Gaza ceasefire 'exists in name only' as NGOs cite continued killings and aid restrictions
More than 100 humanitarian, human rights and civil society organisations have said the ceasefire in Gaza is functioning only on paper, accusing Israeli forces of continuing to kill and injure Palestinians and of restricting aid, equipment and rebuilding materials. In a joint statement released on Friday, the groups said families across the enclave are still unable to recover nearly a year after the truce was announced with United States backing. The statement adds to growing criticism that the agreement has not delivered meaningful relief on the ground.The organisations named in the statement include Amnesty International, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Save... [Continue Reading]
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Ukraine says Operation Vivaldi has disrupted Russian Donbas encirclement plan
Ukraine's counter-offensive around Lyman has disrupted what an assessment by the Institute for the Study of War described as Russia's plan to encircle the remaining Ukrainian-controlled territory in Donetsk. The operation, known as Operation Vivaldi, targeted the northern arm of a pincer movement that was meant to link advances from Lyman in the north and Dobropillia in the south-west. According to the assessment, the collapse of that northern thrust has forced Russian units onto the defensive and preserved Ukrainian supply routes in the area.The report said Ukrainian forces advanced along the Ridkodub-Nove-Novomykhailivka line in the north and the Yarova-Drobysheve-Stavky line... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Global tensions flare from Gaza to Hormuz as markets turn mixed
The biggest escalation came in the Middle East, where Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it set an oil tanker ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz and warned of wider attacks on vessels it considers hostile, raising fresh fears over shipping through the waterway. 🔗 Saudi Arabia also reopened Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport after a Houthi attack killed three people and injured several others, underlining the spread of regional violence. 🔗In Gaza, a senior United Nations official said life remains “absolutely horrendous” a year after the ceasefire, with the humanitarian crisis still severe. 🔗 Separately, Vladimir Putin said Russia would do... [Continue Reading]
Ethiopia and Eritrea accuse each other of launching war as border tensions deepen
Ethiopia and Eritrea have accused each other of launching a war as tensions between the two neighbours escalate into a direct interstate confrontation. Ethiopia told the United Nations Security Council that Eritrean forces carried out an "all-out invasion" of northern Ethiopia, while Eritrea said it is facing a "war of aggression" from its neighbour. The exchange comes just days after the two countries cut diplomatic ties.In a letter shared with news agencies, Ethiopia's foreign minister, Gedion Timothewos, said Eritrean troops had advanced up to 60 kilometres into northern Tigray and demanded their withdrawal. Eritrea's information minister, Yemane Gebremeskel, rejected the... [Continue Reading]
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Trump attacks Nobel Committee, defends Abraham Accords and Gaza, while signaling pressure on Iran
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "RT @SchoenlawToday the Nobel Committee shamed itself beyond repair and demeaned the once great Nobel Peace Prize by giving it to the UN's Navi Pillay. Pillay is an unabashed hater of America and Israel. In her position she celebrated terrorists and rewarded Hamas. She conducted a phony "investigation" claiming to find that Israel committed genocide and urging prosecution. She has no credibility in any normal sphere and has never done a thing to foster peace. But what could be expected from a committee that previously gave... [Continue Reading]
Saudi Arabia reopens Riyadh airport after Houthi attack kills three
Saudi Arabia has reopened Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport after a Houthi attack that killed three people and injured several others, according to the country's civil aviation authority. The authority said the strike hit airport facilities and a Saudia aircraft, causing material damage and temporary disruption before operations returned to normal. Saudia later said one of its pilots, Captain Hamoud Ali Alkalthami, was killed in the incident.The General Authority of Civil Aviation said the attack took place on Thursday and that injuries ranged from minor to severe. It said air traffic at the airport has now resumed, while the national... [Continue Reading]
Putin offers help to end Iran-US war as Pezeshkian says talks continue in Turkmenistan
Vladimir Putin has said Russia will do "everything in our power" to help end the war between Iran and the United States, during a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Avazeh on Turkmenistan's Caspian coast. The comments came as the two leaders met on Thursday, adding a new diplomatic layer to an already active effort to halt the conflict. Putin praised what he described as Tehran's genuine efforts to resolve the war, while positioning Moscow as willing to assist.Pezeshkian said Iran and the United States had exchanged proposals aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.... [Continue Reading]
EU summit in Brussels to focus on energy prices, competitiveness, migration and enlargement
The European Council will meet in Brussels on October 15, 16, 2026, under President AntĂłnio Costa. In a letter to member states, Costa said the summit will be held against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical uncertainty and will place strong emphasis on the economy, competitiveness and affordability. Costa said leaders need to give the Commission guidance on targeted and temporary measures to reduce the impact of high energy prices on citizens and businesses. He said the EU must continue pursuing its strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while addressing short-term pressure on households and companies. He also said the... [Continue Reading]
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Breakfast News Recap: Ethiopian forces enter Mekelle as global tensions, protests and court rulings mount
Ethiopian federal forces have entered Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, after nearly two weeks of intense fighting, marking a major escalation in the conflict as the advance widens. đź”—In the Middle East and wider security picture, Syria has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the sinking of the Togolese flagged cargo ship Alfa Watan in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, while Russia and China blocked a broader UN sanctions push on Sudan even as the Security Council extended the Darfur arms embargo for two months. đź”— đź”—Russia and Ukraine remain at the centre of several separate developments, with Ukrainian... [Continue Reading]
Brazil Supreme Court issues arrest warrant for Eduardo Bolsonaro weeks before runoff
A Brazilian Supreme Court justice has issued an arrest warrant for Eduardo Bolsonaro, intensifying an already polarised election campaign weeks before the country's runoff vote. The warrant was issued by Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Thursday, according to the supplied report, and is linked to proceedings involving the Bolsonaro family. The move comes as the contest between incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro approaches its final stage.The report says Eduardo Bolsonaro was convicted in June on charges of lobbying the United States to interfere in the trial of his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro. It also says... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine team to hold peace talks with Trump envoys in Florida for a second day
Ukrainian negotiators are due to continue talks with US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in Florida on the second day of a two-day meeting focused on new ideas for ending Russia's war in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the Ukrainian team would meet the American negotiators in the United States, and that the discussions were expected to last two days. He also said he was counting on a European team to join the negotiating group.Zelensky said senior Ukrainian officials including his chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov, Rustem Umerov, Sergiy Kyslytsya and David Arakhamia would take part. A US source... [Continue Reading]
OpenAI shuts down Russian and Iranian ChatGPT influence operations
OpenAI says it has shut down two influence operations linked to Russia and Iran that used ChatGPT to create fake journalist personas and support a false-front think tank promoting anti-Ukraine messaging. The company said the activity was designed to look like legitimate media and policy work while covertly pushing geopolitical narratives. It said the operations relied on AI-generated content and social media activity to widen their reach.According to OpenAI, the Iranian operation used seven profiles posing as Western journalists, including from the United States, to place long-form articles in media outlets around the world. The company said it identified almost... [Continue Reading]
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EU prolongs sanctions over Russia's destabilising hybrid activities until October 2027
The Council decided to prolong individual restrictive measures against those responsible for Russia's destabilising actions abroad by one year, extending them until 9 October 2027. The move was taken in light of Russia's continued and intensified hybrid activities, including Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference against the EU, its member states and partners. The sanctions regime currently applies to 80 individuals and 20 entities. Those listed are subject to an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds, financial assets or economic resources available to them. Natural persons also face a travel ban preventing entry to, or... [Continue Reading]
Israel opens first national pavilion at Morocco defence show in Marrakesh
Israel has opened its first national pavilion at the Marrakesh Air Show in Morocco, marking its first official participation in a defence exhibition in the country. The event is taking place at the Marrakech Royal Moroccan Air Force Base and runs from October 7 to October 10. According to Israel's defence ministry, eight Israeli defence companies are exhibiting at the show.The ministry said the participation is the first of its kind in Morocco since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020. It said the companies are presenting what it described as advanced, combat-proven technologies. Among those taking part are... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Middle East tensions flare as Ukraine, Europe and markets react
Iran widened pressure on shipping by striking two commercial tankers outside the Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours, while a separate tanker was hit by multiple projectiles off the north coast of Qatar, deepening fears over Gulf trade routes. đź”— đź”—Those attacks fed a broader surge in Middle East risk, with oil and stocks swinging on renewed fears of supply disruption, and the G7 agreeing to release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel from emergency stockpiles over four months to cushion shortages. đź”— đź”—In Yemen and Saudi Arabia, the conflict escalated further as Riyadh said Houthi attacks on two... [Continue Reading]
President Trump warns Iranian vessels against approaching U.S. blockade
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran. I want to make it clear to everybody that, while Iran is in very bad condition, both Economically and Militarily, and while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, with Oil flowing in Record Numbers of Barrels through the Hormuz Strait (22 Million Barrels, last night alone, with not one barrel coming from, or going to, Iran!), we will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections to be... [Continue Reading]
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Questions over Trump operatives advising Dodik ahead of Bosnia election
Questions have emerged in Bosnia and Herzegovina after a report said two political operatives linked to US President Donald Trump advised Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik ahead of the country's parliamentary election on Sunday. The report said James Blair and Chris LaCivita visited Dodik and were paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for their work. The disclosure has drawn criticism within the Republican Party and renewed attention on Dodik's political and legal position.According to the report, Blair and LaCivita were involved in advising Dodik during the run-up to the vote. Blair currently runs Trump's main fundraising organisation, while LaCivita is... [Continue Reading]
G7 to release 100 million barrels of emergency oil and diesel stocks amid shortage
The Group of Seven has agreed to release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel from emergency stockpiles over four months in response to tightening fuel supply. The move is aimed at easing diesel shortages that are pushing up transport costs and putting pressure on household budgets. Diesel is used widely in freight, farming and other parts of the economy, so shortages can quickly spread beyond fuel markets.The confirmed release was reported on 8 October 2026 and is intended to help stabilise supply as market conditions worsen. The amount involved is equivalent to about one day of global oil demand,... [Continue Reading]
Strait of Hormuz shipping slows as tanker bonuses surge amid Iran war
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to its lowest level since July, according to shipping data cited in the supplied material, even as some tanker captains are being offered unusually large bonuses to take the route. The development points to a widening gap between the strategic importance of the waterway and the willingness of crews to transit it under current conditions. It also suggests that the maritime disruption around the Gulf is now affecting both traffic patterns and labour costs.The supplied material says some captains are earning base salaries of as much as $100,000, plus a $50,000 bonus... [Continue Reading]
Abu Dhabi hosts SMIIC Metrology Council meeting on measurement cooperation
The Emirates Metrology Institute (EMI), part of the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC), hosted the 18th meeting of the Metrology Council of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) in Abu Dhabi on 5 and 6 October 2026. Delegations from Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries represented on the council attended the meeting, along with metrology experts and specialists. The session was chaired by Engineer Saeed Al Muhairi, Chairman of the SMIIC Metrology Council and Executive Director of EMI. Representatives of the Gulf Association for Metrology (GULFMET), the Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS) and the SMIIC General... [Continue Reading]
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Breakfast News Recap: Middle East tensions flare as Israel marks 7 October anniversary and oil jumps
Oil prices and global stocks swung as traders reacted to renewed fears of disruption to Middle East supply routes, with crude rising on reports that Iran appeared to be preparing a response and investors watching the risk to shipping and energy flows. 🔗Security concerns widened after UKMTO said a tanker sailing off the north coast of Qatar was struck by multiple projectiles, adding to worries over maritime traffic in the Gulf. 🔗In the region’s wider conflict, Saudi Arabia said Houthi attacks on two airports killed three civilians, including three foreign nationals, and injured 36 people over two days, while Yemeni... [Continue Reading]
UK military spending should shift toward domestic defence, thinktank says
A new report has warned that the United Kingdom's armed forces are too heavily oriented toward overseas commitments and should place far greater emphasis on domestic defence. The analysis, published on 8 October, says the country's military is the most overseas-focused among European nations and argues that the government's planned rise in defence spending could deepen existing inefficiencies unless priorities change. It says the current approach reflects an outdated foreign policy centred on missions abroad.The report was produced by researchers at the Transition Security Project, which says almost a quarter of the defence budget was spent on commitments across five... [Continue Reading]
Indonesia wildfire haze lawsuit targets government over annual fires
Indigenous and civil society groups in Indonesian Borneo have filed a class action lawsuit accusing the government of gross negligence over wildfires that have spread toxic haze across parts of Southeast Asia. The case was heard in Pontianak, the provincial capital of West Kalimantan, where judges adjourned the opening session until 21 October after none of the named defendants attended. The lawsuit names President Prabowo Subianto and the governor of West Kalimantan among 10 defendants.The plaintiffs are seeking comprehensive recovery and rehabilitation measures, including coverage of residents' healthcare costs. Their lawyer, Glorio Sanen, said the case was intended as a... [Continue Reading]
EU-China trade talks in Beijing widen to deficit and rare earths
European Union trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic has arrived in Beijing for two days of talks with Chinese officials that now centre on the bloc's trade deficit and restrictions on rare earth exports. The meetings are taking place on Thursday and Friday, with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao expected to be among the main counterparts. The discussions come after months of contact between the two sides and at a time of rising pressure inside the EU for a tougher trade stance.The talks are focused on the EU's trade deficit with China, which the source material says exceeds €1 billion a day,... [Continue Reading]
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UNIFIL says small arms fire hit border post near Kfar Shouba
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon says one of its positions near Kfar Shouba was hit by several rounds of small arms fire on Wednesday morning. The incident took place along the Blue Line, the UN-drawn border between Lebanon and Israel, and no casualties were reported. UNIFIL said it is investigating what happened.In a statement, the peacekeeping mission said the fire targeted a UNIFIL position and described the attack as deliberate. It said such incidents put peacekeepers at risk, but did not identify who was responsible. The force has not said whether the shots came from the Lebanese side,... [Continue Reading]
Thousands protest Flavio Bolsonaro in Rio as Brazil heads to runoff
Thousands of people marched in downtown Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday to protest against Senator Flavio Bolsonaro ahead of Brazil's October 25 presidential runoff. The demonstration was led by students and drew supporters of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who are trying to stop what they see as a possible return of the far right to power. The rally took place as the campaign for the second round gathered pace after Bolsonaro finished first in the opening vote.The supplied material says Bolsonaro won about 47% of valid votes in the first round, compared with Lula's 45%, after nearly 99%... [Continue Reading]
Israel marks Oct. 7 anniversary amid renewed strikes on Gaza
Israel marked the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Wednesday with memorial events at sites linked to the assault, while new strikes were reported in Gaza during the commemorations. Families gathered at the Nova music festival site and at Kfar Aza kibbutz, both places associated with the 2023 killings. The anniversary unfolded as political debate intensified ahead of elections, keeping the attack at the centre of public life.At the Nova site, relatives bowed their heads in silence at the time the attack began, 6:29 a.m. local time, while one mourner played techno music in tribute to those... [Continue Reading]
Trump marks October 7 anniversary, reaffirms hard line on Hamas and hostage returns
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "Three years ago today, on October 7th, the World witnessed one of the darkest and most evil days in the history of Israel. Innocent men, women, and children were murdered, kidnapped, and subjected to unimaginable horrors at the hands of Hamas TERRORISTS. Today, we remember every innocent life taken, honor the survivors and their families, and remember the hostages who endured the unthinkable. I fought relentlessly to bring the hostages home, and reunite them with their loved ones, and I did, both the living and the... [Continue Reading]
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Israel marks third anniversary of 7 October attack with memorial events and protests
Israel has marked the third anniversary of the Hamas-led 7 October attack with memorial events across the country, as families gathered to honour the dead and protesters renewed calls for an independent inquiry into security failures. The commemorations came on Wednesday at sites linked to the assault, including the Nova music festival memorial near Kibbutz Re'im and Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv. The day was described by relatives and survivors as one of remembrance, grief and continuing political tension.At the Nova memorial, bereaved families and survivors gathered to remember the 378 people killed at the festival and the 44 taken... [Continue Reading]
Ultra-Orthodox rabbi's anti-Zionist remarks reignite Israel election row over conscription
A senior ultra-Orthodox rabbi's anti-Zionist remarks have returned to the centre of Israel's election campaign, intensifying debate over military service exemptions and the role of ultra-Orthodox parties in politics. The comments by Rabbi Dov Lando, the 96-year-old spiritual leader of Degel HaTorah, were broadcast in footage shown on Monday and have triggered a fresh political storm three weeks before the October 27 parliamentary election. They were made during a closed meeting at his home in Bnei Brak, a city closely associated with Israel's ultra-Orthodox community.In the footage, Lando said Jews may have been better off without a state and argued... [Continue Reading]
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Day News Recap: Ukraine toll rises as Middle East tensions, Iran pressure and global probes widen
Ukraine said at least 20 people were killed in overnight Russian strikes that spread across central and eastern parts of the country, with rescue work continuing after the attacks. đź”—In the Middle East, Yemen's conflict escalated again as Houthi missiles and drones targeted Aden International Airport, forcing a passenger flight diversion, while Saudi forces said they intercepted a missile near Riyadh and no casualties were reported. đź”— đź”— đź”—Yemen's internationally recognised government also said it had launched Operation Dawn of Yemen and pushed a renewed offensive on the Red Sea coast, including moves near Bab al Mandeb and an assault... [Continue Reading]
Kosovo elects Justina Shiroka Pula president amid protests and political crisis
Kosovo's parliament has elected Justina Shiroka Pula as president, easing a political crisis that had been building around protests and a looming constitutional deadline. Lawmakers chose her in the first minutes of Wednesday, after ruling and opposition parties reached a compromise on her candidacy. The vote came as demonstrations continued over convictions of former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders and concerns grew that failure to elect a president could trigger early parliamentary elections.Pula secured 81 votes, one more than the two-thirds threshold of 80 required for election. The agreement that made the vote possible involved the Vetevendosje Movement and the Democratic... [Continue Reading]
Man jailed for 20 years over planned terrorist attack at Israeli Embassy
A man has been jailed for 20 years after being found guilty of preparation of terrorist acts linked to a planned attack at the Embassy of Israel. He was sentenced at the Old Bailey on 5 October 2026. The court found him guilty under section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. The source identifies the offence as preparation of terrorist acts, but provides no additional information on the intended method, target specifics, or whether any attack was carried out. The report only confirms that the embassy was the focus of the planned attack and that the sentence has now been... [Continue Reading]
Noontime News Recap: Russia intensifies Ukraine strikes as Middle East tensions and anniversary events dominate
Russia launched one of its heaviest overnight assaults of the war on Ukraine, killing at least 11 people and hitting multiple cities, including energy infrastructure, in what President Volodymyr Zelensky said was among the most severe attacks so far. đź”—A separate report said the barrage involved missiles and drones across the country, again striking power sites and other targets, underlining the pressure on Ukraine's energy system as winter approaches. đź”—In Brussels, the European Commission disbursed EUR 1.24 billion to Ukraine under the defence component of its wider support package, adding fresh financial backing as Kyiv faces renewed battlefield and infrastructure... [Continue Reading]
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Russia marks 20 years since Anna Politkovskaya's killing amid renewed press freedom concerns
Russia is marking 20 years since the killing of journalist Anna Politkovskaya, whose reporting on Chechnya and Vladimir Putin's rise made her one of the country's best-known investigative reporters. She was shot dead in the lift of her Moscow apartment block on 7 October 2006, and the anniversary has renewed attention on the state of press freedom in Russia. Her former editor says her work anticipated the direction the country would take under Putin.Sergei Sokolov, who edited Politkovskaya at Novaya Gazeta, said she had "predicted" Russia's trajectory in books published before her death. He said that at the time many... [Continue Reading]
Israel marks 7 October anniversary with nationwide moment of silence
Israelis observed a nationwide moment of silence on Wednesday to mark three years since the Hamas-led attack of 7 October 2023. Families gathered at the Nova music festival site, road junctions and bomb shelters in southern Israel to remember those killed in the assault. The commemorations came as the country entered a new phase of mourning, with all hostages who survived now back home.The attack, which a UN inquiry confirmed killed 1,200 people and saw 252 taken hostage, remains the deadliest in Israel's history. Among those marking the day was Elkana Bohbot, 37, who was abducted from the Nova festival... [Continue Reading]
Meloni marks anniversary of 7 October Hamas attacks
President Giorgia Meloni issued a statement on the anniversary of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks, saying the assaults massacred men, women and children, targeted young people gathered to listen to music, and dragged innocent people into captivity. She said the victims and their loved ones, along with people who endured the horror of being held hostage, and the Israeli people, are being remembered again today. Meloni said the time that has passed does not diminish the gravity of the crimes and said no cause can justify the deliberate massacre of innocent people. She said remembering the attacks also means... [Continue Reading]
Houthis target Aden airport with missiles, no casualties reported
Two missiles launched by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis targeted Aden International Airport early Wednesday, according to the supplied report. No casualties were reported after the attack. The strike was described as part of the wider regional tensions unfolding on the same day.The incident was reported in the early hours of Wednesday, 7 October 2026, in Yemen's southern port city of Aden. The airport was the stated target, and the report said the missiles were launched by the Houthis. No further damage assessment was included in the supplied material, and there was no immediate indication of disruption to airport operations.The attack matters... [Continue Reading]
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Palestinian reporters' work under fire as Gaza toll on journalists reaches about 250
Palestinian journalists have been at the centre of renewed scrutiny over the conduct of reporting during Israel's war on Gaza, after a new analysis said about 250 journalists have been killed since the conflict began on 7 October 2023. The material describes the killings as part of a wider pattern of pressure on reporters in Gaza and elsewhere, and says the scale of the deaths has changed how journalism is being discussed in the conflict. It also argues that Palestinian reporters have continued working despite severe personal risk and repeated losses among their profession.The supporting material cites the Committee to... [Continue Reading]
South Korea weighs steps after DMZ mine blast blamed on North Korea
South Korea is considering measures to press North Korea for an apology after a landmine blast in the Demilitarized Zone wounded three soldiers, according to the Defence Ministry. The incident took place in the heavily fortified border area that divides the Korean Peninsula, and a joint South Korean-United Nations investigation has now blamed North Korean forces for planting the mines. Seoul has also urged Pyongyang to remove any other mines it says may remain near the military demarcation line.A Defence Ministry spokeswoman said on Tuesday that officials were not ruling out any options and had not yet decided what additional... [Continue Reading]
Police clash with Kosovo protesters over bid to curb Hague war crimes court as unrest continues in Pristina
Police in Kosovo used tear gas and water cannon as protesters clashed with officers outside parliament in Pristina on Monday, after lawmakers advanced amendments aimed at limiting the powers of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. The unrest also spread around government buildings, where demonstrators blocked exits in an effort to stop lawmakers from leaving. Fires were reported in the streets, and several people were detained during the confrontation.The latest violence followed parliament's first reading of the proposed changes, which still require a second reading and final approval. According to the supporting report, the amendments would cap prison sentences at 15 years,... [Continue Reading]
Israel puts Gaza forces on high alert ahead of October 7 anniversary
Israel's defence minister has put the military on high alert ahead of the third anniversary of Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, citing intelligence that the group may try to carry out attacks against Israeli forces in Gaza. The warning was issued as Israel marked the anniversary and as tensions remained high in the enclave. The minister said any harm to Israeli troops would bring a heavy response.According to the defence ministry statement, the alert was ordered because of intelligence about Hamas's intentions to attempt attacks and other operations against Israeli forces in Gaza on the anniversary date. The statement said... [Continue Reading]
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Israeli ambassador in Australia calls for reset in ties on October 7 anniversary eve
Israel's ambassador to Australia has said the third anniversary of the October 7 attack is an opportunity to restore what he called the countries' traditional friendship. Hillel Newman said he hoped for a "reset" in relations, while acknowledging that ties between the two governments have become strained since 2023. His comments came ahead of commemorations on Wednesday marking the anniversary of Hamas's attack.Newman said he had come with "a lot of goodwill" and wanted to make a positive change in the relationship. He said both sides should be able to disagree without allowing those differences to dominate the wider bilateral... [Continue Reading]
Gaza mother recounts loss after being widowed twice during war
A young mother from Gaza City has described losing two husbands and two children during the war in Gaza, in a personal account that reflects the wider human toll of the conflict. Nisreen Touman said she has spent the past three years going to bed in tears as she remembers what she lost after the war began in October 2023. By the time she was 34, she said, she had been widowed twice.Touman said her first husband and their two children were killed in June 2024, and that she remarried eight months later before losing her second husband in July... [Continue Reading]
Israeli forces kill one and injure several in occupied West Bank incidents
Israeli forces killed one Palestinian and injured several others in separate incidents across the occupied West Bank on Monday, according to the supplied report. The violence included a shooting near Bani Naim, east of Hebron, as well as clashes and settler attacks in areas near Ramallah and Jenin. Palestinian officials identified the man killed as 38-year-old Hossam Alaa al-Din Abdul Jabbar Walad Ali.According to the report, troops opened fire on a vehicle carrying three Palestinians near Bani Naim after the Israeli military said the car had rammed one of its vehicles. Palestinian officials said two other people in the vehicle... [Continue Reading]
Seven TV shows to watch in October as new streaming releases arrive
A new round of television releases is arriving in October, with several streaming series and dramas being highlighted as notable viewing options for the month. The line-up includes a psychological period drama, a comedy with a Halloween twist, a new take on a classic adventure story and a divorce drama centred on a bitter financial split. The releases are being promoted as part of the wider autumn viewing season, when broadcasters and streaming services typically compete for attention with fresh scripted content.Among the most closely watched titles is a new Netflix adaptation of the 1952 novel East of Eden, led... [Continue Reading]
Australian leaders condemn planned pro-Palestinian vigils as Jewish communities mark 7 October anniversary
Jewish communities across Australia are holding commemorations for the third anniversary of the 7 October attacks, while state Labor governments have condemned planned pro-Palestinian vigils on the same day. The events come amid heightened sensitivity over safety, with community groups keeping some ceremony locations private. Organisers say the commemorations are taking place in capital cities and are intended to mark the anniversary of the attacks that triggered the wider Israel-Gaza war.According to the supplied material, the 2023 attack killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw 251 others taken hostage. The same source says the subsequent war has left 74,000... [Continue Reading]
Iran oil transit speculation grows as exports through Hormuz stay elevated
A new report has added to speculation over how oil continues to move through the Strait of Hormuz despite persistent security risks. Provisional data from maritime tracking firm Kpler suggests crude exports from the wider Middle East exceeded pre-war levels on four days in the final week of September, reaching between 19.5 million and 22.5 million barrels per day. The figures come as analysts continue to weigh whether the flow of tankers is being sustained by military escort, ship-to-ship transfers, or some form of payment to secure passage.The latest discussion was prompted by comments from Michelle Brohard, Kpler's head of... [Continue Reading]
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US Marine arrest in Okinawa killing sparks protests as Japan presses Washington
Protests have continued in Okinawa and Tokyo after the arrest of a 20-year-old US Marine in connection with the killing of a 39-year-old woman in Naha. Japanese police said the suspect was sent to prosecutors on Monday after being arrested on Sunday, and he has denied the charge. The case has intensified public anger in Japan and renewed scrutiny of the conduct of US military personnel stationed in the country.Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told lawmakers that the killing was a "heinous crime" and urged the United States to "thoroughly enforce discipline" among its forces. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said... [Continue Reading]
Former EU leaders urge sanctions over Israel's E1 settlement project
More than 500 former European Union prime ministers, diplomats and senior officials have called for sanctions on those involved in a new Israeli settlement construction project in the West Bank. In a statement published on Monday, they said the E1 project would cut the West Bank in two and make a two-state solution impossible. The appeal adds fresh pressure on the bloc as debate continues over how to respond to Israeli settlement expansion.The statement says Israel is expected to award contracts shortly for the first tranche of the E1 project. It singles out Germany and Italy as member states that... [Continue Reading]
Trump creates new AI oversight task force to coordinate federal policy
US President Donald Trump has announced a new federal task force focused on artificial intelligence, saying it will be called the Super Intelligence Force. The group is intended to coordinate the government's engagement with the public and with industry as the administration seeks to keep the United States at the forefront of AI development. Trump said the task force will report directly to him and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.The task force will be led by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, according to Trump's post. He also named Federal Trade Commission Chair Andrew Ferguson, Undersecretary of Defense... [Continue Reading]
Brazil election heads to runoff after Bolsonaro outperforms Lula in first round
Brazil's presidential election has moved to a runoff after Senator Flavio Bolsonaro finished ahead of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the first round. The result, announced after voting on Sunday, defied opinion polls that had put Lula in front and sets up a second-round contest in three weeks. Bolsonaro won about 47% of the vote, compared with 45% for Lula, according to the figures in the supplied reports.The outcome also brought gains for the right in parliament, adding to the setback for Lula's camp. Lula, who is seeking a fourth term at almost 81, described the race as... [Continue Reading]
Ireland and Israel draw 1-1 amid political tension and spitting allegation
Ireland and Israel drew 1-1 in their second UEFA Nations League meeting on Sunday, ending a fortnight in which the football was overshadowed by political tension. The match was played behind closed doors in Serbia after pressure on the fixtures had grown in the days before kickoff. Tempers also flared on the pitch, with an allegation emerging that an Israeli player spat at an Irish coach after the interval.Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said he was aware of the allegation but declined to go into detail after the match. He said the matter would be examined by a disciplinary committee, adding... [Continue Reading]
Pakistan PTI launches mass rally toward Islamabad after talks fail
Supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan have begun a protest march from northwest Pakistan toward Islamabad after talks with the government failed. The rally was launched on Sunday and is being organised by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. More than 5,000 people were reported to have joined the march as it set off from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.The march had originally been planned for September 27 but was postponed until October 4 to allow negotiations between the government and PTI leadership. According to the supplied report, two rounds of talks over the weekend did not break the deadlock. Interior Minister... [Continue Reading]
Israel election debate turns to Netanyahu's alleged warning before October 7 attacks
Israel is heading into parliamentary elections with renewed attention on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conduct before the October 7 attacks. Media reports that he was warned by the United Arab Emirates before the assault have pushed the question of whether he knew into the centre of the campaign. The issue has become a major political fault line as the country prepares to mark three years since the attacks.The article says the debate is being driven by accusations over Netanyahu's alleged responsibility, rather than by a broader national reckoning. It argues that the election campaign is allowing him to be blamed... [Continue Reading]
Dodik calls Bosnia and Herzegovina 'dead' at final rally before election
Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik has described Bosnia and Herzegovina as "dead" and "an impossible country" at the final rally of his alliance before the country's October 4 election. He made the remarks in Banja Luka on Friday while speaking to supporters of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats, or SNSD. The comments came as voters prepared to choose the three members of the state presidency, national parliament representatives and leaders in the country's two entities.Dodik said Bosnia and Herzegovina was "nothing more than an empty shell" for those trying to keep it alive. He is the former president of... [Continue Reading]
Brazil votes in deeply polarised election as Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro face tight race
Polls have opened in Brazil's presidential election, with voters choosing between left-wing incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro. The vote is taking place across a country with about 160 million registered voters, and it will also decide lawmakers, governors and senators. If no candidate wins more than 50% of valid votes, the top two contenders will go to a runoff on 25 October.The contest is being fought as a close race, with opinion polls showing Lula holding only a narrow lead that could tighten further in a second round. Lula, of the Workers' Party, is... [Continue Reading]
Russia Faces Large Bill to Dismantle Ageing Nuclear Reactors
Russia is facing a substantial future bill to dismantle ageing nuclear reactors, according to a commentary published on 4 October. The piece says some reactors in the country are already more than 50 years old, raising questions about how decommissioning will be funded and managed. It also notes that Moscow continues to expand its nuclear industry abroad at the same time.The article says Rosenergoatom plans to decommission 35 reactors. It adds that the company's own estimates point to a funding shortfall of about 18.7 billion euros, against a total estimated decommissioning cost of roughly 21 billion euros. The commentary argues... [Continue Reading]
Gaza City strike kills Christian mother and daughter as church leaders mourn
A strike in Gaza City has killed two Christian women, Maysa Abu Daoud and her daughter Mary al-Najjar, in the Remal neighbourhood, according to the supplied report. The attack hit the ground floor of a building and left five Palestinians dead in total. Their funeral was held at Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza City's Old City.The Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, said he was deeply sorrowed by the killing and extended condolences to the women's family and to Gaza's Christian community. Palestine's Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs said the two women had devoted time to helping parishioners... [Continue Reading]
Vucic launches campaign for prime minister ahead of Serbia's October 25 snap election
Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has launched a campaign to become prime minister ahead of Serbia's snap parliamentary election on October 25. Thousands of supporters gathered at Belgrade Arena on Saturday for a rally that marked the start of his push to extend his influence after stepping down as president on September 27. The event took place in the capital and was presented by Vucic as the opening of a campaign for what he described as a comprehensive victory.Supporters filled the largest indoor arena in Belgrade, while dozens of buses from across Serbia brought people into the city for the... [Continue Reading]
Israeli election dispute deepens after Arab leader withdraws under disqualification threat
A dispute over Israel's upcoming October 27 election has intensified after Sami Abu Shehadeh, the leader of the Balad party, withdrew his candidacy following a warning from the Supreme Court that he could be disqualified. The case has drawn renewed attention to the treatment of Palestinian citizens of Israel in the electoral system. It has also prompted accusations that far-right candidates accused of incitement have been allowed to remain on the ballot while Arab politicians face removal attempts.According to the supporting material, Israel's central elections committee barred Abu Shehadeh from running over comments he made about the war in Gaza.... [Continue Reading]
Israeli settlers attack olive pickers and journalists in the occupied West Bank
Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian olive harvesters and journalists in several locations across the occupied West Bank on Saturday, according to the supplied report. The incidents were reported in Beita, Osarin, Abu Dis and Awarta, with violence also described in the Jabal Qamass area south of Nablus. The attacks took place during the olive harvest, a period that often brings farmers into direct contact with settlers and soldiers in contested rural areas.The report says about 50 masked settlers approached olive pickers in one area, throwing stones and attacking a house before soldiers arrived. It also says Israeli forces detained and assaulted... [Continue Reading]
Two Iranian men remanded over alleged Manchester Jewish-site bomb plot
Two Iranian men have been remanded into custody after appearing in Westminster Magistrates' Court over an alleged plot to target Jewish sites in Manchester. Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, are accused of engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts. Prosecutors said the alleged targets were Manchester Jewish Museum and Heaton Park Synagogue, and that the men were observed carrying out hostile reconnaissance.The court heard that the pair were arrested on 20 September, ahead of Yom Kippur, and that they are accused of planning to use a homemade explosive device. Prosecutor Mark Luckett said... [Continue Reading]
China opens anti-dumping probe into EU chemical imports ahead of Beijing trade talks
China has opened an anti-dumping investigation into p-nitrotoluene imported from the European Union, moving on a trade complaint just days before senior EU and Chinese officials are due to meet in Beijing. The commerce ministry said on Saturday that it would examine whether the chemical was being sold at unfairly low prices in the Chinese market. The probe adds fresh pressure to already strained trade ties between the two sides.According to the ministry, domestic producers asked for the investigation and said they had suffered damage to production and operations. The chemical is used in the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals and... [Continue Reading]
UK energy suppliers press government over winter bill rises
Energy suppliers in the United Kingdom are pressing the government to act immediately as households face another rise in energy costs this winter. The trade body Energy UK said higher domestic gas prices and forecasts of a sharp increase in January mean delay could deepen the pressure on consumers. The warning comes as millions of households on variable tariffs remain exposed to the regulator's price cap.The latest figures cited by the industry point to a 4% increase in bills at the start of October for households in England, Scotland and Wales on Ofgem's capped tariffs. That rise was described as... [Continue Reading]
US suspends consular services in Brasilia as Brazil election tensions deepen
Washington has suspended consular services in Brasilia over security concerns, adding a diplomatic disruption to Brazil's tightly contested election campaign. Australia also closed its embassy for the same reason, although neither government gave details about the threat. The move comes as the race between President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro remains deadlocked.The timing has drawn attention because the campaign is already under intense scrutiny, with US President Donald Trump said to be watching the contest closely. Lula's Workers' Party said the US decision made no sense and suggested it could be an... [Continue Reading]
UK man charged over alleged terror plot targeting Nigel Farage as Widdecombe murder case continues
British police have charged Joshua Kerry with preparing acts of terrorism, including an alleged plot targeting Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. The 28-year-old is already facing a separate murder charge in connection with the death of former MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.Police said the terrorism charge covers alleged conduct between 31 May 2024 and 8 July 2026. The charge was brought after authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service, and counter-terrorism officers said the investigation has been running for some time. Senior national co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing... [Continue Reading]
Russian Mi-8 shot down by own air defences in Voronezh region, killing three crew
A Russian Mi-8 military helicopter has reportedly been shot down by Russia's own air defences in the Voronezh region, according to the supplied report. The aircraft was said to have been operating in response to incoming Ukrainian drones when it was lost. All three people on board were killed, including the pilot, navigator and gunner.The incident was described as a case of friendly fire and took place on 2 October 2026. The helicopter was identified as a Mi-8, a widely used military aircraft in Russia's fleet. The report said the loss happened while Russian forces were trying to deter the... [Continue Reading]
Fear the Shia, Arm the Sunnis: The Uncomfortable Numbers Behind America’s War Narrative
“When fear is managed carefully enough, a nation can be taught to look away from the blood on the floor and stare instead at the shadow on the wall.” A friend of mine, whose name I will not reveal because he asked me not to, sat across from me over dinner and placed a question on the table that would not leave me alone. He was born into a Muslim Shia background, and for the angle of this article, that detail matters, not because I wish to reduce a man to a sect, but because sect has become one of... [Continue Reading]



