President Javier Milei's administration has successfully reduced Argentina's monthly inflation rate to 1.6 percent, a significant drop from the record high of 25 percent in December 2023. This achievement fulfills a key campaign promise and is attributed to radical cuts in public spending. However, this success is not translating into improved living conditions for many Argentinians. The purchasing power of most citizens remains low due to a sharp fall in real wages and an increase in the cost of living, making Argentina one of the most expensive countries in Latin America despite having some of the lowest salaries. The success of Milei’s anti-inflationary program is being questioned, with critics pointing to methodological flaws in inflation calculations and the negative impact of spending cuts on social services.

The economic hardship is evident in the rising rates of personal debt, with 91 percent of households carrying some form of debt, much of it used to purchase food. Protests against inflation and cuts to public funding are increasing, particularly among pensioners whose pensions are below the minimum living wage. Experts warn that while low inflation is important, addressing structural economic issues such as a complex tax system, bureaucracy, and lack of infrastructure investment is crucial for long-term economic recovery. The current model, similar to past failed attempts, may provide short-term relief but risks long-term negative consequences.

Impact Statement: While Argentina's reduced inflation rate is a significant achievement, the persistent economic hardships faced by a large segment of the population highlight the complex challenges in achieving sustainable economic recovery.

Al Jazeera Media Network issued a statement on Friday strongly condemning what it called a relentless Israeli campaign of incitement against its reporters in the Gaza Strip, particularly correspondent Anas al-Sharif. The network considers this incitement a dangerous attempt to justify targeting its journalists. This follows Israeli army spokesperson Avichai Adraee sharing a video accusing al-Sharif of Hamas affiliation – a claim Al Jazeera and others have vehemently denied. Israel has repeatedly accused Palestinian journalists in Gaza of Hamas ties since October 2023, a tactic rights groups say aims to discredit reporting on Israeli actions.

The Israeli military's actions have resulted in the deaths of over 200 reporters and media workers, including several Al Jazeera journalists and their relatives, since the start of its offensive. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed deep alarm over the threats against al-Sharif, highlighting the acute danger to his life and condemning Israel's attempts to manufacture consent for violence against him. Al Jazeera holds Israeli authorities fully responsible for its staff's safety and calls on international bodies to protect all journalists in Gaza, citing the extreme hardships faced by those reporting on the situation amidst restricted access.

Impact Statement: The ongoing targeting of journalists in Gaza hinders independent reporting on the conflict and raises serious concerns about press freedom and safety in war zones.

Joe Root scored 150 runs in the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford on Friday, moving him to second on the all-time Test run-scorers list with a total of 13,409 runs. This 38th Test century also ties him with Kumar Sangakkara for fourth place in most Test centuries. Root surpassed Ricky Ponting's total score to achieve this milestone, with only Sachin Tendulkar ahead of him on the all-time list. England, leading the five-match series 2-1, ended the day at 544-7, 186 runs ahead of India.

Despite some early scares, including a near run-out and an lbw appeal overturned by review, Root played an impressive innings before being stumped. Ollie Pope contributed 71 runs in a crucial partnership with Root. Ben Stokes, despite briefly retiring hurt with cramp, ended the day on 77 not out, contributing significantly to England’s strong position. India's bowling attack, particularly their pace bowlers, struggled against Root's form.

Despite India’s spin bowlers eventually making inroads, with Washington Sundar removing both Pope and Harry Brook, England's strong batting performance, spearheaded by Root and Stokes, positions them favorably to clinch the series victory.

Impact Statement: Root's achievement is a significant milestone in cricket history, further solidifying his place among the sport's all-time greats. His performance significantly enhances England's chances of winning the series against India.

Almost one-third of Gaza's population is experiencing food shortages, with the World Food Programme (WFP) reporting that 90,000 women and children urgently require malnutrition treatment. Since the start of the war, 122 deaths from malnutrition have been reported by the Hamas-run health ministry, with nine more fatalities occurring on Friday. Israel denies restricting aid, attributing the crisis to Hamas. While airdrops of aid are being considered, their effectiveness is questioned, and a senior Jordanian official stated that Jordan has not yet received Israeli permission to conduct such operations. The UN has criticized the Israeli government's actions as a distraction from inaction on the humanitarian crisis.

Germany, France, and the UK have jointly urged Israel to lift aid restrictions and end the humanitarian catastrophe. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the international community's inaction, highlighting the deaths of over 1,000 Palestinians while seeking food since May. Accusations of war crimes by a former US security contractor against the IDF and US contractors at food distribution sites have been made, although the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has categorically denied the claims. Negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release remain uncertain following the withdrawal of US and Israeli negotiating teams from Qatar. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack on southern Israel. Over 59,000 people have been killed in Gaza, and the majority of homes are damaged or destroyed.

Impact Statement: The ongoing conflict in Gaza has created a severe humanitarian crisis, with widespread food shortages and malnutrition threatening the lives of thousands. International pressure is mounting on Israel to address the situation.

More than 130,000 people have been evacuated from border areas of Thailand following the deadliest fighting between Thailand and Cambodia in a decade. The clashes, which began on a Thursday morning with heavy artillery and gunfire, forced families like Maneerat Kote-Bandit's to flee their homes near the disputed border. Evacuees are seeking refuge in temporary shelters, such as municipality centers, schools, and temples, where conditions are basic but safe.

The death toll in Thailand has reached 15, including 14 civilians, while Cambodia reports one civilian death in Oddar Meanchey province. Many evacuees, like 72-year-old In Chanthathep, describe the situation as abrupt and terrifying, with little time to gather belongings. The fighting has also disrupted local economies, affecting businesses and cross-border trade between Thai and Cambodian communities.

Municipality workers, such as Phusita Boottarat and Kamonwan Homsub, express shock at the escalation of violence in areas previously used for tourism. Evacuees express doubt that negotiations will quickly resolve the conflict.

Impact Statement: The conflict has caused significant displacement, loss of life, and economic disruption in border regions of Thailand and Cambodia.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $565 million credit line and the launch of free trade talks with the Maldives during a two-day visit beginning Friday. The credit line, Modi stated, will fund infrastructure development projects aligned with Maldivian priorities. A bilateral investment agreement is also expected to be finalized. This visit aims to strengthen India's development partnership with the Maldives, where it competes with China for influence. Modi emphasized India's commitment to supporting the Maldives' defense capabilities and its role as the country's "first responder."

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, elected in 2023 on an anti-India platform, initially strained relations by visiting China before India and withdrawing a small contingent of Indian military personnel. However, after India's assistance in preventing a Maldivian debt default, relations have improved. Muizzu has since visited India and softened his anti-India stance, meeting Modi twice last year to pledge a "new chapter" in bilateral ties. Muizzu stated the new credit line will bolster Maldivian security forces and improve healthcare, housing, and education. Modi will also remotely inaugurate an expansion of Hanimaadhoo's international airport, a project India is helping to finance. He is scheduled to depart Saturday after attending the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations in Malé.

Impact Statement: This strengthens India's strategic partnership with the Maldives and counters China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean region.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports a tripling of severe malnutrition rates among children under five in Gaza City in the past two weeks. A quarter of young children and pregnant/breastfeeding women screened at MSF clinics last week were malnourished, with the number needing care quadrupling since May. MSF blames an Israeli "policy of starvation," a claim echoed by over 100 aid groups citing Israel's blockade of most aid. At least 122 deaths from starvation have been reported, with nine in the last 24 hours. The World Food Programme (WFP) states nearly one-third of Gaza's population goes days without food, with 90,000 women and children urgently needing treatment. An obstetrician-gynaecologist in Gaza, Naji al-Qurashali, estimates 50% of pregnant women he sees daily suffer from malnutrition, reporting increased miscarriages and underweight, premature, or deformed babies. He also describes shortages of medical supplies, forcing use of unsanitary gloves and expired medication.

Israel denies responsibility, attributing the crisis to a "deliberate foreign ploy" and blaming the UN for aid distribution failures. The UN, while acknowledging operational constraints under Israeli restrictions, accuses the international community of inaction. UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls the situation a "moral crisis," while the leaders of the UK, France, and Germany demand an end to the "humanitarian catastrophe" and call for Israel to lift aid restrictions. France's announcement to recognize a Palestinian state was dismissed by US President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Israel's restrictions on foreign reporters hinder independent coverage, with over 180 Palestinian journalists killed since the conflict began. Israel has permitted limited aid airdrops from Jordan and the UAE, but Hamas calls this a political stunt. Ceasefire negotiations have collapsed, with both sides trading blame.

Impact Statement: The ongoing blockade of Gaza has resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with mass starvation and widespread malnutrition impacting the most vulnerable populations. The international community's response has been widely criticized for its inadequacy.

France’s highest court, the Cour de cassation, has cancelled an international arrest warrant for former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. The warrant, issued in November 2023 for alleged complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity during Syria's civil war, was deemed invalid due to the principle of head of state immunity under international law. The court ruled that while Assad is no longer head of state (having lived in exile in Russia since December 2024), the warrant was invalid when issued. The ruling was challenged by the Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI), who argued that immunity shouldn't apply to leaders accused of grave crimes against their own population.

The warrant stemmed from two chemical weapons attacks: a 2013 sarin gas attack in Ghouta, and a 2018 attack in Adra and Douma. The case was brought by civil parties, including survivors and organizations such as the OSJI and the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression. While the arrest warrant for Assad is cancelled, similar warrants for three other senior Syrian officials remain in effect.

Impact Statement: The ruling highlights the limitations of international justice mechanisms in prosecuting former heads of state for alleged war crimes, despite ongoing efforts to hold Assad accountable for atrocities committed during the Syrian civil war.

The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza demands immediate international action, particularly from US President Donald Trump. Images of starving children and reports of doctors fainting from hunger have shocked the world. Over 100 international aid organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières, Save the Children, and Oxfam, have issued a joint statement highlighting the crisis, stating aid workers are also suffering from malnutrition. Israel claims sufficient aid is present but cites a "collection bottleneck" and security concerns preventing its distribution. However, the UN refutes this, citing the lack of authorization to transport aid through designated military zones and the risk of Palestinians being shot near distribution points. A UN official described the current aid distribution operation as "a sadistic death trap."

The UN reports that over a thousand Palestinians have been killed near food distribution points run by the Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF), a joint US-Israeli body using US private contractors and the IDF. The GHF's limited distribution points, sometimes open for only 11 minutes, exacerbate the crisis. Despite Israel's military capabilities, the flow of aid appears to be a political bargaining chip in ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has an opportunity to urge President Trump to intervene during Trump's visit to Scotland. The hope is that Trump's aversion to images of suffering and his ambition for a Nobel Peace Prize could motivate him to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the crisis and ensure food and medicine reach the starving population of Gaza.

Impact Statement: The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza risks a major loss of life and requires urgent intervention to prevent further suffering and death.

Nigeria and Morocco will compete in the final of the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. Nigeria, the record nine-time champions, aims for a tenth title under their "Mission X" campaign, while Morocco seeks their first victory after reaching the final in 2022. Nigeria secured their place after overcoming strong competition, including a 2-1 win against defending champions South Africa, while Morocco's path to the final included a penalty shootout victory over Ghana. Key players to watch include Morocco's Ghizlane Chebbak and Nigeria's Chinwendu Ihezuo.

The match marks a potential shift in power in African women's football, with Morocco's rising prominence showcased by their hosting of the last two WAFCON finals and their bid to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The winner will receive $1 million in prize money, a significant increase from the previous edition.

Impact Statement: The match will determine the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations champion and potentially signify a shift in dominance within African women's football.

CENTCOM forces conducted a raid in al Bab, Aleppo Governate, Syria, resulting in the death of senior ISIS leader Dhiya’ Zawba Muslih al-Hardani and his two adult sons, Abdallah Dhiya al-Hardani and Abd al-Rahman Dhiya Zawba al-Hardani. The US military stated these individuals posed a threat to US and Coalition forces, as well as the new Syrian government. General Michael Erik Kurilla, US CENTCOM commander, affirmed a continued commitment to the enduring defeat of ISIS.

In a separate incident, ISIL claimed responsibility for an attack on the Syrian army in late May, marking their first strike against government forces since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. ISIL, viewing the new Syrian government under President Ahemd al-Sharaa as illegitimate, has primarily targeted Kurdish forces in the north. The new Syrian government faces challenges including Israeli actions and internal sectarian violence.

Impact Statement: The killing of a senior ISIS leader and his sons could potentially disrupt ISIS operations in Syria, but the group's continued activity and the ongoing instability in Syria suggest the situation remains complex.

Israel is engaged in a widespread public relations campaign to deflect blame for the starvation and deaths of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Despite overwhelming evidence of Israeli culpability documented by numerous governments, UN organizations, and international figures, Israeli officials deny widespread hunger or attribute it to Hamas or aid organizations. This comes even after statements by Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu describing policies of starvation, genocide, and ethnic cleansing, which Israel claims are not official policy. The World Health Organization (WHO) has termed the situation "man-made mass starvation," a view endorsed by a joint statement from 28 countries, including the UK, directly blaming Israel for the crisis. A leaked US assessment refutes Israeli claims that Hamas is systematically stealing US-funded aid, finding no evidence to support this allegation.

The Israeli government, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has offered vague assurances against starvation while simultaneously claiming, in private briefings, that there is no hunger in Gaza and attributing images of starving children to underlying diseases. This contradicts reports from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the UN detailing high rates of malnutrition among children and pregnant/breastfeeding women in Gaza. Israel's actions directly contradict its legal obligation as an occupying power to ensure the provision of necessities for those under occupation. Furthermore, Israel's actions, such as banning UNRWA and hindering the transport of humanitarian aid, have exacerbated the crisis.

Israel's attempts to shift blame to the UN and aid organizations are undermined by its own actions, including the rejection of numerous UN requests to transport aid into Gaza. The closure of UNRWA operations and the reliance on the less experienced Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, whose sites have seen numerous mass casualty incidents, further compound the crisis. The ongoing lack of essential food supplies for malnourished children raises fears of further starvation deaths.

Impact Statement: The international condemnation of Israel's actions and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza risk escalating tensions and further destabilizing the region.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a stark warning at the Amnesty International Global Assembly, characterizing the current global state as a "moral crisis" fueled by rising authoritarianism, deepening inequality, and indifference to human suffering. He specifically highlighted the devastating situation in Gaza, citing the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and the subsequent immense death and destruction as unprecedented. He decried the international community's inaction and lack of compassion, describing the conditions faced by UN staff in Gaza as "unimaginable." Guterres also addressed other global conflicts, including those in Sudan and Ukraine, calling for peace and adherence to international law.

Beyond armed conflicts, Guterres pointed to a global rise in authoritarian tactics, the erosion of human rights, and the weaponization of digital platforms. He emphasized the urgent need for emissions cuts, a just transition to clean energy, and financial support for developing nations to address the climate crisis, stressing that climate change is a human rights catastrophe. Guterres called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, full humanitarian access, and concrete steps toward a two-state solution. He also urged governments to uphold the Global Digital Compact and combat online hate speech.

The Secretary-General's address marked the first time a UN chief has spoken to Amnesty International's Global Assembly, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for global action.

Impact Statement: Guterres's address highlights a critical juncture for global human rights, demanding immediate and concerted international action to address multiple interconnected crises.

UNICEF Head of Office Sonia Silva, working in Gaza since November 2023, describes the recent violence as the worst she has witnessed since arriving. The situation, she states, is comparable only to the Rafah incursion in May 2024. Silva details widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and neighborhoods across the Gaza Strip, leaving many residents homeless and living in damaged buildings, tents, or on the streets. While her location in Deir Al-Balah had been relatively spared until a recent offensive, a building near her residence was destroyed by a rocket blast.

Despite the extreme circumstances, Silva praises her colleagues for their continued work providing essential services, highlighting their resilience and solidarity even after suffering significant personal losses. The ongoing food shortages further exacerbate the dire situation.

Impact Statement: The report highlights the extreme humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the dedication of UN staff working amidst unprecedented destruction and suffering.

Intensifying border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia prompted UN Secretary-General António Guterres to urge "utmost restraint." The clashes, beginning July 24, involved gunfire, artillery, and airstrikes, resulting in civilian casualties, including children. Over 131,000 people in Thailand and over 4,000 in Cambodia have been displaced, creating overcrowded temporary shelters and urgent needs for food, shelter, and medical assistance. The UN stands ready to support humanitarian efforts if requested. UNICEF's June Kunugi urged both countries to protect children and ensure schools remain safe spaces. The UN Security Council held a private emergency meeting to discuss the situation with representatives from both countries present.

The last major escalation occurred in 2011 near the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then-Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for a ceasefire and dialogue then as well.

Impact Statement: The escalating conflict threatens regional stability and necessitates immediate humanitarian intervention to address the growing displacement crisis and civilian casualties.

Since July 13, approximately 176,000 people have been displaced from Syria's Sweida Governorate due to violent clashes between Bedouin tribal fighters, Syrian government forces, and Druze militias. Many have fled to neighboring Dar'a and Rural Damascus governorates. Separately, a large explosion at an ammunition depot in Ma'arrat Tasmarin, Idleb Governorate, killed six and injured at least 140 others on Thursday. Secondary explosions hampered emergency response efforts.

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed five attacks on healthcare facilities in Sweida, resulting in the deaths of at least two doctors. The WHO reported obstructions and targeting of ambulances, along with temporary hospital occupations. Dr. Christina Bethke, WHO acting representative in Syria, stated that healthcare must never be a target and that health facilities, patients, and workers must be protected. Sweida's hospitals face shortages of staff, electricity, water, and supplies. Poor security conditions are restricting aid delivery to Sweida. The UN has launched an extension of its 2025 humanitarian appeal, currently less than 12% funded.

Impact Statement: The ongoing violence and attacks on healthcare infrastructure in Syria are severely impacting civilians and hindering humanitarian aid delivery, creating a major humanitarian crisis.

UN officials reported a surge in Russian aerial attacks across Ukraine, resulting in a sharp increase in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. In the first half of 2025 alone, 6,754 civilians were killed or injured, marking a three-year high according to the UN human rights office (OHCHR). Over 5,000 long-range munitions were launched in July, including a record 728 drones in a single day, targeting major cities like Kyiv and Odesa. The attacks have hit civilian targets including a rehabilitation center in Kharkiv, maternity wards, schools, and energy infrastructure.

Assistant Secretary-General for Europe Miroslav Jenča and Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya both emphasized the lack of safe areas within Ukraine due to the widespread use of explosive weapons in populated areas. The humanitarian situation is worsening, with nearly 13 million people requiring assistance, but only 34% of the $2.6 billion needed has been received. The displacement crisis continues, with over 3.7 million internally displaced and nearly six million refugees abroad. The UN also expressed concern over reported civilian casualties from Ukrainian drone strikes in Russia, reiterating that international law prohibits attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Attacks near Ukrainian nuclear facilities have heightened alarm.

Despite some diplomatic efforts, including prisoner exchanges and talks, UN officials stressed the urgent need for a complete, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and pave the way for lasting peace.

Impact Statement: The escalating conflict in Ukraine is causing a major humanitarian crisis, demanding increased international aid and a diplomatic resolution.