The international community is witnessing a surge in tensions as 13 European countries and Japan condemn Israel’s approval of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. The joint statement emphasizes that such unilateral actions not only violate international law but also pose a threat to regional stability. This move comes as Israel continues to defy ceasefire agreements in Gaza and Lebanon, where multiple attacks have resulted in the death of one Palestinian and injuries to 12 others, including children.
In a separate development, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced that Israel has officially recognized Somalia as a sovereign and independent state. This decision was made in the backdrop of escalating regional tensions, particularly with China, which has imposed sanctions on 20 US defense companies and 10 individuals for arms sales to Taiwan.
A devastating explosion at a mosque in the Syrian city of Homs during Friday prayers has claimed the lives of six people and injured over 20 others. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict in the region. In a separate incident, a video of the late muezzin of the Prophet Muhammad’s mosque, Sheikh Faisal Nauman, has gone viral on social media as he lay on his deathbed.
In a significant move, Japan’s cabinet has approved a record defense budget of $58 billion for fiscal year 2026, amidst growing regional tensions with China. The US has also defended its airstrikes in Nigeria, stating that the targets were hit with precision.
A Nigerian court has found former President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, guilty in four separate cases. A tanker driver has been convicted of killing his wife in front of their children in Hyderabad, India, while their daughter was also pushed into the fire to save her mother. In a bizarre incident, a British woman was arrested for allegedly threatening to burn down a Pakistani consulate in Bradford, sparking a wave of protests outside the building.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has announced that Israel has officially recognized Somalia as a sovereign and independent state. A dashcam footage has been obtained during the investigation, which includes audio and video recordings, and is considered crucial evidence. Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the film’s crew size, suggesting that a smaller team can be just as effective.
The Met Office has warned that a weather system from the west could affect the city from Tuesday to Wednesday, potentially leading to a significant increase in cold temperatures.
