Aid agencies strongly criticize airdrops of humanitarian aid into Gaza as insufficient and potentially dangerous, warning of a deepening starvation crisis. The International Rescue Committee's Ciarán Donnelly stated that airdrops cannot provide the necessary volume or quality of aid. Over 100 international organizations warn of mass starvation, with the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reporting 127 deaths from malnutrition since the war began, including 85 children. The World Food Programme highlights that one in three Gazans go days without food, with 90,000 women and children urgently needing treatment. The UN's Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, called airdrops "expensive, inefficient, and can even kill starving civilians," advocating for opening land routes instead. He stated that UNRWA has thousands of trucks ready in Jordan and Egypt awaiting permission to enter Gaza.

Despite Israel announcing humanitarian corridors, concerns remain about the effectiveness and safety of aid delivery. Previous airdrop attempts, including one last year by a Jordanian-led international coalition involving the UK, proved insufficient to address the crisis. Analysis suggests that hundreds of flights would be needed to provide a single meal for Gaza's population. Reports detail the dangerous and chaotic conditions surrounding previous airdrops, with civilians injured and even killed while collecting aid. The ongoing blockade of Gaza, imposed by Israel, severely restricts land-based aid deliveries, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The situation is further complicated by conflicting accounts regarding the role of Hamas and the Israeli government in hindering aid distribution.

Impact Statement: The ongoing blockade and the inadequacy of airdrops are leading to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with mass starvation and death a real and imminent threat. The lack of safe and effective aid delivery mechanisms is fueling the crisis and demands immediate international action to resolve the conflict and open access routes.

Nigeria defeated Morocco 3-2 in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, securing their tenth title. Jennifer Echegini scored the winning goal in the 88th minute, completing a dramatic comeback after Morocco led 2-0. Esther Okoronkwo played a crucial role, scoring one goal, assisting another, and delivering the free-kick for Echegini's winner.

Morocco took an early lead with goals from Chebbak and Sanaa Mssoudy, but Nigeria fought back with a penalty converted by Okoronkwo following a VAR review and an equalizer from Folashade Ijamilusi. The victory was celebrated as “Mission X” by the Nigerian team. In the third-place playoff, Ghana beat South Africa 4-3 on penalties.

The next Women's Africa Cup of Nations will be held in March 2026 in Morocco, serving as a qualifier for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.

The Israeli military's actions in Gaza have resulted in at least 71 deaths on Saturday alone, including 42 people seeking aid, according to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera. The Gaza Ministry of Health reported an additional five deaths from starvation, bringing the total to 127 since the conflict began, with 85 children among the victims. Despite mounting international anger, Israel announced a temporary pause in attacks on "civilian centers and humanitarian corridors" on Sunday to allow aid distribution, though the specific areas were not identified. The UN and aid groups have refuted Israel's claim that the UN is responsible for the lack of aid distribution, stating that they lack necessary permits for safe delivery. Israel has conducted aid airdrops, a method deemed insufficient and dangerous by humanitarian experts like UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini, who called for Israel to lift the siege. Al Jazeera's reporting from Gaza City questions the impact of these actions, citing limited quantities of aid and difficulties in access, with dire predictions of mass starvation mortality. Furthermore, Israel's designated safe zones are still under attack. The Gaza Civil Defence reports an inability to offer lifesaving services due to lack of fuel and repairs, urging international action. Amidst strong international criticism, Israel seized the Handala aid ship carrying food and medical supplies in international waters, raising further concerns about accountability and prompting calls for punitive sanctions.

Impact Statement: The ongoing crisis in Gaza presents a major humanitarian catastrophe, prompting calls for international intervention and accountability for Israel's actions. The deepening starvation, coupled with ongoing attacks, necessitates immediate and substantial action to prevent further loss of life.

A Bangladesh Air Force F-7 fighter jet crashed into the Milestone School and College in Dhaka, killing at least 31 people, many of them schoolchildren under 12. The incident, which occurred on Monday, is Bangladesh's deadliest aviation disaster in decades. The jet, on a training flight, suffered a mechanical fault shortly after takeoff, according to the air force. The pilot ejected but later died in hospital. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos, fire, and screams as the plane slammed into the school building.

Student Ahnaf Bin Hasan, who was near the crash site, recounted the horrific events, detailing the immediate aftermath, his rescue efforts, and the lasting trauma. He described seeing a student's body torn apart and assisting injured classmates, even giving away his shirt to one in need. The accounts of several other witnesses highlighted the immense suffering and loss, including the challenges faced by families in retrieving the bodies of their loved ones. Among the victims was 11-year-old Wakia Firdous Nidhi, whose family struggled to obtain her body for burial despite identification.

The incident has sparked questions and confusion regarding the official death toll, with discrepancies reported by the government and the military. The school's head teacher also reported families claiming five people remain missing. The trauma experienced by survivors, including Ahnaf, who continues to suffer from nightmares and flashbacks, is profound.

Impact Statement: The crash has resulted in significant loss of life, widespread trauma, and raised questions about safety protocols and transparency surrounding the incident.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, led by Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo, announced the formation of a rival government in Sudan, called the Leadership Council of the Sudan Founding Alliance (TASIS). This action challenges the existing military-led authorities in Khartoum, escalating the ongoing civil war. Mohammed Hassan Osman al-Ta’ishi will serve as prime minister in this new government. The announcement included a statement pledging to build an “inclusive homeland” based on principles of freedom, justice, and equality.

The self-proclaimed government could deepen divisions and create competing institutions within Sudan as the conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) continues. The war, which began in April 2023, has caused a major humanitarian crisis, displacing nearly 13 million people and resulting in tens of thousands of deaths according to UN estimates. Fighting has intensified recently in Darfur, with the RSF besieging el-Fasher, exacerbating existing food shortages. Both the RSF and SAF have been accused of human rights abuses, including widespread sexual violence and the execution of civilians. The US has imposed sanctions on Hemedti due to these alleged abuses. The current conflict stems from a power struggle between RSF leader Hemedti and army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, which began after a coup in October 2021.

Impact Statement: The announcement of a rival government significantly escalates the Sudanese civil war, hindering peace efforts and potentially leading to further instability and humanitarian suffering.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Saturday that it is prepared to establish humanitarian corridors to facilitate the transport of aid into Gaza via UN convoys. The IDF also stated it would resume air drops of humanitarian aid, with an initial delivery of seven pallets containing flour, sugar, and canned food provided by international organizations. This decision follows mounting international pressure and reports of starvation and malnutrition in Gaza. Aid organizations have warned of mass starvation in the enclave.

The IDF claims to have "begun a series of actions aimed at improving the humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip" and is "prepared to implement humanitarian pauses in densely populated areas". However, the IDF denies accusations of deliberately starving the population, despite evidence to the contrary. The UN, various aid groups, and some of Israel's allies have blamed Israel for the humanitarian crisis and called for unrestricted aid access to Gaza.

Impact Statement: Israel's decision to allow aid into Gaza through limited channels may alleviate some of the immediate suffering, but the ongoing dispute and the restrictions placed on aid delivery remain a significant humanitarian concern.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day visit to the Maldives, focusing on bolstering diplomatic and economic relations. The visit comes after Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's 2023 election on a platform critical of India and supportive of China, leading to increased tensions, including the withdrawal of Indian military personnel and perceived economic competition. However, Muizzu has since softened his stance, stating that India is the Maldives' "closest and most trusted partner."

Modi announced a $565 million credit line, reduced repayments on a previous loan, and discussed a potential free trade agreement. He also inaugurated several India-funded infrastructure projects, including a new defense ministry headquarters, roads, and housing. Modi emphasized India's commitment to supporting the aspirations of the Maldivian people.

The visit coincided with the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence and addresses concerns about the country's economic struggles and foreign exchange shortage. The strengthened relationship is significant given the Maldives' strategic location in key Indian Ocean shipping lanes and its geopolitical importance. .

Impact Statement: The strengthened India-Maldives relationship counters China's growing influence in the region and offers economic relief to the Maldives.

A wildfire near Kryoneri, a town 20km northeast of Athens, Greece, prompted the evacuation of residents on Saturday. Fire Service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyannis reported that residents received three text alerts to evacuate to safe areas. He stated that there have been reports of damage, with details to be assessed after the fire is contained. Currently, 145 firefighters, 44 fire engines, 10 firefighting planes, and seven helicopters are battling the blaze, along with four ambulances treating at least five residents, mostly elderly individuals with respiratory problems. The fire's origin remains unknown.

High temperatures (reaching or exceeding 38 degrees Celsius), dry conditions, and high winds are exacerbating the fire's spread. Vathrakoyannis warned that under these conditions, which are forecast to persist, wildfires expand rapidly and become highly dangerous. Greece has requested six firefighting planes from the European Union. The Fire Service is also managing three other major wildfires on Crete, Evia, and Kythera. A total of 52 wildfires erupted across Greece in the past 24 hours.

Impact Statement: The wildfires, fueled by high temperatures and dry conditions, pose a significant threat to life and property in Greece and highlight the increasing impact of climate change on the country.

New York state's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Health (DOH) issued an air quality health advisory on Saturday for Long Island, New York City Metro, Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley, and the Adirondacks. Authorities warn air quality is "unhealthy for sensitive groups," due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The air quality index (AQI) is predicted to be above 100, potentially reaching 135 in some areas. Alerts are also in place for parts of New England. This is not the first such alert issued in the US this year; a similar advisory was issued for Chicago in mid-July.

Over 550 active fires are currently burning in Canada, with the most concentrated in Manitoba. 6.1 million hectares of land have burned across the country in the past year, forcing tens of thousands of evacuations in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The situation has even reached the political stage, with six members of Congress writing to the Canadian ambassador about the impact of the smoke on Americans.

Scientists link the intensifying wildfire seasons to climate change, noting that Canada is warming at twice the global average rate, with Arctic regions heating up nearly three times faster.

Impact Statement: The wildfires in Canada and resulting air quality issues have significant implications for public health across the northeastern United States and highlight the increasing impact of climate change.

US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Cambodian leader Hun Manet and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had agreed to an immediate ceasefire following days of deadly clashes between the two countries. At least 33 people have been killed and over 130,000 displaced in the worst fighting between the neighbors in 13 years. Trump stated he had spoken with both leaders and that a ceasefire, peace, and prosperity seemed likely, though he offered no details on the discussions. He also warned that he would halt trade deals with either country if fighting continued. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa confirmed Thailand's agreement in principle to an ASEAN ceasefire proposal, but insisted Cambodia must first cease hostilities. Cambodia's UN ambassador, Chhea Keo, stated his country had unconditionally requested an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution. The conflict, which began Thursday, centers on decades-long disputes over their shared border and the ownership of the Preah Vihear temple.

Impact Statement: The announced ceasefire could significantly reduce casualties and displacement in the region, pending confirmation from both governments. Trump's linkage of the ceasefire to future trade deals adds a layer of economic pressure to secure peace.

England will face Spain in the Euro 2025 final on Sunday, a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final won by Spain. This is England's third consecutive major final appearance, following their Euro 2022 victory. For Spain, it marks their first-ever appearance in a European Championship final. England captain Leah Williamson acknowledged the national significance of the match and expressed the team's determination to win. The match will be played in Basel, Switzerland.

Spain, the reigning World Cup champions, have won their last 10 matches, scoring 38 goals. They enter the final as the highest-ranked team in the competition. England, ranked fifth, overcame challenges in earlier rounds, including a penalty shootout victory and a last-minute extra-time goal. Despite Spain's favored status, Williamson rejected the idea of England being the underdog. Spain's captain, Irene Paredes, stated that they approach the match as an opportunity rather than a pressure situation.

Impact Statement: The match will determine the Euro 2025 champion and has significant implications for both national teams' legacies and global women's football.

Former US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he had spoken with the Prime Minister of Cambodia and the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand to help end their border conflict. The fighting, now in its third day, has resulted in 32 deaths and over 130 injuries. Clashes are concentrated in coastal regions along the Gulf of Thailand, stemming from decades-old tensions over contested temple sites and escalating after a landmine incident wounded five Thai soldiers on Thursday. Trump stated that both countries desire an immediate ceasefire and peace, and he indicated he would withhold trade deals until the fighting ceases.

Trump's announcement came during his golfing trip to Scotland, where he owns and promotes two golf courses. His visit has been met with widespread protests across the UK, with demonstrators expressing their opposition to his presence and policies. Protests occurred in cities including Edinburgh and Aberdeen, uniting diverse groups including environmental activists and opponents of the Trump administration’s stance on issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the war in Ukraine.

Impact Statement: Trump's intervention could significantly impact the ongoing conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, potentially leading to a ceasefire and de-escalation of tensions. However, the long-term effects remain uncertain, and the protests highlight significant public opposition to Trump's actions and influence.

Israel has proposed airdropping aid into Gaza following strong criticism from Britain, France, and Germany (July 25) concerning the ongoing starvation crisis. These allies urged Israel to lift restrictions on aid and allow UN and NGO access, citing violations of international humanitarian law. Israel maintains that no restrictions are placed on aid trucks entering Gaza, a claim disputed by allies and aid agencies. The article notes that airdropping aid, while potentially visually impactful, is a less efficient and riskier method than ground transportation, citing examples from past conflicts in Iraqi Kurdistan (post-1991 Gulf War) and Bosnia (1993) where airdrops resulted in accidents and unintended consequences.

The proposal to airdrop aid is described as an act of desperation, offering limited effectiveness compared to ground transport methods. The densely populated and confined living conditions in Gaza raise significant concerns about the safety and efficacy of this approach, given the potential for accidental harm and the likelihood of aid being misappropriated. The method is considered by aid professionals as a last resort, only employed when other access routes are impossible.

Impact Statement: The proposed airdrop highlights the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the limitations of this approach in addressing the widespread starvation. The conflicting narratives surrounding aid access further complicate the situation.

Heavy rainfall in Pakistan's northwest, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has prompted warnings of glacial lake outburst floods. Anwar Shahzad, a spokesperson for the local disaster management authority, announced weather advisories and alerts on Saturday, noting higher downpours than the same period last year. A previous alert earlier this month warned of accelerated snow and glacier melt due to persistent high temperatures. Faizullah Firaq reported "severe destruction" in some areas, affecting houses, infrastructure, crops, and businesses. Rescue operations are underway after flooding hit nine villages along the Babusar Highway and a cloudburst near Fairy Meadows stranded tourists, with over 500 evacuated from Naran following a Friday night cloudburst. In neighboring Gilgit-Baltistan, three deaths and widespread damage have been reported, with hundreds of tents, food packets, and medicine distributed to affected communities. While warnings help, Zakir Hussein of Gilgit-Baltistan’s Disaster Management Authority noted that some tourists still disregard them. The monsoon season's above-average rainfall has raised concerns of a repeat of the devastating 2022 floods, which killed 1,737 people and displaced over 30 million. So far this season, 260 deaths have been reported.

Impact Statement: The ongoing heavy rainfall and glacial flooding risk exacerbates Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change and threatens to cause significant further damage and displacement.

Syrian and Israeli officials held talks in Paris on Saturday, mediated by the United States, following recent violence in the Suwayda province of Syria. The meeting, according to a Syrian official speaking to Al Jazeera Arabic, focused on security developments around Suwayda, where fighting between Bedouins and Druze fighters has resulted in hundreds of deaths. Israel's military intervention, involving strikes on government buildings in Damascus and Suwayda, was a key discussion point.

The Syrian delegation emphasized the country's unity and sovereignty, rejecting attempts to exploit societal divisions for partition. They held Israel responsible for the escalation and demanded the withdrawal of Israeli forces. While no final agreements were reached, according to Syria's state-run Ekhbariya TV, the parties agreed to continue talks aimed at maintaining stability. The talks follow previous discussions between officials from both countries on Thursday, as confirmed by US envoy Tom Barrack.

The meeting was described as “honest and responsible” by a diplomatic source speaking to Ekhbariya TV. The recent unrest has highlighted the challenges facing interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in stabilizing Syria and maintaining centralized rule.

Impact Statement: The talks represent a significant step in de-escalating tensions between Syria and Israel amidst ongoing internal conflict in Suwayda. The continued dialogue could potentially lead to a more stable situation in the region.

127 people, 85 of them children, have died from hunger or malnutrition in Gaza as a result of Israel's siege, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blocked all aid in March, claiming it was to pressure Hamas. Israel unilaterally broke a ceasefire later that month. The Israeli government blames the UN, accusing its aid agency of working with Hamas to restrict food access. This follows similar actions in March 2024 and September, where Israel blocked UN aid convoys and 83% of Gaza's aid, respectively. Israel denies blocking aid, blaming UN inefficiency or Hamas. In May, Israel and the US backed the creation of the GHF, replacing UN aid distribution points with four poorly managed ones. Over 1,000 people have been killed trying to access food at GHF distribution points since May. Israel's COGAT denies a famine exists, claiming only "pockets" with food access issues, while stating that much UN aid is rotting. Israel's military has reportedly burned or buried thousands of trucks' worth of aid. Israel accuses the UN of working with Hamas to restrict aid, a claim the UN denies. Independent reviews found no evidence to support Israel's claims of UN collusion with Hamas. The UN reports bureaucratic obstacles, hostilities, access constraints, and looting have limited aid delivery; half of 16 food distribution requests to the Israeli military were refused.

Impact Statement: The Israeli siege of Gaza has led to a man-made famine resulting in numerous deaths, a humanitarian crisis, and significant international condemnation. The situation highlights the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and raises serious concerns about potential war crimes.

Two Palestinian women, Mary Sheikh al-Eid and Khadija Abu Anza, were killed on Thursday during a women-only food distribution organized by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in the Rafah area. The GHF, operating with Israeli and US support, has established four distribution sites for Gaza's two million people, leading to chaotic scenes and numerous deaths since its implementation in May. Witnesses report Israeli forces using pepper spray, stun grenades, and live fire against crowds attempting to access aid.

Khawla, Mary's sister, described the scene as chaotic and out of control, stating that Israeli forces used pepper spray and stun grenades on the crowd of women. Samah, Khadija's sister, recounted how Israeli troops fired warning shots and then shot Khadija in the neck from a short distance. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated it fired warning shots hundreds of meters away from the distribution site before its opening, claiming it was responding to a threat, but denied knowledge of casualties. The UN has reported over 1,000 Palestinian deaths since May near GHF distribution sites, and criticizes the GHF system as unethical.

The GHF system has been widely condemned by many European governments and aid groups, who allege it undermines existing humanitarian efforts and increases Israeli control over food distribution. Israel counters that Hamas was diverting aid under the previous UN system, although this claim lacks evidence. The ongoing situation highlights the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with daily reports of malnutrition deaths and calls for increased aid to prevent a total collapse.

Impact Statement: The deaths underscore the deadly consequences of the GHF food distribution system and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting concerns about Israel's responsibility to protect civilians under international law.