The Israeli military has declared the evacuation of Gaza City "inevitable," as its forces advance on the city. Avichay Adraee, the military's Arabic spokesman, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that families relocating south will receive substantial humanitarian aid. Israeli tanks have pushed into new areas of Gaza City, prompting further displacement of residents, with thousands already having fled to other parts of the city, where approximately one million Palestinians remain. This comes as US President Donald Trump is scheduled to lead a White House meeting focusing on a post-war vision for Gaza. Israel announced plans in early August to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, describing Gaza City as Hamas's final stronghold. The UN and NGOs have warned of a "horrific humanitarian impact" from an Israeli offensive in Gaza City. Recent fighting has included tank incursions into the Ibad al-Rahman district, causing damage and displacement. The Israeli military reported engaging in combat near Gaza City and eliminating a "terrorist cell." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the intent to conquer the entire Gaza Strip after ceasefire talks failed. Meanwhile, significant protests in Tel Aviv demand a ceasefire and the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The US is developing a "comprehensive plan" for post-war Gaza. The conflict began after a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and the capture of 251 hostages. Over 62,900 Gazans have been killed, and the territory faces widespread destruction and famine.

Impact Statement: The impending takeover of Gaza City and the ongoing conflict have triggered a major humanitarian crisis, with mass displacement, widespread destruction, and famine in Gaza, creating significant international concern and pressure on Israel.

Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries have caused significant fuel shortages across several regions of Russia, including the far east, southern Russia, and Crimea. These strikes, which have targeted infrastructure along the Ryazan–Volgograd corridor and the Ryazan–Moscow oil pipeline, have disrupted an estimated 17% of Russia's refining capacity, equivalent to 1.1 million barrels per day. The attacks, occurring between August 2nd and 24th, are described as "massive, coordinated, and repeated" by independent oil and gas analyst Boris Aronstein, who notes that refineries lack time for repairs between strikes. This has led to record-high petrol prices and long queues at gas stations. The shortages are particularly acute in Crimea, where airports are closed due to the drone threat, increasing road traffic and fuel demand.

The crisis is exacerbated by the usual August peak in fuel demand due to the harvest season and scheduled refinery maintenance. While Russia is a major oil exporter, much of its refining system is geared towards export products, leaving domestic petrol production with little buffer. Sanctions have also hindered repairs. Despite the shortages, analysts believe the impact on Russia's war effort and heavy industry will be limited for now as diesel, used by the military and industrial sectors, remains in surplus. However, the fuel crisis could persist into winter if the drone attacks continue. Sergey Vakulenko of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center suggests that rationing might become necessary.

Impact Statement: The fuel shortages pose a significant political and economic challenge to the Russian government, potentially impacting public opinion and necessitating government intervention to mitigate the crisis. The situation highlights the vulnerability of Russia's energy infrastructure and its dependence on technology hampered by sanctions.

At least 80 Palestinians were wounded, several by live ammunition, during an Israeli military raid in Nablus, West Bank, on Wednesday. The raid, beginning around 3:00 am local time, saw Israeli forces storm several neighborhoods in the old city, deploying snipers and military vehicles. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society treated 25 people for tear gas inhalation. Videos verified by Al Jazeera showed Israeli forces firing tear gas and Palestinians throwing stones. Ghassan Hamdan, head of the Palestinian Medical Relief organisation in Nablus, stated that soldiers were “storming and searching houses and shops,” converting some homes into military posts. Nablus Governor Ghassan Daghlas called the raid a “show of force with no justification.”

The incident follows a surge in Israeli military and settler violence since October 2023, resulting in at least 982 Palestinian deaths, according to the UN. The old city of Nablus has been the site of multiple previous Israeli raids, including one in early June 2025 that resulted in at least two Palestinian deaths. A separate Israeli raid on Ramallah and el-Bireh on Tuesday injured at least 58 Palestinians.

Impact Statement: The raid further escalates tensions in the occupied West Bank and highlights the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Palestinians.

Mariam, a Gaza-based journalist, was killed during the 2023 conflict in Gaza. A colleague recounts their friendship, describing Mariam as a courageous and compassionate woman who prioritized her son, Ghaith, above all else. Despite the dangers of her profession and the hardship of raising Ghaith alone, Mariam fearlessly covered the conflict, even after donating a kidney to her father. Her colleague describes Mariam's unwavering strength and her efforts to comfort others, even amidst personal hardship. Mariam's final letter to Ghaith expressed her wish that he pray for her and not grieve her death.

Mariam’s colleague details their close bond, forged amidst the chaos of covering the conflict. They supported each other in dangerous situations and shared moments of respite, speaking about their children and anxieties during intense periods of conflict. After sending Ghaith to the UAE for safety, Mariam found solace in the hope of their reunion. Her colleague recounts her final days, including her request to be buried in a shroud and not a plastic body bag.

The colleague expresses her disbelief and grief at Mariam’s death, emphasizing the insecurity and fear that pervaded the lives of Gazan mothers. Mariam's final video, recorded hours before her death, showed her exhaustion and pain from the conflict and separation from her son. She cherished the photos and videos she took, hoping they would tell the stories of the suffering in Gaza.

Impact Statement: Mariam's death highlights the dangers faced by journalists covering conflict zones and the personal sacrifices made by those documenting the suffering of others. Her story underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its profound impact on individuals and families.

A magnitude 6 earthquake struck approximately 20km off the coast of Yilan county, Taiwan, at a depth of 112km. Authorities reported no immediate damage, and monitoring continues. Taiwan's location on the boundary of two tectonic plates makes it prone to seismic activity.

Previous significant earthquakes in Taiwan include a magnitude 7.4 quake in Hualien in April 2024, resulting in at least 19 deaths and widespread damage, and a 2016 quake in southern Taiwan that claimed over 100 lives. The deadliest earthquake in recent decades was the 1999 "921 earthquake," which caused over 2,400 fatalities.

Heavy rains across the Himalayan mountains caused landslides and flooding, resulting in at least 36 deaths in India within 24 hours. Thirty-three of these fatalities occurred in a single landslide near the Vaishno Devi Hindu shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the loss of life "saddening." The disaster also led to the opening of major dams in Jammu and Kashmir, triggering flood alerts in neighboring Pakistan for three rivers. In Pakistan, over 150,000 people were displaced, with more than 20,000 evacuated from the outskirts of Lahore. The Madhopur bridge, significant to India's BJP party, partially collapsed. India's Meteorological Department reported 612 millimeters of rainfall in the Jammu region since August 23rd—726% above normal. Pakistan has reported 804 deaths during the monsoon season, with half occurring in August. Omar Abdullah reported near total communication failure hampering rescue efforts. Jitendra Singh stated that restoring electricity, water, and mobile services was the immediate priority.

Impact Statement: The extreme rainfall and subsequent landslides and flooding have caused significant loss of life and displacement in both India and Pakistan, highlighting the devastating impact of the monsoon season and the need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in the region.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) revealed that children under 15 comprised nearly one-third of outpatient wound cases treated at their Gaza field hospitals in 2024. Over 90,000 outpatient wound consultations were conducted across six MSF facilities, with almost half resulting from bombs, shelling, or shootings. The Gaza health ministry, whose figures are considered "reasonable" by the British government, reports over 62,000 deaths in the conflict, more than half being women or children. Israeli officials claim to take precautions against civilian casualties but accuse Hamas of using human shields. A classified Israeli military intelligence database suggests five out of six Palestinians killed by Israeli forces were civilians.

The conflict has also resulted in more than 150,000 injuries, according to Gaza health authorities. MSF highlights the use of explosive weapons in urban areas, leading to severe injuries, particularly lower-limb wounds, from blast and shrapnel. MSF also notes underreporting of injuries and deaths, especially among vulnerable populations. The organization faces critical supply shortages and is rationing food for patients, urging an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted access for medical aid. Israeli authorities claim to facilitate the entry of medical supplies, citing the transfer of over 45,000 tons of equipment, but UN agencies and doctors report critical shortages. The Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, which initiated the conflict, resulted in 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and approximately 250 abductions.

Impact Statement: The high number of child casualties and the critical shortage of medical supplies in Gaza highlight the devastating humanitarian crisis stemming from the ongoing conflict and underscore the urgent need for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid access.

Kinloch Castle on the Isle of Rum, Scotland, is again on the market for offers over £750,000. The Victorian-era hunting lodge, owned by NatureScot, is in need of significant repair. A previous sale attempt collapsed in March 2023 after businessman Jeremy Hosking withdrew his bid, blaming then-Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater for halting the process due to concerns raised by the Isle of Rum Community Trust. The Scottish government's RESAS study indicates most islanders support the sale, with conditions for community involvement and adherence to land access rights. A minority opposes the sale, preferring community ownership or managed ruin.

NatureScot is seeking a buyer committed to the island's community and nature. Prospective buyers must detail their plans for the castle and grounds, outlining how they will support the island's nature, sustainability, culture, and economy. The castle, built 1897-1900, is a unique example of Leeming and Leeming architecture. Previous redevelopment plans included a hostel and a museum/visitor attraction.

Impact Statement: The sale of Kinloch Castle could significantly impact the Isle of Rum's economy and community, depending on the buyer's plans and commitment to the outlined conditions.

United States President Donald Trump's 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, impacting billions of dollars in trade and potentially thousands of jobs, took effect. This follows a previous 25 percent tariff imposed on July 30, increased a week later to 50 percent, citing India's purchase of Russian oil. The new tariff applies to various goods, including gems, jewelry, garments, footwear, furniture, and industrial chemicals. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) predicts a significant drop in Indian exports to the US, potentially from $86.5 billion to $50 billion by 2026, with sectors like textiles and gems facing the most severe impact, potentially endangering hundreds of thousands of jobs. The Indian pharmaceutical industry is currently exempt.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to protect farmers and push for self-reliance, announcing tax cuts and other economic measures. While some economists predict a relatively small impact on India's GDP (around 1 percent), the tariffs are expected to accelerate India's focus on boosting domestic production. India has also indicated it will provide financial assistance to affected exporters. Despite failed negotiations to resolve the trade dispute, India has continued importing Russian oil, a key point of contention between the two nations.

Impact Statement: The tariffs significantly strain US-India relations and threaten to reshape global trade dynamics, potentially leading to increased economic diversification by India away from the US market and towards countries such as China and Russia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Wednesday that Russia opposes European proposals for security guarantees for Ukraine and will not permit NATO troops on Ukrainian territory. Peskov cited NATO's military infrastructure expansion in Ukraine as a contributing factor to the conflict. He welcomed US President Donald Trump's efforts to negotiate an end to the war but reiterated Russia's rejection of European troop deployments as security guarantees for Kyiv. While acknowledging security guarantees as a crucial negotiation topic, Peskov stated that public discussion was unhelpful.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, conversely, announced that his teams are actively developing details for multilateral security guarantees for Ukraine, involving European, American, and other partners. He called for a leaders’ discussion to determine priorities and timelines, noting Russia's negative signals and emphasizing the need for pressure on Russia. Zelenskyy also reported on a recent barrage of Russian drone attacks targeting critical energy infrastructure in Ukraine, resulting in widespread power outages and casualties.

Impact Statement: Russia's rejection of proposed security guarantees creates a significant obstacle to peace negotiations and highlights the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled that India should "let flow" the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers for Pakistan's use, as stipulated by the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). This follows India's suspension of the treaty in April, citing Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism. India's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected the PCA's ruling, stating it lacked jurisdiction and had no bearing on India's water rights.

Despite India's theoretical suspension of the IWT, reports indicate no concrete actions to restrict water flow to Pakistan. Experts warn of a potential escalation, with Pakistan likely to internationalize the PCA's award and India focusing on its own infrastructure development. Options for informal resolution include data cooperation and back-channel diplomacy to address the issue.

Millions in Pakistan depend on these rivers, highlighting the need for cooperative management. The dispute underscores the complexities of transboundary water management and the potential for conflict in the region.

Impact Statement: The ongoing dispute over Indus River water sharing between India and Pakistan poses significant risks to regional stability and the well-being of millions dependent on the river system. A lack of cooperation could lead to further escalation and humanitarian consequences.

Following a 12-day war with Israel in June, IAEA inspectors have returned to Iran. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that this does not signify a full resumption of cooperation with the IAEA. The return of inspectors, approved by Iran's Supreme National Security Council, is currently focused on activities such as supervising the refueling of the Bushehr nuclear reactor. Further negotiations are ongoing to define a new cooperation framework.

Iran suspended cooperation after accusing the IAEA of failing to condemn Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear facilities. These actions followed talks between Iran and the UK, France, and Germany in Geneva, where Iran warned against the reimposition of sanctions under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The European powers have threatened to trigger the JCPOA's "snapback mechanism" by the end of August. Both sides will continue negotiations.

Impact Statement: The limited resumption of IAEA inspections in Iran reduces immediate concerns about a lack of transparency regarding Iran's nuclear program, but significant tensions remain over sanctions and the future of the JCPOA.

A joint report by ECLAC and UNICEF warns that climate change could push at least 5.9 million children and young people in Latin America and the Caribbean into poverty by 2030. This figure represents the best-case scenario. If countries fail to meet their commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prioritize climate resilience services for children, the number could rise to 17.9 million. The report, published in Panama, examines the impact of extreme weather events on child poverty and analyzes national efforts to mitigate climate change.

Roberto Benes, UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighted the disproportionate burden of climate change on children and adolescents, whose developing bodies are more vulnerable to extreme weather events. He emphasized that inadequate social protection systems perpetuate regional inequalities. The report notes that only 3.4 percent of multilateral climate finance in the region is dedicated to children, despite their vulnerability.

The report recommends that governments strengthen climate-resilient social services and infrastructure, increase child-sensitive climate policy financing, and promote climate awareness and education for children and youth. Adaptive social protection and emergency response policies that account for the specific needs of children and adolescents are also crucial.

Impact Statement: The report underscores the urgent need for increased climate action and child-focused funding to mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Around 260,000 civilians, including 130,000 children, remain trapped in El Fasher, North Darfur, after a 500-day siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF has blocked all supply lines since May 2024, leading to widespread malnutrition, disease, and violence. UNICEF reports over 1,100 grave violations against children, including over 1,000 killed or maimed, and at least 23 cases of rape or sexual abuse. The siege has also impacted healthcare and education, with 35 hospitals and six schools attacked.

The situation is critical, with approximately 6,000 children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) without treatment due to depleted supplies. At least 63 people, mostly women and children, died of malnutrition in a single week. The crisis is exacerbated by Sudan's worst cholera outbreak in decades, with over 2,400 deaths since July 2024. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell has called for immediate and full humanitarian access to El Fasher.

Impact Statement: The ongoing siege of El Fasher has created a catastrophic humanitarian crisis for children, with widespread death and suffering from malnutrition, disease, and violence. The lack of humanitarian access is a critical factor in this tragedy.

Relentless monsoon rains since late June have caused significant devastation across Pakistan, resulting in nearly 800 deaths—almost triple the toll from the same period last year, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has been hardest hit, with flash floods and landslides destroying homes and isolating communities. Punjab province is also at high risk due to rising river levels. In Gilgit-Baltistan, glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) have further compounded the crisis, damaging infrastructure and homes. Over one million people are affected nationwide, with many seeking shelter with host families due to concerns about livestock and schooling. Health issues, including malaria and skin infections, are surging.

The UN and aid agencies are responding, but critical gaps remain, especially in remote areas cut off by landslides. The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) highlights increased risks for children, while the World Health Organization (WHO) focuses on disease control. The most pressing needs include access to remote mountain areas, disease prevention, food, and clean water.

Impact Statement: The monsoon rains have created a major humanitarian crisis in Pakistan, requiring sustained international aid and long-term recovery efforts.

UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Ramiz Alakbarov, briefed the UN Security Council on October 25th, describing a deteriorating situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He highlighted the dire conditions in Gaza, facing escalating violence, mass displacement, and famine following Israel's takeover of Gaza City. At least 2,553 Palestinians have been killed since July 23rd, with over 240 journalists among the casualties since the war began on October 7th, 2023. Alakbarov also detailed the ongoing violence in the West Bank, including Israeli security operations, settler attacks, and the expansion of Israeli settlements, which threatens the viability of a future Palestinian state. He cited the approval of over 3,400 housing units in the E1 area as a particularly concerning development. UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Joyce Msuya, added that famine conditions (IPC Phase 5) are occurring in Gaza, with over half a million people facing starvation, and the number expected to rise to 640,000 by the end of September. She emphasized that this famine is a consequence of the conflict, not a natural disaster.

Both officials stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, unimpeded humanitarian access, and the restoration of essential services in Gaza. Alakbarov called for bold action to resolve the conflict, end the occupation, and re-establish a political horizon, emphasizing the need for the international community to work collectively to advance practical steps.

Impact Statement: The ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank presents a humanitarian crisis of immense scale, requiring immediate international intervention to prevent further loss of life and widespread famine.

Following a 15-month conflict ending in November 2024, a fragile peace exists along the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon. The UN Security Council is debating the renewal of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate, which expires on August 31st. UNIFIL's role in supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and implementing Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 conflict, is central to the discussion. Challenges remain, including Israeli military positions in Lebanon and Hezbollah's arsenal. Negotiations are underway, with some advocating for withdrawal while others emphasize the mission's importance for regional stability.

UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti highlighted the LAF's increased presence in southern Lebanon since the cessation of hostilities but emphasized the LAF's current lack of capacity for full deployment due to the country's financial crisis. Tenenti stated that the continued presence of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in southern Lebanon violates Lebanese sovereignty and Resolution 1701, hindering the LAF's ability to assume full responsibility. He further warned that non-renewal would create a dangerous vacuum, jeopardizing regional stability. Tenenti addressed criticism of UNIFIL, clarifying its mandate and the importance of impartiality.

Tenenti envisions UNIFIL's continued role in supporting stability and the LAF's deployment, contingent on the removal of IDF forces. While the ultimate goal is for UNIFIL to withdraw, a pragmatic approach is needed due to the ongoing complexities.

Impact Statement: The renewal of UNIFIL's mandate is crucial for maintaining stability in southern Lebanon and the broader region. Failure to renew could significantly destabilize the area.