World News Live Updates: Gazan Teen Arrives In UK For Reconstructive Surgery After War Injury

Slovenia has become the first European Union country to officially impose an arms embargo on Israel, a move that follows its recognition of Palestinian statehood earlier in 2024, Al Jazeera says in a report. While Slovenia is the first to use the formal term ’embargo’, other EU members, including Belgium, Italy, and Spain, have already suspended or restricted arms sales to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The action underscores the growing divergence in foreign policy among EU states regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as the bloc lacks a unified arms export policy, leaving such decisions to individual member nations.

Budapest’s liberal mayor, Gergely Karácsony, was questioned by police at Hungary’s National Bureau of Investigation on Friday over accusations of helping organize an LGBTQ+ Pride event, as per a report in AP. The event was reportedly the largest of its kind in the nation’s history, proceeding despite efforts by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s right-wing populist government to ban such gatherings.

Far-right groups in Poland are increasingly blaming a supposed ‘flood’ of immigrants for a rise in crime, creating a climate of fear and scapegoating, according to a report in Al Jazeera. This narrative, however, is contradicted by official statistics, which do not show a significant correlation between the growing foreign-born population and crime rates. While Poland has seen a notable increase in migrants and refugees, particularly from Ukraine and Belarus, its foreign-born population remains proportionally small compared to other European nations. This rise in anti-migrant rhetoric persists despite a political shift in October 2023 to a pro-EU coalition, creating domestic political polarization and posing a challenge for the new government as it navigates ongoing EU migration pact negotiations and persistent pressure at its border with Belarus.

Thailand has returned two wounded soldiers to Cambodia but continues to detain 18 of their comrades who were captured on Tuesday in a disputed border region, as per a report in AP. This development strains a fragile ceasefire recently implemented by both nations to de-escalate fighting over competing territorial claims. The political implications are significant, as the partial repatriation is overshadowed by ongoing accusations from both sides regarding breaches of war laws and the targeting of civilians, which has fueled nationalist sentiment and complicated diplomatic relations.

Israeli protesters calling for an end to the war in Gaza clashed with police on Thursday, Al Jazeera says in a report. The demonstrators, part of a segment of Israeli society opposing the military’s operations, used the term ‘genocide’ to describe the actions in Gaza, a reference to the ongoing case at the International Court of Justice. The protest highlights internal dissent within Israel regarding the conflict, which began after the Hamas-led attacks on October 7th and has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

US President Donald Trump has called on Hamas to surrender and release the remaining hostages, describing this as the “fastest way” to end the conflict and suffering in the Gaza Strip, Fox News said in a report. This public statement adds to the international discourse surrounding the war, which is currently characterized by ongoing but difficult negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release. These talks, primarily mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have faced significant challenges due to Hamas’s demands for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal, which contrasts with a call for unconditional surrender.

Mexico’s president is facing significant political pressure following accusations from US President Donald Trump that drug cartels have a strong hold on her government, according to a report in The New York Times. The situation is intensified by a domestic corruption scandal where two former officials are reportedly fugitives, and their former superior now holds a position as a top senator. These developments are straining US-Mexico bilateral relations and could undermine the Mexican government’s credibility, potentially creating instability and complicating cooperation on security and trade.

The United States has announced it will deny visas to officials from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Administration, BBC says in a report. The US government’s justification for the move is that both entities continue to support what it defines as terrorism. This accusation is primarily linked to the Palestinian Authority’s policy of making payments to the families of individuals imprisoned or killed during the conflict with Israel, a practice the US views as incentivizing violence under laws like the 2018 Taylor Force Act. The decision represents a further strain on US-Palestinian diplomatic relations.

The Eastern Caribbean supreme court has ruled that St Lucia’s colonial-era ‘buggery’ and ‘gross indecency’ laws are unconstitutional, decriminalising consensual same-sex relations in the country, according to a report in The Guardian. The judgment is part of a broader regional trend, following similar court decisions in nations like Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Kitts and Nevis. While the ruling sets a significant legal precedent for other member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) that retain similar British-imposed laws, activists note that it does not automatically grant other rights such as marriage equality or non-discrimination protections, which require further action.

An appeals court in Bosnia and Herzegovina has confirmed a one-year prison sentence and a six-year ban from politics for Milorad Dodik, the President of the Bosnian Serb entity Republika Srpska, as per a report in AP. The conviction stems from charges that Dodik defied decisions made by the international High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, by refusing to implement and publish his imposed laws. The ruling reinforces the authority of state-level institutions and could significantly impact the political landscape in the ethnically divided country, potentially affecting its stability and aspirations for European Union integration.

Panama’s comptroller general has filed two supreme court lawsuits against the owners of two strategic ports, a move seen as countering Chinese influence near the Panama Canal, according to a report in The Guardian. The legal action follows a previously failed attempt to sell the ports to a consortium headed by US investment fund BlackRock and the Swiss shipping firm MSC. This development is being interpreted as a significant geopolitical win for US President Donald Trump’s administration, which has actively sought to reduce China’s presence and influence over the critical global waterway.

Jailed former South Korean President Yoon refused to attend questioning by investigators on Friday by taking off his prison uniform and lying on the floor of his detention room, according to a report in AP. Yoon, who was imprisoned in April over a past martial law decree, is currently standing trial on those and other charges. The act of defiance comes as he faces separate investigations into other criminal allegations unrelated to the martial law issue.

The United States has implemented a new round of sanctions against Iran, specifically targeting an international oil shipping network allegedly linked to a top Tehran official, as per a report in RT. This action represents a continuation of the US ‘maximum pressure’ campaign, which aims to curtail Iran’s oil revenue and constrain its economic activities. The sanctions are designed to disrupt the sophisticated methods Iran employs to circumvent existing trade restrictions, such as the use of front companies and clandestine vessel transfers. While these measures are expected to further strain Iran’s economy, their impact on global energy markets is anticipated to be limited, given that Iran’s official oil exports are already under heavy sanctions.

The US administration has imposed a 39% tariff on Swiss goods, a level that has reportedly left Switzerland in ‘shock’ and is higher than a rate previously outlined by the Trump administration, as per a report in the Financial Times. The new duty is a significant increase from the 31% rate outlined by President Donald Trump in April and is considered one of the highest in the world for a developed economy. This action is expected to severely impact key Swiss export sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and watches, likely leading to higher prices for US consumers. The tariff also threatens to strain US-Switzerland diplomatic relations and contributes to broader global trade tensions.

The European Union’s top court ruled that decisions by the global soccer governing body FIFA can be challenged outside of Switzerland, a significant shift from the previous system that bound disputes to Swiss jurisdiction, AP said in a report. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg stated that tribunals in the 27 EU member states must have the authority to conduct a thorough review of FIFA’s awards to ensure they are consistent with fundamental EU laws, including competition rules and fundamental rights. This ruling provides athletes, clubs, and officials within the EU with broader and more accessible avenues to seek legal redress against the Swiss-based organization’s decisions in their own national courts.

Japanese video game maker Nintendo announced an 18.6% increase in net profit for its first fiscal quarter, driven by strong global demand for its newly launched Switch 2 console, AP said in a report. The Kyoto-based company’s profit for the April-June period reached 96.03 billion yen ($640 million), with quarterly sales more than doubling to 572.36 billion yen ($3.8 billion). The strong financial performance was fueled by the sale of 3.5 million Switch 2 units globally within the first four days of its release.

An amusement park ride’s arm, which was carrying passengers, broke off its mainframe at a park in Saudi Arabia, injuring 23 people, Fox News said in a report. Three of the individuals injured in the incident are reported to be in critical condition.

The opening of a new FBI office in New Zealand has sparked diplomatic tensions after FBI Director Christopher Wray suggested it aims to counter China’s influence in the region, according to a report in AP. Wray’s comments in Wellington on Thursday prompted a strong rebuke from Beijing, which decried the move. New Zealand officials sought to de-escalate the situation, publicly stating the office’s purpose is for broader law enforcement cooperation against transnational crime and cyber threats, not specifically targeting China. The development has also caused concern within New Zealand among groups who fear it compromises the nation’s traditionally independent foreign policy and draws it further into US-China strategic competition.

Israel has escalated its travel warning for citizens visiting the United Arab Emirates, citing increased threats from “terrorist organisations” seeking revenge for its recent military campaigns, Al Jazeera said in a report. The sharpened advisory from Israel’s National Security Council points to the ongoing war in Gaza, which began in October 2023, as a key motivator for potential attacks against Israeli nationals. This development poses a security challenge to the people-to-people ties established under the 2020 Abraham Accords, which had made the UAE a popular destination for Israeli tourists, and could impact the UAE’s tourism sector.

The family of 16-year-old dual American-Palestinian citizen Muhammad Zaher Ibrahim is urgently seeking his release from an Israeli prison, where he has been in pre-trial detention for over five months. Arrested in February in the occupied West Bank when he was 15, Ibrahim is accused of throwing rocks, a charge his family denies. Relatives report that the teen, a US citizen being held under Israeli military law, has lost a significant amount of weight and developed a severe skin infection.

Indonesia’s parliament has approved the first stage of President Prabowo Subianto’s clemency plan, initiating the release of hundreds of convicts from the nation’s overcrowded prisons, AP said in a report. The first group of 1,116 prisoners is scheduled for release next week. This group includes prominent political rivals of former President Joko Widodo who were imprisoned during his administration, as well as several Papuan independence activists. The decision, announced by the House of Representatives on Thursday, is one of the first major policies of President Subianto’s new government and is seen as a move to address both prison overcrowding and political reconciliation.

Bangladeshi fishermen operating on the Naf River, which forms the border with Myanmar, are facing abduction and captivity by armed rebels from the volatile Rakhine state, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. The escalating conflict between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar military has led to increased instability, with the fighting directly impacting Bangladeshi territory and citizens. These incidents, which disrupt the primary livelihood of local fishing communities, are exacerbating diplomatic tensions between Dhaka and Naypyidaw and heightening security concerns in the region.

The Legislative Assembly in El Salvador, dominated by President Nayib Bukele’s New Ideas party, passed constitutional reforms on Thursday that permit indefinite presidential reelection and extend the presidential term to six years, as per a report in AP. The proposal, introduced by lawmaker Ana Figueroa, amends five articles of the constitution. A key change also includes the elimination of the second-round runoff in presidential elections, which previously required a face-off between the top two candidates if no one secured a majority in the first round.

A 1,000-year-old pre-Incan tomb was unearthed in Lima, Peru, by utility workers from the natural gas company Cálidda during excavation work, AP says in a report. The tomb contained the remains of one individual along with four clay vessels and three pumpkin shell artifacts. This discovery is part of a larger trend, as the company has reported over 2,200 archaeological finds in more than two decades of expanding its gas network. Such frequent discoveries highlight the operational and financial challenges for businesses conducting infrastructure projects in historically rich regions, requiring them to integrate archaeological preservation into their development strategies, which can impact project timelines and costs while simultaneously enriching Peru’s cultural heritage.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday imposing new tariffs on a wide swath of trading partners, set to take effect on August 7, as per a report in AP. The action is described as the next step in his administration’s trade agenda and is expected to test the global economy and the sturdiness of long-standing American alliances.

Violent protests have erupted at Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp, one of the world’s largest, leading to at least one fatality and injuries to two police officers, as per a report in France 24. The unrest was triggered by steep cuts in food rations and aid from donors including the US, which are linked to a global humanitarian funding crisis. Due to funding shortfalls, the World Food Programme and other agencies have been forced to reduce support in numerous locations, which has exacerbated food insecurity for vulnerable populations.

Apple has projected its tariff-related costs, stemming from the ongoing US-China trade dispute, will rise to $1.1 billion in the upcoming quarter, an increase from the $800 million reported in the previous quarter, according to a report in TechCrunch. These costs are primarily due to US Section 301 tariffs on goods manufactured in China. The significant and rising financial burden is expected to impact the company’s gross margins and adds pressure to its strategy of diversifying its supply chain to other countries to mitigate geopolitical trade risks. The increase in projected costs is attributed to a higher volume of tariff-affected products being imported rather than new tariff implementations.

A 15-year-old Gazan boy named Majd has been medically evacuated to the UK for complex reconstructive surgery, becoming the first to receive such treatment for war injuries in the country, BBC says in a report. Majd was critically wounded by an Israeli tank shell in February 2023, prior to the major escalation of the conflict. His arrival highlights the immense logistical and political challenges of arranging medical evacuations from the region, underscoring the severe humanitarian and healthcare crisis in Gaza where thousands of wounded civilians have limited access to necessary medical care.

Australia will not face increased US tariffs in the latest trade adjustments by President Donald Trump’s administration, with most of its goods continuing to be subject to the baseline 10% rate, The Guardian says in a report. An executive order issued by Trump on Thursday confirmed new tariff deals for several trading partners but left Australian arrangements unchanged, effectively exempting the country from the hikes. A spokesperson for Australia’s trade minister commented on the favorable outcome, stating that “no country has reciprocal tariffs lower,” highlighting the strong economic relationship between the two nations.

A French court has ruled a complaint against German chemicals company Bayer inadmissible in a landmark case alleging its glyphosate-based weedkiller caused birth defects, France 24 said in a report. This procedural victory for Bayer in France avoids liability in this specific high-profile case, which centered on prenatal exposure rather than the more common cancer-related claims. The court did not rule on the scientific merits of the case, dismissing it on procedural grounds, which means the core question of a link between glyphosate and birth defects remains legally untested in this jurisdiction. The ruling provides some relief for Bayer, which inherited the litigation when it acquired Monsanto in 2018, but does not impact the tens of thousands of other lawsuits it faces globally, primarily in the US.

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte has publicly criticized a court’s decision to suspend a newly passed amnesty law, as per a report in Al Jazeera. The legislation, approved by Peru’s Congress, is designed to shield members of the armed forces and police from accountability for human rights violations committed during the country’s internal armed conflict between 1980 and 2000. The court’s move to suspend the law has created a conflict between the executive and legislative branches on one side, and the judiciary on the other, over issues of justice and impunity for historical abuses.

The Hind Rajab Foundation is utilizing social media footage posted by Israeli soldiers themselves as evidence for potential war crimes investigations, Al Jazeera says in a report. Named after a 6-year-old girl killed in Gaza in February 2024, the non-governmental organization leverages open-source intelligence (OSINT) by collecting and verifying videos and photos from soldiers’ personal accounts. This digital evidence is intended to support accountability processes and contribute to legal inquiries by international bodies scrutinizing the conflict, highlighting the growing role of OSINT in modern warfare and human rights investigations.

Far-right extremists are increasingly using livestream gaming platforms to target and radicalize vulnerable young players, particularly males, The Guardian says in a report. The new research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Psychology, reveals how various extremist groups exploit in-game live chats and streaming services to recruit individuals. This development places greater pressure on gaming companies to implement more effective content moderation and safety protocols, addressing the business and regulatory risks of their platforms being used for such activities. The report also advises parents to be vigilant regarding their children’s interactions in these online environments.

The White House announced that prominent US real estate developer Steve Witkoff will visit a humanitarian aid site in Gaza on Friday to observe the hunger crisis firsthand, according to a report in The New York Times. This high-profile visit by a private citizen comes amid growing international pressure and anger directed at Israel over the severe humanitarian conditions in the territory. The announcement of the private visit by the White House highlights official US government attention on the crisis.