The Israeli military asserts it killed senior Hamas commander Raed Saad in a drone strike, a claim that has drawn condemnation from Hamas, which has yet to officially confirm Saad’s death. Arab media sources identify Saad as the second-in-command of Hamas’s military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, and a figure Israel blames for planning the October 7, 2023 attacks. This development unfolds amidst continued reports of Israeli ceasefire violations in Gaza, including another drone strike in Gaza City that resulted in four Palestinian deaths and 25 injuries.
Further escalating regional tensions, Israel has proceeded to legalize 19 new Jewish settlements in the West Bank. The Gaza Strip also recently endured the devastating impact of ‘Typhoon Byron,’ a severe weather event that claimed the lives of at least 14 Palestinians, including several children, due to heavy rains, strong winds, and collapsing structures. Meanwhile, Syrian and US forces reportedly came under fire during a joint patrol in Palmyra, Syria.
Globally, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a strong condemnation of attacks on peace missions, warning that unprovoked assaults could be categorized as war crimes, carrying potential penalties of up to eight years imprisonment and fines of approximately $12,500 (226,000 pesos). In a separate development, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated its actions were a direct response to Ukrainian attacks targeting civilian areas within Russia. Despite prior announcements from then-US President Donald Trump regarding a new ceasefire agreement, such a deal failed to materialize, with Thailand notably rejecting a ceasefire with Cambodia just hours after Trump’s declaration. President Trump also previously vowed retaliation for American troop deaths in Syria, promising reciprocal action if further attacks occurred.
A shooting incident at Bondi Beach in Australia left 12 individuals injured and hospitalized. In Canada, three Indian-origin truck drivers were apprehended in Brampton following a firing exchange between rival trucking factions, with one suspect still at large. Various domestic crime reports surfaced, including the discovery of bodies belonging to a daughter in Kahna and a wife in Sheikhupura, as stated by DIG Zeeshan Raza, suggesting an ongoing investigation. Separately, Hurriyat leader Abdul Hameed Lone vehemently condemned the brutal murder of Khalid Butt. Another report detailed a tragic domestic dispute where a woman attacked a man with a sharp weapon, leading to his retaliatory strangulation of her. Addressing broader societal concerns, policy changes have been implemented to safeguard children and young people from sexual exploitation, abuse, and other crimes.
In Pakistan’s political landscape, Rana Sanaullah remarked that key national affairs were being steered by the will of Faiz Hameed, General Bajwa, and the PTI founder. On the sports front, cricket star Babar Azam was dismissed after scoring just two runs from five balls. Wrestling icon John Cena symbolically left his signature gear—shoes, armbands, and wristbands—in the ring. The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) highlighted Fatima Sharif Naghabi’s extensive international experience and strong technical expertise. In a lighter note, cricketer Nida Dar reported her dog was stolen from outside her house by unidentified individuals. Finally, a unique statistic noted that for 28 consecutive days, no migrants have crossed the English Channel from France to the UK by sea.
