✉ platform
news
- 1Bank of Japan debated faster rate hikes, minutes show▼Bank of Japan debated need for faster rate hikes, July minutes show
Minutes from the Bank of Japan's July policy meeting show board members debated the need to raise interest rates at a faster pace. The disclosure has drawn attention from investors watching how quickly Japan's central bank will move away from its long-standing ultra-loose monetary policy amid inflation pressures and a weakening yen.
- 2US intelligence: Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons▼US intelligence says Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons
US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out developing nuclear weapons. The finding points to Riyadh keeping a nuclear weapons option open, likely tied to regional concerns over Iran's nuclear programme. It is drawing attention amid ongoing debate about proliferation in the Middle East and US-Saudi security cooperation.
- 3
Health authorities are reporting that the death toll from an ongoing measles outbreak is approaching 1,100. The figures underscore the severity of the current outbreak, which has drawn international attention amid concerns about vaccination coverage and the spread of the highly contagious disease across affected regions.
- 4Russian strikes kill three in Ukrainian cities, Kyiv hit▼Russian attacks kills three in Ukrainian cities; nine injured in Kyiv strikes, officials say
Russian attacks across Ukrainian cities have killed three people, with nine injured in strikes on Kyiv, Ukrainian officials say. The overnight barrage adds to the ongoing toll of Russia's air campaign against Ukrainian urban areas, with emergency services responding to damage in the capital and other cities.
- 5Strait known as 'Gate of Tears' becomes new flash point in Iran war▼A new flash point in the Iran war: The narrow strait called the ‘Gate of Tears’
Attention is turning to the Bab el-Mandeb strait, nicknamed the 'Gate of Tears', as a new flash point in the war involving Iran. The narrow waterway is a critical chokepoint for global shipping, and its emergence as a battleground raises concerns about disruptions to trade routes and a widening of the regional conflict.
- 6Smotrich urges West Bank campaign mirroring Gaza war▼'Do there what we did in Gaza': Smotrich calls for full-scale war in occupied West Bank
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for waging a full-scale war in the occupied West Bank, saying Israel should 'do there what we did in Gaza'. The remarks, reported by Middle East Eye, drew immediate criticism from Palestinians and rights advocates who warn such an operation would bring Gaza-level devastation and displacement to the West Bank. The comments deepen concerns about escalating Israeli military action beyond Gaza.
- 7Ethiopia 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.
- 8US Diplomat Says Trump Rejected Iran Truce Plan Over 'No Confidence'●'No Confidence': US Diplomat Tells Why Trump Rejected Iran's New Truce Plan
A US diplomat says President Donald Trump turned down Iran's proposed new truce plan, citing a lack of confidence in Tehran's commitments. The reported rejection adds fresh tension to diplomacy between Washington and Iran, and the remarks are drawing attention as observers weigh what the collapse of the proposal means for future negotiations and regional stability.
- 9World Leaders Address United Nations General Assembly on Day Six●World Leaders Address United Nations General Assembly, Day 6
World leaders are addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York as the annual high-level debate reaches its sixth day. Heads of state and government are delivering speeches covering global conflicts, climate change and international cooperation. The general debate traditionally draws wide attention as countries outline their foreign policy priorities before the world body.
- 10Russia denies avoiding Ukraine peace negotiations▼Top Russian diplomat says Moscow remains committed to Ukraine peace talks, denies it is avoiding negotiations
A senior Russian diplomat has stated that Moscow remains committed to peace talks over Ukraine and rejected suggestions that Russia is avoiding negotiations. The statement comes as international pressure persists for a diplomatic resolution to the war, with questions over whether both sides are genuinely willing to negotiate. It highlights the ongoing dispute over responsibility for the stalled peace process.
- 11Captor of hostage Noa Argamani killed in Gaza strikes▼Terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani into Gaza on Oct. 7 killed in weekend strikes
Israeli strikes over the weekend killed one of the militants who abducted Noa Argamani into Gaza during the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack. Argamani, who was rescued by Israeli forces in June 2024, became one of the most recognized faces of the hostages. News of the militant's death is drawing attention amid ongoing strikes and stalled ceasefire efforts.
- 12Militant behind Noa Argamani abduction reported killed in Gaza strike▼Oct. 7 terrorist involved in Noa Argamani abduction killed in Gaza strike, reports say
Israeli media report that a militant involved in the October 7 abduction of Noa Argamani has been killed in a strike in Gaza. Argamani became one of the most recognised hostages of the Hamas-led attack before being rescued in June 2024. The reported killing is being followed closely amid ongoing strikes and stalled ceasefire efforts.
- 13Power cuts and rubble greet returnees to Khartoum▼Power cuts, rubble greet returnees to Sudans war-ravaged capital
Sudanese families returning to the war-ravaged capital, Khartoum, are finding a city barely able to support them: electricity is largely out, streets remain choked with rubble, and basic services have collapsed after nearly two years of fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces. Reports describe residents clearing debris by hand and coping without power or reliable water as they try to rebuild their lives.
- 14DR Congo Ebola outbreak passes 8,000 cases, 3,900 deaths▼Democratic Republic of the Congo surpasses 8,000 cases and 3,900 deaths from the current Ebola outbreak
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo report that the ongoing Ebola outbreak has surpassed 8,000 cases and nearly 3,900 deaths. The figures underline the severity of one of the country's worst Ebola epidemics, as response teams continue efforts to trace contacts, treat patients and contain further spread.
- 15
Saudi Arabia has signalled it would be open to developing nuclear weapons, according to reports carried by major US outlets including The New York Times and The Seattle Times. The remarks raise fresh questions about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and about Riyadh's nuclear ambitions at a time of ongoing regional tensions and talks over normalisation and security guarantees with Washington.
- 16Russia Strikes Ukrainian Data Centers in Deadly Barrage▼Russia Hits Ukraine Data Centers in Barrage That Killed Six
Russia launched a barrage of strikes targeting data centers in Ukraine, killing six people. The attack hit critical digital infrastructure, disrupting services and highlighting Russia's continued focus on Ukraine's communications and data networks. The strikes come amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy and infrastructure, drawing renewed condemnation and concern over the mounting civilian toll.
- 17Diplomatic push assessed on ending US-Iran conflict▼Did the biggest week of diplomacy make headway in ending the US-Iran war?
A intense week of international diplomacy has raised the question of whether negotiations made real progress toward ending the war between the United States and Iran. Commentators and analysts are weighing what the round of high-level talks actually achieved, with observers divided on whether the diplomacy brought the two sides closer to a ceasefire or a lasting settlement.
- 18Russian foreign minister vows to see Ukraine war 'through to the end'▼Russian foreign minister vows to see Ukraine war ‘through to the end’
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has declared that Russia intends to see the war in Ukraine 'through to the end', signalling no softening of Moscow's position despite international pressure for a settlement. The remarks come as the conflict continues to draw global attention and debate over prospects for peace negotiations.
- 19UN adds 61 firms to settlements blacklist over rights abuses▼UN adds 61 firms to settlements blacklist over alleged human rights violations against Palestinians
The United Nations has added 61 companies to its blacklist of firms operating in Israeli settlements, citing alleged human rights violations against Palestinians. The update to the database of businesses engaged in activities in the occupied territories is expected to draw sharp reactions from Israel and its allies, while rights groups have long pressed for firms to be held accountable for operations in the settlements.
- 20
The World Health Organization says the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to two new health zones, raising concerns that efforts to contain the virus are not holding. Health authorities are expected to step up contact tracing, surveillance and response measures in the newly affected areas as the WHO and partners work to prevent further geographic spread of the outbreak.
- 21Israel strikes kill terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani on October 7▼Israel security forces kill terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani on Oct. 7 in weekend strikes
Israeli security forces killed a terrorist responsible for kidnapping Noa Argamani during the October 7 Hamas-led attack, in a series of strikes carried out over the weekend. Argamani, who was later rescued by Israeli forces in June 2024, became one of the most recognizable faces of the hostages taken during the assault. The strike is being reported across Israeli media.
- 22Four Killed, 19 Injured in Gaza Amid Israeli Offensive●Four Killed, 19 Injured in Gaza Amid Continued Israeli Offensive
Four people were killed and 19 others injured in Gaza as Israel's continued military offensive pressed on. The casualties add to the mounting civilian toll in the territory, where strikes and ground operations have intensified in recent weeks. The figures were reported by regional media, and the assault shows no sign of abating.
- 23Palestinian death toll in Gaza war crosses 74,000▼Palestinian death toll in Gaza war crosses 74,000: Health Ministry
Gaza's Health Ministry says the Palestinian death toll from the war in Gaza has passed 74,000. The figure, released as the conflict continues, marks another grim milestone in one of the deadliest wars in recent memory. The ministry's count does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, and officials have warned the true toll is likely higher, with many bodies still under rubble.
- 24Trump faces Republican defections ahead of U.S.-China summit▼Week in Politics: Trump faces Republican defections; U.S.-China summit; press feud
This week in U.S. politics, President Trump is confronting growing defections from within his own Republican Party, while preparing for a summit with China. A separate feud with the press is also drawing attention. Analysts are watching whether intra-party dissent will weaken Trump's position heading into high-stakes diplomacy with Beijing.
- 25Bank of Japan Signals Rate Hike Ahead of Expectations▼Japan's Central Bank Signals Rate Hike Ahead of Market Expectati
The Bank of Japan has signalled it may raise interest rates sooner than markets had anticipated. The hawkish signal points to a possible shift away from Japan's long-standing ultra-loose monetary policy. Investors and analysts are watching closely for clues on the timing of the move, as an earlier hike could affect the yen, bond yields and global carry trades.
- 26Russia rejects German calls to halt dangerous escalation▼Russia's top diplomat rejects German calls to ease off its `dangerous' escalation toward the country
Russia's top diplomat has rejected calls from Germany to ease off what Berlin describes as a dangerous escalation toward the country. The exchange highlights growing friction between Moscow and Berlin amid heightened tensions, with Russian officials dismissing German warnings and signaling no change in Russia's confrontational course toward Europe's largest economy.
- 27US forces prepare to leave Iraq after two decades▼After more than two decades, U.S. forces prepare to leave Iraq
United States forces are preparing to withdraw from Iraq, ending a military presence of more than two decades that began with the 2003 invasion. The move marks a major shift in the American footprint in the Middle East and closes a long chapter of US involvement in Iraqi security affairs.
- 28Hamas says agreed Gaza roadmap includes Palestinian statehood▼Hamas leader: Gaza roadmap we agreed to includes establishment of Palestinian state
A Hamas leader says the Gaza roadmap the group agreed to includes the establishment of a Palestinian state. The statement frames the deal as going beyond ceasefire arrangements and touching long-term political questions. Observers are weighing how the claim aligns with the terms accepted by other parties and what it signals for negotiations over Gaza's future governance.
- 29Strikes kill six in Ukraine and one in Russia▼Strikes kill 6 in Ukraine, 1 in Russia after Moscow rejects German calls to de-escalate
Russian strikes killed six people in Ukraine, while one person died in a strike inside Russia, according to wire reports. The escalation came after Moscow rejected German calls to de-escalate the conflict. The tit-for-tat attacks underscore the failure of recent diplomatic efforts and the continued heavy civilian toll as the war grinds on with no ceasefire in sight.
- 30EU warns members of urgent energy price crisis before winter▼EU warns members of urgent energy price crisis before winter season
The European Union has warned member states of an urgent energy price crisis ahead of the winter season. The alert highlights growing concern across the bloc that households and industry could face severe cost pressures and supply strain as demand rises in the colder months. Coverage of the warning is appearing across international outlets, reflecting wider attention to Europe's energy affordability situation.
- 31Ethiopia's army promises restraint amid civil war fears▼Ethiopia’s army promises restraint amid fears of new civil war
Ethiopia's military has pledged to show restraint as concerns grow that the country could slide back into a new civil war. The promise comes amid rising tensions, with observers warning that renewed large-scale conflict remains a serious risk for the region.
- 32US intel says Saudi Arabia keeping nuclear weapons option open▼‘Nuclear weapons’ option still open for Saudi Arabia, US intel says; senators target Trump deal
US intelligence assessments indicate Saudi Arabia is keeping open the option of acquiring nuclear weapons, even as Washington discusses a civil nuclear cooperation deal with Riyadh. A group of US senators is targeting the Trump administration's proposed agreement, citing proliferation concerns, with the intelligence findings likely to intensify congressional resistance to the deal.
- 33US military completes withdrawal from Iraq▼US military completes withdrawal from Iraq, Baghdad official says
A Baghdad official says the US military has completed its withdrawal from Iraq, ending a military presence that lasted more than two decades after the 2003 invasion. The announcement is a significant shift for the region, though Washington has not confirmed the details and it remains unclear how many troops, if any, may stay in an advisory role.
- 34Report Says Saudi Arabia Weighing Nuclear Weapon Development▼Report: Saudi Arabia Mulls Developing Nuclear Weapon, U.S. Officials Say
U.S. officials say Saudi Arabia is considering developing a nuclear weapon, according to a report by Haaretz. The claim, if confirmed, would mark a major shift in the kingdom's stance, as Riyadh has long said its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and that it would seek a bomb only if Iran acquired one. The report is likely to intensify debate over nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and over U.S.-Saudi relations.
- 35Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons, US intelligence says▼Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons: US intelligence
US intelligence assessment says Saudi Arabia has not ruled out acquiring nuclear weapons, according to a report carried by Gulf News. The finding highlights lingering questions over the kingdom's nuclear ambitions and its response to regional rival Iran's nuclear programme. Observers are weighing what this means for US-Saudi relations and for non-proliferation efforts in the Middle East.
- 36Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons, report says▼Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons: report
A new report says Saudi Arabia has not ruled out acquiring nuclear weapons, according to coverage from outlets including The New Arab and Fox News. The statement underscores longstanding questions about the kingdom's nuclear ambitions, especially amid regional tensions with Iran and unresolved talks over US cooperation on a civilian nuclear program. The development is drawing wide attention across international and regional media.
- 37Seven killed in strike on Yemen market▼Seven people killed in strike on market in Yemen, Houthi-run health ministry says
Seven people were killed in a strike on a market in Yemen, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. Details on who carried out the strike and the exact location were not immediately available, and casualty figures may be revised as rescue efforts continue.
- 38Ukraine airdrops food by drone to besieged city▼Ukraine carrying out airdrops of food via drone to city besieged by Russian forces, official says
Ukrainian officials say food supplies are being airdropped by drone into a city besieged by Russian forces, as ground delivery routes remain cut off. The effort highlights the growing role of drones in sustaining trapped civilians and the worsening humanitarian conditions in encircled areas of the front line.
- 39Russian drone strikes kill 14 in Kyiv and Odesa, Ukraine says●Video. Ukraine says Russian drones kill 14, hit Kyiv and Odesa infrastructure
Ukraine says Russian drone attacks killed 14 people and damaged infrastructure in Kyiv and Odesa. Officials reported strikes on energy and civilian facilities in both cities, adding to a pattern of overnight drone bombardments. The attacks drew renewed calls from Kyiv for stronger air defences and continued Western support as the war grinds on.
- 40Gaza hospitals near shutdown as fuel runs out▼Gaza’s hospitals face shutdown as generators fail and fuel runs short
Gaza's hospitals are on the brink of closing completely as fuel supplies run out and backup generators fail, threatening critical care for patients across the territory. The warning highlights the collapsing medical infrastructure and the worsening humanitarian situation for thousands of wounded and chronically ill people who depend on functioning hospitals.
- 41Trump Rejects Iran Ceasefire, Expects Renewed Bombing▼Exclusive | Trump Rejects Iran Ceasefire, Expects Renewed Bombing After Midterms
Donald Trump has rejected a ceasefire with Iran and said he expects bombing to resume after the US midterm elections, according to a Wall Street Journal exclusive. The report suggests military action against Iran is being delayed for domestic political timing rather than called off, drawing attention to how closely US strategy toward Tehran is tied to the American electoral calendar.
- 42
Israeli forces are reported to be continuing violations of the ceasefire across Gaza, according to Palestinian news outlet IMEMC. The report claims ongoing military activity despite the truce agreement, drawing renewed international attention to the fragility of the deal and the humanitarian situation in the territory.
- 43China and US agree to AI dialogue and tariff cuts▼China, US agree to AI dialogue, tariff cuts on $30 billion in goods during Xi visit
China and the United States have agreed to open a dialogue on artificial intelligence and to cut tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods, in deals announced during Xi Jinping's visit. The agreement marks a rare moment of de-escalation between the two powers, combining technology cooperation with trade relief at a time of strained bilateral relations.
- 44Israeli finance minister calls for Gaza-style war in West Bank▼Israeli finance minister calls for Gaza-style war in occupied West Bank
Israel's finance minister has publicly called for military action in the occupied West Bank resembling the campaign in Gaza. The remarks have drawn attention amid the ongoing war in Gaza and rising violence in the West Bank, with critics viewing the statement as an endorsement of escalatory and potentially unlawful military measures in occupied territory.
- 45
The head of Hamas has called for direct talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and endorsed a roadmap for Gaza's future, in a significant political overture between the rival Palestinian factions. The move signals a possible thaw in years of tensions over who should govern Gaza after the war. Observers are watching whether the gesture will translate into concrete negotiations on Palestinian unity.
- 46Satellite images reveal scale of destruction in Gaza Strip●Satellite images show scale of destruction in Gaza Strip — Anadolu Agency
Anadolu Agency has published satellite images documenting the extent of destruction across the Gaza Strip, showing damaged and flattened buildings across wide areas of the territory. The imagery offers an overview of the devastation from above and is drawing attention to the humanitarian and physical toll of the conflict.
- 47China and US agree tariff cuts on $60 billion of goods▼China, US agree tariff cuts on $60 billion of goods including agriculture, household items
China and the United States have agreed to cut tariffs on $60 billion worth of goods traded between them, according to a Reuters report. The reductions cover agricultural products and household items, marking a step toward easing trade tensions between the world's two largest economies.
- 48Ukraine retakes 51 sq km in Operation Vivaldi's third phase▼Ukraine Retakes 51 Sq Km in Third Phase of Operation Vivaldi, With Russia Losing 2,000 Troops and 250 Captured
Ukrainian forces say they have reclaimed 51 square kilometres of territory in the third phase of what is being called Operation Vivaldi, inflicting around 2,000 Russian casualties and taking roughly 250 prisoners. The claimed advance is being circulated by Ukrainian media outlets and is drawing attention from observers tracking the battlefield situation.
- 49
Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have risen past 8,000, according to a report carried by regional media. The outbreak continues to spread despite vaccination and containment efforts, and health authorities are urging increased international support to bring it under control.
- 50
A Russian bomb attack on Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv injured 22 people, according to the city's mayor. Kharkiv, close to the Russian border, has been repeatedly targeted by airstrikes and shelling since the full-scale invasion began. Officials have not yet detailed the extent of the damage or whether any of the wounded are in serious condition.