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Israel has formally legalized 19 additional Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move that has drawn swift and vehement condemnation from Palestinian authorities and international observers. The approval was championed by ultranationalist Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
The Palestinian Authority denounced the decision as an act that portends the “destruction of Palestine,” asserting that it unmasks Israel’s true intentions to solidify a system of annexation, apartheid, and full control over Palestinian territories. Concurrently, Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya reiterated the group’s rejection of any international force deployment in Gaza aimed at disarming them.
**Other Geopolitical Developments**
Elsewhere in the region, the Israeli military has claimed to have eliminated Hamas commander Raed Saad in a recent drone strike.
Further afield, UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned an attack on a peace mission, warning that “unjustified attacks can constitute war crimes.” Perpetrators of such acts could face severe penalties, including up to eight years in prison and fines reaching 226,000 pesos (approximately $12,500 USD).
Syria remains a flashpoint, with a previously announced ceasefire agreement by US President Donald Trump failing to hold. US and Syrian forces reportedly came under fire during a patrol in Tadmur, Syria, and President Trump has vowed retaliation for any further attacks on US troops following previous fatalities. In an unexpected development, Thailand declared its refusal to implement a ceasefire with Cambodia just hours after President Trump’s announcement of a new agreement.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that its recent military actions were a response to Ukrainian attacks on civilian targets within Russia.
**Domestic and Social News**
In a significant legislative development, new amendments have been introduced to bolster protections for children and young people against sexual exploitation, abuse, and other related crimes.
Meanwhile, a tragic domestic incident saw a woman attack a man with a sharp weapon during an altercation, leading him to retaliate by strangling her to death. The victim’s grieving family has expressed strong protests, and Hurriyat leader Abdul Hameed Lone vehemently condemned the “brutal murder” of Khalid Butt.
In Canada, a shooting incident involving rival truck groups in Brampton led to the arrest of three Indian-origin truck drivers, while one suspect remains at large.
The UK’s efforts to curb illegal migration via the English Channel appear to have yielded results, with no migrants arriving by sea from France for 28 consecutive days.
A powerful storm, dubbed Byron, has unleashed devastation in Gaza, bringing torrential rains, fierce winds, and the collapse of fragile structures. The storm has claimed the lives of at least 14 Palestinians, including several children.
**Briefs from Around the Globe**
A shooting incident was reported at Bondi Beach, Australia, leaving 12 individuals injured and subsequently hospitalized.
Pakistani political circles saw Rana Sanaullah assert that national affairs were being steered by the directives of Faiz Hameed, General Bajwa, and the founder of PTI. Separately, DIG Zeeshan Raza reported the recovery of a daughter’s body in Kahna and a wife’s body in Sheikhupura, hinting at an ongoing investigation.
In sports, cricketer Babar Azam had a brief stint at the crease, scoring just 2 runs off 5 balls before being caught out. Also, Nida Dar reported the theft of her dog from outside her residence. Wrestling icon John Cena symbolically placed his iconic shoes, armbands, and wristbands in the ring. The PFF (Pakistan Football Federation) highlighted Fatima Sharif Naghabi’s extensive international experience and strong technical acumen.
