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- 1Ebola outbreak in Congo spreads to two more health zones▼Ebola outbreak in Congo expands to two additional health zones: WHO
The World Health Organization reports that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has expanded to two additional health zones, broadening the affected area. The announcement raises concern about containment efforts and the risk of further spread between communities and across regional borders.
- 2Lula campaigns for final term in Brazil's pivotal election▼‘Viscerally dedicated to social issues’: behind Lula’s drive to win final term in Brazil’s crunch election
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is seeking a final presidential term in Brazil's closely watched election, with reporting highlighting his lifelong focus on social issues as the core of his appeal. The vote is seen as a defining moment for the country, with Lula's track record on poverty reduction and social programmes central to his campaign message.
- 3Iran's Pezeshkian says Tehran no longer trusts talks with Washington▼Pezeshkian says Iran ‘no longer trusts talks with Washington’
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran no longer trusts negotiations with Washington, signalling a hardening of Tehran's stance toward the United States. The statement, reported by Al Jazeera, comes amid heightened regional tensions and suggests diplomatic channels between the two countries have reached a new low, raising concerns about the prospects for renewed nuclear or de-escalation talks.
- 4India tells UN distant countries bear cost of others' wars▼Countries far from conflict paying the price for wars not their own, India tells UN
India has told the United Nations that countries far removed from conflict zones are paying the price for wars that are not their own, highlighting how the effects of distant conflicts spill over through food and energy price shocks, disrupted trade and humanitarian strain. The intervention underscores India's long-standing argument that global institutions should better reflect the concerns of developing nations affected by wars they did not start.
- 5Strikes hit Sudan cities as army chief defies US visa ban●Strikes hit Sudan cities as army chief defiant after US visa snub
Airstrikes struck several Sudanese cities as the country's army chief responded defiantly to a United States decision to deny him a visa, a move linked to Washington's criticism of the military's conduct in the civil war. The visa snub has drawn international attention to Sudan's worsening conflict and strained relations between Khartoum's military leadership and the US.
- 6Israeli minister urges West Bank war like Gaza campaign▼Israeli minister calls for war in West Bank, says Israel should 'do what it did in Gaza'
An Israeli government minister has publicly called for military action in the occupied West Bank on the scale of the war in Gaza, saying Israel should 'do what it did in Gaza'. The remarks have drawn attention amid ongoing operations and rising tensions in the territory, with critics warning the comments signal willingness to widen the conflict and deepen humanitarian consequences for Palestinians.
- 7Israeli forces kill terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani▼Israeli forces kill global jihadist terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani on October 7
Israeli forces have killed a global jihadist militant identified as one of the terrorists who kidnapped Noa Argamani during the October 7 attack. Argamani, who was later rescued from Gaza, became one of the most recognized hostages of the Hamas-led assault. The announcement is drawing attention as part of Israel's continuing campaign against those responsible for the abductions.
- 8
The World Health Organization reports that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to two new health zones, raising concerns about the potential for wider transmission. Wire services including Reuters, The Hindu and South Africa's SABC are carrying the update, which health officials say underscores the difficulty of containing the virus in remote, densely connected communities. Response teams are working to trace contacts and curb further spread.
- 9Seven Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza, ministry says▼Israeli attacks martyr 7 Palestinians in central, northern Gaza over 48 hours: Health Ministry
Gaza's Health Ministry says Israeli attacks killed seven Palestinians over a 48-hour period in central and northern Gaza. The casualties add to the territory's mounting death toll as strikes continue across the enclave despite ongoing international calls for a ceasefire and renewed efforts toward a negotiated end to the conflict.
- 10Iran backs diplomacy as Saudi seeks Hormuz status quo▼Iran backs diplomacy as Saudi FM seeks return to pre-Feb. 28 status in Strait of Hormuz
Iran has expressed support for diplomatic efforts after Saudi Arabia's foreign minister called for a return to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as it stood before February 28. The statement signals continued regional engagement over tensions surrounding the key oil shipping route, with Riyadh pushing to restore earlier conditions in the strategic waterway.
- 11Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons, US intelligence says▼Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons program, US intelligence assesses
US intelligence assesses that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons, keeping open the possibility of a weapons program despite longstanding American nonproliferation efforts in the region. The assessment fuels renewed debate over Riyadh's nuclear ambitions and the wider risks of proliferation in the Middle East.
- 12Waltz says Iran demanded upfront sanctions relief in rejected deal●Waltz says Iran wanted sanctions relief up front in rejected deal; Tehran pushes back
Mike Waltz says Iran's proposal would have required sanctions relief up front, which the United States rejected, while Tehran disputes that account of the failed negotiations. The exchange comes amid stalled diplomacy over Iran's nuclear programme and escalating rhetoric between the two governments. Officials on both sides continue to trade blame over why the deal collapsed.
- 13
Donald Trump has made claims about casualty figures in the Russia-Ukraine war, describing the numbers as stunning. Beyond the headline, no specific figures, dates or context are provided. The claim is likely to draw scrutiny given disputed casualty tolls throughout the conflict.
- 14EU citizens left in limbo as UK revokes post-Brexit residency status●‘We’ve done everything by the book’: EU citizens left in limbo after UK government strips post-Brexit residency status
EU citizens living in the UK say they have been left in legal limbo after the government stripped some people of their post-Brexit settled status, despite following all the rules. Affected residents describe losing the right to work, rent or access services while appealing decisions they say were made arbitrarily. The story has drawn criticism of the Home Office's handling of the EU Settlement Scheme and renewed concerns about the treatment of Europeans in Britain after Brexit.
- 15EU Mission Says Russia Facing Manpower Shortages▼EU Mission Says Russia Facing Manpower Shortages Amid War
An EU mission reports that Russia is struggling with manpower shortages as its war in Ukraine continues. The assessment suggests Moscow's ability to sustain and reinforce its forces is under strain, adding to the debate over how long Russia can maintain the pace of its military campaign.
- 16
The United Nations has drafted a document laying out plans for responding to a future pandemic. The move signals continued international efforts to strengthen preparedness after the COVID-19 crisis exposed gaps in global coordination. Details of the draft's contents and next steps in the approval process have not been widely reported yet.
- 17
The death toll from Israel's military campaign in Gaza has risen above 74,000, according to figures reported by regional news outlets. The number reflects the continuing humanitarian toll of the conflict, which has drawn sustained international attention and calls for a ceasefire. Casualty figures from Gaza are compiled by local health authorities, who say many victims remain under rubble.
- 18
Iran is asserting that a religious decree, or fatwa, issued by its leadership forbids the development and possession of nuclear weapons. The claim, reported by international outlets, is being cited in ongoing debates over Iran's nuclear programme, with Western governments and inspectors long questioning whether such a decree is binding or verifiable.
- 19Russia Tells Businesses to Defend Themselves Against Ukrainian Drones▼Overwhelmed by Ukraine’s Drones, Russia Tells Businesses to Defend Themselves
Russian authorities are instructing businesses to protect their own facilities from Ukrainian drone attacks, as strikes increasingly disrupt operations across the country. The move signals that Moscow's air defenses are struggling to intercept the growing number of drones targeting infrastructure and industry. The report, published by The Wall Street Journal, highlights the mounting economic strain the drone campaign is placing on Russia's war effort.
- 20Oil Prices Jump as Houthi Attacks Fuel US-Iran Tensions●Oil Prices Jump on Houthi Attacks, U.S.-Iran Escalation Fears
Oil prices rose sharply following renewed attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement and growing fears of escalation between the United States and Iran. Traders are pricing in the risk that the confrontations could disrupt shipping and supply through the Middle East. Analysts warn that any direct US-Iran confrontation could push prices higher still, keeping energy markets on edge.
- 21Zelensky Accuses Putin of Excuses as Russian Strikes Kill 10▼Zelensky Says Putin Finds ‘Lame Excuse’ to Avoid Peace as Russian Strikes Kill at Least 10 in 24 Hours
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Vladimir Putin of using what he called a 'lame excuse' to avoid peace negotiations, as Russian strikes across Ukraine killed at least 10 people within 24 hours. The accusation highlights the continued deadlock in efforts to end the war, with civilian casualties mounting despite ongoing international pressure for a ceasefire and talks.
- 22Heavy Fighting and Internet Disruption Grip Ethiopia●Heavy Fighting, Internet Disruption as Ethiopia Conflict Rages
Heavy fighting is under way in Ethiopia, accompanied by a widespread internet disruption as the conflict intensifies. The blackout is cutting off communications and making it harder to verify the situation on the ground. Observers are watching closely given the country's history of devastating wars and the potential for regional spillover.
- 23Trump rejects Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz●Trump rejects Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and other Middle East news
President Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping chokepoint for global oil supplies. The refusal comes amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran over the Persian Gulf. Attention now turns to how Iran responds and whether the dispute will escalate further, with broader Middle East developments also drawing international focus.
- 24Seven Killed, 40 Wounded in Strike on Taiz Market in Yemen▼Seven People Killed, 40 Wounded in Strike on Market in Yemen's Taiz, Houthis Say
A strike hit a market in Yemen's southwestern city of Taiz, killing seven people and wounding 40 others, according to the Houthi-run authorities. The attack adds to the civilian toll of Yemen's long-running conflict, and casualty figures from Houthi sources may be difficult to verify independently. Details on who carried out the strike and whether the area was hit by an airstrike or shelling have not yet been confirmed.
- 25Ukraine strikes pushing Putin toward talks, NATO envoy says●Ukraine's attacks on Russia are pushing Putin closer to negotiating table, Trump NATO ambassador says
President Trump's NATO ambassador said Ukraine's attacks on Russian territory are pushing Vladimir Putin closer to the negotiating table to end the war. The comments add to an ongoing debate over whether Kyiv's deep strikes inside Russia weaken Moscow's position and could accelerate peace negotiations rather than escalate the conflict.
- 26US and China agree to lower tariffs on $30 billion in goods▼US, China strike deal to lower tariffs on $30B in goods after Trump-Xi Washington summit
The United States and China have reached an agreement to reduce tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods, following a summit in Washington between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The deal marks a step toward easing trade tensions between the world's two largest economies, though details of which products will be affected have not yet been fully outlined.
- 27
Israel's High Court has found that the state is not complying with its ruling requiring Red Cross access to Palestinian detainees. The decision puts pressure on Israeli authorities over conditions and treatment of prisoners held since the Gaza war began. The ruling is likely to intensify debate inside Israel and internationally about detainee rights and adherence to court orders.
- 28US ambassador to NATO: Ukraine war won't be won on battlefield▼Russia-Ukraine conflict won’t be resolved on the battlefield, US amb to NATO says
The US ambassador to NATO says the Russia-Ukraine conflict will not be resolved through fighting alone, arguing the war cannot be settled by military means on the battlefield. The remark fuels ongoing debate in Washington and among allies about how the conflict might ultimately end, and what role diplomacy and negotiations should play.
- 29Ethiopia slides back into war: who is involved and why▼Ethiopia slides back into war. Who is involved and why?
Reporting indicates Ethiopia is sliding back into war, renewing concern about renewed large-scale conflict in the country. Observers are asking which armed and political actors are involved and what is driving the escalation. Details on the parties, causes and scale of the fighting remain unclear from current coverage.
- 30Lula cuts Amazon deforestation but expands oil ambitions▼Lula's mixed environmental record has brought less deforestation but more oil
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's environmental record is drawing scrutiny: his government has sharply reduced deforestation in the Amazon compared with his predecessor, fulfilling a key climate pledge. At the same time, his administration is pushing to expand oil production, including new offshore exploration. Supporters credit the drop in forest loss as a major climate win, while critics argue the drive for more oil undermines Brazil's credibility as an environmental leader.
- 31Russians strike Kyiv data centre twice in morning attack, Zelenskyy says▼Zelenskyy: Russians strike Kyiv data centre twice in morning attack
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces hit a data centre in Kyiv twice during a morning attack, according to a Ukrainian news report. The strike targeted critical digital infrastructure in the capital amid ongoing Russian air assaults on Ukrainian cities, though details on damage or casualties were not immediately provided.
- 32
Belarus has announced that it is ready to facilitate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, according to a report by Anadolu Agency. The statement from Minsk positions the country, a close Russian ally, as a potential mediator in the ongoing war. The announcement comes as international pressure builds for renewed diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
- 33Trump says he rejected Iranian offer to reopen Strait of Hormuz▼Trump says he has rejected Iranian proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz
Donald Trump said he has turned down an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil shipping waterway between Iran and the Gulf states. The announcement has drawn attention because the strait carries a large share of the world's oil, and any closure or reopening carries major implications for energy prices and regional security.
- 34Smotrich calls for war in West Bank, annexation plans●Israel's Smotrich calls for ‘war’ in West Bank, seeks annexation of parts of Gaza, southern Lebanon
Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for war in the West Bank and advocated annexing parts of both Gaza and southern Lebanon. The comments drew wide attention given his senior role in the Israeli government and their implications for regional escalation, territorial policy and already strained relations with Palestinians and Lebanon.
- 35Russian drone strike in Kyiv region kills two, injures three●Russian drone strike in Kyiv region kills two people and injures three others
A Russian drone strike on the Kyiv region has killed two people and left three others injured, according to Ukrainian news reports. The attack is part of the ongoing series of Russian drone assaults on Ukrainian territory, which have repeatedly targeted the capital region and its surroundings, causing civilian casualties and damage.
- 36Analysts weigh substance versus spectacle at Trump-Xi summit▼Diplomacy or ‘diplotainment’? Key takeaways from the Trump-Xi summit in Washington
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping met in Washington for a summit that has drawn criticism over whether it produced real diplomatic results or served mainly as political theatre. Commentators have dubbed the spectacle 'diplotainment', questioning whether headline-grabbing moments masked a lack of concrete agreements. Observers are parsing the outcomes for signals on trade, technology and broader US-China relations.
- 37Russia and Germany Hold First High-Level Talks Since 2022▼Russia and Germany Hold First High-Level Diplomatic Talks Since 2022 at UN
Russian and German diplomats have held their first high-level talks since 2022, meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations. The encounter marks the most significant direct contact between the two governments since Germany radically reoriented its Russia policy after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The talks signal a possible, cautious thaw in diplomatic channels between Berlin and Moscow, though no concrete outcomes have been announced.
- 38
Germany's foreign minister has confirmed a meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, saying it was motivated by security concerns stemming from Russia's actions. The talks signal that Berlin, despite its strongly critical stance toward Moscow, still sees value in direct diplomatic contact on issues affecting European security. Observers are watching whether the exchange produces any change in Russia's posture toward the West.
- 39Six killed, four Americans among dead, in explosion near Athens Acropolis●Four American tourists among 6 killed after explosion levels building near Athens’ Acropolis
An explosion destroyed a building near the Acropolis in Athens, killing six people, four of them American tourists. The blast leveled the structure in a busy area close to Greece's most visited landmark, raising questions about what caused the explosion and whether others were injured. Details on the victims and the circumstances remain limited as authorities respond to the scene.
- 40Category 3 Hurricane Polo Bears Down on Mexico's Pacific Coast▼Category 3 Hurricane Polo Threatens Mexico’s Coast, Landfall Expected Monday
Hurricane Polo has strengthened to a Category 3 storm and is threatening Mexico's Pacific coast, with landfall expected on Monday. Authorities in coastal states are on alert as forecasts point to damaging winds, heavy rain and possible flooding. Residents are being urged to monitor official warnings and prepare for the storm's arrival.
- 41IDF video shows Gaza militant using child to move weapons▼IDF posts video of Gaza terrorist using child to move weapons
The Israeli military has released footage it says shows a Gaza militant using a child to transport weapons. The video, published by the IDF, is being circulated as evidence of armed groups using minors in combat operations, a claim that fuels the ongoing debate over the conduct of the war and the protection of children in Gaza.
- 42Venezuela frees dozens of prisoners after Trump meets interim leader▼Venezuela releases dozens of prisoners following meeting between Trump and interim leader
Venezuelan authorities have released dozens of prisoners, days after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Venezuela's interim leader. The releases follow a period of heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas, including US pressure over detentions of political prisoners and foreign nationals. News outlets in the region and beyond are covering the move as a possible sign of easing relations between the two governments.
- 43Nepal floods reignite calls for climate justice▼Nepal flood disaster puts climate justice under spotlight
Devastating floods in Nepal have killed dozens and displaced thousands, drawing renewed attention to the country's vulnerability to extreme weather. Commentators argue that nations like Nepal, which contribute little to global emissions, bear disproportionate losses, strengthening demands that wealthy polluting countries provide greater climate finance and compensation.
- 44IDF says Gaza militant used child to move weapons▼Terrorist used child to transfer weapons into civilian home in Gaza, IDF footage reveals
The Israeli military has released footage it says shows a terrorist in Gaza using a child to transfer weapons into a civilian home. The claim highlights how militants allegedly exploit children and civilian structures during the conflict. The footage has drawn attention as the war in Gaza continues, with the IDF using such material to support its public case against Hamas and armed groups operating among civilians.
- 45EU unlocks humanitarian aid for Africa and crisis-hit regions▼EU unlocks humanitarian aid for Africa and other crisis-hit regions
The European Union has released humanitarian aid funding for Africa and other regions facing crises. The move will channel emergency assistance to populations affected by conflict, displacement and humanitarian emergencies. The announcement is being carried by international outlets including Al Jazeera and Yahoo News, highlighting the EU's role as one of the world's largest humanitarian donors amid growing global needs.
- 46Iran-linked accounts posed as Israelis to sway election▼Iran-linked social media accounts posing as Israelis to target election, investigation reveals
An investigation by The Jerusalem Post has found that social media accounts linked to Iran have been posing as Israelis in an effort to influence an election. The accounts reportedly adopted fake Israeli identities to spread content aimed at shaping voter opinion. The report highlights ongoing concerns about foreign interference in elections through coordinated inauthentic behaviour online.
- 47Palestinians say captor of hostage Noa Argamani killed▼Palestinians: Terrorist who abducted Noa Argamani to Gaza on Oct. 7 eliminated
Palestinian reports say a militant who took Israeli hostage Noa Argamani into Gaza during the October 7 Hamas-led attack has been eliminated. Argamani was abducted from the Nova music festival and became one of the most recognized faces of the hostages before being rescued by Israeli forces in June 2024. The claim of the militant's killing is circulating in Israeli and regional media.
- 48Iran says diplomacy is America's only option as Drumcree march proceeds▼World in Brief: Iran says diplomacy is America’s only option; Orange Order to march in Drumcree
Iranian officials have declared that diplomacy is the only path available to the United States amid ongoing tensions, while in Northern Ireland the Orange Order is set to march again at Drumcree, a site long associated with controversy. Both stories are being followed in international news briefs, touching on nuclear-era standoffs and sectarian tensions in Portadown.
- 49Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi says Iranians are paying the price for war▼Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi tells AP Iranians are paying the price for war
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi told the Associated Press that ordinary Iranians are paying the price for the war, speaking from Iran amid ongoing regional conflict. Her comments draw attention to the civilian cost of the fighting and the situation of dissidents under the Iranian government, resonating widely as the war's impact on Iran's population continues to unfold.
- 50Report: Netanyahu ordered Gaza de-escalation 10 days before October 7▼10 days before Oct. 7, PM ordered Israel ‘act to contain, minimize the escalation’ in Gaza — report
According to a new report, ten days before Hamas's October 7 attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered Israeli officials to act to contain and minimize escalation in Gaza. The disclosure is fueling debate over whether Israeli leadership underestimated threats from Gaza in the lead-up to the assault, and is intensifying scrutiny of the government's handling of intelligence warnings and security policy before the deadliest attack in Israel's history.