Around 90% of Gaza's 2 million inhabitants have been displaced, crowded into 12% of the territory due to evacuations and military restrictions. The ongoing war, which began in October 2023, has resulted in at least 58,380 Palestinian deaths (as of July 15, 2025), according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), though independent verification is impossible due to the ongoing military operation. Multiple studies suggest the death toll may be significantly higher, with estimates exceeding 80,000 by January. The conflict was triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of hundreds of Israelis.

The situation is characterized by severe food insecurity. Most hospitals are non-functional, bakeries and community kitchens are closed due to supply shortages, and an estimated 470,000 people face catastrophic hunger (IPC level 5). The UN World Food Programme (WFP) reports that almost one in three people go days without food. The lack of access to basic necessities, exacerbated by an 11-week Israeli blockade of humanitarian supplies during the spring, is leading to widespread starvation and malnutrition, particularly among children. Doctors Without Borders reports a surge in acute malnutrition cases, with deaths from starvation occurring daily.

The international community is increasingly calling for an end to the conflict, with 28 countries expressing concerns. Despite efforts from aid organizations like the WFP and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the amount of aid reaching Gaza remains drastically insufficient to meet the population’s needs.

Impact Statement: The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip is rapidly escalating, posing an immediate threat to the lives of millions of Palestinians. The lack of access to food, water, medicine, and essential services necessitates urgent and substantial international intervention.

Thai officials have called for a peaceful resolution to ongoing border clashes with Cambodia, resulting in casualties on both sides. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Nikorndej Balankura stated that the situation has improved slightly, but fighting continues. Thailand has attempted to engage Cambodia in bilateral talks, but these efforts have not been met with a positive response. While preferring a bilateral solution, Thailand hasn't ruled out mediation by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), particularly given Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's communication with his Thai counterpart regarding potential regional involvement.

At least 13 Thai civilians and one soldier have died, with 45 wounded, while Cambodia has reported one death. Thailand claims its military came under fire, prompting the escalation and subsequent evacuations of at least 100,000 people from the border region. Cambodia alleges that Thailand initiated the conflict. The Thai government has opened evacuation shelters and deployed medical teams to assist those displaced.

Thailand insists on defending its territorial integrity.

Impact Statement: The border conflict threatens regional stability and displaces tens of thousands of civilians.

Forty Gazan students, awarded full scholarships to UK universities for the September term, are facing visa delays due to the ongoing conflict. Among them are Abdallah, a medical doctor pursuing an MSc in data science and AI at Queen Mary University of London; Israa, a doctor undertaking a PhD in sexual and reproductive health at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Khulud, a Chevening scholar studying dental health at University College London; Majd, a mechanical engineer studying advanced manufacturing at the University of Liverpool; Abeer, studying data and health science at the University of St Andrews; and Samah, a medical laboratory specialist pursuing an MSc in genomic medicine at the University of Oxford. Each student described the dire situation in Gaza and the critical importance of their studies for rebuilding their war-torn homeland. Campaigners are urging the British government to intervene to facilitate their travel.

These students highlight the devastating impact of the conflict on education and the crucial role these professionals could play in Gaza's reconstruction. Their scholarship offers represent a beacon of hope amidst the devastation, and the denial of their visas raises serious concerns about the future of Gaza's recovery.

Impact Statement: The inability of these scholars to attend their UK universities due to visa complications risks hindering Gaza's post-conflict recovery and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis.

Russia is launching unprecedented numbers of drones, decoys, cruise, and ballistic missiles into Ukraine, straining the country's defenses and raising concerns about its ability to withstand another winter of war. Attacks, such as the one on Lutsk earlier this month involving 728 drones and 13 missiles, are occurring more frequently—every three to five days instead of every 10 to 12—leading to a rise in civilian casualties (232 in June, the highest monthly total in three years). A 1,000-drone attack is anticipated. Russia's improved drone tactics, including the use of swarms with decoys and varying altitudes, are increasing the number of drones penetrating Ukrainian defenses—from close to 5% in March/April to 15-20% in May/June.

The increased drone attacks utilize Shahed drones (Geran-2s in Russia), produced in Russia (at least two factories identified: Izhevsk and Yelabuga), with components potentially supplied by China. The low cost of these drones (roughly $50,000-$100,000 each) and their effectiveness in clearing paths for more dangerous missiles are key factors. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has renewed calls for US Patriot air defense systems (though cost-ineffective against Shaheds) and Germany pledged to fund five more. Ukraine is also developing counter-drone technology, with some progress reported.

The increased drone attacks show Russia's ongoing commitment to forcing Ukraine's surrender, indicating the war is far from a stalemate. Efforts to secure international air policing over western Ukraine are underway, but face significant hurdles due to fears of escalating the conflict with NATO.

Impact Statement: The intensified Russian drone warfare significantly impacts Ukraine's ability to defend itself and raises concerns about the humanitarian and infrastructural consequences, particularly as winter approaches.

Georges Ibrahim Abdallah, a 74-year-old Lebanese pro-Palestinian activist, was released from Lannemezan prison in southern France on Friday after nearly 40 years in jail. He was convicted in 1987 for the killings of a US military attaché and an Israeli diplomat in Paris. His release, following a November ruling by the Paris Court of Appeal, was conditional upon his departure from France and permanent exclusion from the country.

Abdallah, founder of the now-defunct Lebanese Revolutionary Armed Factions, maintained his stance as a “militant” throughout his imprisonment and expressed no remorse for his actions. Despite repeated applications for release being rejected, largely due to US pressure, the court cited his irreproachable prison behavior, advanced age, and the disproportionate length of his sentence as justification for release. His lawyer reported him as “very happy” despite the challenging conditions in Lebanon and Palestine.

His family is expected to meet him at Beirut's airport before taking him to his hometown of Kobayat.

Impact Statement: The release, after significant pressure and lengthy legal proceedings, could strain US-French relations and affect perceptions of French justice policy regarding long-term imprisonment and terrorism convictions.

Sinkholes, large ground depressions, are increasing globally due to a combination of drought, excessive groundwater extraction, and heavy rainfall intensified by climate change. Over a thousand people in the Brazilian Amazon are at risk due to sinkholes that have opened near their homes, prompting a state of emergency. The phenomenon is not limited to Brazil; sinkholes have appeared in the US, Turkey, Iran, and other countries. These formations occur when water erodes soil, often accelerated in karst terrain (limestone, salt beds, or gypsum) susceptible to groundwater dissolution. Experts like Hong Yang of the University of Reading and Antonios E. Marsellos of Hofstra University highlight climate change's role in intensifying droughts and heavy rains, weakening the ground and triggering collapses. The Konya Plain in Turkey, a karst region, experienced only one sinkhole every few years before the 2000s, but in 2024 alone, 42 were documented, with groundwater levels dropping by at least 60 meters since 1970. Excessive groundwater pumping for agricultural and other needs worsens the issue.

Experts utilize technologies like satellite imagery and ground-penetrating radar to detect sinkholes before collapse. Preventive measures include regulating groundwater use, implementing efficient irrigation techniques, fixing leaks, enforcing building codes, and employing engineering solutions such as injecting grout to fill voids. In Turkey's Konya Basin, efforts include water transfer projects and a shift to more efficient irrigation methods.

Impact Statement: The increasing frequency and severity of sinkholes pose a significant threat to infrastructure, lives, and livelihoods globally, demanding urgent attention to sustainable water management and climate change adaptation strategies.

Iranian state television reported on Friday that a Russian Soyuz rocket successfully launched the Nahid-2 communications satellite from Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome. The 110kg satellite, designed and built by Iranian engineers, represents a further advancement in Iran's space program. This launch comes shortly before nuclear talks between Iran, Britain, France, and Germany commenced in Istanbul.

Western governments have voiced apprehension that Iran's space program advancements could contribute to improvements in its ballistic missile technology. The launch follows Iran's December announcement of placing its heaviest payload into orbit using a domestically produced satellite carrier and a September launch of the Chamran-1 research satellite.

The recent launch adds to existing international concerns regarding Iran's technological capabilities.

The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified, resulting in at least 16 deaths and the displacement of tens of thousands. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai warned that the fighting, involving heavy weapons across 12 border locations, could escalate into war. Thailand accuses Cambodia of shelling civilian areas, prompting evacuations, while Cambodia alleges Thailand used banned cluster munitions. Despite international calls for a ceasefire from nations including the US, China, Australia, the EU, and France, and an offer of mediation from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Thailand's foreign ministry insists on a bilateral solution without third-party involvement. The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet to discuss the conflict.

Both countries have provided differing accounts of the conflict's origin, with accusations of initiating hostilities exchanged between them. The dispute stems from a long-standing border disagreement dating back over a century, exacerbated by recent clashes. Evacuees in Thailand described the recent fighting as the worst they have experienced, surpassing even the violence of the Cambodian Civil War.

Impact Statement: The escalating conflict poses a significant threat to regional stability and has already caused substantial human suffering and displacement. The refusal of Thailand to accept third-party mediation raises concerns about the potential for further escalation.

Iranian diplomats are meeting with their counterparts from Germany, the UK, and France (E3) in Istanbul on Friday. This follows a mid-June Israeli attack on Iran, triggering a 12-day conflict involving US military intervention and targeting Iranian nuclear sites. The meeting aims to address the E3's stance on Iran's nuclear program, with Iran rejecting the extension of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and the potential "snapback" of UN sanctions. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi described the threat of sanctions as "completely illegal" and accused European powers of failing to uphold their commitments to the 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran maintains its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes, rejecting accusations of pursuing nuclear weapons. While enrichment is currently halted due to damage from the US and Israeli strikes, Iran insists its nuclear program will continue within international law. The E3's threat to trigger the "snapback" mechanism, reinstating sanctions, is set to expire in October. Israel has urged the E3 to activate this mechanism, while Iran has warned of severe consequences.

Impact Statement: The outcome of these talks will significantly impact regional stability and international relations, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear program and the future of the 2015 nuclear deal.

France’s Cour de Cassation is set to rule on whether to strip Bashar al-Assad of state immunity, potentially paving the way for his trial in absentia for alleged chemical weapons use in Ghouta (2013) and Douma (2018). The ruling could set a precedent for prosecuting other government leaders accused of atrocities. Al-Assad denies the accusations and has not retained legal representation. Mazen Darwish, president of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, called a ruling against Assad a "huge victory for the victims," suggesting it could open doors for pursuing legal action against other Syrian government members.

The potential ramifications extend beyond Syria. The decision could influence the prosecution of other world leaders accused of atrocities, mirroring recent ICC actions against figures like Vladimir Putin and Rodrigo Duterte. Al-Assad's family ruled Syria for over 50 years, triggering a brutal civil war in 2011 that resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of refugees. Despite promises of inclusivity, recent violence against minority groups persists. While the US threatened retaliation for the 2013 Ghouta attack, a deal with Russia saw Assad surrendering his chemical weapons stockpile. Russia's substantial military aid helped Assad remain in power for over a decade before being overthrown by rebel groups.

Impact Statement: The ruling could significantly impact the pursuit of justice for victims of war crimes and potentially alter the international legal landscape regarding the prosecution of heads of state.

The route of stage 19 of the Tour de France has been altered due to an outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis in a herd of cattle near the Col des Saisies. Organizers, ASO, announced the culling of the affected animals and a shortened route to avoid the affected area. The stage, originally 130km, is now 95km, omitting two planned climbs. Riders will depart one hour later than scheduled, at 13:30 BST from Albertville.

The change impacts the remaining competition, particularly Oscar Onley, who is 22 seconds from a podium place and the white jersey. Onley's strong performance in stage 18, where he significantly reduced the gap to Florian Lipowitz, could be affected by the shortened stage. The final climb to La Plagne remains, potentially allowing for substantial time differences. Tadej Pogacar holds a commanding lead over Jonas Vingegaard in the general classification.

The shortened stage may influence the outcome, particularly for riders aiming for podium positions. The race concludes on Sunday in Paris.

Severe food shortages and limited aid are causing mass starvation in Gaza, according to UN officials and aid organizations. The ongoing conflict has resulted in 48 Palestinians dying from malnutrition in July alone, and a total of 59 since the start of 2025, according to Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry (although Israeli officials dispute these figures). Displaced Palestinians describe desperate situations, with families struggling to find food, even resorting to eating lentils for several days with no guarantee of future meals. World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that a large proportion of Gaza's population is starving, calling it "man-made mass starvation." The World Food Programme reports that a third of the population is going multiple days without food. Access to aid is hampered by the ongoing conflict, limited entry points, and logistical challenges with aid distribution. The situation is exacerbated by high food prices and the closure of Gaza crossings which have been partially lifted. Looting has increased due to supply scarcity, and at least 875 people have been killed by Israeli fire while seeking aid in recent weeks.

The ongoing conflict and resulting humanitarian crisis are causing widespread suffering and death in Gaza, with mass starvation a direct consequence of limited access to food and essential supplies.

At least 15 Thai and one Cambodian citizen have died in clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops, resulting in the displacement of over 120,000 people along their shared border. Fighting continued into a second day on Friday, involving heavy artillery and rocket fire, marking the worst military confrontation between the two nations in over a decade. The Thai military stated that its forces responded with "appropriate supporting fire," while Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health reported 14 civilian and one soldier death in Thailand. The Cambodian military reported shelling from Thailand before dawn on Friday, and damage to the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Evacuations affected four Thai provinces (Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, and Ubon Ratchathani), with over half of the displaced population from Surin. Approximately 20,000 Cambodians also evacuated their northern border region.

The United Nations Security Council is holding an emergency meeting to address the escalating conflict. Both Thailand and Cambodia have blamed each other for initiating the violence, which escalated rapidly from small arms fire to heavy shelling. The United States urged an immediate end to hostilities, while China expressed deep concern and called for dialogue between both countries.

Impact Statement: The escalating conflict poses a significant humanitarian crisis with a large-scale displacement of civilians and risks further regional instability.

Intense fighting erupted on Thursday, April 27, near temples along the border between Thailand's Surin province and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province. Both countries accuse each other of initiating the violence, which involved the use of rockets, shells, and F-16 jets by Thailand. The fighting continued into Friday, with Thailand reporting 14 deaths and over 100,000 displaced people. Cambodia confirmed at least one civilian death and five injuries. The conflict centers on a long-standing border dispute in the Emerald Triangle region, an area encompassing territories claimed by Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.

The dispute involves the contested drawing of the border between the two countries, a matter that had been largely settled by a UN court ruling in 2013. Renewed clashes began in May, following earlier brief exchanges of fire. Despite prior agreements to de-escalate, tensions escalated into the current intense fighting. The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Friday to address the situation.

International bodies including China, the United States, France, and the EU have expressed concern and called for a peaceful resolution.

Impact Statement: The escalating border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia poses a significant humanitarian crisis with widespread displacement and casualties, requiring urgent international intervention for de-escalation and resolution.

Over 100,000 people were evacuated from four Thai border provinces following the bloodiest military clashes between Thailand and Cambodia in over a decade. The conflict, which began with artillery volleys and escalated to heavy shelling across multiple locations, resulted in at least 14 deaths, including an eight-year-old boy, and 31 injuries. Thailand reported using an F-16 fighter jet to bomb targets in Cambodia after claiming Cambodian forces used heavy weapons, including artillery and rockets. Thailand's acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, condemned the use of heavy weapons and stated Thailand acted in self-defense, while the Thai health minister called the hospital shelling a war crime. The UN Security Council was scheduled to meet to discuss the conflict.

The escalating violence prompted the US to urge an immediate cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution. Britain issued a travel advisory against all but essential travel to affected areas. The conflict follows Thailand's recall of its ambassador to Cambodia and expulsion of Cambodia's envoy after a second Thai soldier lost a limb to a landmine.

Impact Statement: The escalating conflict between Thailand and Cambodia poses a significant threat to regional stability and civilian safety. The high number of casualties and evacuations highlight the severity of the situation.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a historic advisory opinion on climate change on Wednesday, stating that countries have an obligation to prevent harm to the climate system and could face compensation for failing to do so. The opinion, stemming from a global legal campaign initiated by 27 Pacific law students, explicitly targets fossil fuels and extends states' responsibilities beyond the Paris Agreement, encompassing environmental law, human rights law, and international customary law. The ruling was met with emotional responses from Pacific Island representatives present at the Peace Palace in The Hague, who described feeling heard and empowered by the court's decision.

The landmark ruling provides vulnerable communities, particularly in the Pacific Islands, with a legal mechanism to hold states accountable for climate inaction and demand climate action. The opinion directly links states' climate responsibilities to human rights and the lives of frontline communities, offering new tools for pursuing justice and redress for loss and damage. The Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), led by Vanuatu, played a pivotal role in bringing the case to the ICJ.

The ICJ's advisory opinion has significant implications for international climate law and provides a legal framework for holding nations accountable for their contributions to climate change. It is expected to be instrumental in future climate negotiations, including the upcoming COP30 in Brazil.

Impact Statement: This ruling significantly strengthens the legal basis for climate action and provides a powerful tool for vulnerable nations to pursue climate justice.

A new bill restoring the independence of Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) was submitted to parliament. Both agencies participated in drafting the legislation and urged its swift passage to prevent threats to ongoing criminal proceedings. The EU welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's initiative, emphasizing that continued financial aid is contingent upon progress in judicial reform and democratic governance. European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Keir Starmer, also supported the move.

Tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine persisted during a meeting between EU officials and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The EU expressed concerns about China's role in supporting Russia's war economy, while Xi urged the EU to address differences without blaming China.

Meanwhile, Russia launched attacks in several Ukrainian regions, including Kharkiv and Cherkasy, resulting in casualties. In Kharkiv, 33 people were wounded, including children. The US approved $330 million in military aid to Ukraine, including funding for maintaining M109 howitzers and air defenses. Separately, reports indicate an Indian company shipped $1.4 million worth of HMX explosives to Russia in December 2024, despite potential US sanctions. The US government has identified HMX as critical to Russia's war effort, while India maintains its exports comply with non-proliferation obligations.

Impact Statement: The restoration of Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies' independence is a positive step for Ukraine's democratic governance and its relationship with the EU. However, the ongoing war and reports of continued arms supply to Russia create significant challenges.