000 items, distributed across 900 lots, will be on the auction block in October through Heritage Auctions.

*) US officials say Netanyahu ‘torpedoed everything in one speech’ US officials involved in negotiating a hostage release-ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas have said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu torpedoed their efforts with his press conference. CNN reported that officials continued to work on a deal even after the death of six hostages. However, Netanyahu said that Israel will never leave the Philadelphi corridor, torpedoing “everything in one speech”, a US official said. *) Over 600,000 children in Gaza deprived of learning: UNRWA Over 600,000 children in Gaza have been deeply traumatised and are living in rubble amid a devastating Israeli offensive, says the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. UNRWA said boys and girls around the regions are going back to schools, except children in Gaza. It added that the longer children stay out of school, the higher the risk of a lost generation, fuelling resentment. *) West should permit long-range attacks inside Russia: Zelenskyy Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Western allies should not only allow their weapons to be used for strikes deep inside Russia, but also supply Kiev with more arms. Zelenskyy spoke during a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof in the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine has long urged partners to allow it to fire Western weapons at targets far into Russian territory. Zelenskyy said Kiev was now “more positive” about the prospects of getting such permission. *) Trump stands firm on ‘election interference’ in face of legal disputes Former US President Donald Trump is facing federal and state charges accusing him of trying to overturn his 2020 election loss. But he says he had “every right” to interfere in that election. On January 6, 2021, some far-right protesters stormed the US Capitol in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent Congress from certifying the election results. Harris’ campaign said Trump’s latest comments to Fox News “make it clear that he believes he is above the law”. *) Turkish shooter seeks to trademark viral pose over unauthorised attempts Türkiye’s Olympic pistol sharpshooter Yusuf Dikec has filed to trademark his nonchalant stance at the Paris Games that went viral around the world. His coach said the move, intended to protect the commercial use of Dikec’s pose, came in response to others trying to trademark it. Dikec inspired a flood of memes online, some comparing him to fictional spy James Bond. And even billionaire Tesla founder Elon Musk shared a video of himself striking the stance.

*) Netanyahu responsible for truce talks' failure, lives of captives — Hamas Palestinian resistance group Hamas has accused Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the US administration for the failure of negotiations to halt the war on Gaza. In a statement, Hamas said that full responsibility for the lives of the prisoners lies with the Israeli army – which has killed several captives. The statement said Israel’s attempts to mislead public opinion through deception is done in order to evade responsibility for the current deadlock in the negotiations. *) Over 72,000 children receive vaccinations in Gaza despite Israeli war Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza has managed to vaccinate more than 72,000 children on the first day of a polio vaccination campaign. This comes despite an ongoing Israeli offensive. Hundreds of children who received vaccinations showed signs of fatigue and malnutrition, according to medical teams at centres in Deir al Balah. The vaccination drive is being conducted in collaboration with the WHO, UNICEF and UNRWA. *) Azerbaijan's ruling party dominates parliamentary election: initial results Azerbaijan’s ruling New Azerbaijan Party, or YAP, has won the parliamentary elections held over the weekend. According to the initial results, YAP, led by President Ilham Aliyev, won 68 seats out of a possible 125 seats in the National Assembly. There were 6.4 million registered voters and turnout was 37.27 percent. *) German far-right AfD wins first state election Germany's far-right AfD has won a landmark first regional vote in the erstwhile East German state of Thuringia in a blow to Chancellor Olaf Scholz ahead of national elections in 2025. The AfD took between 30.5 and 33.5 percent of the vote in Thuringia,with the conservative CDU in second place at around 24.5 percent. *) Türkiye denounces ‘Famagusta’ digital series for distorting Cyprus history Türkiye has criticised the upcoming digital series called "Famagusta" for promoting Greek Cypriot propaganda by distorting historical events. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the series constitutes a great disrespect to the cherished memories of the Turkish Cypriots who were massacred by the Greek Cypriot gangs between 1963-74. Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar also condemned Netflix’s acquisition of the series, which he described as “black propaganda.”

*) Israeli attacks on West Bank devastate Jenin infrastructure The Israeli army has destroyed about 70 percent of the streets and infrastructure in Jenin city in the northern occupied West Bank during its ongoing military offensive for the fourth day. The Palestine news agency Wafa reported that “water has been cut off from 80 percent of the city and the entire camp due to the destruction of networks”. Israeli offensives in Jenin and Tulkarem have claimed 22 Palestinian lives, adding to the more than 40,600 deaths in Gaza since October 7 last year. *) Türkiye to carry out ‘Steel Dome’ air defence project to bolster security Türkiye will carry out its “Steel Dome” air defence system project, the country’s president has said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said if Israel has the Iron Dome, then Türkiye will also have the “Steel Dome”. Erdogan said the “Steel Dome” will ensure that Ankara’s layered air defence systems and all of its sensors and weapons work in integration with each other. *) Ukraine pushes for US approval to target Russian territories Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has increased pressure on the United States to let Kiev strike deeper into Russian territory. This comes after his representatives met senior US officials in Washington. Zelenskyy said, “Clearing the Ukrainian sky of Russian guided aerial bombs is a strong step to force Russia to seek an end to the war and a just peace.” Washington has provided Ukraine with more than $50 billion worth of military aid since 2022 but has limited the use of its weapons to Ukrainian soil and defensive cross-border operations. *) UN urges more aid to Sudan amid crisis The UN’s deputy secretary-general has welcomed food aid reaching Sudan but said it is insufficient as she visited a border post in Chad to witness the passage of a humanitarian convoy. Amina Mohammed, during her visit to the Adre border crossing, also called for a resolution to the fighting in Sudan. During recent negotiations in Geneva, the warring parties made little progress to end the fighting but did pledge to allow humanitarian aid to pass through two key border points. *) Paralympic organisers postpone triathlon in Seine over water quality Paralympic organisers have postponed the triathlon by a day over worries about the River Seine’s water quality. The organisers said their latest analysis shows a deterioration in the water quality following heavy rainfall over the last two days. Despite a $1.5 billion upgrade to improve the Paris sewerage and water treatment system, the Seine has been dogged by pollution concerns, notably for its levels of enterococci and E.coli bacteria.

*) Israel continues to bomb Gaza, toll soars in West Bank The Israeli army has killed 12 Palestinians in a series of deadly raids across Gaza, with more bodies being recovered from areas previously vacated by Israeli forces. Palestinian Civil Defense spokesperson said that six Palestinians were killed in two Israeli air strikes in Jabalia, northern Gaza, including one targeting a gathering of people. Palestinian health authorities also said that the death toll from Israel's most aggressive invasion into the occupied West Bank since the start of its carnage in Gaza has reached at least 20. *) Pro-Palestine groups gear up for protests against Harris Kamala Harris' strong support for Israel as it continues its genocidal war in Gaza is fuelling calls for a fresh round of protests at campaign stages, universities and public events in the weeks ahead. Arab Americans, Muslims and their allies shut out of a Democratic National Convention speaking slot in Chicago, plan to show up in force during Harris’ debate against Donald Trump in Philadelphia on September 10 and in major cities and college campuses on the October 7 anniversary of Israel’s war on Gaza. *) Nearly 6,200 murdered in South Africa in just three months Nearly 6,200 people have been murdered in South Africa between April and June, police figures show, as tackling crime poses a key issue for the new coalition government. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has said that 6,198 people were murdered during the three months. The country also recorded a total of 9,309 rapes between April and June. *) Many Israelis considering permanent departure Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has warned that the policies of the regime of Benjamin Netanyahu are pushing many Israelis to think about leaving Israel permanently. In a statement on his X account, Bennett said that with the passing of months amid ongoing carnage in besieged Gaza and on the northern borders with Lebanon, Israelis are in despair due to the regime's policies. *) Brazil bans X as Musk defies Supreme Court order Brazil's Federal Supreme Court has ordered the suspension of social media site X for violating the legal representation law to operate in the country. Earlier this year, de Moraes ordered X to block specific accounts linked to investigations of digital militias accused of spreading false news and hate speech. In response, Musk condemned the order as censorship and shut down the platform’s offices in Brazil. Justice Alexandre de Moraes said that X would be banned until it complies with all court orders and settles existing fines.

*) Harris says 'No' to arms embargo on Israel US Vice President Kamala Harris has said in an interview that she would not change President Joe Biden's controversial policy on supplying Israel with weapons for its carnage in Gaza if elected in November. The Democratic nominee and vice president said ‘No’ when asked if she would change course and withhold weapons to Israel, while adding that it was time for a ceasefire and hostage deal and to "end this war." Washington rolls out $3.8 billion in annual military funding to its longtime ally Israel, and the administration has so far resisted calls to condition any arms transfers. *) UN slams Israeli ultimatums to Palestinians The UN has highlighted the "desperate" situation in Gaza as it raised concerns over the Israeli army’s continued ultimatums to Palestinians to flee the besieged enclave. While expressing "deep concern about the latest deterioration in the occupied West Bank, a UN official said that "the situation in Gaza is beyond desperate with harrowing levels of death, injury and destruction" that "raise very serious concerns about compliance with international humanitarian law." *) Over 1,000 died in recent Bangladesh protests The violence that erupted in Bangladesh during last month's anti-government protests killed more than 1,000 people, the country’s health ministry has said, It is marked as Bangladesh’s bloodiest period in its history since its 1971 independence. The violence erupted during a student-led movement against public sector job quotas, which later intensified into an uprising against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. *) China urges US to stabilise ties with Beijing Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged the US to work together with China in the face of current global challenges and correct its approach to stabilising relations with Beijing. Speaking with visiting US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in Beijing, President Xi said in the face of an international situation full of changes and chaos, both countries need to unite and cooperate, instead of split and confront. And finally…. *) Massive floods in Nigeria, death toll rises Officials in Nigeria have said that floods have killed at least 179 people and displaced around 200,000 more in parts of Nigeria after a "few weeks" of intense rain. Most of the serious flooding has been in the north of Nigeria so far.

*) Israeli opposition parties agree to oust Netanyahu amid Gaza war Chairman of the Democrats Yair Golan has called on leaders of opposition parties to convene an emergency meeting to discuss the removal of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Golan said in a recorded message posted to his X account that “the complete lack of public trust in the government and decisions made solely based on political considerations compel ... to rise to the occasion”. In response to Golan’s message, Israeli opposition leader and ex-PM Yair Lapid said they will continue to work with all parts of the opposition “until the disaster government that is destroying the country is overthrown”. *) Harris seeks to win over Arab American voters with high-profile hire Kamala Harris’ campaign for US presidential bid has hired an Egyptian American lawyer and former Department of Homeland Security official to help lead outreach to Arab American voters. Brenda Abdelall would be tasked with shoring up support from the community angered with unwavering US support for Israel’s war in Gaza. Arab American voters hold sway in some states that could help decide the November 5 election. *) France charges Telegram’s Pavel Durov over alleged criminal use of app France has formally charged Pavel Durov, the founder and chief of Telegram, with a litany of violations related to the messaging app. The charges concern alleged crimes involving an organised group including “complicity in the administration of an online platform to enable an illicit transaction”. Russian-born Durov was arrested at Le Bourget airport outside Paris late Saturday and questioned in subsequent days under arrest by investigators. *) Allies’ fear of escalation major roadblock to end Russian offensive: Kiev Ukraine’s top diplomat has said that the biggest problem faced by Kiev as it battles Russia is that its allies are afraid of approving new policies to support Ukraine out of a fear of escalation. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba’s remarks came a day after Moscow said the West was “playing with fire” by considering allowing Kiev to strike deep into Russia. More than two and a half years since Russia’s full-scale assault, Kiev is pushing the West to give it long-range weapons — and the authorization — to strike targets deep inside Russian territory. *) Sweden to prosecute two men over Quran burnings Swedish prosecutors have said they would put two men on trial for setting fire to the Quran in a series of incidents last year that prompted outrage in the Muslim world. The Swedish Prosecution Authority said the two men committed “offences of agitation against an ethnic or national group” on four separate occasions when burning a copy of Islam’s holy book outside a mosque and in other public places. Sweden’s domestic security service raised its terrorism alert level as a result of the burnings, while neighbouring Denmark, which also saw a spate of Quran burnings, tightened its legislation to outlaw the practice.

*) Israeli attacks kill at least 10 Palestinians in occupied West Bank At least 10 Palestinians were killed in Israeli raids and strikes in several towns in the north of the occupied West Bank, a spokesman for the Red Crescent said. Two Palestinians were killed in the city of Jenin, four others in a nearby village, and four more in a refugee camp near the town of Tubas, said the Red Crescent’s Ahmed Jibril. He added that 15 others had been wounded. *) UN says only 11 percent of Gaza spared from Israeli evacuation orders Only 11 percent of Gaza is not under evacuation orders, a UN official said. Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office, said at a UN briefing in Geneva that since Friday, Israeli forces issued three new evacuation orders “for over 19 neighbourhoods in northern Gaza and in Deir al Balah”. Laerke said more than 8,000 people were staying in these areas, with many sheltering in displacement sites. *) Donald Trump hit with new indictment in federal Jan 6 case Special counsel Jack Smith has filed a new indictment against Donald Trump over his efforts to undo the 2020 presidential election. The new indictment keeps the same criminal charges but narrows the allegations against the former US president following a Supreme Court opinion conferring broad immunity on former presidents. The special counsel’s office said the updated indictment, filed in federal court in Washington DC, was issued by a grand jury that had not previously heard evidence in the case. *) Ukraine successfully tests first indigenous ballistic missile: Zelenskyy President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine successfully tested its first domestically produced ballistic missile. No further information has yet been provided about the missile’s specifications. But a Ukrainian military video hinted that its range is up to 700 kilometres on par with the US-supplied ATACMS. *) Australia to limit new foreign students in migration crackdown Australia has said it would limit the enrolment number of new international students to 270,000 for 2025, as the government looks to rein in record migration. The decision follows a raft of actions since last year to end Covid-era concessions for foreign students and workers in Australia that helped businesses recruit staff locally while strict border controls kept overseas workers out. New international student enrolments will be capped at 145,000 for universities, which is around 2023 levels, and 95,000 for practical and skills-based courses.

*) Israeli army and Zionist settlers unleash terror upon Palestine Illegal Israeli settlers have shot dead a Palestinian and wounded three others in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. This is part of more than 1,270 Zionist terror attacks targeting Palestinians since October last year. At least 680 Palestinians have since been killed and nearly 6,000 others wounded by Israeli army and the illegal settlers in the occupied territory. *) Palestine lambasts Ben-Gvir’s call to build synagogue at Al-Aqsa Mosque Palestine has denounced a call by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to build a synagogue inside Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. Palestinian Authority said it was an attempt by Ben-Gvir to drag the region into a “religious war”. The Authority added that the Palestinian people will not accept any harm to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, “which is a red line that cannot be crossed under any circumstances”. *) Turn them in now or face prison — New UK law targets ‘zombie-style’ knives Police in the UK are urging owners of “zombie-style” knives and machetes to hand them in as part of a national month-long campaign launched by the government. The soon-to-be-outlawed bladed weapons can be surrendered at stations in England and Wales. The government announced on August 19th that from September 23rd, it will be a criminal offence to possess these weapons in the UK. *) Trump blames Harris and Biden for ‘humiliation’ in Afghanistan Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has used the third anniversary of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan to pin the chaotic troop pullout on his Democratic rival for the White House. Trump blamed Kamala Harris, the vice president, and President Joe Biden for what he termed a “catastrophic” withdrawal. Trump said “the humiliation in Afghanistan set off the collapse of American credibility and respect all over the world.” *) Pacific Islands Forum urges polluters to pay for climate damage “If you pollute, you should pay,” Pacific leaders say. Emissions-belching nations have been challenged to stump up for climate-related damage as a key Pacific islands summit opened. The Pacific Islands Forum got underway in Tonga’s capital, with leaders hoping to draw global attention to the region’s worsening climate plight.

*) Hamas rejects new Israeli conditions in Gaza talks Palestinian resistance group Hamas has said that it is sticking to a July 2nd Gaza ceasefire proposal and rejects new Israeli conditions for a ceasefire. Osama Hamdan, a Hamas official, told media that the talk of an imminent deal is false. The resistance group said that Hamas' negotiating team left Cairo after reviewing the results of the latest round of Gaza ceasefire talks with Israel. *) Israel kills several Palestinians in Gaza City, Khan Younis Meanwhile in Gaza,Israel has killed several Palestinians and wounded others after it bombed two homes in Gaza City and Khan Younis. Eyewitnesses reported that warplanes targeted homes in the town of Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Younis city. The victims were transported by medical and civil defence teams to the Gaza European Hospital *) Israeli families of hostages accuse Netanyahu of 'thwarting' swap deal The families of Israeli hostages in Gaza have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “systematically thwarting” the swap deal with the Palestinian factions. The families held a press conference in front of the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israeli media reported. They said that since early July, a deal has been ready for signing, but Netanyahu's new conditions, particularly the Philadelphi Route, are blocking it. *) Belarus 'concentrating' troops on border: Ukraine Ukraine has accused its Moscow-allied neighbour Belarus of "concentrating" troops on the countries' shared border and warned Minsk against "unfriendly actions". The statement came as Kiev mounts an incursion into Russia's Kursk region and as Russia continues its advance into eastern Ukraine. Belarus had allowed Russian troops to use its territory as a launchpad for their attacks in Ukraine. And finally…. *) France extends detention of Telegram founder Durov French judicial authorities have extended the detention of the Russian-born founder and chief of Telegram, Pavel Durov. He was arrested at a Paris airport over alleged offences related to the popular messaging app. According to a source the detention of Durov was extended beyond Sunday night by the investigating team who is handling the case.

*) Hezbollah launches retaliatory strikes against Israel Hezbollah has announced it launched attacks on Israel with a large number of drones in response to the assassination of the group's top commander in Beirut last month. The Lebanon-based group said it targeted an identified "special military target” as well as Israel's Iron Dome platforms and other sites. Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that 200 rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israel. *) Israeli military claims 100 fighter jets raid Hezbollah positions An Israeli army spokesman has claimed about 100 Israeli fighter jets raided Hezbollah positions, destroying rocket launchers. Earlier, the Israeli army said in a statement that Hezbollah is "preparing to fire missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory”. The Israeli army gave an ultimatum to residents in southern Lebanon to "leave immediately." *) Israel leaves mere 9.5 percent of Gaza for civilians The Palestinian Civil Defence in Gaza has said that Israeli forces have turned the designated "safe humanitarian zones" within Gaza into heaps of rubble and ashes. The Israeli attacks have left only 9.5 percent of the Palestinian territory as so-called “safe zones” for displaced civilians. Initially, these zones covered 230 square kilometres or 63 percent of Gaza's total area but as the Israeli military offensives continued, the size of these areas shrank dramatically. *) France arrests founder and CEO of Telegram, Pavel Durov Pavel Durov, billionaire founder and CEO of the Telegram messaging app has been arrested at an airport outside Paris. Durov was travelling aboard his private jet. His arrest was triggered by a “lack of moderators on Telegram”, which according to French authorities allowed criminal activity to go on undeterred on the messaging app. *) TRT World’s ‘Holy Redemption’ exposes Israeli settler violence Istanbul’s iconic Atlas Cinema was packed for the launch of TRT World’s investigative documentary “Holy Redemption”. The documentary exposes how illegal Jewish settlers are systematically driving out Palestinians from their homes in the occupied West Bank. In addition, a panel of experts discussed various aspects of the Palestinian struggle ahead of the premiere of the investigation carried out by TRT World journalists at great risk in December last year. The Director General of TRT, Mehmet Zahid Sobaci, said the documentary also sheds light on one of the most disturbing methods of occupation in the world.

*) Israel issues flee or die ultimatum in northern Gaza The Israeli military has issued a new ultimatum for tens of thousands of Palestinians in several areas in the northern Gaza, who have nowhere left to go, ordering them to flee ahead of a possible military invasion. The military statement ordered Palestinians to flee towards "shelters" in western Gaza City, claiming it as a "safe area." The Israeli army ordered all those in the 10 neighbourhoods and areas of Al-Salateen, Al-Atatra, Al-Seifa, Al-Karama, and Al-Ghabn to evacuate. *) Biden picks pro-Israel official to direct US policy on Palestine The Biden administration has appointed a senior diplomat seen as a proponent of lethal weapons transfers to Israel to a new role in shaping US policy on the Israel’s war on Gaza. Mira Resnick is taking over the role of the deputy assistant secretary for Israeli-Palestinian affairs in the State Department’s Middle East office after Andrew Miller left the position. Resnick’s appointment raised concern among some foreign policy professionals, and was seen as "alarming" by opponents of President Joe Biden's unconditional support for Israel’s war on Gaza. *) Hundreds of Asian refugees trapped at Sao Paulo's airport Hundreds of asylum seekers from India, Nepal and Vietnam have been stuck in Brazil’s Sao Paulo's international airport for weeks in alarming conditions. At least 666 irregular migrants without visas were waiting to enter Brazil with the added uncertainty that the government plans to tighten entry rules on the flow of foreigners using Brazil as a stopover to get to the United States and Canada. *) Türkiye, Russia resume joint patrols in northern Syria The Turkish National Defence Ministry has announced that Türkiye and Russia have resumed their joint ground patrols in northern Syria, suspended last October due to the deteriorating security situation in the region. The joint patrols are conducted in the Peace Spring Operation as per the Sochi agreement signed between Ankara and Moscow on 22 October 2019. *) Don't use Somaliland country code, Somalia tells airlines Flydubai and Ethiopian Airlines have removed "Somaliland" from their websites after Somalia issued an ultimatum to the carriers, demanding not to use references to the "unrecognised breakaway region" when booking flights. Somalia's government, through its Civil Aviation Authority, sent the warning to Ethiopian Airlines and Flydubai, saying that failing to comply with the directive would bar them from flying over Somalia's airspace.

*) Palestine invites those ‘with spine’ to visit besieged Gaza Palestine's envoy to the UN has reiterated his call for a ceasefire in besieged Gaza and invited the UN Security Council members to witness firsthand the "horror" endured by Palestinians during the last 10 months of Israeli carnage. Speaking at a Security Council session on Palestine, Riyad Mansour has said that he calls on all those who have a “spine” to come and say we are coming to demand a ceasefire and to demand it now in Gaza. *)Pro-Palestine delegates blocked from speaking at DNC Pro-Palestine delegates at Democratic National Convention in Chicago were denied the opportunity to speak about the impact of Israel’s war on Gaza, even as pro-Israel speakers were featured. Convention organisers denied a request to include a speaker addressing the impact of Israel's war on Gaza. *) Indian Muslims refute plans for a law on marriages Indian authorities in Assam state have introduced a bill that would require Muslims to register their marriages and divorces. Assam's state government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist BJP, said the bill would be tabled during the next state assembly. Many communities, particularly Muslims, fear a Uniform Civil Code would encroach on their religious laws. *) Russia accuses Ukraine of trying to strike Kursk nuclear power plant Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of trying to strike Russia's Kursk nuclear power plant in an overnight attack and said Moscow had informed the UN nuclear safety watchdog about the situation. Putin said that the enemy tried to strike at the nuclear power plant during the night and the International Atomic Energy Agency has been informed, they promise to come themselves and send specialists to assess the situation. And finally …. *) Botswana discovers largest diamond of century Botswana says one of the largest diamonds ever found has been unearthed at one of its mines and will be put on show. Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond Corp. said in a statement that it recovered the “exceptional” rough diamond from its Karowe Mine in western Botswana. The weight would make it the largest diamond found in more than 100 years and the second-largest ever dug out of a mine.

*) Palestinian groups reaffirm truce deal conditions The Palestinian resistance group Hamas and Islamic Jihad movement have reaffirmed their conditions for any agreement with Israel, including an end to the Gaza carnage, a full Israeli withdrawal and a serious prisoner exchange deal. This was outlined in a statement released by Hamas following a meeting of its Shura Council. According to the statement, the two groups emphasised the need to ensure the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza regardless of the results of negotiations about ending the war. *) Ilhan Omar blasts Blinken's failed Middle East trip Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar has blasted the "humiliation" US Secretary of State Antony Blinken endured during his recent trip to Israel, where he failed to secure a breakthrough for a Gaza ceasefire deal. Ilhan Omar questioned how the Secretary of State travelled 11 times begging for an end to a situation while continuing to provide the bombs and the weapons to Israel. *) Bangladesh plans to cancel diplomatic passports Bangladesh's transitional government has decided to cancel all diplomatic passports, including one provided to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The Ministry of Home Affairs has confirmed that diplomatic or red passports that are allocated to government officials, ministers and members of parliament will be revoked. The decision came as Hasina's stay in India has created uneasy relations between the two South Asian neighbours. *) Ukraine's Kursk incursion ended chances of peace: Russia Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region has annulled the possibility of any peace talks. Moscow has slammed Kiev's strike as a "terrorist raid," saying that after such "outrage, no one will negotiate with them at all." *) Amazon fires choke Brazil Residents of Porto Velho in the Brazilian Amazon have barely seen sunlight in days as a thick cloud of smoke from forest fires has enveloped the city. The concentration of cancer-causing microparticles known as PM2.5 has reached 56.5 micrograms per cubic metre of air in Porto Velho — 11 times more than the limit recommended by the World Health Organization. Inhaling PM2.5 has been found to increase the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and a range of other health problems.

*) Hamas: Biden's remark give Israel 'green light' to continue war on Gaza Hamas has criticised claims by US President Joe Biden that it was backing away from a Gaza truce deal, calling his remarks a "green light" for Israel to continue the war. Hamas said the "misleading claims... do not reflect the true position of the movement, which is keen to reach a ceasefire" agreement and called Biden's remarks an "American green light for the Zionist extremist government to commit more crimes against defenceless civilians". Hamas stated that Biden's comments don't represent the movement's true stance, which has been focused on achieving a ceasefire. *) US sanctions former Haitian President Martelly for drug trafficking The US Treasury Department unveiled sanctions against former Haitian president Michel Martelly for trafficking drugs, including cocaine, destined for the United States. The actions taken by Washington echo similar moves from the Canadian government, which imposed sanctions in 2022 against Martelly and two ex-prime ministers, accusing them of profiting from armed gangs. The US Treasury said in a statement that Martelly, former president of the Caribbean nation between 2011 and 2016, "abused his influence to facilitate the trafficking of dangerous drugs, including cocaine, destined for the United States. *) Pro-Palestine protesters arrested in Chicago More than a dozen pro-Palestine demonstrators have been arrested during a protest that began outside the Israeli consulate and spilled out onto the surrounding streets on the second night of the Democratic National Convention. The intense confrontations with officers began minutes into the demonstration, after some protesters charged at a line of police that had blocked the group from marching. *) Ukraine's Kursk incursion prepared with US, UK, Poland — Russian media The newspaper Izvestia has reported that Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region was prepared together with the participation of intelligence from the United States, Britain, and Poland. Citing Russia's foreign intelligence agency, Izvestia said "The Ukrainian Armed Forces operation in the Kursk region was prepared with the participation of the US, UK and Polish intelligence services." *) New variant of mpox might be more contagious Public health officials have expressed concern about how quickly the new clade I Mpox variant seems to be spreading. However, other experts urge caution about the lethality of the virus. Epidemiologist Anne Rimoin from UCLA said “I think we have to be very, very cautious about saying that this is more dangerous.”

*) Israel kills Gaza civilians as US touts progress in truce talks Israel has killed at least nine Palestinian civilians, including children, in a strike that targeted a gathering of civilians in the al Shati camp west of Gaza City, Palestine's official news agency WAFA reported. WAFA said that "the occupation's warplanes also targeted a residential tower West of Khan Younis in southern Gaza." *) Protesters flood DNC site in Chicago, voicing outrage over Gaza war Thousands of protesters have marched toward the site of the Democratic National Convention on its opening day to voice their opposition to Israel's genocidal war in Gaza, as Chicago officials said they were committed to keeping the demonstrations peaceful. Despite President Biden leaving the race and Vice President Kamala Harris set to accept the Democratic nomination this week, protesters say their plans remain unchanged. A spokesperson for the Coalition to March on the DNC, Hatem Abudayyeh, said, "We have to play our part in the belly of the beast to stop the genocide, to end US aid to Israel and stand with Palestine." *) Putin offers to mediate between Azerbaijan and Armenia for peace deal Russian President Vladimir Putin said on a visit to Baku that Moscow was still committed to its historic role of mediating peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Putin said, "If we can do something to sign a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia... we will be very happy to." The Russian leader said that after his Baku visit, he will contact Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to "tell him about the results of the negotiations". *) Civilians scramble to escape Ukraine's Pokrovsk as Russian forces close in Civilians have fled from Ukraine's eastern city of Pokrovsk, where the Russian army is bearing down fast despite a lightning Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region. Local authorities said that Russian forces were advancing so quickly that families were under orders to leave the city and other nearby towns and villages starting on Tuesday. Officials said that around 53,000 people still live in Pokrovsk, and some of them decided to get out immediately. *) Yemen floods leave 60 dead, nearly 268,000 affected: UN Torrential rainfall in war-stricken Yemen has caused severe flooding, leading to at least 60 deaths since July, with 13 others still missing and a total of 268,000 people affected, according to the United Nations. Since July, flash floods in Yemen have resulted in 36 deaths in Hodeida, nine in Ibb, eight in Marib, and seven in Taiz, according to a UN humanitarian agency (OCHA) report released on Monday.

*) Israel orders army to intensify Gaza onslaught Israel has decided to escalate its carnage in besieged Gaza to improve its position in Gaza ceasefire and prisoner swap talks. Sources say that the Israeli security cabinet recently instructed the military to intensify its attacks in Gaza to strengthen Israel's position in the ongoing ceasefire negotiations. *) Netanyahu wants to sabotage ceasefire, prolong war: Hamas Palestinian resistance group Hamas has said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has prevented the completion of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner-hostage swap proposal by setting new conditions during the negotiations in Doha. Hamas said in a statement that the new proposal meets Netanyahu's conditions and aligns with them, particularly his refusal of a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal from Gaza, and his insistence on continuing the occupation of key crossings. *) Israeli forces 'deliberately target' TRT Arabi crew in Gaza's Khan Younis Israeli forces have once again targeted TRT crew in Palestine's Gaza, where they have been working to inform the world about the ongoing massacres in the besieged enclave. TRT Arabi correspondent Sami Barhoum and his team's vehicle were shot at with long-barrelled weapons, with five bullets striking the car. There were no casualties, but Barhoum sustained minor injuries. *) Kursk incursion aimed at creating 'buffer zone' — Zelenskyy Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said military incursion into Russia's Kursk region aims to create a buffer zone to prevent further attacks by Moscow across the border. Zelenskyy said that Kiev aims to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions. *) Austria battles major flooding after record downpours Heavy rains have lashed Alpine regions of Austria and left parts of Vienna underwater, causing severe damage in parts of the country and disrupting road and rail transport. Fast-moving torrents of muddy water swept cars in western Austria.

*) Hamas backs UN-proposed humanitarian pause in Gaza for polio vaccination Palestinian resistance group Hamas has supported a call from the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to provide concrete assurances from all parties guaranteeing humanitarian pauses in order for a polio vaccine campaign to be conducted. The group supports the request announced by the United Nations for a 7-day truce in order to vaccinate thousands of children. Hamas also demanded the delivery of medicine and food to more than two million Palestinians trapped in Gaza. *) Twin explosions in Somalia's capital leave multiple dead At least eight people have been killed and several others wounded in twin explosions in the Somali capital Mogadishu. Officials say that the attack targeted a busy tea shop in the Daynile district and bomb was planted inside the tea shop, frequently visited by security forces in the area. No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion yet. *) Israel kills 18 members of same family in Gaza An Israel air strike in besieged Gaza has killed at least 18 people, all from the same family, hours after mediators expressed optimism for an imminent ceasefire. According to the al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah the air strike hit a house and adjacent warehouse sheltering displaced people in the Zawaida township. *) Safety 'deteriorating' at Ukraine nuclear plant amidst war: UN watchdog The UN's nuclear watchdog has warned that the safety situation at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was "deteriorating" following a nearby drone strike. Earlier, Russia accused Ukraine of dropping an explosive charge on a road near the occupied plant in southern Ukraine. International Atomic Energy Agency experts on site were informed of the detonation near essential plant facilities and immediately visited the area. *) X to cease operations in Brazil amid ongoing legal dispute Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter has said it was closing operations in Brazil, citing threats from Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The decision comes after X reported a "secret order" from Moraes, who allegedly threatened to arrest the company's legal representative in Brazil if the platform did not comply with demands related to content moderation.

*) Gaza ceasefire talks fail to uphold July 2 agreement: Hamas A senior Hamas official has said that the outcome of the latest Gaza ceasefire talks in Qatar’s capital Doha does not include commitment to what was previously agreed upon on July 2 and is not based on US President Joe Biden's proposal. A Hamas official said that the information relayed to Hamas leadership from the Doha meetings did not include adherence to the prior agreement. Another well-placed Palestinian source has said that the new proposal discussed in Doha did not address the status of the Netzarim Crossing or the Philadelphi Corridor. *) Pro-Palestinian activists to march on US democratic convention US Vice president Kamala Haaris is scheduled to accept her party’s nomination for the presidency next week at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago but will meet voters protesting one of her thorniest electoral issues, the Biden administration's aid to Israel. A coalition of some 200 social justice organisations is going forward with their plan to march at the Democratic National Convention on Monday. *) DRC village in shock as 'ADF militants' kill 16 and abduct 20 A local civil society group has said that at least 16 villagers have been killed and 20 others abducted in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo during attacks by militants of Allied Democratic Forces. The assailants staged a series of attacks on locals, some while working on their farmlands. The death toll remains provisional, as the fate of 20 others kidnapped remains unknown. *) More protests rock India after rape and murder of medic Police in the Indian state of West Bengal have arrested hundreds of protesters angry over the rape and murder of a medic last week, while a doctors' association urged more than a million colleagues nationwide to stop work for a day. Local officials said blockades by the protesters disrupted public transport in several parts of the state. More than 1,500 people were detained. *) ICJ to address climate justice and obligations in December ICJ has announced hearings over a key climate justice case outlining countries' obligations regarding global warming and legal consequences for failing to address the climate emergency. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has said that it would start the hearings on December 2, as it weighs an advisory opinion on the global climate crisis.

*) Gaza truce must involve 'complete' Israeli withdrawal — Hamas Palestinian resistance group Hamas has said any Gaza ceasefire deal must involve the total withdrawal of Israeli invading troops from the Palestinian territory. "Any agreement must achieve a comprehensive ceasefire, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the return of the displaced," a Hamas official said in a statement after truce talks resumed in Doha. A Palestinian official also said that Hamas would not take part in talks but that its senior officials, who reside in Qatar, were ready to discuss any proposals from the mediators, as they have in past rounds. *) More than 400 arrested in Israel's online crackdown Israel has arrested more than 400 people, primarily Palestinian Israelis, in a sweeping crackdown on online activity deemed to incite or support Hamas in the months following the October 7 attack by the Palestinian resistance group. The Legal Center for Arab Rights in Israel, said around 190 of those detained remain in custody as legal proceedings drag on. Many are held in harsh conditions in Israel's penal system. The arrests followed changes in Israeli law that allow police "to open investigations into 524 social media posts" without needing approval from prosecutors. *) Ukrainian officials planned, executed Nord Stream sabotage The sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in 2022 was approved by senior officials in Kiev, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially giving his support, according to a report. Speculation has long swirled about who was behind the operation, with both Ukraine and Russia denying any involvement. *) Sweden reports first case of deadly mpox strain outside Africa Sweden has announced the first case outside Africa of the more dangerous variant of mpox, which the WHO has declared a global public health emergency. The country's public health agency confirmed that it was the same strain of the virus that has surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo since September 2023. " It is the first case caused by clade I to be diagnosed outside the African continent," the agency said in a statement. *) Climate activists protest at German airports Climate activists staged protests at several German airports, forcing a temporary halt to flights in the latest of a string of similar demonstrations. The Last Generation group said a total of eight activists were involved in the protests at Berlin, Cologne-Bonn, Nuremberg and Stuttgart airports. The group is demanding that the German government negotiate and sign an agreement on a global exit from the use of oil, gas and coal by 2030.

*) Hamas wants ‘clear commitment’ on Gaza ceasefire talks Hamas will not join the upcoming round of Gaza ceasefire and prisoner swap talks, a leader of the group has said. "The movement will not be part of the upcoming negotiations set to resume, whether they take place in Doha or Cairo," Suhail Hindi told media. He said Palestinian resistance group wants a "clear commitment" from Israel regarding what was agreed upon based on the Biden-backed proposal. *) Erdogan reaffirms support for Palestine in meeting with Abbas Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Presidential Complex in Ankara to discuss Israel's ongoing violence in occupied Palestinian territories and the steps needed for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. During the meeting, the leaders addressed the atrocities committed by Israel in Palestine. President Erdogan emphasised Türkiye’s unwavering support for Palestine’s rightful cause and its commitment to increasing international pressure on Israel. *) Israel pressures ICC to delay arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant Israel is pushing the International Criminal Court (ICC) to delay the issuance of arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes in Gaza, according to Israeli media. Official sources said Tel Aviv is putting diplomatic pressure on The Hague-based court to delay its possible arrest warrants against the two. *) Sudan ceasefire talks kick off despite army's absence Talks on securing a ceasefire in the devastating civil war in Sudan has kicked off in Switzerland despite the Sudanese government staying away. The talks are being convened by Tom Perriello, the US special envoy for Sudan. It could last up to 10 days, and is being held behind closed doors in an undisclosed location in Switzerland. *) NASA to decide stranded Starliner astronauts' route home by end of month NASA needs to decide by the end of August whether to return two astronauts to Earth aboard Boeing's Starliner, which flew them to the International Space Station , or bring them home on a SpaceX craft, officials have said. NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams blasted off for the International Space Station on Starliner on June 5 for what was meant to be an eight-day stay.

*) Palestine envoy urges UNSC 'it is time to sanction' Israel Palestine's envoy to the UN, Riyad Mansour, has urged the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Israel amid its ongoing carnage on civilians across Gaza. "Israel continues taking human lives and every action possible to spread wildfires across the Middle East as we sit here on the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions," Mansour said. Mansour urged the Security Council to "Wake up" and ask for accountability. *) US approves $20 billion weapons package for Israel In a statement on Tuesday, the Pentagon said the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has approved the possible sale to Israel of F-15 jets and equipment worth nearly $19 billion. The Pentagon said he also approved the possible sale of tank cartridges worth around $774 million and army vehicles worth $583 million. *) Russia says it thwarted Ukrainian forces expanding Kursk incursion Russia claims its forces stopped a Ukrainian attempt to push further into the Kursk region after a weeklong incursion. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that troops, including fresh reserves, aircraft, drones, and artillery, blocked Ukrainian armoured groups from advancing near Kursk settlements. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Kiev has no plans to occupy Russian territory. *) Over 1,000 arrested in UK after anti-Muslim riots UK police have arrested over 1,000 people in connection with anti-Muslim riots which took place over the last two weeks in England. At least 575 people have been charged as courts continued to deal with those involved in the disorder. *) Seismic data reveals large underground water reservoir on Mars Scientists from the University of California, Berkeley suggest a vast reservoir of liquid water may exist deep beneath Mars' surface within fractured rocks, potentially enough to cover the planet. This conclusion is based on seismic data from NASA's InSight lander, which studied Mars' interior. The water, located 7.2 to 12.4 miles below the surface, could offer conditions suitable for microbial life, past or present.

*) South Africa welcomes Türkiye’s involvement in Gaza genocide case South Africa has welcomed Türkiye’s involvement in Gaza genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, saying it "will bring new perspective." Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s international relations and cooperation minister, said: "Türkiye's intervention will enable the top court to see it from a new perspective." Lamola told reporters in the capital Pretoria that Türkiye's joining in South Africa’s case against Israel "shows how solid the case is." *) China slams Israel for killing 100 Palestinians in Gaza school China has condemned the Israeli military's recent attack on a school sheltering displaced people in besieged Gaza that killed at least 100 Palestinians. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian said in a statement that Beijing denounces any actions that harm civilians. Lin said that his country opposes any actions that violate international humanitarian law urging Israel to immediately stop its attacks on Gaza. *) Ukraine controls 1,000 square kilometres in Russia's Kursk — army commander Ukraine's top commander, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced that Ukrainian forces now control 1,000 square kilometers of Russia's Kursk region. This is the first time Ukraine has publicly acknowledged this significant gain. In a video on President Zelenskyy's Telegram channel, Syrskyi reported that fighting continues along the front line and assured that the situation is under control. *) Thousands flee as wildfires bear down on Greek capital Thousands of people have fled their homes around Athens, including in the historical town of Marathon, as strong winds fanned a wall of wildfire flames closer to the Greek capital. Nearly 700 firefighters and over 30 aircraft battled the blazes that had advanced into the city's outer suburbs near Mount Pentelikon. And finally… *) 6th Intl Friendship Short Film Festival honours Palestinian stories The 6th International Friendship Short Film Festival organised in Istanbul by Balkon Film with the support of Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism's General Directorate of Cinema is set to welcome film enthusiasts next October. This year's festival will be held in honour of Palestine. Turkish films and those focusing on the themes of the Israeli occupation and Palestinian independence, particularly in the "Humanitarian Perspective" section, will have their submission fees waived. The "Humanitarian Perspective" section will focus on films that highlight Palestinian solidarity or the various struggles faced by Palestinians such as occupation, the Nakba and resistance.

Fire breaks out at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant amid Ukraine-Russia conflict A fire broke out in Europe's largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine, while the UN's atomic energy watchdog has said nuclear safety was not affected. Experts observed Sunday's "strong dark smoke" from the Zaporizhzhia power plant's northern area after explosions were heard in the evening, the International Atomic Energy Agency said on X, adding: "No impact has been reported for nuclear safety." Ukraine and Russia have been trading blame over the incident. *) US sends F-35s, submarine to Middle East amid Israeli conflict US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East, the Pentagon has said. In a phone call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Austin reiterated the US’s commitment to take "every possible" step to defend Israel, the Pentagon said in a statement. *) Israel wipes out three Palestinian families in brutal Gaza school attack Israel's air strike on Al-Tab'een School in Gaza killed three families whose members are believed to have "disintegrated" due to the explosions, the Gaza media office has said. "The Israeli targeting resulted in the complete loss of 3 families whose bodies have not been found so far,” the media office said in a statement on Sunday. *) DR Congo, Zambia begin talks after border closure Democratic Republic of Congo has said it had begun talks with Zambia a day after its southern African neighbour sealed their common border, blocking a key export route for Congo, the world's second-largest copper producer. Zambian Trade Minister Chipoka Mulenga announced a temporary border closure after a Congolese ban on imported soft drinks and beer led to demonstrations by Congolese transporters in the town of Kasumbalesa on the Zambian border. *) Tom Cruise steals show, ignites excitement in Paris 2024 closing ceremony Tom Cruise rappelled into the Paris Games closing ceremony, grabbed the Olympic flag, and sped off, kicking off the countdown to the 2028 Los Angeles Games. A beaming Cruise high-fived athletes after making the roughly 160-foot descent and took the flag from LA Mayor Karen Bass, who was accompanied by US gymnast Simone Biles. Cruise then disappeared beneath the stage before reemerging on a motorcycle with the flag affixed to the back and exited as the crowd at the 80,000-seat stadium roared.

*) Algeria seeks urgent UN meeting over Israel's Gaza school attack Algeria has said it requested an urgent open UN Security Council session next Tuesday to discuss the Israeli attack on the Al Tabin school, killing more than a hundred displaced people in Gaza City. The official Algerian news agency said the "request was made in consultation with the State of Palestine" and "is supported by other member states of the Security Council." *) Ukraine's Zelenskyy confirms troops press deeper into Russia's Kursk Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the recent offensive into the western Russian border region of Kursk, referring to actions "pushing the war into the aggressor's territory". Zelenskyy said "Ukraine is proving that it can really bring justice and guarantees exactly the kind of pressure that is needed — pressure on the aggressor." *) Bangladesh's chief justice, central bank governor resign amid mass protests Bangladeshi officials said the country's chief justice and central bank governor have resigned. Student protests have widened to target more officials appointed during former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. The law ministry's adviser Asif Nazrul said that Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan resigned after students warned him of "dire consequences" if he did not. *) Venezuelan opposition leader calls for mass protests Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado called for mass protests on August 17 to challenge the July 28 presidential election results. She accused the National Electoral Council of fraud, claiming her party’s candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, actually won with 67 percent of the vote. *) Türkiye removes access block as Instagram complies with demands Türkiye has lifted the access block on Instagram after the platform agreed to comply with Türkiye’s demands, including policies on catalogue crimes. The transportation and infrastructure minister announced the end of the week-long restriction following successful negotiations.

*) Israel bombs school in Gaza, killing 100+ Palestinians Israel has killed over 100 Palestinians and injured dozens in a strike on a school in Gaza City, according to WAFA news agency. The report states that the school was sheltering displaced Palestinians when it was hit by the Israeli military. *) Brazilian airliner crashes, all 62 on board killed A regional turboprop plane carrying 62 people crashed near Sao Paulo in Brazil, killing all on board. Airline Voepass reported that the plane travelling from Parana to São Paulo's main airport crashed in Vinhedo. A video shared on social media showed the ATR-made plane spinning out of control before crashing behind a cluster of trees near houses, followed by a large plume of black smoke. *) Maduro-Machado talks unlikely as opposition avoids Venezuela court call Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ruled out negotiating with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado after he appeared before the Supreme Court, requesting the ratification of his reelection. The National Electoral Council has yet to release detailed results, while the opposition claims that copies of 84 percent of the ballots show an easy win for their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. The government says those results are forged. *) Muslim healthcare workers in UK face ‘racist abuse’ amid far-right riots The British Islamic Medical Association, which represents around 7,000 Muslim healthcare staff, has recorded a significant rise in “racist abuse” against Muslim National Health Service workers following the onset of far-right riots across the UK. The president of the group, Dr Salman Waqar told the Guardian, that they have seen alarming messages, particularly from Belfast and Greater Manchester, where healthcare workers were forced to close their practices early or refrain from home visits due to safety concerns. Another group of 11,000 healthcare professionals, the British Egyptian Medical Association, also echoed similar concerns, noting a “troubling” rise in “racist abuse and discrimination.” *) Algeria's Imane Khelif wins gold in women's boxing at Paris Olympics amid gender debate Algerian Imane Khelif has won gold in women's boxing at the Paris Olympics amid gender controversy. Khelif was crowned champion after beating Yang Liu from China 5-0 in the 66kg final at Roland-Garros Stadium. The Algerian national had been disqualified from the 2023 World Championships after failing a gender eligibility test. It is Algeria's first gold in women's boxing.

*) Mediators invite Israel, Hamas to resume Gaza truce talks Israel’s war on Gaza has entered its 11th month and mediators are calling on Tel Aviv and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas to resume urgent talks on August 15, either in Doha or Cairo. Qatar, Egypt and the US are leading actors in the mediation to put an end to Israel’s war that has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians and left the tiny coastal enclave of Gaza in ruins. The mediators say they now have a framework agreement on the table with only the details of the implementation left to conclude. *) Haniyeh’s assassination shows Israel doesn’t want ceasefire: Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has once again called upon the international community to stop Israel’s dangerous escalation of its military aggression. Commenting on Israel’s assassination of Hamas’s politburo leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, the Turkish president said Tel Aviv has once again demonstrated its lack of intention to engage in a ceasefire. Erdogan warned that the Israeli war on Gaza could engulf the region into a wider and an even destructive conflict. *) Zelenskyy sends tough message to Putin as Ukraine enters Russia’s Kursk Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lauded his troops for storming Russia’s southwestern Kursk region — an incursion called a “major provocation” by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The incursion appears to be the most significant Ukrainian attack in over two years of the conflict. Putin called Kiev’s actions an “indiscriminate attack against civilian facilities, residential buildings and ambulance vehicles”. *) Trump recommits to September 10 debate and lashes out at Harris After recently backing out, Republican candidate Donald Trump has recommitted to debating Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump held a lengthy news conference in which he taunted his rival, boasted of his crowd on January 6, 2021, and questioned whether there would be “honest elections” in November. The debate is likely to take place on September 10 on ABC, setting up the first face-to-face match-up between the two rivals in what polls show is an extremely tight race. *) Earth’s record-breaking heat streak ends but climate threat remains July 2024 narrowly misses being the hottest month on record, ending a 13-month streak as El Nino subsides, but experts warn that the climate crisis’ impact is far from over. The European climate agency Copernicus said the overall context hasn’t changed, adding that the Earth’s climate continues to warm. The El Nino effect has ended, the climate agency said, and hence July’s slight easing of temperatures.

*) Talks over Gaza truce, prisoner swap stalled — Israeli media The one thing that can stop Israel’s deadly and brutal war on Palestinians is the resolution of the thorny issue of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners that the two sides aim to exchange some time in future. But Israeli media reports suggest that process has come to a stop. KAN, the Israeli public broadcaster, reported that no new meetings are planned between Israeli, Qatari, Egyptian and American security agencies. Now don’t be surprised if reports soon come out that the talks have once again been scuttled by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has blocked the process on several occasions to prolong his rule. *) Israel ‘admitted’ assassinating Haniyeh to US officials: Washington Post While everyone else seems to know that Israel was behind the July 31 assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Tel Aviv has itself remained silent. That’s part of the Israeli modus operandi in such operations where the Zionist state never openly admits responsibility for violating the territorial rights of other countries. But according to the Washington Post, Israeli officials have admitted to their American counterpart that Israel was indeed behind the killing of Haniyeh. *) Thousands of anti-racism protesters converge in several UK cities In cities across the UK, thousands of anti-racism protesters came out in opposition of far-right groups which have attacked Muslims, immigrants and asylum seekers in recent days. In Walthamstow, north London, several thousand gathered to counter a far-right protest, with similar anti-racism rallies in Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool. Meanwhile, UK's deputy prime minister announced that police are prepared to respond to nearly 100 acts of violence planned by far-right extremists in London, emphasising that there will be “no excuse” for street violence. *) Over 30 people killed, hundreds displaced in Yemen flooding The poor Middle Eastern country of Yemen has faced devastation from years of war and is now dealing with US bombings against the Houthis. If that wasn’t enough, a flood has killed dozens. In Yemen’s southern city of Hudaida, more than 30 people have died, and hundreds have been displaced due to severe flooding after days of heavy rain. Hudaida Governor Muhammad Qahim reported that 500 homes were also affected, with five people still missing. The southwestern city of Taiz and the northwestern city of Hajjah were also severely impacted by the floods, which have devastated poorly built homes and infrastructure across the region. Authorities are struggling to reach the worst-hit areas, leaving many residents stranded without food and water. And finally… *) Microsoft employees demand halt to funding of illegal Israeli settlements Microsoft’s charitable giving platform has been criticised for featuring organisations operating in illegal Israeli settlements while removing the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. An internal petition from employees says that donations to illegal Israeli settlements violate international law under the Geneva Conventions. The petition also accuses that Microsoft’s actions contradict its inclusive values and calls for the cessation of matching donations to these organisations. Microsoft has yet to comment on the matter.

*) Hamas appoints Yahya Sinwar as new political bureau chief Palestinian resistance group Hamas has appointed Yahya Sinwar as its new political chief. Sinwar will replace Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated by Israel in Tehran after he attended the swearing-in ceremony of the new Iranian president on July 31. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Hezbollah congratulated Sinwar on becoming the resistance group’s new political chief, saying it shows Israel’s goals in assassinating his predecessor, Haniyeh, have failed. *) B’Tselem report reveals Israeli torture of Palestinians A report by Israeli human rights group B’Tselem reveals widespread torture of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons, with most held without trial. The report details deaths and abuses, with 60 Palestinians dying in custody since October, yet no prosecutions have followed. Testimonies document severe violence, starvation, and denial of medical care, highlighting ongoing human rights violations. *) Muhammad Yunus to head transitional government in Bangladesh Following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and an end to her 15-year rule, Bangladesh’s lone Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus will serve as the head of the country’s transitional government. Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin said the decision was reached after consultations with all stakeholders. Yunus will fill the vacuum left by Hasina, who resigned and fled the country after student-led countrywide protests against the quota system turned violent. *) Kamala Harris picks Tim Walz as running mate for US election Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Walz, a 60-year-old US Army National Guard veteran and former teacher, was elected to a Republican-leaning district in the US House of Representatives in 2006 and served 12 years before being elected governor of Minnesota in 2018. He is known for his support for Israel throughout his career, while also advocating for more aid to the Palestinians and recently calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and a two-state solution. And finally… *) More countries issue travel advisories as UK far-right riots continue As the far-right riots continue in the UK, more and more countries are issuing travel warnings for their citizens. The UAE, Kenya and India are the latest in the list to have issued warning and advisory to their nationals already in the UK or those intending to travel. Previously, Nigeria, Malaysia, Australia and Indonesia also issued warnings against UK travel amid riots.

*) Haniyeh’s assassination aimed at prolonging Gaza war: Abbas Palestine’s President Mahmoud Abbas has told Russia’s state media that the killing of Hamas politburo leader Ismail Haniyeh aims to prolong the war in besieged Gaza and complicate peace talks. He said: “There is no doubt that the purpose of Mr. Haniyeh’s assassination is to prolong the war and expand its scope.” He went on to say that Israel’s conduct “will have a negative impact on the ongoing negotiations to end the aggression and withdraw Israeli troops from Gaza”. *) Bangladesh protesters call for new govt under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus The Bangladeshi students who led the protests which toppled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government want a new interim government with Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus as its leader. They have warned that any government other than the one protesters have asked for would not be accepted. Yunus has agreed to take on this responsibility. *) Israel fails to recruit hundreds of Ultra-Orthodox Jews for Gaza genocide Tel Aviv continues to struggle with the headache of enlisting orthodox Jews into its military, which is fighting a never-ending war with Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli military has once again failed to register hundreds of Haredi Jews for military service. The Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported that only 30 Haredi Jews appeared at the conscription office, despite 1,000 being scheduled to register on Monday and Tuesday. *) Several countries issue UK travel advisory amid far-right violence Some would say that the UK is getting to taste its own medicine as another country has warned its citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to the UK amid violent far-right riots. Nigeria has joined Malaysia and Australia in issuing travel advisories for the UK. The UK is experiencing its worst wave of riots in 13 years, with far-right demonstrators targeting asylum seekers, mosques and ethnic minorities across the country. And finally… *) Türkiye to join genocide case against Israel at ICJ President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that Türkiye will submit an application to join the world court genocide case against Israel. Erdogan said the country’s parliamentary legal team will submit a petition to join the genocide case against Israel to the International Court of Justice in The Hague on Wednesday. He emphasised Türkiye’s commitment to ending the “barbarism” that has claimed the lives of nearly 40,000 innocents in Gaza over the past ten months.